Oat milk has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for people with food intolerances and allergies. The tasty and versatile vegan milk is healthy and loaded with nutrients. But can dogs have oat milk? The short answer is yes. But, you can only offer it in moderation.
What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a milky liquid made from whole oat grains and water. It has no toxic compounds making it very safe for dogs. Compared to other plant-based milk, it contains higher amounts of calcium, vitamin B-complex, and vitamin D.
However, flavored oat milk is off-limits as it usually contains ingredients such as sugar, vanilla, and dark chocolate, which are toxic to dogs. You might consider giving your dog homemade oat milk since most store-bought alternatives contain harmful additives such as sugar, oil, flavors, salt, and emulsifiers.
Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk?
Cow milk is rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. At first glance, it seems like a nutritious and healthy drink for dogs. But, as nutritious as cow’s milk is, it can cause gastrointestinal issues for lactose-intolerant dogs.
Related: Can Dogs Drink Milk? Here’s What Experts Say!
You can give oat milk to canines instead of cow’s milk. The dairy-free milk is equally nutritious but with significantly less sugar and lactose content, making it a safer alternative for pups. So, back to your question, yes, dogs can drink oat milk but in moderation. Your furry friend can suffer tummy upsets from drinking too much oat milk because of its high fiber.
Benefits of Oat Milk for Dogs
Are you thinking of adding oat milk to your poodle’s diet? Here are some reasons why giving your dog oat milk is a good idea.
- Balance blood sugar– oat milk has a lower glycemic index and can therefore regulate your pup’s blood sugar levels.
- Boost immune system– treat your dog to a bowl of vitamins A and D, minerals such as iron, and antioxidants to boost its immune system. Oat milk is also rich in vitamin B12, critical for brain, nerve, and red blood cell formation.
- Bone health– oat milk is fortified with vitamin D and calcium, which are beneficial for improving bone strength and overall bone health.
- Fiber – oats are excellent sources of soluble fiber. The dietary fiber lowers blood cholesterol and maintains good bowel health.
- Dairy-free– oat milk is free from irritants and allergens synonymous with dairy milk and milk products such as lactose.
Will Oat Milk Harm My Dog?
As we’ve mentioned, oat milk is not toxic to dogs but keep in mind that too much of any human food can upset your Fido’s tummy. Your dog can experience diarrhea and abdominal pain after chugging on a lot of oat milk.
If your dog is allergic to oat milk, it will exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, lethargy, weakness, swollen eyes, lips, ears, and itchiness.
How Much Oat Milk Can Dogs Drink?
As much as oat milk is healthy for Fido, you should offer it in moderation. The high fiber in oat milk can cause gastrointestinal distress and digestive issues in some dogs. We recommend no more than a quarter cup of oat milk per week for your dog.
Start with a small amount in their food, like a tablespoon or two, to see how they react. If your poodle seems fine, you can feed it more next time. This way, you allow your dog to process the liquid fiber without experiencing any adverse reactions. Also, check-in with your vet before starting your dog on oat milk to rule out any health issues.
Final Word
Oat milk is safe for dogs, provided you keep it plain and unsweetened and offer it in moderation. The superfood is easy-to-digest, nutritious, and healthy. Plus, it has no hint of lactose, making it a worthy choice for lactose intolerant dogs. Be sure to start your dog on oat milk gradually as you lookout for symptoms of distress.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Drink Chocolate Milk?
- Can Dogs Eat Cereal?
- Can Dogs Eat Granola?
- Can Dogs Eat Cheez-Its? Is it Bad for Dogs?