Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? 10 Human Foods Your Dog Can Eat
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‘Can dogs eat oatmeal’ is a question a lot of people ask; we answer that and provide you with a convenient list of other ‘human’ food which is healthy for your pup.
For many of us humans, a bowl of oatmeal is a terrific way to start the day.
It’s full of fiber, it helps keep cholesterol down, and it also releases energy slower than other breakfast alternatives which means it can sustain you until lunch time.
So, can dogs eat oatmeal?
“Dogs can eat oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great option for dogs with grain or wheat sensitivities,” Rachel Barrack, founder of concierge practice Animal Acupuncture, told PureWow.
Oatmeal is a thorough source of carbohydrates, as well as fiber and essential fatty acids.
It will also help to keep your canine friend’s coat in good condition, thanks to the Vitamin B content.
The omega-6 fatty acids are excellent for your dog’s skin health.
Dogs with wheat allergies, a rare occurrence, should stick to a grain-free diet.
To better understand the difference between oatmeal and grain, this article explains it comprehensively.
Okay, so we’ve now answered the question, ‘can dogs eat oatmeal? But what other foods can they eat aside from actual dog food?
There’s a whole bunch of foods ‘man’s best friend’ can eat which they will mostly love and which provide excellent nutrition and health benefits.
In fact, there are even cookbooks out there with dedicated doggy recipes, some of which are quite elaborate, and seemingly delicious for the human pallet as well.
One book called ‘Bark and Bake’ (published by www.darg.org.za) contains recipes such as:
– Tiger Iy’s Pooch Salad: containing ingredients such as lettuce, cucumber, carrot, sweet potato and yogurt.
– Cuzzy’s Playday Pizza: this includes grits, ground beef, mozzarella cheese and carrots.
– Snoopy’s Fruit Pops: an ice lolly made from apples, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
– Mr Ray’s Paw-Kin Pie: plain flour, unsalted beef broth and pureed pumpkin in the form of a pie.
– Meisie’s Chicken Bran Muffins: made of chicken, coconut milk and a bran muffin mix.
But otherwise, if you don’t have the time to cook up a storm for you pooch, here are 10 basic ingredients you can add to their diet.
As with most things in life, it should be done in moderation as you don’t want your dog to develop weight issues.
Generally, it’s suggested that table foods should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Please do further research or consult your vet if there’s anything you are unsure about.
1. Eggs.
Eggs are beneficial for a dog’s muscles and for strengthening their fur coat.
2. Peanut butter.
The Vitamin B, E and protein content is great for your dog. Just be sure to avoid artificial sweeter xylitol.
3. Potatoes
Rich in potassium which is good for blood pressure, potatoes also contain Vitamin B and C. They need to be oven-baked – fries and oil should be avoided. Serve either whole or mashed.
4. Cottage cheese
While dogs can be lactose intolerant, cottage cheese contains extraordinarily little of that substance due to fermentation. Rich in calcium and protein, it can be mixed with a little rice which makes for a good remedy for a dog recovering from a stomach illness.
5. Apples
Apples contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Just avoid the seeds and the core. Works best in slices.
6. Green beans
A reliable source of fiber, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and vitamin K. Beans can be cooked or raw and be served alone or with wet dog food.
7. Coconut oil
This contains healthy fats which are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Tiny amounts are recommended, for example, 1/4 teaspoon for puppies.
8. Pumpkin
Pumpkin consists of beta-carotene, antioxidants, and loads of healthy minerals. It’s also high in fiber and excellent for the digestive system. Add about a tablespoon to your dog’s meal.
9. Carrots
Apart from being a source of fiber, Vitamin A and potassium, carrots can also aid dental health. Dogs tend to enjoy the crunchiness – carrots are in effect a low-calorie chew toy.
10. Greek yogurt
The probiotics contribute towards a healthy gut. Its especially useful when a dog is taking antibiotics, which can destroy the healthy bacteria in the stomach. Greek yogurt also provides substantial vitamins and minerals.
Now, a quick list of foods your pup should NOT eat:
Avocados, grapes, chocolate, ice-cream, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, raw bread dough, mushrooms, moldy foods, raw potatoes, foods containing salt.
* The above lists were compiled using the Spoon University and Rover.com websites.
Read more: Tests Suggest That Animals Are More Scared of Humans Than Of Bears, Wolves, Dogs
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