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For humans, oatmeal cookies are generally considered a healthier alternative to other cookies because they contain whole-grain oats, which are high in fiber, however, oatmeal cookies will still contain sugar and butter which are not healthy for dogs. Oatmeal cookies aren’t toxic to dogs unless they contain harmful additional ingredients like chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or macadamia nuts.
Below, we look at whether it is safe to give oatmeal cookies to dogs and some potentially healthier alternatives you can offer instead.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?
Oatmeal cookies are typically made from flour, eggs, butter, and whole rolled oats to form the basic dough. Some ingredients may use a leavening agent like baking powder, to make them puffier and to give them a better texture. It is common for oatmeal cookies to include additional ingredients. Most contain some form of sugar, while raisins are a common ingredient in this snack.
While plain oatmeal cookies, with no additives or extra ingredients, are generally safe to give to dogs in very small quantities and as an occasional treat, too much over time will lead to unwanted weight gain. The butter increases the fat content of this snack and some sensitive dogs may even develop pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas secondary to eating oatmeal cookies.
Those that contain raisins, xylitol, or some other potentially harmful ingredients could prove very dangerous for dogs. Please note that some ingredients may be harmful to some individual dogs. For example, wheat is fine for dogs in general, however some dogs can have wheat allergies. It is your responsibility to ensure that anything your dog eats is safe for them specifically. If in doubt about diet changes or treats, it is always best to ask your veterinarian.
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Avoid Cookies with These Toxic Ingredients
Oats and oatmeal are considered safe for dogs, and although it isn’t beneficial for them, plain or all-purpose flour is also generally safe for dogs. However, most oatmeal cookies made for human consumption include additional ingredients. Check the ingredients list on the packet and avoid cookies that include the following ingredients.
- Raisins – Grapes and any form of dried grapes, including raisins and sultanas can be highly toxic to dogs and you should avoid feeding them to your pup at all costs. They cause serious kidney and neurological problems and even a small amount can cause serious illness. Some dogs have died from raisin ingestion. Raisins are a common ingredient in oatmeal cookies because they add sweetness without the need to add extra sugar.
- Xylitol – Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in diet and low-sugar human foods because it is considered less fattening than real sugar. However, it is considered highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities. Depending your dog’s size, a single xylitol-laden cookie could be enough to make your dog very ill, causing problems with blood sugar levels and liver damage.
- Chocolate – The theobromine in chocolate is considered toxic to dogs and is found in higher concentrations in darker chocolate, which is often used to make the chocolate chips found in all varieties of cookies. The risk chocolate poses to dogs depends on the weight of the dog and the amount of chocolate they eat; signs can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to arrhythmias and tremors.
- Macadamia Nut – Macadamia nuts are perfectly safe for humans, but they can be toxic to dogs. Although scientists aren’t sure exactly what ingredient causes the toxic reaction in dogs, eating macadamia nuts, which can be found in some oatmeal cookies, especially fruit and nut varieties, can cause toxicity.
If your pup has accidentally ingested an oatmeal cookie with any of the above ingredients contact your veterinarian, Animal Poison Control, or Pet Poison Hotline for advice. Before you call try to determine how much of the toxic ingredient was consumed and when this occurred. It’s also helpful to know the dog’s weight and medical history.
Make Homemade Dog-Safe Oatmeal Cookies
If you like to give your dog treats, and want to share oatmeal cookies with them, you can make a healthy alternative for your pup.
Mash one large banana with one egg and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Once the mixture is well combined, add a cup of rolled oats. Make small cookies from one spoonful of the mixture each and spread them out evenly over a baking sheet before baking in an oven preheated to 350°F for around 10 minutes.
Make sure the biscuits don’t get too crispy—softer cookies are easier for some dogs to eat and offer a more enjoyable texture.
Is It Okay If My Dog Eats Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is found in a lot of commercial dog foods, and it is considered a healthy additive to a dog’s diet. In particular, it is full of fiber, which will leave your dog feeling full without them putting on too much weight. The oatmeal needs to be cooked, however, and you should ensure that it is prepared using water, rather than milk, as many dogs are lactose intolerant.
Can Dogs Eat Instant Oatmeal?
Instant oatmeal is convenient and easy. It takes a couple of minutes to prepare. However, you should only give this to your dog if oats are the only ingredient. It has fewer nutritional benefits than standard oatmeal or pure oats as they are pre-processed.
Can Dogs Eat Cookies?
Standard cookies are not usually considered healthy for canine consumption. Even though they may not all contain any toxic ingredients, the cookies contain a lot of sugar and butter.
Many types of cookies include additional ingredients like chocolate chips or raisins, and these, as discussed above, are toxic to dogs and should not be offered.
Conclusion
It can be tempting to share whatever you’re eating, or whatever treat you’re enjoying with your dog, especially if they’re eagerly watching every mouthful. Plain oatmeal cookies can be safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but are not healthy treats for them.
Some ingredients in oatmeal cookies can be toxic so you need to take care to avoid these completely. As well as commercial dog treats, there are healthier and safer alternatives. You can even make your dog their own peanut butter and oatmeal cookies, incorporating safe ingredients, that they can enjoy while you eat your own cookies.
Featured Image Credit: ajst68, Pixabay
