Oatmeal is a pretty nutritious ingredient that appears in a ton of people foods. But did you know that it can also be awesome for puppers too?
That’s right! Oatmeal provides pooches with many of the same health benefits that it provides humans, so many owners are beginning to pick foods chock full of this tasty and nutritious grain.
Below, we’ll explain some of the health benefits oatmeal provides, outline some of the things to think about when picking an oatmeal dog food, and identify a few of our favorites.
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The 8 Best Dog Foods with Oatmeal
If you want to see what oatmeal can do for your dog, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorites below!
Whether your dog is young, old, large, suffers from food allergies, or has a sensitive stomach, we’ve got you covered!
1. Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley
About: Wellness Complete Health Lamb & Barley is an excellent dry food that may improve your dog’s skin and coat condition, increase his energy level, and support his immune system.
Made with a high-quality protein and supplemental ingredients such as blueberries, flaxseed, and spinach, it offers a ton of omega fatty acids and antioxidants to keep your pooch healthy and happy for years to come. And best of all, it’s a tasty, naturally preserved food that’ll leave your pup’s tail waggin’.
Features:
- Lamb is the first listed ingredient
- Made in the USA
- No artificial preservatives, fillers, or meat byproducts
- Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Contains glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for heart health
Ingredients List
Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal...,
Ground Brown Rice, Peas, Rice, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat, Tomato Pomace, Tomatoes, Carrots, Natural Lamb Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Garlic Powder, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Pros
- We love that it includes four different probiotic strains
- It’s naturally preserved
- High fiber levels help promote good elimination habits
- Included glucosamine can help support joint health
Cons
- It contains garlic powder, which may give some owners pause
- High fiber content may upset some dogs’ stomachs
2. Wellness Complete Health Puppy
Similar to Wellness' Lamb and Oatmeal formula but made for puppies, this food will help get your little wagger started right.
About: Wellness Complete Health Puppy is designed to promote overall health for your growing pooch. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals for his growing body, this puppy dog food recipe contains DHA to support his developing brain and antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system.
Nutrient-rich and made without low-quality ingredients or GMOs, this food is designed to provide your pup with everything he needs to grow into a strong adult.
Features:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient
- It’s made in the USA
- Excellent source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Contains no GMOs, fillers, or artificial preservatives
- Fortified with four different probiotic strains
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas...,
Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Tomatoes, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Garlic Powder, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Pros
- Supports healthy brain development
- Antioxidant content promotes a healthy immune system
- High in fiber
- Most pups appear to love the taste
Cons
- Multiple animal proteins may increase the risk of triggering an allergy
- A small number of owners reported digestive difficulties (but this can happen with any food)
3. Merrick Healthy Grains Senior
About: The right food can help make your senior dog look and feel younger, and Merrick Healthy Grains Senior is certainly designed to do exactly that!
A protein-rich food that’s designed to support your dog throughout his golden years, this dog food contains high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support his bones and joints. Omega-3 fatty acids are also present in abundance to help to achieve healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Features:
- High in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Formulated with omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Contains no peas, lentils, or potatoes
- Made with DHA, which may promote optimal brain function in seniors
- Produced in the USA
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Apples, Carrots, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Pros
- Higher than average protein content
- Several owners noticed a visible improvement in coat health
- Contains a blend of grains, which may help with digestion
Cons
- Higher than average fat content
- We wish the recipe contained more produce
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed
About: Large dog breeds (those weighing more than 70 pounds) have slightly different nutritional needs than small and medium-sized breeds. And this means it is important for owners of big ‘ol doggos to buy food specifically designed for these floofs.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Recipe is a great choice, and – like all the foods we’re discussing here – it contains oatmeal. But healthy grains aside, this chicken-based dog food is also chock full of other good things, including Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource Bits.
Features:
- Provides joint and mobility support for larger dogs
- Contains a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient
- No wheat, soy, corn, or chicken by-products
- Fortified with probiotics for gut health
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Pea Starch, Peas, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Garlic, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Pros
- Contains chelated minerals, which are easier for your dog’s body to absorb
- We love all the produce contained in the recipe
- Antioxidant content helps support healthy immune function
- Included joint supplements are awesome for big breeds
Cons
- Contains garlic, which some owners like to avoid
- We prefer to see a higher protein content
- Some dogs pick around the included LifeSource Bits
5. American Journey Protein & Grains
About: Looking for tasty and nutritious oatmeal dog food that won’t break the bank? American Journey’s Active Life Formula may be exactly what you need! It may not have some of the fancy features some pricier foods offer, but it’ll still provide your pooch with good nutrition at a budget-friendly price.
