Oats for Dogs: A Complete Guide

How to feed a dog oats

Oats are highly beneficial for dogs with wheat or gluten sensitivities. They are rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat) and packed with soluble fibre which supports optimal digestion, regulates bowel movements and helps manage blood sugar levels.

Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to incorporate oats into your dog’s diet:

1. Savoury Oat & Turkey Porridge
Because cooked oats create a thick, comforting porridge, it makes an excellent, highly digestible base for a warm winter meal enhancement.

• Cook 50g of rolled oats in water until soft and creamy. In a separate pan, brown 50g of lean minced turkey or chicken, draining away excess fat.
• Mix the warm oats and minced meat together with 3 tablespoons of warm bone broth. Ladle a small spoonful over your dog’s regular food to add slow-release energy and varied texture.

2. Frozen Oatmeal Cookie Probiotic Bites
Cooked oats blend beautifully with dairy-based probiotics, creating a filling, fibre-rich summer snack that helps settle a mild stomach ache.

• Cook and cool your dog’s oats to room temperature. Stir 3 tablespoons of the oatmeal into 100ml of Greek yogurt or goat’s milk kefir.
• Spoon the mixture into silicone moulds. Press a single fresh blueberry into each slot as an antioxidant. Freeze for 3 hours, then pop them out as a refreshing treat.

3. Sticky Oatmeal Boredom Buster
The thick, malleable texture of cooked oats serves as a brilliant binding layer inside an enrichment puzzle, keeping your dog occupied for long periods.

• Take 2 tablespoons of cooked oats and mix it with one tablespoon of 100% mashed pumpkin, adding extra digestive support.
• Scrape the sticky mixture inside a rubber enrichment toy like a Kong, packing it firmly into the internal walls. Freeze the toy for 2 hours before serving to help keep your dog mentally stimulated and calm during stressful events.

4. Baked Banana & Oat Biscuit Drops
You can blend rolled oats into a fine powder (oat flour) to bake simple, hypoallergenic training rewards that won’t crumble in your pocket.

• Mash one ripe banana with a fork. In a mixing bowl, combine the banana with one medium chicken egg and 120g (1 cup) of oat flour.
• Roll the dough into tiny, marble-sized balls and flatten them slightly with a fork onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely before feeding to your pup.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can dogs eat raw oats?
A. Yes, they can. while the norm is to cook oats for your dog, there is no harm in sprinkling a little raw oats directly onto your dog’s food as a topper.

Q. Can I make porridge with milk for my dog?
A. While the norm is to use water, you could also use plant-based milks such as almond, oat, coconut and soy milk. Use these for occasional use only.

Q. Are instant porridge packets safe?
A. Generally, no. In any case, why would you want to buy those when rolled oats from a wholefood supplier are so much cheaper? Pre-packaged flavoured oats (like apple cinnamon or maple brown sugar) could potentially contain high amounts of processed sugars, preservatives and potentially toxic artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Stick to whole rolled or steel-cut oats.

Q. How much oats can I give my dog?
A. No more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily caloric intake.

Q. Can I feed my dog oats every day?
A. Technically, yes. Remember oats are food. Proper food. While it might be better to vary the ingredients you feed your dog, there is no reason why you could not add a little oats to your dog’s diet every day.

Q. What can I safely add to my dog’s oats?
A. If you want to enhance plain oats, you could add in a little plant-based milk, peanut butter, mashed pumpkin, mashed banana or a few chopped blueberries.

Q. Can oats help a dog with diarrhoea?
A. Yes. The soluble fibre in cooked oats absorbs water and can help firm up loose stools.