Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cream Pies? Could This Snack Secretly kill Your Dog?

Oatmeal cream pies are a beloved snack, with their sweet cream filling sandwiched between two soft oatmeal cookies. As dog owners, it’s natural to wonder if we can share our snacks with our canine companions. But are oatmeal cream pies safe and healthy for dogs to eat? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of feeding oatmeal cream pies to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Oatmeal cream pies are only suitable for dogs to eat sometimes. The sugar and fat can upset their stomachs. Vets say oatmeal cream pies should only be a rare treat for dogs.

The cookie part has some nutrients. But the creamy filling has no nutrition and is just sugar. Too much sugar and fat can make dogs sick if they eat them a lot.

Ask your vet first before giving your dog any new human foods. They will say how much is safe. Sometimes, start with only a tiny bite as a special snack.

Watch your dog after eating it. Stop giving oatmeal cream pies to dogs if they get sick or gain weight. Plain oatmeal cookies are better for dogs than creamy pies.

So oatmeal cream pies are more of a people’s snack. Dogs can have a little, but they are not so healthy. Veterinarians recommend it only rarely and in minimal amounts.

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What Ingredients Go Into Oatmeal Cream Pies For Dogs?

The Cookie Portions Contain:

• Enriched, bleached wheat flour
• Whole grain rolled oats
• Vegetable oil (soybean, cottonseed, palm)
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Natural and artificial flavors

The Sweet Creme Filling Has:

• Sugar
• Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (cottonseed, soybean)
• Water
• Corn syrup solids
• Whey powder
• Vanillin (artificial flavor)
• Mono and diglycerides

So the cookies provide some nutrients from oats and whole grains but contain refined oils and added sugars. The creamy centre is primarily sugar, oil, and corn syrup solids, with little nutritional value for dogs.

Are Oatmeal Cream Pies Bad For Dogs?

The answer is more complex. An occasional oatmeal cream pie likely won’t cause harm to most dogs, but it shouldn’t become a regular part of your dog’s diet. The cookies provide some nutritional benefits from oats, but the high sugar content means they should only be fed in strict moderation.

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of dogs eating oatmeal cream pies:

Potential Benefits Of Feeding Oatmeal Cream Pies To Dogs

• Oats provide fiber for digestion and some vitamins and minerals
• Whole wheat flour includes additional nutrients missing from white flour
• Molasses contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium

Potential Risks Of Feeding Oatmeal Cream Pies To Dogs

• High in processed sugars, which can cause weight gain and diabetes
• It contains trans fats from hydrogenated oils that are potentially harmful in excess
• The creamy filling is pure sugar and fat with no nutritional value
• Choking hazard from not properly chewing larger pieces

So while oatmeal cookies have some redeeming qualities, oatmeal cream pies are still best reserved as occasional dog treats rather than regular snack foods or dietary staples.

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Healthier Oatmeal Treat Alternatives for Dogs

For owners looking for healthier oatmeal-based treats, here are some options:

• Plain oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal makes a tremendously fiber-rich breakfast or dog snack. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
• Oatmeal dog biscuits: Look for baked treat recipes using oats, peanut butter, bananas, and other dog-safe ingredients.
• DIY oatmeal cookies: bake simple cookies at home with oats, whole wheat flour, applesauce, eggs, and no added sugar.
• Frozen oatmeal treats: Blend oatmeal, yogurt, and mashed banana, then freeze for a refreshing summer snack.

These provide the benefits of oatmeal’s nutrients and fiber without the excess sugar and fat in packaged cream pies. As always, introduce new foods gradually to watch for any digestive issues.

Are oatmeal-raisin cookies safe for dogs?

No, oatmeal raisin cookies should be avoided by dogs. While oats are acceptable and even healthy for dogs, raisins can cause kidney failure and toxicity. Even a small amount of raisins can be dangerous, so it’s best to steer clear of oatmeal raisin cookies. Stick to regular oatmeal cookies over raisin varieties when giving treats.

Feeding Guidelines for Oatmeal Cream Pies for dogs

If you do choose to share a small amount of your oatmeal cream pie with your pup, follow these tips:

• Start with tiny amounts, like 1-2 small bites, to test your dog’s reaction.
• Avoid giving your dog the creamy center, which is pure sugar. Only share the oatmeal cookie pieces.
• Break pieces into smaller bites to reduce choking hazards.
• Limit oatmeal cream pie treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric needs; provide proper nutrition through dog food for the rest.
• Introduce them slowly to their regular diet to watch for adverse effects like diarrhea or vomiting.
• Monitor your dog’s weight and reduce treats if they gain excess weight.
• Brush teeth after feeding sugary human treats to prevent tartar or cavities.

When changing your dog’s diet, use common sense and monitor their health closely. Discontinue treatment if any concerning symptoms develop.

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The Bottom Line: Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Oatmeal cream pies should only be an occasional treat for dogs in small portions, not a dietary staple. While oats provide some nutritional value, excess sugar means moderation is vital. The creamy center has no health benefits and poses a choking risk.

Try homemade oatmeal cookies without chocolate or raisins for a healthier oatmeal treat. As with any human food, use common sense and monitor your dog’s health when feeding oatmeal cream pies in strict moderation.

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