An excellent source of natural fiber, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, this food is made without artificial colors, flavors, or additives of any kind.
Plus, it has a taste most dogs love!
Features:
- Chicken is listed as the first ingredient
- Rich in natural fiber, to promote proper elimination habits
- Chock full of omega-3 fatty acids
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Peas...,
Barley, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Fish Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Oatmeal, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Threonine, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Dried Chicory Root, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- Affordable
- High in fiber
- Contains no artificial colors or flavors
- It’s a great source of antioxidants for a healthy immune system
Cons
- Contains below-average protein
- High carbohydrate content
- We wish it was fortified with probiotics
6. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
About: Dogs with sensitive stomachs need foods that contain carefully selected ingredients. And Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach is crafted with exactly this in mind!
Full of probiotics (and the prebiotic fiber to feed those microorganisms), this dog food is helpful for promoting problem-free digestion among many doggos with digestive difficulties.
And in addition to being gentle on Spot’s stomach, this dog food is made with ingredients that promote a happy heart, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
Features:
- Contains guaranteed-live probiotics and prebiotic fiber
- Salmon is the first ingredient listed
- Rich in glucosamine to promote joint health
- Promotes lean muscle development and heart function
- Chicken-free dog food, making it good for some dogs with food allergies
Ingredients List
Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)...,
Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Salmon Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Fish Oil, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-methionine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Calcium Carbonate, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Pros
- Easy on sensitive stomachs
- Many owners love that it is chicken-free
- Several owners saw quick improvements in coat condition
- Live-organism guarantee is a nice touch
Cons
- Some dogs don’t love the taste
- We’d prefer if it had more than one probiotic strain
7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet
Made without many common allergy-triggering ingredients, this oatmeal dog food is great for dogs with food sensitivities.
About: It can be tricky finding the right food for a dog with food sensitivities, so many owners turn to LID (limited ingredient diet) recipes, such as Merrick’s Limited Ingredient Diet.
Made with only nine key ingredients, this oatmeal-containing dog food recipe makes it easy for owners to avoid many of the most common allergens, such as soy, dairy, corn, wheat, or eggs.
It also excludes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Features:
- Formulated specifically for dogs with food sensitivities
- Limited ingredient dog food contains only 9 key ingredients plus supplemental vitamins and minerals
- Made with only a single source of animal protein
- Contains no soy, dairy, corn, wheat, eggs, or artificial additives
Ingredients List
Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Iodate), DL- Methionine, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Citric Acid for freshness.
Pros
- Does not contain common allergens
- Excellent source of fiber
- Many owners saw an almost immediate improvement in digestive health
Cons
- Low in protein
- More expensive than many similar foods
8. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes
About: While most dog owners feed their pet dry foods, some lucky dogs get to enjoy canned food on a regular basis. Best of all, there is at least one canned option – Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe – that is nutritious, delicious, and made with oatmeal.
In addition to being made with healthy proteins, nutritious grains (including oatmeal), and antioxidant-rich produce, this canned wet dog food contains chelated minerals, which are easy for your dog’s body to absorb.
Features:
- Pate-style wet food
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Made without corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains chelated minerals
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas, Sweet Potatoes...,
Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Flaxseed, Blueberries, Cranberries, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).
Pros
- Rich in species-specific animal protein
- Affordable for a canned option
- Dogs usually love the taste
- Chicken is the first ingredient
Cons
- Contains carrageenan, which some owners like to avoid
- Has an above-average fat content
Oatmeal: Is It Safe for Dogs?
Yes – plain, cooked oatmeal is a safe and healthy ingredient for most dogs.
In fact, oatmeal can be a great grain for dogs who struggle to digest wheat or corn. A small percentage of dogs may not handle oatmeal well, but this is a pretty rare issue.
Not all oatmeal is the same though – some can give your pupper problems.
