Why dogs can have it
Oats contain fibre, which helps digestion, as well as some protein, minerals and B vitamins. Cooked oats are soft and easy for a dog to eat.
The key thing is what goes in with them. Instant oats and porridges can contain sugar, sweeteners, raisins or chocolate. Raisins, chocolate and the sweetener xylitol are dangerous to dogs, so only plain oats with nothing added are suitable. Like other grains, oats are an extra, not a replacement for a balanced dog food.
How to give it
- Cook plain rolled oats in water.
- Do not add sugar, salt, butter, honey or raisins.
- Let the porridge cool to room temperature.
- The first time, give a little and watch how your dog feels.
What to watch out for
- Sweetened or flavoured oats can contain raisins, chocolate or xylitol, which are dangerous to dogs.
- Too much oatmeal can cause bloating or diarrhoea because of the fibre.
- Porridge made with milk can upset a dog that does not digest lactose well.
- Oats add calories, so a lot of them can contribute to weight gain.
What to give instead
- Rice Yes, plain cooked rice is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, as long as it has no salt, seasoning or sauce. Safe
- Buckwheat Yes, cooked buckwheat is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, just cook it without salt, butter or bacon bits. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin flesh without sugar or spices is fine for dogs, but not the skin, the stem or pumpkin pie filling. Safe
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