Learn how to whip up oatmeal for dogs on the stove or in the microwave. This two-ingredient recipe couldn’t be easier! Then, serve it plain or add mix-ins such as fruit, peanut butter, pumpkin, applesauce, seeds, or spices for extra flavor.
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Why Make Oatmeal For Your Dog
Is your furry friend getting tired of commercial dog foods? Or maybe your pet is getting older and you heard that oatmeal is good for senior dogs. There are a lot of different reasons to make your dog oatmeal.
Plus, cooking oatmeal makes you feel good because you know that you’re making something with wholesome ingredients. If you enjoy making homemade oatmeal dog treats, then you’ll enjoy making oatmeal for your pup.
Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs
Adding a little bit of oatmeal to your dog’s diet has many benefits.
First, oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which supports a healthy gut. It’s also a source of B vitamins for natural energy. Plus, oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your dog’s heart and joints.
Ingredients
You only need two simple ingredients: one from the grocery store and the other from the faucet. The exact measurements for this recipe are in the printable recipe card below.
- Old-fashioned Rolled Oats
- Water
As a general rule, when using old-fashioned oats, you’ll need 1 part oats to 2 parts water, or 1 cup of oats to 2 cups of water.
To make organic oatmeal, you’ll need to use organic oats.
How to Cook Oatmeal for Dogs
There are two ways you can prepare oatmeal for dogs, on the stove or in the microwave.
Stovetop Method
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the raw oats.
- Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the oats are tender and have absorbed the water.
- Cool the oatmeal to room temperature.
Microwave Method
- Pour the water and oats into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed the water.
- Cool the oatmeal to room temperature.
Do not give hot oatmeal to dogs because it can burn their mouth.
Cooking Instructions for Other Types of Oats
Instant Oats – Empty a packet into a small bowl and add ½ cup of boiling water. Stir and let it sit for 1 minute. Or empty a packet into a microwave-safe bowl, add ⅔ cup of cold water, microwave on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes, and stir.
Quick Cooking Oats – Bring water to a boil in a pot and stir in the oats. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 1 minute. Or combine oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes.
Steel Cut Oats – Use ¼ cup of steel-cut oats and 1½ cups of water. Cook in a pan on the stovetop over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often. Or microwave in a large microwave-safe bowl that will hold at least 8 cups of liquid (or it will overflow) for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Flavorful Mix-ins and Toppings
Once the oatmeal is cooked, you can stir in some mix-ins or sprinkle on toppings to give it more flavor and added nutrients. Here are some ideas:
- Fruit – Apple, Banana, Mango, Peach, Pear, or Pineapple
- Berries – Blueberries, Raspberries, or Strawberries
- Seeds – Chia, Flax, Hemp, Pumpkin, or Sunflower
- Natural Peanut Butter without sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Plain Pumpkin Puree (do not use pumpkin pie mix)
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Spices and Herbs – Up to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, curly parsley, ginger, mint or rosemary
Serving Size and Frequency
How much oatmeal you give your dog depends on the size of your dog.
The recommended amount is 1 to 2 tablespoons for every 20 pounds of body weight. For a small dog under 20 pounds, the amount would be 1 to 2 teaspoons.
While this is a tasty treat, it should only be given to your dog twice per week.
Giving oatmeal to your dog too much or too often could cause digestive upset.
Please consult with your vet on the proper amount and frequency for your specific pet. It can be different based on a dog’s special dietary needs or health issues.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Place the cooled oatmeal in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For extended storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Portion the oatmeal in an ice cube tray and freeze. Transfer the frozen oatmeal to a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag. Either thaw it in the fridge overnight or give it to your dog as a frozen treat.
You do not need to reheat oatmeal for your dog. However, you can reheat it in the microwave in 15-second increments until it is slightly warm. You can thin it down with a little bit of water if it is too thick.
Do not give hot oatmeal to your dog because it will burn your dog’s mouth.
More Dog Treat Recipes
Do you want to make more delicious treats with oats or oat flour for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Apple Oatmeal Pupcakes
- Chicken Breakfast Bowl for Dogs
- Dog Cookies with Pumpkin
- Egg Bites for Dogs
- Granola for Dogs
- Homemade Oatmeal Dog Treats with Peanut Butter
- Low Fat Dog Treats
Find lots of easy homemade dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Oatmeal for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Old-fashioned Rolled Oats
Instructions
- Stovetop: Pour water into a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil. Stir in oats. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and the oats have absorbed the water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool.
- Microwave: Combine water and oats in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir and allow to cool.
- Serve plain or stir in mix-ins for additional flavor.
Notes
- Banana
- Berries – Blueberries, Raspberries, or Strawberries
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Peanut Butter (natural without any sweetener, xylitol is toxic)
- Plain Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling)
- Seeds – Ground Flax, Hemp, and Chia
- Cinnamon – up to ½ teaspoon
Our puppies loved it! We did thin the cooked oatmeal down with some our homemade bone broth. Hopefully this will be a good addition to their nutrition journey.
Oh great! I’m so glad your pups enjoyed the oatmeal.