Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast to warm you up on a dark winter day. It's also delicious, adaptable and healthy. For us humans, oats are a good source of protein, fiber, folic acid, copper, zinc, B vitamins and beta-glucans.
But can dogs take part in the game? It's tempting to give your dog treats from time to time. This may not even be your choice: Rich people will probably jump up or down from the table to grab a snack.
Here's what an expert says about oats and your furry friend's health.
Can dogs eat wheat?
Oats and porridge are not toxic to dogs, so don't worry if your pup asks you for breakfast.
But just because they can eat something doesn't mean they should, says veterinarian Diana Watkins, owner of 143 Veterinary Practices in Massachusetts. Oatmeal itself is not dangerous, but the bowl may contain foods that are harmful to dogs, such as raisins, chocolate, or sugar substitutes. Xylitol, for example, is toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
Is oatmeal good for dogs?
Although harmless, there are no real benefits to feeding your dog oats. Because it is very filling it can lead to an unbalanced diet, especially in small dogs with low calorie needs. Formulated dog food provides everything a dog needs for a balanced diet. Overfilling your dog's diet with human food can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
If you are considering oatmeal as an easy-to-digest option for a constipated dog, choose white or brown rice.
“They're much more tested and safer,” Watkins said.
However, oats can be a healthy addition to dog shampoo, Watkins says. Veterinarians often use colloidal oatmeal shampoo for delicate skin because it is gentle and moisturizing.
What Types of Human Food Can Dogs Eat?
In general, owners should be careful when giving human food to dogs.
While some treats are vet-approved (Watkins likes to feed his dogs carrots, cheese, low-sodium rice cakes, turkey, and cottage cheese in small amounts), others, such as grapes and chocolate, are dangerous for dogs. Some foods, such as bananas and broccoli, are not toxic, but they will not provide benefits that your dog does not get from the food.
Click here for a complete list of safe, non-toxic dog foods.
Make sure the food you give your dog is not flavored with onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs, especially in powder form.
“I really like providing high-quality food because it's balanced,” Watkins said. "That way, you won't accidentally cause an imbalance."
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This article first appeared in USA Today: Can Dogs Eat Oats? Check out the unexpected benefits of oats below.