homemade dog food using oatmeal

How to make oatmeal for dogs

Oats can be a great source of nutrition for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, especially senior dogs. Cooking oatmeal for dogs with sensitive bellies can help, especially if they are on a hypoallergenic diet.

Ill give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If youd like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.

You may also be interested in mypost can dogs eat oatmeal?and myhomemade meatballs for dogsrecipe. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my dog food recipes in one place

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Why you should make this recipe

• Hypoallergenic diet If your pup is on a special diet, or has belly issues, a spoonful of oatmeal can be a good option.
• Quick and easy Oats only take a few minutes to cook.
• Make ahead This recipe should make enough to feed more than one dog for the week.

Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Oats can be a great option for dogs with tummy issues. Sugar has always had a sensitive stomach, so when she was diagnosed with a few gastrointestinal issues, we spoke to her vet about what this meant for her diet.

Oatmeal should be part of their diet, not the only thing you feed them. Also, not too much, especially if you have a senior dog who isnt very active.

It is high in carbohydrates and they will gain weight if you feed them too much of anything, but specifically high carb food (just like people!).

You should not feed your dog raw oatmeal, always make sure the oats are cooked. Raw oats are hard for pups to digest and if your pet already has belly issues, this will not help them.

Ingredients

• Oats I use old-fashioned rolled oats. I dont use quick-cooking oats, but you can use them if thats what you have. Your cooking time will be slightly less than the recipe.
• Water Plain tap water is fine.

When cooking oats for dogs, you do not need to add salt, sugar, or any flavoring. Remember, this is not for your taste buds, its for your pup.

How to cook oatmeal for dogs

Cooking porridge, or oats, for your pup is one of the easiest things youll ever make.

1. Simmer water in a medium pot.
2. Add oats, while stirring, to the simmering water.
3. Bring to a boil, then turn down and let it bubble away for a bit until it is thickened. Set it aside and let it cool before feeding to your pet.

Oatmeal for dogs FAQs

Can dogs have porridge?

Yes! Making porridge (oats) for dogs isnt much different than making it for yourself. Its made with water, not milk, and cooked on the stove until the oats have absorbed the liquid.

Can dogs have raw oatmeal?

No. Do not feed your dog raw oats, it is quite difficult for them to digest.

How do I store leftover oatmeal?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long will oatmeal last?

Cooked oats will last about 5 days.

Can I freeze cooked oats for dogs?

Yes! I like to freeze it in mini muffin pans. Then pop them out and store in a zip-top freezer bag. You can take out a little at a time without having to thaw an entire container.

To incorporate cooked oats into your dogs food, you can simply add a bit to their normal food. If you are going with a fully homemade diet, a website that our vet recommended to me is balanceit.com.

If your dog has developed a sensitivity to a certain food, often its protein specific and its usually chicken, you can try other proteins in its place. It can be a bit of a process trying to eliminate foods or figure out which ones are the culprits.

For us, we have the added issue of having to feed her a low fat diet. That means lean proteins in addition to the oatmeal and other vegetables. Lean ground pork works for Sugar, as does lamb and salmon, even though they arent necessarily low fat.

Dog treats using oats

Many of my dogs treats are made with oats. They are easy on the belly and also less expensive than store bought.

Check out this list for dog treat tools and equipment a few basics to get you started.

Youll need a medium sized sauce pan to cook the oats. I prefer using a sturdy rubber spatula to stir instead of a spoon, because I can scrape along the sides and bottom to make sure the oats dont stick.

Lastly, youll need a set of dry measuring cups and a liquid measuring cup.

Ive compiled a list of all things dog that we have actually used for Sugar. If you are like me, and you take your pup with you on adventures, the backpack and the booster seat for the car are the best things ever.

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Oatmeal for Dogs

Cheryl Bennett

Cooking oatmeal for dogs is quick and easy with this 2 ingredient recipe.

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dog Food Recipes

Cuisine Dog

Servings 4 cups

Calories 14 kcal

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• In a medium (nonstick) sauce pan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a simmer.

• Add 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal to this simmering water, stirring as you add the oats. Continue stirring until fully combined.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring frequently. (If you do not stir the oats, they will stick, and could potentially burn)

• Cook for 7 8 minutes, until oatmeal is thickened and oats have absorbed the water.

• If you want to make a looser oatmeal, reduce oats to 1 cup.
• If using quick-cooking oats, you'll need to adjust the time, as they cook faster.
• Do not add sugar or salt to oatmeal that's not good for your dog.
• Store oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• I prefer using a nonstick pot, as oatmeal can stick.
• Remember that oatmeal will thicken as it stands, so let it sit on the stove for a few minutes if it isn't as thick as you'd like it.
• When re-heating oatmeal: It will become a solid mass in the fridge. You may need to add a teaspoon of water and stir it up before adding to your pup's food.
• NEVER feed your dog hot off the stove food. It will burn their mouths.
• Never feed your dog raw oatmeal.
• Sugar weighed 12 lbs., her portion size was about 2 tbsps. Speak to your vet about portions for your specific pet. Also, please consult your vet about dietary changes for your pet, as every dog is unique and what works for mine may not work for yours.
• Start slowly when adding oatmeal to your dog's diet. Any new changes could cause gastrointestinal issues.

Serving: 2tbsps.Calories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gSodium: 1mg

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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, or a nutritionist, but with the guidance of my dogs vet, this is what I do for her.

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Homemade Dog Treats with Rolled Oats

These homemade dog treats with rolled oats are made with applesauce, dried apples, and peanut butter.

