Key Takeaways
- Plain, cooked oats can be a safe, nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when served in moderation.
- Oats offer slow-burning energy and extra nutrients, making them a great option for wheat-sensitive pups.
- Fun mix-ins like peanut butter, banana, or blueberries can make oats an exciting treat your dog will love.
Oats might not get the same hype as bacon or cheese in the dog world, but they’re an underrated MVP in the treat and meal department. If you’ve ever caught your pup giving you the side-eye while you eat oatmeal, you might be wondering if sharing a bite is safe. Spoiler: it is, and it can actually be pretty great for them.
At The Pets Table, we love ingredients that pull double duty: tasty enough to make tails wag, but also packed with real nutritional benefits. Oats check both boxes.
Are Oats Safe for Dogs?
Oats are basically the humble overachievers of the grain world. They start as oat groats, which are the whole kernels. From there, they get processed into rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or quick oats, all of which are perfectly fine for people and, in the right form, also safe for dogs.
The keyword here is plain. Dogs do not need the maple-brown-sugar-apple-pie-vanilla-almond version of oatmeal that humans love. Flavored instant packets, sweeteners, or mix-ins like raisins and chocolate are a hard no. Those extras can range from unhealthy to downright dangerous for your pup.
As for raw oats? They are not toxic, but they can be harder for a dog to digest and are pretty unappealing unless your pup is part goat. Cooking them in water (never milk) makes them easier to chew and gentler on the stomach. So yes, oats can be a safe option when served plain and properly prepared.
What Benefits Do Oats Have for Dogs?
Your pup is perfectly happy inhaling their regular food, but oats bring a few tricks to the table that can make them more than just filler in a bowl.
They’re a Slow-Burning Energy Source
Oats digest at a nice, steady pace, which means your pup gets fuel that lasts. For active dogs, it can help keep their energy level more consistent instead of bouncing between hyper mode and couch potato.
They’re a Backup for Wheat-Sensitive Dogs
For pups who can’t do wheat without turning into an itchy, gassy mess, oats can be an easy stand-in. They’re naturally gluten-free, so you can still feed grains without the side effects.
They Offer Extra Nutrients
Beyond being a carb, oats quietly deliver minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients support coat health, oxygen circulation, and general “I feel good” vibes. Your dog won’t know they’re eating something healthy, which is kind of the point.
They’re a Texture Glow-Up
Dogs get bored, too. If your pup has been crunching the same bites day in and day out, cooked oats are like sending their taste buds on vacation.
Soft and a little bit squishy, they flip the script on mealtime. Suddenly, your picky princess or resident drama king is acting like you just served a five-star tasting menu instead of oats.
How To Safely Prepare Oats for Dogs
Think of oat prep for dogs like making them a very boring, very wholesome brunch. Start with oats that haven’t been dressed up with sugar, syrups, or “fun” flavors meant for humans.
Cook them in plain water until they’re soft (mushy is good here) and let them cool completely before serving. Dogs aren’t great with temperature judgment, and the last thing you want is to hand over a steaming bowl that doubles as a tongue scorcher.
Portion size matters, too. Oats should be a side act, not the headliner, unless you’ve worked out a full recipe plan with your vet. A spoonful or two mixed into their usual food is enough for most pups.
Fun Oat Treat Ideas for Your Dog
Here’s how to turn the humble oat into something your pup will think came straight from a gourmet bakery.
PB & Oat Bites
Mix cooled cooked oats with a spoonful of unsalted peanut butter (the kind without xylitol). Roll into small bite-sized balls about the size of a marble for little dogs or a bouncy ball for bigger pups.
Chill in the fridge until firm. Serve as occasional treats and watch them suddenly remember every trick they’ve ever learned, and maybe invent a few new ones just to get another bite.
Frozen Oat Pops
Combine cooled cooked oats with a little mashed banana, then spoon the mixture into silicone molds or even an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid. These are perfect for hot summer afternoons or as a calm-down snack after an intense zoomie session. Bonus: they last longer than a regular treat, so you get at least 90 seconds of peace.
