What is better than seeing your beloved pup’s eyes light up when you give its favorite dog’s treat? Nothing, right? Dogs love devouring cookies, cupcakes, and candies and often demand that you provide them in abundance. While you can purchase readymade cookies for your dogs, baking them at home is healthier. Since flour is an integral aspect of baking, which flour is better when it comes to dogs? Can dogs eat oat flour?
Let’s learn about it!
Can dogs eat oat flour?
Yes, oat flour is healthy for dogs. As the name implies, oat flour is made by grinding oats and making them into fine powder. Oat flour is packed with nutrients, is low in sugar, and is gluten-free. It is full of antioxidants and makes delicious treats. So, swap your flour with oat flour and feed your dog healthy treats.
Oat flour is a whole grain flour and is beneficial for humans too. Aside from healthy nutrients, it offers tender crumbs and a nutty caramel flavor. The crumbier texture of oat flour baked cookies makes them chewy and dense. Besides, oat flour retains comparatively more moisture than others. Therefore, cakes, cookies, and other dog treats made of oat flour come out a little moist and make them a preferable choice for pups.
Treats and dogs are insuperable. Thus, baking them using healthy flour is the right move. Substituting other flours for oat flour is an effective way of boosting your pup’s wellbeing.
Can dogs eat raw oat flour?
Yes, dogs can eat raw oat flour. Oat flour is grounded in powdery form, and oats have multiple health benefits. However, raw oat flour can cause some stomach issues, so if your pup isn’t used to eating oat flour, keep an eye on it when you feed it this flour for the first time.
Oats improve dogs’ digestion, but only when you give them in recommended form. Adding oat flour to dogs’ treats or feeding dogs oatmeal does not cause any ingestion issues. Still, vets advise against feeding raw oat flour to dogs.
What are the benefits of feeding oat flour to dogs?
Oat flour has several health benefits, and some of them are as follows:
It supports digestion
Oat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, specifically beta-glucan, which is soluble. Fibers retain water in the body and bulk up your dog’s stool. With an adequate amount of fluids, fiber helps in treating stomach issues.
If your pup suffers from constipation or diarrhea, it is time to change its eating habits. Change its flour to oat flour and see the change in your fur baby’s health.
It reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Like us, dogs can also have high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. While high cholesterol in canines is not as big of a health threat as it is for humans, it still is a health issue. Ignoring it can lead to other disorders.
Since oats are rich in fiber, they can lower your furry friend’s blood sugar and cholesterol. Beta-glucan in oats can make a thick denser paste which helps in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar. In addition, oats are rich in avenanthramide, which is a plant-based polyphenol and lowers blood pressure.
It does not lead to obesity
Aside from other health problems, unhealthy eating habits and some types of flour, especially white flour, can lead to weight gain in your pup. Oats give a sense of fullness and prevent dogs from overeating. Chances are, your beloved animal will not demand additional cookies because it will feel satiated after consuming the recommended quantity.
It improves dogs’ gut health
Oat flour will help enhance your dog’s gut health. The flour is packed with healthy minerals, vitamins, and fats. Moreover, beta-glucan coats the digestive tract and feed good bacteria. It improves the growth of beneficial bacteria, consequently enhancing the pup’s gut health.
Therefore, switch to oat flour and boost your beloved pup’s health.
Can diabetic dogs be given oat flour?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat oat flour. Oats are comparatively low in sugar as only 1% comes from sucrose. Thus, Oat flour does not impact dogs’ blood glucose levels. Dogs consuming oat flour are less likely to develop hypoglycemia.
Wheat flour can increase dogs’ blood sugar levels, which can cause severe health issues. Oat flour may be healthier, but you must monitor your pup’s reaction to it as a sudden change in their diet can induce a bad response from it.
How should you introduce oat flour to your dog?
Keep the portion small. Whenever you change your dog’s diet or introduce a new element, start with 25% of new items in its previous food.
When it comes to the choice of flour, oat flour is indeed a healthy flour choice for your dog. However, you need to practice caution while introducing it to your pup. Instead of directly feeding it a recommended amount, go slow. Gradually increase oat flour intake in your pup’s diet and see its health improving.
Can dogs eat oatmeal?
Yes, they can, but do not overfeed your pup with oats.
Oatmeal can benefit your canine friend in various ways. A tiny amount will make it feel full. Besides, oatmeal fibers, minerals, and vitamins will enhance dogs’ health and control their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
How much oatmeal can I give my dog?
Every 20 pounds of a dog’s weight can take 1 tablespoon of cooked oatmeal. So, when you enjoy your delicious yet nutritious oatmeal breakfast, share it with your pup too, but only in the recommended quantity.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat oat flour
Can dogs eat all-purpose flour?
Experts recommend avoiding feeding all-purpose flour to dogs. It does not add any substantial nutritional value to dogs’ diets. Besides, other types of flour are healthier options for dogs.
Can you substitute oats for flour in dog treats?
Yes, you can! Rolled oats and oat flour are super healthy for dogs. They are gluten-free and won’t trigger any allergies either.
Is flour safe for dogs?
Yes, flour is safe for dogs. Flour is used as a binding element in many dog treats. Not all flours are healthy for dogs as they do not give any nutrients; instead, they lead to weight gain.
Can dogs be given oat milk?
Yea, you can give oat milk to your dogs. Oat milk comes from soaked oats and contains minerals, vitamins, and fibers. Oat milk does not contain any ingredient that is toxic to dogs.
Can I bake dog treats at home?
Yes, you can. While readymade dog treats may not harm your dog, homemade treats are an easy and effective way of improving your pup’s health.
What should I not add while baking for my pup?
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Chocolates
- Xylitol
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs as long as it does not contain xylitol. Pups can be given one teaspoon of peanut butter twice a day, while large dogs can be given two teaspoons twice daily.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat oat flour!
Oats are healthy, and you can easily feed them to your dogs.
Oat flour is gaining immense popularity because of its amazing health benefits. It is free of gluten, and you do not have to worry about weight gain.
Additionally, oat flour supports your pup’s heart, enhances digestion, and reduces its cholesterol level. So, add oat flour while baking delicacies for your dog and strengthen its health.
