Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Updated 13/04/2024

Oats are a staple in the world of 'people food' - from breakfast oatmeal to cookies and a crunchy addition to the humble apple crumble, they certainly have their place in our diets. And with many dog foods cropping up that contain oats, it might get pet parents thinking - can dogs eat oatmeal - and should they? Can dogs eat oats made by their humans and get any sort of health benefit? Well luckily for your carb-loving canine (or thereabouts), oatmeal is safe for dogs to try, so long as it's prepared plain and isn't given in large quantities. For more on how to safely feed dogs oatmeal, take a look below as we review how safe oatmeal is for dogs and the best way for dogs to try it.  

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Is oatmeal poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat oatmeal if it's prepared just how you, the pet parents, like it? Sadly not (unless you like your oats cooked in water and served at room temperature, that is). Why? Well oats as an ingredient aren't poisonous to dogs, so you're safe on that front. The toppings we pair with oats can be, however, so it's important to only serve them completely plain (no matter how cute those puppy dog eyes might be whenever you get the chocolate spread out). Plus, it's important you dodge any flavored oats and instant oats when sharing oatmeal with your pup. Despite the fact that instant oats are easier to prepare, flavored oats and instant oats often contain either the sweetener xylitol - which is highly toxic to dogs - or additional sugar, which can cause health problems like diabetes, obesity, and dental disease! Plus, the more processed the oats, the less nutritional benefit they provide.  Sugar-free oatmeal should also be avoided as they often contain xylitol.  

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Is oatmeal good for dogs? 

So can dogs eat oatmeal and get all the nutritional benefits we humans can, or is oatmeal bad for dogs in some way? Well similar to other 'human foods', it's a bit of a mixed bag on this one. While oatmeal has a whole host of micronutrients that are great for your pup's health (we'll explore these later on), it turns out that dogs can have too much of a good thing when it comes to oats. Why? Well they're high in fiber which means that in small doses, they can contribute to your pup's digestive health, and even provide the nutrients pups need who don't react well to other carbohydrates containing wheat. Give your furry friend too much oatmeal though, and it could result in bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The solution? Opt for a dog food that contains oats, or only feed your pooch a small amount, following your vet's advice on the specific measurements. Also, oatmeal can cause allergies in some dogs. Watch out for signs of oatmeal allergies in your dog (signs include itchy skin, paws or ears, vomiting and diarrhea). Consult your vet if your dog shows signs of a food allergy!

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Health benefits of eating oatmeal for dogs

So, now we know that dogs can eat oatmeal, let's take a look at some of the nutrients in oatmeal, and some of the nutritional benefits that your pup could be reaping from these nutrients if oatmeal is fed in moderation, following your vet's guidelines.

• Manganese  - aids in digestion, blood clotting, and metabolism
• Phosphorus - important for healthy bones and teeth 
• Magnesium - important for healthy bones, muscle function, and energy production
• Copper - helps with iron absorption and production of healthy red blood cells
• Zinc - helps with immunity and thyroid function
• Folate - helps with red blood cell production 
• Vitamin B1 - for healthy heart, muscle, and nerve function
• Vitamin B5 - for healthy digestion

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Feeding your dog oatmeal

So, now you know your pooch is safe to try oatmeal, it's a good idea to get clued-up on the safest way to feed it to your furry friend - their nutritional needs are a whole lot different from our own, afterall. So below, find advice on feeding dogs oatmeal, plus answers to questions pet parents often have on cooking oats for their furry friends.

How to cook oatmeal for dogs 

If you'd like to introduce oatmeal into your pup's diet, be sure to start with small portions - you don't want the oatmeal's fiber content to cause bloating, vomiting or diarrhea. Once you've got some accurate portions planned with advice from your vet, cooking the oats is easy. Simply cook them down with water (not milk - your pup doesn't need the additional calories and adult dogs are less tolerant to lactose than puppies), allow them to cool and serve up.   

Can dogs eat oatmeal with brown sugar?

And can dogs eat oats with your favorite toppings? Well while brown sugar is certainly a popular oatmeal topping in the land of 'people food', you should never add it to your dog's diet - they don't need the extra calories and it can upset your dog's stomach.

Can dogs eat oatmeal with cinnamon?

Technically cinnamon isn't toxic to dogs, so it won't do them any harm if you've added it to their oatmeal, but there's no real reason to.

Can dogs eat raw oats?

And can dogs have oatmeal raw? While it might seem like an easy way to add extra fiber into your dog's diet, sprinkling raw oats onto your dog's kibble is a seriously bad idea. Uncooked oats are difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to an upset stomach if ingested by your pooch. 

Can puppies eat oatmeal?

Can dogs eat oats at a young age? Well we'd always advise sticking to dog-specific foods, but a small portion of plain oatmeal shouldn't do your pup any harm. 

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Other oatmeal products

And what about other oat-based dishes we humans enjoy? Can dogs eat oatmeal in cookies, and can dogs drink oatmeal milk? Sadly not - stick to plain oatmeal when it comes to treating your pup. Many of the foods we humans enjoy and incorporate into our meals are nothing short of junk food to dogs (sugar and butter, we're looking at you), or toxic (hello macadamia nuts).  

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat oatmeal, you might be wondering - what 'human' foods can dogs eat? Take a look below to get started.

• Pineapple
• Cucumber
• Mango

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!