Berry Oat Mash-Up
Stir a few fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries into cooled cooked oats for a naturally sweet twist. Both fruits are safe for most dogs and add color, variety, and a little extra excitement to the bowl.
Oat Topper for Dinner
Spoon a small amount of cooked oats over your dog’s regular food to add a new texture and flavor without changing their whole meal. It’s like putting sprinkles on ice cream, except the sprinkles are healthy, and no one’s getting a sugar rush that ends with them ricocheting off the couch cushions.
What Are Some Other Foods That Are Safe for Dogs?
Oats aren’t the only human-friendly ingredient that can make the cut for your pup’s bowl. At The Pets Table, we pack our recipes with dog-safe, vet-approved foods that are as good for them as they are tasty.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Chicken
The crowd-pleaser of proteins. Chicken is lean, high-quality, and somehow manages to win over both picky eaters and food-obsessed vacuum cleaners disguised as dogs.
Chicken is easy to digest, packed with protein for strong muscles, and works in every life stage. In our recipes, it’s teamed up with veggies, vitamins, and superfoods so your dog gets more than just the meat sweats.
Beef
Bold, hearty, and perfect for small dogs with big appetites. Beef delivers protein plus iron and zinc for healthy muscles and all-day energy. Even the fussiest pups tend to come running the second they catch a whiff.
Turkey
The quieter sibling in the poultry family, turkey is lean but still loaded with flavor. It’s gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it a go-to for dogs who can’t handle heavier meats. Bonus: Turkey tends to get bowls licked clean without you having to give the look that says, “Please, just eat.”
Carrots
Carrots are crunchy, sweet, and naturally loaded with beta-carotene for healthy eyes and skin. They double as a low-calorie snack, perfect for dogs who think “between-meal snack” is a mandatory part of the day. Try them fresh, frozen, or chopped into a meal for some bonus crunch time.
Blueberries
Tiny but mighty, blueberries bring antioxidants, natural sweetness, and a fun pop of color to the bowl. They’re bite-sized, mess-free, and easy to mix into fresh or air-dried meals, or just toss one at your dog and watch them chase it like it’s a tiny tennis ball.
Sweet Potatoes
Soft, starchy, and loaded with fiber and vitamins, sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet flavor that feels fancy while still being gentle on the belly. That bright orange color actually delivers the good stuff for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog oatmeal cookies?
Not the kind from your pantry. Most store-bought oatmeal cookies contain sugar, butter, and extras like raisins or chocolate that are dangerous for dogs. If you want to share “cookies,” you can bake dog-safe versions with plain oats, unsweetened applesauce, and a bit of peanut butter.
Are instant oats safe for dogs?
Plain instant oats are fine in moderation, but avoid any flavored packets or those with added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners. Always read the ingredient list before sharing.
Can puppies eat oats?
Yes, but in very small amounts and only if they’re cooked and cooled. Puppies have developing digestive systems, so go slow and check with your vet before adding new foods.
The Bottom Line on Dogs and Oats
Oats can totally have a place in your dog’s diet when they’re plain, cooked, and served in moderation. They’re safe, versatile, and one more way to mix things up for your pup without wrecking their stomach.
And here’s the thing: Oats are just one of the many wholesome, vet-approved ingredients we build into our Fresh and Air-Dried meals at The Pets Table. Every recipe is made with real proteins, veggies, and vitamins that taste amazing and support your dog’s health from puppyhood to their senior years.
Fresh meals bring that just-cooked flavor even picky eaters love, while Air-Dried meals are shelf-stable, nutrient-packed, and perfect for busy pet parents who still want the good stuff in the bowl.
Not sure which one your dog would love more? Take our quick quiz and we’ll match your pup with their perfect plan. They’ll think you’re a genius, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Sources:
Gluten-Free Oats: What’s the Deal? | Celiac Disease Foundation
Portion size and meal consumption in domesticated dogs | PMC