Your pup is going to gobble these all-natural dog treats up! And you wont mind if they have one (or two) because you know exactly what is in them. In fact, they arent just delicious, they are nutritious for your dog too.

FYI This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Things About These Oatmeal Treats for Dogs

There are so many things to love about these DIY dog treats. I like how easy they are to make. If you have ever made cookies, then you can make these!

I also like how they only use completely whole ingredients. I chose only the best ones that will nourish your dog. No empty calories here! Im so excited about how nutritious they are that Im going to share details about the health benefits before we get to the recipe.

Making oatmeal dog treats is one of the best things you can make for your dogs. You can control exactly how much of each ingredient you use and not have to worry about whats in them.

I might be biased, but these are some of the best homemade dog treats I have ever made. They smelled so good as I baked them that I had to remind myself they are for the dogs!

The easy dog treats recipe is just a little further below. First, heres more about the ingredients and why I chose to use them.

Benefits of Rolled Oats

Did you know that rolled oats have lots of healthy nutrients? Thats why oatmeal treats for dogs are so good for them!

The most obvious benefit is that oatmeal is an alternative to wheat for dogs that are sensitive or gluten intolerant.

Beyond that, it also has vitamin B which helps your pet maintain a healthy coat. Its also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids that helps keep a dogs skin strong and healthy.

The soluble fiber in rolled oats helps dogs regulate their blood glucose levels. It also helps your pup of they are having irregular bowel movements that fiber will keep them regular for sure!

Benefits of Apples

Not only do apples add essential nutrients, but they add a wonderful flavor as well. Dogs love apples! Just dont let them eat the core and seeds.

There are even more health benefits of apples for dogs! First, the vitamins are good for them. They are high in vitamins A and C which will help your dog maintain healthy eyesight and boost their immune system.

Just like the rolled oats, apples have dietary fiber. This helps their digestive system function properly.

One surprising benefit of apples its good for your dogs oral health! It actually freshens their breath and cleans their teeth.

Apple Oatmeal Dog Treats Recipe Ingredients

The entire list of ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of this post. First, I want to share some extra info about the ingredients I used in these cookie dog treats.

Heres a list of what you need. If you want to make organic dog treats, make sure you buy all organic ingredients.

• Rolled oats Rolled oats will have the most benefits. Use any type of oats except instant or steel-cut oats.
• Dried apples Use either dried or dehydrated apples since they are the same thing. You can even use fresh ones just make sure to chop them up really small.
• Unsweetened applesauce Dogs do not benefit from added sugars. In fact, it could make them more at risk for obesity. Always use unsweetened ingredients in dog treats.
• Eggs The eggs will bind the dough, and give a tiny boost of protein to the treats.
• Peanut butter If your pet has a peanut allergy, use a different type of nut butter or sunflower butter instead. Always use nut butter with no sugar added. Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol because it is toxic to dogs.

Ingredient Notes

When you make this easy dog treats recipe, here are a few more notes to keep in mind.

You can substitute fresh apples for dried ones. Chop them into very small pieces before you add them to the batter. The type of apple isnt as important dogs love all kinds of apples. The most important thing is that you make the apple pieces small enough to mix into the batter really well.

Are old fashioned oats the same as rolled oats? Yes they are!

Are Quaker oats rolled oats? Quaker makes old-fashioned, steel-cut, quick-cook, and instant oats. Only the old-fashioned ones are considered rolled oats.

You can use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats. But note the treats will be softer and moister.

Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe.

Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Difference Between Dried and Dehydrated Apples

You can use either dried or dehydrated apples in this recipe.

Dried and dehydrated apples are basically the same thing. They have been through a process to remove water.

Serving Size

How many homemade dog treats should you give your dog at once? That depends on what else they ate that day.

Dogs shouldnt overeat too many carbs even healthy ones from oats and apples. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make homemade dog treats with rolled oats. You can use any regular cookie cutters but dog-shaped ones give these treats a fun look.

How to Store Baked Oatmeal Dog Treats

Store the baked dog treats in an airtight container. A dog treat jar is a good idea so they are not mistaken for human treats. Here are some cute ones on Amazon:

Can humans eat these oatmeal cookies for dogs?

They sure can! Everything in the crunchy dog treats is safe for human consumption. Although people probably wont like them. I suggest making Apple Oatmeal Cookies for people.

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Great Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more treats for your dog? Check these out:

Not in the mood for making homemade dog treats? Check out my favorite dog treats on Amazon.

Apple Oatmeal Dog Treats

Crunchy baked homemade dog treats with rolled oats, applesauce, apples, and peanut butter.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes Cook Time 20 minutes minutes Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cups Freeze-dried apples
• 2 Eggs
• cup Unsweetened applesauce
• cup Natural smooth peanut butter
• 4 cups Rolled oats

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Chop the freeze-dried apples into -inch pieces.

• In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, applesauce, and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a large spoon for this step.

• Add the rolled oats and apple pieces and stir to combine well.

• Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface.

• Using your hands, squeeze and combine the ingredients until you have a flat, smooth dough.

• Flatten the dough evenly with your hands or a rolling pin to about to inch thickness.

• Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dog treats and place them on a greased baking sheet or use parchment paper or silicone mat to cover the baking sheet.

• Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Place the treats on a wire rack to cool once baked.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.Other types of freeze-dried fruit may be substituted for the apples.Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Do not use peanut butter with xylitol because it is toxic to dogs.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg