Oats for Dogs

As we all know how oats are very beneficial to humans, they are also very good for dogs in many ways.   Ever heard of oatmeal shampoo n conditioner for dogs with skin problems or even bathing them with real oats or applying the oats directly on affected skin? 

Today, I am going to introduce oats as food for dogs.

Oats generally helps digestion and has a natural calming effect to the body.  Some hyperactive dogs actually calm down a little after adding oats to their diet.  It also explains why oatmeal baths are recommended for dogs with itchy skin as it helps to calm the itchiness.   

Did you know that oats:
* are best known as a strength-giving cereal
* are an excellent source of antioxidants
* are low in starch
* are a valuable source of minerals, including potassium and phosphorus
* have a high silicon content, making them beneficial to our dogs’ bones and teeth
* soothe the gastrointestinal and nervous systems

More importantly why we choose to give our doggie oats for breakfast daily is because oats promotes a heart-healthy dog as it helps to lower cholesterol in the dog’s body.  Oats are loaded with a soluble fiber called beta-glucan.  Beta-glucans are incredibly viscous and help to thicken the membranes of the intestines when broken down.  This thickening prevents the absorption of bile acids, which are made up of cholesterol.  If the body has no bile acids to use in digestion, it must take up the cholesterol in the blood to replenish the bile acid, therefore reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.  Over time, enough of the cholesterol in the blood is removed to show a significant reduction or maintain healthy levels.  Low cholesterol in the bloodstream means reduced risk of heart disease.  The high fiber in oats may also contribute to colon health and act as an aid to combat constipation.  In addition to the benefits of a whole lot of fiber, these tasty grains also boast high protein levels and good sources of magnesium, iron, zinc as well as several B vitamins.  In humans, oats have also been linked to controlling blood sugar levels, which could also benefit dogs with diabetes.  Not to mention that oats are packed with selenium, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health, DNA repair and colon cancer prevention.

Some dogs prefer raw oats while some prefer cooked oats like oats porridge.  We made for our doggie porridge oats from instant oats by The Quaker, as we are also having the same for our own breakfast, hee.  It’s easy to make, just have to add hot water n mix.  And they are easily available from supermarkets.  =)

We usually give 2 to 2.5 spoonfuls of oats to our doggie for breakfast daily.  For this instant oats, we just add some hot water and stir it, then its ready.  We will always add some sweet potatoes / bananas / steamed or fresh apples / fresh blueberries, etc, to the oats together with 1-2 spoonfuls of yogurt and some supplements.  We do sell some of these foods that you can add to the oats for your dog’s breakfast (freshly prepared n put to freeze), will talk more about these in the next few posts.

Besides all the nutritional facts about oats and how beneficial are oats to dogs, the best thing is that oats are not really that expensive.  Together with what you may add to the oats for more flavour, it is still very affordable.  Do consider adding oats to your dog’s diet!  I don’t know about your dog, but ours just loves it!  =D

Reference : http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/diy-eat/20326