If you own a dog, you might be concerned if it is okay to feed your dog with plant-based dairy alternatives like oat milk. If you happen to be someone who enjoys your creamy milk daily in the morning and you notice your pup eager to have a slurp of your drink, this might get you thinking can dogs have oat milk.
Though non-dairy milk alternatives happen to be healthier choices as they continue to have fewer calories than cow’s or goat’s milk, dogs must not drink milk by nature. They are carnivores in nature, and it is much better to consume water instead of dairy products. But, if they’re eager to have some, there is no harm in giving them oat milk in moderate amounts once in a while.
However, make sure that they do not get stomach upset and look out for allergies or lactose intolerance issues. To get a better understanding, we will find out in detail if it is fine for your canine buddy to drink oat milk or not.
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Is It Safe To Give Your Dog Oat Milk?
If you love your doggie and want to ensure that they live a long and healthy life, you need to be careful about what you are feeding them. Even though you are aware human food should be given in moderation to dogs, you might still be wondering if it is safe for your beloved pet to drink oat milk or not.
Oat milk is a good and healthy dairy alternative to share with your beloved pooch. They can enjoy this nutritious drink as it contains low sugar and lactose content, making it best suited for lactose-intolerant pups. It’s best to feed them in moderation, as overindulgence can lead to gastric issues because oat milk contains high fiber content.
Oat milk is packed with nutrients and is a special treat if your furry companion enjoys the taste. It works great as an occasional drink for dogs on a limited diet and needs to include extra nutrition on their plate. Though your pet dog doesn’t need to drink oat milk often, giving them once in a while would be a great alternative to the carbohydrate treats. It is rich in vitamin D, linoleic acid, and vitamin B, making it a healthier diet choice for your pet animal.
However, the overdosage of oat milk can result in vomiting and diarrhea. To top it off, the high fiber content can irritate their gastrointestinal lining and make them feel uncomfortable.
Benefits Of Feeding Dogs With Oat Milk
Irrespective of being rich in fiber, oat milk is a healthy dairy alternator that canine animals can easily digest when given in moderation. This is because oat milk is free from most irritants and allergens commonly found in dairy milk.
Furthermore, it is safe to feed your pup with oat milk as it is much easier for them to digest and keeps them from falling sick right away. The high calcium content in this plant-based milk makes it suitable for dogs of all sizes. The reason why oat milk is considered the best choice among plant-based dairy products are:
- Oat milk contains more calcium than cow’s milk, which is essential for developing strong bones and teeth.
- It helps reduce the risk of heart issues among canine animals as it lowers the level of bad cholesterol.
- It is rich in minerals, proteins, and healthy fibers, making it suitable for those having bowel movement issues.
- It is a rich source of vitamin D, which helps in strengthening the immune system and increases the nutritional intake of your pup.
- It tastes similar to regular cow’s milk, and giving your pet oats milk in moderation at times will enrich the nutrient content of their diet.
- Furthermore, it promotes oral hygiene, better digestion and assists in the weight control of your beloved pup.
How Often Should You Feed?
Now that you are aware that too much oat milk is not good for your pooch, you might not know how often you should feed them. Feeding your pet with too much oat milk or too often can lead to severe vomiting and stomach upset. Oat milk contains a high concentration of fibers and carbohydrates, which can be difficult for the canines to digest properly. This is why you must feed them in moderation.
If you’re particular about feeding your pup with small amounts of oat milk to increase your nutrient intake, it’s advisable to start gradually. Initially, give them less than five ml to see how they handle it. If they’re doing well, you can increase the amount next time.
By gradually introducing oat milk, their digestive system will be able to adjust, and it prevents any adverse reactions. Please do not feed them more than 2 tablespoons of milk in the week. Even if they get adjusted to it, too much can cause trouble. In case you notice any adverse health reactions, contact your vet immediately.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
While oat milk is an excellent source of nutrients and is packed with vitamins, overdose can cause gastrointestinal issues in your pet. If your canine companion has a sensitive digestive system, the risk is pretty much high.
When introduced initially, oat milk can cause side effects that tend to disappear within 24 hours. These include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Weight loss.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Stomach cramps.
- Loose stool.
Some of the other symptoms you might notice if you give them too much oat milk are:
Gastrointestinal issues – If sensitive, they have feelings of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Diabetes and obesity – On feeding them too much-sweetened oat milk, they tend to become obese in the long run. As they cannot handle too much sugar, this can be life-threatening.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering whether your beloved pup can drink plant-based dairy alternatives like oat milk or not, the answer is yes but in moderation. It is advisable to provide your canine babies with organic oat milk that does not contain sweeteners, additives, sugars, and artificial flavors.
If you’re planning to feed them, it’s best to start with small amounts initially or discuss with the vet which is the right amount. However, not all dogs may enjoy the taste, and some may face irritable bowel issues. As a responsible dog owner, look out for ill effects before you continue including oat milk in their diet.
