Oatmeal can be a very effective remedy for diarrhea in dogs as it is bland and acts as a binding agent. You can give it with other bland foods or a small amount alone.
Oatmeal also contains vitamins like vitamin B and omega-6 fatty acids which are great for skin and coat.
How to prepare oatmeal for your dog with diarrhea
Do not add sugar or salt
Feeding your dog oatmeal with sugar and salt added will negate all of the possible positive side effects of feeding them a bland diet. It is important that you do not add anything to the meal as sugar or salt can possibly worsen the situation and cause more gastrointestinal upset.
If your dog refuses to eat plain oatmeal, you can always cook it in organic no-salt chicken or vegetable broth.
Avoid pre-packaged oatmeals
Oatmeals that come prepackaged oftentimes have added flavorings or sweeteners and in some cases, these can be life-threatening sweeteners like xylitol.
Instead, opt for organic whole rolled plain oats.
Use the appropriate amounts
In general, for every cup of dry oatmeal, you should add two cups of water. Bring this to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the oatmeal and cook for at least 10 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.
If your packaging has directions on the packaging, as most do, follow those instead of the ones above.
Let it cool
Always allow the oatmeal to cool completely for at least 10 minutes. As tempting as it may be to feed your pup their oatmeal right away if the food is too hot it can not only cause burns in the mouth but it can further irritate their system.
Store properly
If your pup doesn’t eat all of their oatmeal you can place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Try not to let it sit in their dish for more than 30 minutes left uneaten.
Slowly mix in their regular diet
Once your pup starts to show signs of improvement, this should be no more than 2-3 days, and slowly begin to mix in their regular dog food over a period of two weeks.
If they do not show any improvement or the symptoms worsen you should contact your vet immediately for more advice and direction.
FAQs
Can I add yogurt to my dog’s oatmeal?
Yes, adding plain yogurt to cooked plain oatmeal is fine to do and may help increase the good gut bacteria needed in your dog’s stomach. You can even purchase yogurt just for dogs. Make sure to choose plain yogurt without any sweeteners.
What if my dog won’t eat plain oatmeal
If your dog refuses to eat the oatmeal plain, you can stir in a small amount of warm no salt, organic chicken, or vegetable broth to entice them to eat.
References
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/70/4/1169/4631981
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