...

Can Dogs Have Oat Milk – Learn The Risks & Benefits

If you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering if oat milk is a good option for your pet. So, can dogs have oat milk?

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the risks and benefits of giving your dog oat milk and outline some things to keep in mind if you decide to give it to them.

We’ll also discuss how often you can give your dog oat milk.

So, whether you’re simply curious about oat milk or are thinking about giving it to your dog, keep reading!

But first…

Can Dogs Have Oat Milk?

The short answer is yes, dogs can have oat milk. Oat milk is a safe and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk for your dog. In fact, oat milk contains more protein than cow’s milk and is also a good source of fiber.

That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before giving your dog oat milk.

First, make sure to check the labels of the oat milk you purchase. Some brands of oat milk contain carrageenan, which is a thickening agent that has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs.

If possible, choose oat milk that does not contain carrageenan.

Second, oat milk is high in sugar. Therefore, it’s important to give your dog oat milk in moderation.

We recommend giving your dog no more than 1/2 cup of oat milk per day.

Benefits of Consuming Oat Milk for Your Dog

Now that we’ve answered the question, “can dogs have oat milk?”, let’s discuss the benefits of giving your dog oat milk.

  • It’s dairy-free (low allergens and irritants)

Oat milk is a great alternative for dogs who are allergic to cow’s milk or have trouble digesting lactose. Why? Because oat milk is dairy-free. This means it’s low in allergens and irritants, making it easier on your dog’s stomach.

oats milk and berries on white table
  • It’s rich in calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins

Oat milk is also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and D. This makes it a great choice for dogs who are picky eaters or need an extra boost of nutrition. These nutrients are important for your dog’s bones, muscles, and immune system.

  • Can prevent anemia

Oat milk can also help prevent anemia in dogs. Anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the body. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and pale gums. 

It helps prevent anemia because it’s rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell production.

  • It can boost the immune system

Oat milk can also help boost your dog’s immune system. This is because it contains vitamins A and D, which are both important for a healthy immune system.

  • It can help build strong bones

Oat milk is also a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. As mentioned, it’s also rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy muscles.

  • It regulates blood sugar levels

Oat milk can also help regulate blood sugar levels. This is because it’s a low-glycemic food, which means it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

  • It’s high in fiber

Oat milk is also high in fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool and prevents constipation.

Risks of Consuming Oat Milk for Your Dog

Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of oat milk, let’s discuss the risks. Here are 6 risks to keep in mind before giving your dog oat milk.

1. Can upset dog’s stomach

While oat milk is generally safe for dogs, it can sometimes upset their stomach. This is because it’s high in fiber, which can cause gas and bloating. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, we recommend giving them oat milk in small amounts at first to see how they tolerate it.

2. Stomach ache

Oat milk can also cause stomach aches in some dogs. If your dog experiences a stomach ache after drinking oat milk, we recommend discontinuing use and speaking to your veterinarian. 

It can cause this discomfort because of the fiber content or carrageenan.

3. Diarrhea

Like any new food, oat milk can sometimes cause diarrhea in dogs. This is because their system is not used to the new food and needs time to adjust. 

If your dog has diarrhea after drinking oat milk, we recommend discontinuing use and speaking to your veterinarian.

4. Signs of discomfort

Some dogs may also show signs of discomfort, such as vomiting or lethargy, after drinking oat milk. It’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and stop giving them oat milk if they show any negative reactions.

cute little puppy eating on a fodd bowl

5. Hyperactivity

While some humans find that oat milk helps them to focus and feel more energized, this could have the opposite effect on dogs. If your dog becomes unusually hyperactive after drinking oat milk, it’s best to discontinue use.

This may happen because of the high sugar content in some oat milk products.

6. Obesity and diabetes

Oat milk is high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. Additionally, oat milk products that contain sweeteners may cause or worsen diabetes in dogs.

If your dog is overweight or has diabetes, it’s best to avoid giving them oat milk.

How Often Can You Feed Your Dog Oat Milk? 

Oat milk is generally safe for dogs to consume in moderation. We recommend giving your dog no more than 1/2 cup per day. You can give them this amount all at once or split it up into smaller meals throughout the day.

It’s also important to pay close attention to how your dog reacts after drinking oat milk.

As we mentioned, some dogs may experience upset stomachs or diarrhea. If your dog has any negative reactions, discontinue use and speak to your veterinarian.

What You Should Know Before Giving Oat Milk to Your Dog

If you’re thinking about giving your dog oat milk, there are a few things you should know first. Here’s what you need to keep in mind before giving your dog oat milk.

#1 – Ensure your dog isn’t allergic to the ingredients in oat milk

Before giving your dog oat milk, make sure they’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Oat milk contains oats, water, and sometimes other ingredients like salt, sugar, carrageenan, or vitamin D.

If your dog is allergic to any of these ingredients, don’t give them oat milk.

#2 – Choose unsweetened oat milk (before the Xylitol)

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s often used in oat milk. It’s safe for people, but it’s toxic to dogs. If you give your dog oat milk that contains xylitol, it could lead to serious health problems like liver failure or even death.

That’s why it’s important to choose unsweetened oat milk.

#3 – Only use organic and natural oat milk

When it comes to oat milk, not all products are created equal. Some oat milk is made with genetically modified ingredients, artificial flavors, and other chemicals that you may not want to give your dog.

To be safe, only give your dog organic and natural oat milk.

#4 – Control the amount of oat milk your dog drinks

You should also be careful about how much oat milk you give your dog. Too much oat milk can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Start by giving your dog a small amount of oat milk and see how they react. If they have no problems, you can slowly increase the amount you give them. However, you should still limit the amount of oat milk your dog drinks per day.

Will Oat Milk Hurt My Dog?

Generally no, however, there is no definitive answer to this question since every dog is different. Some dogs may be able to tolerate oat milk, while others may not. If you’re thinking about giving your dog oat milk, talk to your veterinarian first.

What Kind of Milk Is Safe for Dogs?

There are a few types of milk that are safe for dogs, including oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. However, you should always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of milk. This is because some dogs may be allergic to the ingredients in milk or they may have trouble digesting it.

Can Dogs Have Oat Milk Everyday?

While oat milk is generally safe for dogs, you should still limit the amount your dog drinks per day. Too much oat milk can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. Start by giving your dog a small amount of oat milk and see how they react before increasing the amount you give them.

Can My Dog Have Almond Milk?

Yes, dogs can have almond milk as long as they’re not allergic to the ingredients. However, you should always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of milk. This is because some dogs may be lactose intolerant, which can cause stomach upset.

Can Dogs Have Coconut Milk?

Yes, dogs can have coconut milk, but it’s important to note that not all brands are created equal. Some brands of coconut milk may contain xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that’s toxic to dogs. Always check the label and talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of milk.

Conclusion

Oat milk is generally safe for dogs, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before giving it to your dog.

Make sure your dog isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients, choose unsweetened oat milk, and only give your dog a small amount per day. In moderation, oat milk can be a healthy treat for your dog. Some of the health benefits include being a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

If you’re thinking about giving your dog oat milk, talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your dog and they can also give you guidance on how much to give them.

Did you give plant-based milk to your dog such as oat milk? If so, how often? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

Leave a Comment

Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.