No, dogs should not eat uncooked oatmeal.
Made from oats, oatmeal is a hot porridge-like dish. The cereal grains are edible seeds of oat grass, which are ground, rolled, or flattened. Dogs as well as cats can enjoy plainly cooked oatmeal devoid of other ingredients. It is a great source of plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
On the other hand, raw oatmeal is not good for dogs. While giving him oatmeal cooked in water can help with his digestion, raw ones can do the opposite. Eating the uncooked version may get stuck in his throat. Worse, it may result in stomach upset and digestive complications.
What to do if your dog accidentally eats uncooked oatmeal: Check the food label for store-bought oatmeal. If it includes toxic ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener), contact your veterinarian immediately. Flavoured oatmeal containing sugar and cinnamon should also be avoided.
Your dog may display signs of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, or lack of appetite after eating raw, flavoured oatmeal. Others may show neurological signs including tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, and collapse. The severity of his symptoms will depend on the actual ingredients, his size, how much he ate, and how sensitive he is.
In summary: Keep uncooked oatmeal properly stored and away from your pet dog. Stick to serving him cooked milled, rolled, and steel-cut oats. Avoid instant varieties packed with artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Explore our “can dogs eat” category to discover which human foods your canine pet can safely consume. We review a wide range of eats from supermarket meat and seafood options to fresh produce such as legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
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