For example, flavored oatmeals often contain a lot of sugar, which isn’t good for Spot.
Even worse, some flavored oatmeals may even contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to pets.
Extra ingredients are another cause for concern. You may like to add tasty extras to your morning oatmeal, but some of the things we add could make your dog very sick. For example, chocolate chips and raisins are toxic to your dog.
Of course, dog foods with oatmeal don’t include any of these dangerous ingredients, which makes things easy on pet parents.
The Health Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs
As mentioned, oatmeal is a pretty darn nutritious ingredient, and it provides dogs with a number of great health benefits.
A few of the most important health benefits oatmeal provides include:
- It contains vitamin B and linoleic acid, which can help promote coat and skin health.
- It has a high fiber content, which helps to regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels, promote regular elimination habits, and keep your dog feeling full for longer.
- It is a healthy grain for dogs that makes an excellent source of carbohydrates.
And while it’s not a health benefit per se, it’s also important to note that many doggos simply love the way oatmeal tastes – and that’s certainly important!
Three Kinds of Oatmeal to Avoid: NEVER Feed These to Your Pet
We’re primarily discussing dog foods with oatmeal here, but as explained earlier, you can give your dog oatmeal or mix in a bit with his food. However, you must always avoid three kinds of oatmeal, including:
- Flavored oatmeal
- Raw oatmeal
- Oatmeal with raisins, chocolate, or other harmful ingredients
Also, keep the following things in mind when feeding your pooch real oatmeal:
- Always check with your vet first – oatmeal is safe for most dogs, but there are exceptions.
- Use water instead of milk when serving oatmeal to your dog. Many dogs can’t process lactose, which may lead to vomiting, stomach upset, or diarrhea – not to mention bad gas.
- Oatmeal’s high fiber content may help your dog have more regular bowel movements, but too much fiber can stress your pet’s digestive tract and lead to an upset tummy. So, start with small portions and see how your dog’s body reacts to the increased fiber.
But again, the best — and simplest — way to give your dog the benefits of oatmeal is by offering a dog food that’s formulated with oatmeal.
General Things to Look for in a Dog Food
There are so many types of dog food on the market nowadays that it’s overwhelming to pick the best one for your dog. To make it simple, we’ve carefully identified the most important things to look for when choosing the best dog food to nourish your pup.
The three most important things to look for when picking a dog food include:
- It’s formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s life stage.
- It addresses any specific health concerns your dog has.
- Your vet should support your choice.
Other features to consider:
- It should feature a whole protein at the beginning of the ingredient list.
- The recipe should include useful supplements (such as glucosamine).
- The dog food should be made in the USA.
- The company should perform regular safety checks.
That may sound like a lot of things to keep in mind, but by doing so, you can be sure your pet will get to enjoy one of the safest, healthiest dog foods around!
FAQs: Dogs & Oatmeal
Oatmeal may not be the most unusual ingredient to make its way onto a person’s breakfast table, but for dogs, it’s mysterious enough to warrant a second sniff. Some curious dog owners have questions about oatmeal in their dog’s food, so we’ll try to answer some of the most common ones below!
Can dogs eat oatmeal?
Yes. Most dogs can eat oatmeal as long as it’s plain and cooked with water instead of milk. It’s highly nutritious and may provide several health benefits.
Is oatmeal safe for dogs?
Plain, cooked oatmeal is safe for dogs. Steer clear of flavored varieties or ones that contain additional ingredients, such as xylitol, chocolate, or raisins, as these ingredients are toxic to dogs.
Also, be mindful of portion control. Too much oatmeal may lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Do dog foods have oatmeal?
Several popular dog food brands do include oatmeal in their recipes. In fact, there’s likely a formula containing oatmeal that’s suitable for just about any dietary requirements your dog may have.
What health benefits does oatmeal provide dogs?
Oatmeal is high in fiber and may improve digestion. It’s also rich in vitamin B and linoleic acid, which help to promote healthy skin.
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We hope you’ve found our recommendations helpful and that you’ve learned something new about dogs and oatmeal. Maybe you’ve even found the perfect oatmeal dog food for your pet to try!
Have you already tried feeding your dog food that contains oatmeal? What was your experience with it? Did you notice any benefits?
Let us know in the comments below!
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