Many dog owners enjoy sharing home-baked goodies like oatmeal raisin cookies with their canine companions. But are oatmeal raisin cookies safe for dogs to eat? This article covers everything you need to know before feeding these cookies to dogs.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬?
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a beloved homemade cookie recipe made with old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, butter, eggs, cinnamon, flour, baking powder or soda, vanilla, and raisins. The oats provide fiber, while the raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture. While the ingredients sound wholesome, several elements of this cookie can be harmful for canines.
𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬?
Plain oatmeal cookies without raisins or chocolate chips can be safely fed to dogs in moderation. Oatmeal provides soluble fiber, iron, and trace minerals without upsetting most dogs’ stomachs. Limit high-sugar ingredients when baking oatmeal cookies for dogs. An occasional low-sugar oatmeal cookie can serve as a fiber-filled training treat.
𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬?
While plain oatmeal is fine, oatmeal raisin cookies are not recommended for dogs. The main concern is the raisins they contain. Raisins – along with grapes – have the potential to cause kidney failure in dogs when eaten, even in small quantities.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬?
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain toxins that can lead to sudden kidney failure and lack of urine production in dogs. The exact mechanisms behind their toxicity are not fully understood. Even a small amount of raisins or grapes can risk your dog’s health.
Potential Digestive Issues
The high fiber content in oatmeal raisin cookies may also cause digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. The spices and sugar alcohol in the cookies can further exacerbate these issues.
𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬
It’s better to avoid feeding oatmeal raisin cookies to dogs altogether. However, if your dog accidentally eats one or two, watch for these signs of raisin toxicity:
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Lethargy/weakness
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
See the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms after consuming raisins or grapes. Speedy treatment is critical for the best chance of recovery.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬
If your dog eats an oatmeal raisin cookie, remain calm but take action quickly. Call your vet or pet poison control right away. They will advise you on how to induce vomiting and how much activated charcoal to administer to absorb toxins. Aggressive treatment starting within the first 24 hours gives dogs the best chance of overcoming raisin toxicity.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
While oatmeal can provide nutritional benefits to dogs, oatmeal raisin cookies also contain dangerous raisins that can lead to kidney damage and failure. Never purposefully feed oatmeal raisin cookies to your dog. Store cookies safely out of your dog’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion. If your dog eats a raisin-containing food, contact your vet immediately for proper treatment. With quick action, the prognosis for raisin toxicity can be positive. Stick to regular dog treats and biscuits for a healthy, safe snack for your canine friend.
𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬
𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥?
A: You can safely bake dog cookies with oat flour or ground oats. Just avoid adding any raisins or grapes which are toxic to dogs.
𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐠?
A: As few as 4-5 raisins per kg of body weight can potentially cause renal failure in dogs. The exact toxic dose depends on the size of the dog. Even a few raisins can be dangerous.
𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬?
A: Anise cookies are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. The anise flavoring contains only a small amount of anethole oil, which is mildly toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities. Overall, a few anise cookies pose little risk
𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥?
A: Yes, plain oatmeal is safe for dogs and provides beneficial fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Cooked oatmeal is better for dogs than raw oats.
𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬?
The chocolate chips present an additional toxicity risk. Contact your vet right away if your dog eats chocolate chip cookies of any kind.
