Can dogs or cats eat oatmeal?

October 9, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat oats?

Oats are not just a breakfast staple for us, but a treasure trove of nutrients for our four-legged friends too. In fact, many homemade dog treat recipes star the humble oat!

Oats release complex carbohydrates in a calm, steady manner, ensuring your furry pal’s blood sugar levels stay stable and happy throughout their playful day. Oats can also benefit your pup’s digestive tract, ensuring everything moves along smoothly. Their high soluble fiber content helps regulate those all-important bathroom breaks and ensures nutrients are absorbed efficiently in the gut.

And let’s give a round of ‘appaws’ for the essential amino acids in oats, like tryptophan and lysine, which are the unsung heroes in building strong muscles and repairing tissues. Plus, with a sprinkle of essential nutrients like iron and zinc, oats help keep your dog’s immune system in tip-top shape.

That said, if your dog eats oats and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat oats?

Oats are not only a staple in human nutrition but also provide a range of health advantages for our feline friends, thanks to their rich content of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein.

Oats serve as a stable source of energy by gradually releasing complex carbohydrates. This slow release helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels, supporting your cat’s energy requirements throughout their daily activities and rest periods.

Moreover, the high soluble fiber content in oats plays a pivotal role in digestive health. It aids in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation, while also enhancing nutrient absorption within the gastrointestinal tract.

It's also worth highlighting the presence of essential amino acids in oats, such as tryptophan and lysine. These amino acids are fundamental to supporting muscle development and tissue repair in cats. Additionally, oats contain vital nutrients like iron and zinc, which are crucial in supporting a robust immune system.

That said, if your cat eats oats and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet