One of the healthiest food choices for humans is oatmeal. They include many beneficial nutrients, like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains beta-glucan, which can lower blood sugar and cholesterol and enhance gut bacteria. However, can dogs eat oatmeal cookies or another type of cookie? In a nutshell, maybe, but we wouldn’t advise it. Let’s read this Canvas Personalized‘s article to know why and how to feed your dog cookies safely.
1. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes, plain oatmeal cookies themselves don’t contain anything toxic to dogs. But they’re not exactly healthy food for your furry friend. The high sugar and carbohydrate content, especially in store-bought varieties, can lead to weight gain and even obesity in dogs. This, in turn, increases their risk of developing health problems like diabetes and joint pain.
If you feed your dog oatmeal cookies, read the labels to see if they include the sugar substitute xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has consumed anything containing xylitol, you should schedule an appointment with your vet immediately.
2. How about Other Varieties of Oatmeal Cookies?
2.1. Can dogs eat oatmeal cookies with cinnamon?
The good news: Cinnamon, in small amounts, is safe for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. They won’t suffer any serious consequences from consuming a sprinkle.
However, large quantities can irritate your dog’s skin and digestive system. So, while cookies with a touch of cinnamon are okay, avoid letting them munch on cinnamon sticks or consume large amounts of the spice.
2.2. Can dogs eat oatmeal raisin cookies?
The short answer is no! While dogs can eat oatmeal cookies, raisins are toxic for them. Raisins are a potential source of kidney injury for your puppy due to a certain form of fungus that develops on them.
The good news is that a single cookie containing raisins is unlikely to cause any harm to your dog, as stated by the Delmar Animal Hospital. If you notice that your dog is not eating, throwing up, or drinking too much after consuming anything containing raisins, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian.
2.3. Can dogs eat bananas in oatmeal cookies?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. They’re packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamins, fiber, and copper, and are low in cholesterol and sodium. However, their high sugar content means they shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. If you’re considering banana-oatmeal cookies, skip store-bought options (which might have harmful ingredients) and bake your own with fresh bananas for a dog-friendly treat.
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2.4. Can dogs have oatmeal with chocolate?
No! Theobromine, found in both chocolate and coffee, is toxic to dogs due to their inability to metabolize it. Chocolate is harmful to dogs, yet the amount your dog would have to ingest to be declared toxic varies widely depending on the type of chocolate. Darker, more bitter chocolate is riskier. Since white chocolate contains so little theobromine, it is rarely dangerous. No matter what shade of chocolate it is, the high levels of sugar and fat in it can make your dog sick.
The amount of chocolate that can cause problems varies greatly based on your dog’s weight. If your dog consumes chocolate, it is important to closely observe them and promptly consult a veterinarian if they exhibit any symptoms. This is especially crucial if they are young, pregnant, or have preexisting health conditions.
2.5. Can dogs eat peanut butter oatmeal cookies?
Unless your dog has a peanut allergy, peanut butter oatmeal cookies are perfectly fine for them to consume. It’s a great protein source often used in dog treats to lower sugar. To avoid giving your dog a harmful substance, check that the cookies don’t include peanut butter sweetened with xylitol.
2.6. Can dogs eat oatmeal creme pies?
It is not a good idea to feed dogs oatmeal cream pies. These sugary treats are packed with glucose and cream, which can disrupt their digestion and lead to stomach upset. It is necessary to obtain approval from your dog’s veterinarian before serving it. According to Petcoddle‘s recommendation, you can give your pet one tablespoon of oatmeal cream pie for every 20 pounds of their weight.
3. If My Dog Ate Oatmeal Cookies, What to Look for?
Plain oatmeal cookies might cause a mild upset stomach or loose stools (diarrhea) in your dog, but these symptoms usually clear up within a day. However, if your dog ate cookies with chocolate or raisins, watch out for these worsening signs below and call your vet or or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
- Restlessness
- More frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Throwing up: especially pay attention when persistent vomiting or vomiting with blood.
- Rapid heartbeat: need a vet visit as soon as possible.
- Tremors or seizures: the most serious signs and require immediate veterinary attention.
4. How to Safely Share Oatmeal Cookies with Your Dog?
Dogs shouldn’t eat human cookies, but some are safe to share in moderation. Small portions of plain cookies, oatmeal cookies, and peanut butter cookies (free of xylitol and allergens) might be okay.
Add some mashed veggies to increase the fiber and nutritional value of a cookie recipe for your dog. Cookies like chocolate chip cookies, raisin cookies, and macadamia nut cookies should be avoided since they contain chocolate, raisins, or nuts, even in trace amounts. Additionally, if you want to be kind to your dog’s teeth, choose soft cookie recipes rather than hard or crunchy ones.
To avoid the risk, consider making homemade oatmeal cookies specifically for your dog. This way, you’re in control of the ingredients and can use dog-safe substitutes like mashed banana for sweetness.
5. The Best Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs Recipe
Here’s a dog-friendly recipe that my puppy – Max, absolutely adores. I make them for him every month. So, believe me, this is incredibly easy! However, always consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any allergies or health concerns.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- ½ cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
- ½ cup mashed banana (ripe)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsalted peanut butter (creamy, xylitol-free)
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and oats.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the applesauce, peanut butter, and eggs. Mix well until combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies for spreading.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are slightly golden brown on the edges.
Tips:
– You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– For a fun twist, add a small amount of chopped apple or pumpkin puree to the dough.
– Remember, these cookies are a treat, not a replacement for a balanced diet.
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If you found this article by searching “Can dogs eat oatmeal cookies?” and then read it in its entirety, you should have a much better understanding of the risks associated with giving your dog what seems like a harmless treat. However, remember that your dog needs only a modest amount of oatmeal to thrive. We’ve answered your questions, and we hope you’re satisfied with our explanations of whether or not dogs can eat oatmeal cookies.
