Can Dogs Eat Quaker Oats?

The Quaker Oats Company is a leading producer of oat-based food products.

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They have foods that they manufacture to suit dogs’ nutritional needs.

Still, when it comes to feeding dogs Quaker oats, you may be wondering if they are safe.

So, can dogs eat Quaker oats?

Yes, dogs can eat Quaker oats.

They contain soluble fibers for a healthy digestive system and regulation of blood sugar levels.

The oats are full of carbs that dogs need for energy.

If your dog suffers from a wheat allergy or bowel movement issues, Quaker oats are a good alternative.

Read on to find out the benefits that your dog will reap from consuming Quaker oats and how you should prepare this meal for your furry friend.

What are the benefits of Quaker oats to dogs?

Quaker oats contain nutrients that keep dogs healthy.

Below are the health benefits the meal brings to dogs.

Healthy bowel movement

The high soluble fiber content in Quaker oats curbs constipation by softening a dog’s stool to make it easy to pass.

This soluble fiber also prevents diarrhea by solidifying stool.

Healthy fur and skin

Vitamin B in Quaker oats protects the skin and furball from skin diseases, thus keeping the fur and skin healthy.

It also prevents flea infestation.

Strong muscles and bones

Quaker oats contain high protein content which helps strengthen a dog’s muscles and increase its bone density.

They are also rich in calcium which builds strong bones and teeth.

Lower cholesterol levels

Quaker oats contain large quantities of beta-glucan, a component that lowers cholesterol levels, boosts immunity, and enhances heart health in dogs.

Elimination of free radicals

Quaker oats contain Zinc which protects dogs from free radicals. Free radicals in a dog’s body damage enzymes and DNA.

Do Quaker oats protect dogs from diseases?

Incorporating Quaker oats into your dog’s diet is a sure way of keeping your dog healthy.

They contain minerals that protect dogs from attack by diseases.

These include:

Anemia

Lack of iron leads to anemia, which is fatal to dogs.

Dogs with anemia lack stamina or energy and are always tired with symptoms such as lethargy, bloody stools, and weight loss.

Since Quaker oats are rich in iron, feeding them to your dog gives them this mineral for red blood cell formation and production of hemoglobin.

Inflammation

Inflammation causes redness, swelling, and pain on a dog’s skin.

It can also affect muscles and joints in dogs, making it hard for them to move.

Quaker oats contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, which heals wounds and reduces inflammation in dogs.

Blood pressure

Hypertension affects the heart, eyes, kidneys, and the nervous system in dogs.

Feeding your dog Quaker oats helps in the regulation of blood pressure because it contains Magnesium.

This mineral reduces blood pressure by producing large quantities of nitric oxide, a molecule that signals the relaxation of blood vessels.

How much Quaker oats should a dog eat?

Although Quaker oats are beneficial to dogs, you shouldn’t feed them in large quantities.

The amount of Quaker oats to feed a dog is dependent on its weight.

While moderate consumption of Quaker oats in dogs gives them all the health benefits, too much fiber causes gastrointestinal issues.

A 20-pound dog requires a teaspoon (15 grams) of Quaker oats per day.

If your dog weighs 80lbs, feed it ½ a cup of Quaker oats in one meal.

Excessive consumption causes vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.

Before feeding your dog these oats, ensure they’re not allergic.

You can do so by slowly introducing the meal into the diet and monitoring for any symptoms.

If your dog is allergic to oats, it’ll exhibit symptoms such as itching, rashes, and redness.

How should you serve Quaker oats to a dog?

Quaker oats can be a delicious snack or a meal topper for your canine friend.

Unlike other grains, its protein content is high.

To ensure that your dog benefits from the meal, how should you serve it?

You should feed your dog plain Quaker oats cooked in water without adding extra ingredients like sugar, nuts, and berries.

This way, your dog reaps all the nutritional benefits from the meal.

After cooking the oats, ensure they cool before serving to your dog to avoid causing burns in the mouth, tongue, and throat.

You should feed your dog cooked Quaker oatmeal because it’s soft, making it chewable and digestible in the digestive system.

What are the risks of feeding Quaker oats to dogs?

Quaker oats are a healthy and safe meal for dogs.

However, the meal can be a risk in the way you prepare or serve it.

Below are two ways in which Quaker oats can be risky to dogs.

Cooking in milk

When cooking Quaker oats, you may decide to use milk in place of water.

This is risky for dogs because milk contains lactose and dogs are lactose intolerant.

Their systems lack lactase that breaks down lactose.

Feeding them Quaker oats cooked in milk causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Feeding them uncooked Quaker oats

Uncooked Quaker oats are crunchy and may seem tasty to dogs.

However, they’re hard to chew because their teeth can’t grind them up well.

They’ll end up swallowing them, leading to choking.

In addition, raw oats are hard to digest in the system.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, you’ll never go wrong with Quaker oats.

They’re rich in nutrients and minerals that your dog needs for healthy body functioning.

This meal protects your dog from attacks by diseases to give it a longer lifespan.

Before feeding your pooch the meal, consult a veterinarian to ensure that it isn’t allergic to oats.

After that, you can start feeding it in small quantities according to its weight.

Plain Quaker oats are safe and optimal for your dog.

While uncooked ones are appealing and crunchy, feeding them to dogs can cause choking and harm to the gut.

Always cook them in plain water and your dog will love you for it.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.