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Can Dogs Eat Oats and Honey?

jar of honey with a honey spoon, spoon of oats, and oat stalks laying on a piece of burlap

Oats provide a nutritious boost to any meal because they are rich in protein and fiber. Similarly, oatmeal also contains several vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Calcium, and Magnesium. On top of all these nutritional benefits, this staple food is also quite delicious. Consequently, oatmeal is one of the most preferred breakfast choices in the US.  

On the other hand, honey is considered a healthy supplement because it offers a range of medicinal properties. The anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties of honey make it useful for everything ranging from stomach ulcers to allergies. Likewise, it is an effective natural treatment for sore throat and inflammation.

There is no denying that both these ingredients are overwhelmingly beneficial for humans, but do they carry the same advantages for dogs? 

Can Dogs Eat Oats?

bowl of oats on a piece of burlap with a wooden spoon and wheat stalks

YES, they can, but there are some things that you must consider before giving oats to your pup. For instance, it’s highly recommended to feed your dog cooked oatmeal because raw oats can create digestive troubles. Similarly, try to avoid processed grains and pre-packaged oatmeal as they offer fewer health benefits.

Benefits of Oats for Dogs

Most of the things that make oats healthy for humans also make them good for canines. They have a plethora of essential nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit a dog in several ways. Some of these advantages are as follows.

  • Oats serve as a healthy carbohydrate alternative for those dogs who are sensitive to wheat and other grains.
  • Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber that can help in regulating irregular bowel movements.
  • Oats contain Vitamin B-6 that is useful for keeping the skin and coat of your pup healthy.
  • Oats cooked with water (without milk and sugar) allow you to add extra water to your dog’s meal.  

How to Prepare Oatmeal for Your Dog?

white bowl with oatmeal on a white wood table

The very first thing that you need to ensure while feeding your dog oatmeal is that it is cooked. Raw oats don’t offer any additional nutritional benefits, but they are difficult to digest. Likewise, it’s best to avoid processed grains because they are less healthy and can upset your pet’s stomach.

The oatmeal that you make for your dog should be free from all kinds of additives and artificial flavors. Most of these products contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) that are dangerous for canines.

You can only give your dog a small portion size of oats because they require very fewer calories. Usually, one teaspoon of cooked oatmeal is considered safe for every 20 pounds of your pup’s weight.

Can Dogs Eat Granola Bars?

2 granola bars with one broken in half

Maybe. You can give your dog a granola bar if it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, like chocolate. Having said that, a plain granola bar can also cause temporary diarrhea because of its fiber content. Therefore, you must check with your vet before including granola bars in your dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Honey?

wooden bowl of honey with honey spoon being dipped

Yes, they can but only in small amounts. Honey is rich in natural sugars and is often used in foods and beverages as a sweetener. Such a high amount of sugar can cause several health issues if you feed your dog too much honey. For example, regular consumption of honey can lead to obesity and tooth decay. Therefore, you should follow a balanced approach to make the most of this natural ingredient.

Benefits of Honey for Dogs

Raw honey is the best possible form to feed your dog. This is because processing or pasteurization of honey removes some of the useful vitamins and minerals. The following is a list of health benefits that honey can bring to your canine.

  • Honey is an effective natural remedy against many allergies (including seasonal ones).
  • Honey can be used to reduce inflammation and provides a soothing effect to a sore throat.
  • Honey is also useful for preventing stomach ulcers as it prevents the accumulation of bad bacteria in the digestive tract.
  • The moisturizing effect of honey is good for the coat and skin of dogs.

How much Honey can My Dog Consume?

dog watching honey being drizzled over cake

Generally, it is assumed that dogs shouldn’t be given more than one teaspoon of honey a day. Although it is easy to digest and non-toxic, the higher levels of sugar can be troublesome. Therefore, you should always consult your vet before feeding this human food to your dog.

Can Puppies Eat Honey?

Raw honey is NOT safe for puppies. Similarly, it is not a good idea if your pup is diabetic or has a compromised immune system. The reason for this is the presence of Botulism Spores in raw honey. These spores can cause a rare but serious medical condition that can lead to paralysis in dogs. For this reason, you should avoid using honey in your pet’s meal unless he/she is declared adult and healthy.

Homemade Dog Treat Recipe with Oats and Honey

Oat dog treats in bone shapes laying on a pile of oats on a wooden table

These honey oat dog treats are not only healthy but also pretty easy to make. All the ingredients are readily available in most kitchens and this simple recipe will be ready within an hour.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour, plus some more for sprinkling
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 eggs

Directions

  1. Pour the flour, oats, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir together with a fork or whisk.
  2. Combine the eggs, honey, and water in a small bowl, and mix them. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients, and stir them together.
  3. Tear off about 12 inches of wax paper and lay it on the counter or table. Sprinkle about an eighth of a cup of flour on the paper.
  4. Pour the thick mixture onto the wax paper and sprinkle some more flour on top of it to keep it from sticking to your hands. Press it out until it is the thickness you like.
  5. Cut the flattened mixture with a knife or cookie cutter into about 3-inch squares or rectangles.
  6. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Place the dog cookies about 1 inch apart on the sheet.
  7. Bake in the oven at 325 degrees until they harden. It will take about 30 or 40 minutes. Remove them from the sheet when done and allow them to cool completely.

Thank you to Daily Puppy for this recipe.

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