Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal if fed in moderation. This, however, only applies to plain oatmeal. You should avoid feeding your dog flavored oatmeal as it may contain ingredients that are toxic or unhealthy for dogs.

What kind of oatmeal can dogs eat?

Most types of oatmeal are safe for dogs to eat. This includes steel-cut, rolled, and milled oats. The one type of oatmeal you shouldn’t feed your dog is instant oatmeal. It’s faster to prepare than regular oatmeal but it’s also likely to be unhealthier for dogs because instant oatmeal is heavily processed. Dog owners should stick to the regular, non-flavored types when they feed oatmeal to dogs.

Is oatmeal or rice better for dogs?

It depends on the reason you are wanting to feed your dog carbs like rice or oatmeal. Rice might be the better choice if your dog needs to be fed a gluten-free diet. Oat is gluten-free but could get contaminated during the production process. Some dogs may be able to better handle white rice, especially if they are recovering from an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat raw or uncooked oats?

No, dogs shouldn’t be fed raw or uncooked oats. They are likely to cause more issues than cooked oats because raw oats aren’t as easy to digest. Raw oats can also stick to the dog’s throat and increase the risk of choking.

Can dogs eat oatmeal with milk?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat oatmeal with milk. It will create a lot of stomach troubles for dogs because they are lactose-intolerant. Dogs should only eat cooked oatmeal prepared with plain water.

Can dogs eat oatmeal with cinnamon or brown sugar?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat any oatmeal that comes with additional flavoring like cinnamon and brown sugar. Both additives aren’t toxic to dogs but may still cause stomach upsets, especially if a dog was to ingest too much. You can learn about other human foods that are unsafe for dogs by visiting our food safety database.