Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk? (What Happens)

A plant-based milk known to be healthier for we hoo-mans and our canine buddies, oat milk is commonly used as one of the best lactose-free substitutes for regular cow’s milk.

Dogs are perfectly capable of digesting oat milk, and it can even be beneficial for their health. Oat milk is a good source of essential nutrients like vitamins A and D, as well as calcium and phosphorus. It’s also relatively low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for dogs who are a tad chubby or have trouble digesting other types of milk.

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can dogs drink oat milk — Can dogs drink oat milk? (What Happens)

Of course, as with any food, it’s important to introduce oat milk to your dog slowly and in moderation. Start by mixing a small amount into their regular food, and increase the amount gradually over time.

Is Oat Milk Safe for Dogs?

Like humans, many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning that they have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is actually safer to feed your dog oat milk compared to other kinds of milk that contain lactose.

Oat milk is not toxic and is safe for dogs to consume in moderation. It is important to not feed your dog any sort of flavored oat milk like those with artificially added vanilla and chocolate. Additives such as these can contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.

Plain oat milk is safe for dogs when consumed in small amounts. Oat milk is typically healthier than other types of milk, as it contains less sugar and fat, making it less likely to cause unwanted weight gain in your pooch.

Although oat milk is safe for dogs, it is not necessary because dog food is typically already formulated with the nutritional requirements of your dog in mind. Oat milk is not a part of a dog’s natural diet and is not a necessity to supplement vitamins in their diet.

If you’re unsure about how your dog will react, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian first. But rest assured, oat milk is perfectly safe for your furry friend.

A dog drinks and eats at raised feeding bowls.

Benefits of Oat Milk for Dogs

The benefits of oat milk for dogs are remarkably similar to the benefits that humans also enjoy. For starters:

Oat milk lacks the lactose and allergens that cause digestive issues for dogs with allergies or lactose intolerance.
It can aid in regulating blood sugar levels while providing various vitamins that are beneficial for your pup.
Calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and D are commonly found in oat milk and can be good for your dog.
Oat milk can actually promote a healthier bowel in your dog by containing high amounts of fiber and boosting the immune system.
Oat milk can help maintain a dog’s red blood cell count and the levels of hemoglobin, which can prevent anemia.
Oat milk can promote bone health in your dog with the high levels of calcium and vitamin D commonly contained in it.
If your dog suffers from gluten or wheat allergies, oat milk is a safe alternative that is not likely to trigger these allergies.

Overall, if consumed in the bounds of moderation, oat milk can boost the immune system and provide a variety of benefits for your dog.

Pug runs — Pug actively plays at the park.

Risks of Oat Milk for Dogs

Most human foods are upsetting to your dog’s sensitive stomach if they are consumed in large amounts, so it is important to feed your dog oat milk in moderation. It is a good idea to opt for a brand of oat milk that is organically or naturally made.

Stomach Issues

If your dog consumes a large amount of oat milk at once, it may begin to experience stomach problems such as tummy aches, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If your dog consumes only a small amount of oat milk, these issues should not be too serious and should pass within a reasonable time frame. If your dog is sensitive to oats or grains, consuming oat milk can cause some serious gastrointestinal upsets, not to mention the explosive farts!

If your dog consumes oat milk and experiences problems that continue or limit their ability to eat their normal meals and drink water, you might want to take them to a vet to rule out any other underlying problem.

my dog's stomach is gurgling — Why is my dog’s stomach is gurgling?

Hyperactivity

Many brands of commercial oat milk come artificially sweetened, which means your dog is about to have a sugar rush!

This sweetened oat milk can raise a dog’s heart rate leading to increased anxiety. For the best oat milk, look for something unsweetened or something with naturally flavored sweeteners like honey or molasses.

Boston Terrier running on a leash — A Boston Terrier on a leash running with her owner.

Obesity & Diabetes

Most human foods can cause obesity and diabetes in dogs if given too frequently or in large amounts. If your dog consumes a lot of sweetened oat milk over time they are more prone to suffering from obesity and diabetes. A dog’s digestive system is not able to handle the amount of sugar that humans can, and it can cause life-long or life-threatening issues.

obese brown Dachshund — Fat brown Dachshund with his ball at the beach.

Allergies & Intolerances

Before feeding your dog oat milk, it is important to be aware of any allergies or intolerances that they may have.

Additional signs that your dog is having an adverse reaction to oat milk are:

Lethargy
Seizures
Weakness
Itchiness
Swelling of the face, lips, ears, or eyes
Stomach pain

Before you feed your dog anything new, remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs and that they should not be consumed in large amounts. While oat milk is generally safe for dogs to eat, the key is moderation to ensure that it does not cause unwanted side effects.

sick brown poodle — A sick poodle lies on the bed.

Before Giving Your Dog Oat Milk

Before you incorporate something new into your dog’s diet, there are a few things you’ll have to pay attention to.

Make yourself aware of any allergies your dog has, and the ingredients in the oat milk.
If you are wanting to add oat milk into your dog’s regular diet, talk with your veterinarian beforehand to make sure that this is warranted and safe for your dog and their nutritional needs.
Ensure that you are choosing unsweetened oat milk for your dog.
Read the ingredients list, and make sure to avoid Xylitol, a chemical used as a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening problems.
Make sure you are only giving your dog small quantities of oat milk in their meals for a start.
Pay close attention to your dog after they have oat milk for the first time, to ensure it is not upsetting their stomach or causing behavioral changes.

bernese mountain puppy drinking milk — A Bernese Mountain puppy feeding a bottle of milk.

Ways to Give Your Dog Oat Milk

It is important when introducing oat milk to your dog to do so slowly. By adding a bit of oat milk into your dog’s normal food at their normal mealtime, their sensitive tummies can grow accustomed to it.

Oat milk can be added to kibble to soften the food and make it more palatable. In addition, you can give your dog a small bowl of oat milk on occasion to boost their nutrient and fiber intake.

Oat milk can also be added to prepared meals or soft food to enhance the flavor or soften the texture.

why does my dog flip his water bowl — Why does my dog flip his water bowl? [Fixes]

DIY Oat Milk You Can Make At Home

If you are worried about the ingredients found in commercially available oat milk, you can easily make it yourself at home. By making the oat milk yourself, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it, and that it is safe for your dog to eat.

Simply stir 4 cups of water and 1 cup of rolled oats in a blender and process until they are smooth. Then strain the contents with a fine cloth or coffee filter into a jug or container. This is an easy method you can use to create a small amount of oat milk that is safer for your dog than manufactured oat milk.

However, you choose to introduce oat milk to your dog, make sure to do so gradually. Observe how they react, and if all seems well, you can add more within reason. If there is a negative reaction to the oat milk, consult your vet before continuing.

dog eats breakfast — Dog owner pours milk to his dog’s bowl.

Final Thoughts On Oat Milk For Dogs

Oat milk is generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, oat milk often contains added sugar, which can cause an upset stomach or lead to weight gain.

Starbucks coffee shop front — Starbucks coffee shops do not allow dogs inside the premises except for service dogs. (But you can order a puppycino!)

Additionally, some brands of oat milk are fortified with vitamins and minerals that may not be necessary or beneficial for your dog.

As long as you are sure to keep your dog’s oat milk consumption within moderation, it is completely safe for them to eat.

For these reasons, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian before adding oat milk to your dog’s diet. They can help you choose a brand that is right for your pup and advise you on how much oat milk is safe to feed them.