While it is entirely possible that your dog can safely enjoy some oatmeal cookies with you on the couch, we would strongly advise against it.
Homemade dog treats and human cookies aren’t exactly one and the same. The high sugar content, along with the risk of stomach upset to your pet just isn’t worth it. This isn’t even considering the risk of toxic ingredients to your pet being contained inside that crunchy cookie.
Dogs have a tendency to get into food left out, and this can oftentimes leave pet owners in a state of absolute panic.
There are obvious things most dog owners know not to keep around or out in plain sight – chocolate, xylitol, garlic, and onions are all extremely toxic and most people are well aware of these. But what about things like baked goods? A cookie couldn’t possibly harm a dog, right? Can dogs eat oatmeal cookies? We present you with a guide to safe treats for your companion.
To better understand why we recommend against letting your dog indulge in sugar cravings with you, we’ll take a closer look at the potential things that make oatmeal cookies (and other various cookies) unsafe.
Are Plain Oatmeal Cookies Safe?
Can dogs eat oatmeal cookies? Yes, a plain oatmeal cookie with no additives, spices, or alcohol-based extracts is likely to be fine for your pet. There is nothing inherently toxic in an oatmeal cookie that would harm your dog.
You still need to exercise caution when allowing your dog to eat high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. There’s no health benefits to oatmeal cookies. You would be better off feeding your dog cooked steel-cut oatmeal.
When dogs consume an excessive amount of sugar, it has the same negative impacts as it does on people in terms of blood sugar, as well as the potential for obesity or heart disease. Healthy snacks should always be prioritized over an occasional treat.
Obese or older dogs are also at an already increased risk for diabetes, liver failure, renal failure/kidney failure.
There are, however, some types of oatmeal cookies you need to outright avoid, as they are toxic to dogs and make them extremely sick. This includes cookies with chocolate chips, and oatmeal raisin cookies.
Are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Safe for My Dog?
Oatmeal raisin cookies are not safe, as raisins (and grapes) are toxic to dogs. They have been shown to cause acute kidney failure. Even as little as one single grape or raisin can be harmful to a smaller toy breed.
My Dog Got Into Some Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – What Can I Do?
If your dog has gotten into any sort of oatmeal raisin cookies, you may need to induce vomiting immediately, and contact your veterinarian for extended care. Before taking any further steps or inducing vomiting, you may want to contact your vet to find out the best way to do so.
Most commonly, hydrogen peroxide is used in a 3% concentration at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of weight. Upon noticing any sort of gastrointestinal distress or signs like vomiting or diarrhea, you should take immediate action and don’t hesitate. The actual ’cause’ of this toxicity is still not fully understood, but believed to be related to the “tannins” specifically in the fruit.
Are Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon or Vanilla Safe for My Dog?
As a natural spice cinnamon is perfectly safe, as is vanilla. However, you need to be mindful of alcohol-based tinctures and extracts, as the high alcohol content in these is unsafe for dogs and can cause more than an upset stomach. Even miniscule amounts of alcohol are poisonous to dogs as their bodies can not readily metabolize it.
Other forms of vanilla and cinnamon, such as powdered varieties or alcohol-free liquids are completely safe, but may still cause upset stomach and irritation to the digestive tract.
Is Sugar Safe for Dogs? Potential Digestive Distress
The best food for dogs can also be human food, but you have to ensure the safety of ingredients for your pet. Harmful ingredients can be lurking in even plain sugar cookies (xylitol). Dog treats are always specifically made with this in mind, and will often substitute harmful ingredients out for things like peanut butter or bananas
Loading your dog up with treats filled with refined sugar and carbohydrates is never a good idea. This will only lead to metabolic issues, tooth decay, and stomach distress down the road.
Dogs, like people, need sugar bound to whole food like fruit. Fruit naturally contains high amounts of fiber and water, which help to slow down the absorption of fructose. While dogs do need plentiful amounts of healthy carbohydrates like humans, they are much more sensitive to sugar than us. Too much refined sugar and refined carbohydrates from baked goods will result in additional burden on their internal organs.
Conclusion – Alternative Healthy Treats That You Can Make At Home
Baking and making food for your dog at home is a great way to control exactly what ends up in the final product. Basic things in your pantry or fridge: coconut oil, oat flour, oatmeal, eggs, bananas can be turned into a healthy banana biscuit you can also enjoy yourself.
Before feeding your dog that treat of yours, always pay mind to the ingredients listed on the product. The best option is to opt to bake your own healthy, homemade treats or purchase dog treats specifically manufactured for dogs.
So, can dogs eat oatmeal cookies? Oatmeal cookies aren’t inherently toxic to dogs but they still aren’t the best choice for your pet.
Cookies of any variety can be high in sugar, carbohydrates, and often contain hidden ‘problematic’ ingredients like xylitol or vanilla extract that can be toxic to your pet. Instead, making peanut butter or fruit based treats at home is always a better, safer option. Your furry companion will thank you and so will their gut.
