6 Benefits Of Oats For Dogs

Among the benefits of oats for dogs is its positive effect in weight control or even in ensuring the brightness of its coat.

There are so many benefits of oats for dogs. Oatmeal is a food with a high nutritional value and today it is easily available, almost everywhere. It can be ingested or applied topically although, in this case, its beneficial effects are less.

Dogs, like humans, can consume oats without any problems. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind before feeding your pet this interesting food.

Oats have a lot of fiber and nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. Additionally, it contains Vitamin B, which helps keep the dog’s coat strong and shiny. The high content of linoleic acid and other fatty acids (of the omega-6 type), allow you to keep the skin of your four-legged friend, healthy and elastic.

In moderate amounts, oats for dogs can be an excellent substitute for carbohydrates in their normal daily diet. As its fibers are easily digested, they help regulate blood glucose levels. This reduces the risk of diabetes and other heart conditions.

But be careful not to overdo it. Too much oatmeal can cause some digestive problems in your pet. A sudden excess of soluble fiber can cause diarrhea and in some cases vomiting.

Although these symptoms are easy to overcome, it is best to prevent the poor dog from having these unpleasant experiences. For this reason, we recommend that you always take oats in limited quantities.

How to give your dog oats?

Oats can be eaten raw or prepared as a regular cooked dish. If you want to cook it, remember to do without milk, since dogs are very sensitive to dairy products.

For this reason, they should never consume derivatives of this food, which is very common in the human diet. When preparing oats for your dog, remember to always do it using plain water.

After cooking an oat-based dish for dogs, you will need to let it cool before serving. If you give your four-legged friend too hot a food, he could burn his mouth or tongue, causing great pain.

If you don’t have the time or the ability to cook this food, keep in mind that raw oats are  more difficult to digest. Therefore, to keep the benefits of this product high, it will be necessary to offer your pet smaller quantities.

Another thing to remember is that oatmeal for dogs  must be free of seasonings. Currently, however, it is possible to buy various types of flavored oats: grape or apple flavored, for example. Many people prefer to buy this type of flours which are already sold with all the extra ingredients that improve their flavor.

Always choose organic and natural oats, not artificially processed and without dyes or chemical additives. In fact, these products often contain substances that are harmful to your dog’s health. In addition, they can contain an excessive amount of sugars, which are also harmful.

While oats are good for your health, you should never overdo the quantities. Oatmeal is a food that contains carbohydrates, so it should be seen as a supplement to the diet and not as a substitute ingredient. For example, an adult can eat oats once or twice a week, three times a week.

The right amount of oats for a dog will depend on his size and weight. In general terms, your pet will be able to eat one teaspoon of oats for every nine kilograms of body weight.

Main benefits of oats for dogs

1. It is an excellent substitute for gluten allergic specimens. Recent studies on grains, flours and related allergies have revealed that many animals are intolerant to this type of food. Oats offer the benefits of traditional grains, avoiding the consequences of a possible gluten intolerance.
2. Oats are rich in Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B9. In addition, it contains zinc, iron, magnesium, copper and folic acid. It also contains biotin, which helps keep the fur in perfect condition.
3. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber. The high levels of fiber that oats contain are ideal for regulating cholesterol in dogs. In addition, it prevents intestinal and digestive problems such as constipation, helping to regulate digestion and prevent excessive gas production.
4. Improves the appearance and health of the coat. If your dog eats it in acceptable doses, he will undoubtedly have a shinier, stronger and healthier coat. In this sense, you can even find specially made oat-based shampoos and creams for dogs in pet stores.
5. It increases the production of red blood cells and improves blood circulation.
6. Despite being a carbohydrate-rich food, oats are highly recommended for overweight dogs. Thanks to the fiber it contains, oats help process the fats present in the dog’s body. Always remember not to overdo the portions or the result could be the opposite.

Feeding your dog oats is definitely a great idea, as it is an ideal and nutrient-rich supplement to his diet.

In fact, you will notice a general improvement in your pet’s health, starting with a shinier and healthier coat.