Porridge
What is porridge?
Porridge is a porridge made from cooked oat flakes and water. Oatmeal is made from the grain oats and contains many valuable nutrients, such as
- Fiber, which aids digestion and supports the intestinal flora
- Mucilage, which protects and soothes the stomach and intestinal mucosa
- Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron, which are important for electrolyte balance, bone structure and oxygen transport
- B vitamins, which are involved in many metabolic processes and strengthen the nervous system
- Vitamin E, which has an antioxidant effect and protects cells from free radicals
- Protein, which is needed for muscle building and regeneration
Oats also contain very little gluten, which can lead to intolerances in some dogs. Oatmeal is therefore also suitable for dogs with a grain-free diet or a wheat allergy.
How do I prepare porridge oats for my dog?
Preparing porridge for your dog is very quick and easy. You only need two ingredients: Oat flakes and water. You should not use milk, as many dogs cannot tolerate lactose.
You can use different types of oatmeal, depending on how fine or coarse you want the porridge to be. There are tender, grainy or instant oat flakes. The only important thing is that you never feed the oats raw, as they are then difficult to digest.
For one portion of oatmeal, take about 60 grams of rolled oats and 300 milliliters of water. Put both in a pan and bring to the boil while stirring. Then let it simmer on a low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until a slimy porridge is formed. You can also add a pinch of salt to improve the taste.
Leave the porridge to cool before serving it to your dog. You can feed it on its own or mix it with the normal food. You can also add some fruit or vegetables to make the porridge even tastier. For example, apple, banana or strawberries are good natural sweeteners.
When should I give my dog porridge?
Porridge is suitable for dogs as part of a so-called light diet. This is recommended, among other things, if the dog suffers from diarrhea or stomach problems. For example, porridge can help with the following complaints:
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- flatulence
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- Loss of appetite
In these cases, porridge has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and provides the dog with fluids and electrolytes. It can also rebuild the intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system.
However, you should not feed your dog only porridge permanently, as he could otherwise miss out on important nutrients. You should therefore switch back to normal food after a few days or only give the porridge as a supplement.
What are the benefits of porridge for my dog?
Porridge has many benefits for your dog that go beyond a light diet. For example, porridge oats can
- make the coat shiny and the skin healthy, thanks to the high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids
- regulate weight by having a satiating effect and stabilizing blood sugar levels
- strengthen muscles by providing high-quality protein
- maintain teeth by exercising the chewing muscles and removing plaque
- boost your mood by releasing serotonin, which is known as the happiness hormone
What are the disadvantages of oatmeal for my dog?
Porridge also has some disadvantages for your dog that you should be aware of. For example, porridge can
- lead to bloating if the dog eats too much of it or does not tolerate it well
- lead to constipation if the porridge is too thick or contains too little liquid
- lead to allergies if the dog is sensitive to oats or other ingredients
- lead to deficiency symptoms if the mash is given as a complete food or displaces other nutrients
Porridge is a healthy and tasty home remedy for dogs that is particularly helpful for gastrointestinal problems. It contains many valuable nutrients that can promote your dog's well-being and vitality. Oatmeal is very easy to prepare and you can vary it as you wish.
However, you should make sure that you don't give your dog too much porridge or use it as a complete food. You should also always pay attention to your dog's tolerance and reaction.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
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