One of the cutest and most exciting parts of having a dog in your life is being able to share snacks with them. But all too often, these snacks end up causing more harm than good for our canine companions.
While we may think some treats are perfectly safe, certain items can cause an upset stomach or gastrointestinal issues for our dogs.
One such treat that poses a potential risk is oatmeal cream pies, so today we’re diving into whether it’s safe to give your pup this classic snack. Can dogs eat oatmeal cream pies? Keep reading to find out!
What Are Oatmeal Cream Pies?
Oatmeal cream pies are a classic American dessert that have been a beloved treat for generations.
These tasty cookies consist of two soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling. They have a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart from other cookies and are a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.
The history of oatmeal cream pies can be traced back to the early 20th century when the company now known as Little Debbie introduced their famous snack cakes.
Originally, oatmeal cream pies were sold in a box of 12 for just 49 cents and quickly became a popular treat among kids and adults alike.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cream Pies?
Dogs should not eat oatmeal cream pies as they contain harmful ingredients such as sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, chocolate, and raisins. These ingredients can cause obesity, diabetes, and even death in dogs.
While oatmeal itself is generally safe for dogs and has health benefits, it is best to prepare plain oatmeal without any added sugar or ingredients that could be harmful. If you are unsure about what foods are safe for your furry friend, consult with your veterinarian.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts: Oatmeal cream pies are high in sugar and fat, which can cause digestive upset, obesity, and other health issues in dogs.
The ingredients of oatmeal cream pies also contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures or death. Additionally, oatmeal cream pies often have artificial flavors and preservatives, which are not good for dogs’ health.
Instead of feeding your dog oatmeal cream pies, consider offering them plain boiled oatmeal as a treat. Boiled oatmeal is a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins, and can help with digestion and weight management if fed in moderation.
Pro Tip: Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, and avoid feeding them sugary, fatty, and toxic human treats, including oatmeal cream pies.
How to Prepare Healthy Oatmeal Cream Pies for Dogs
Dogs can eat oatmeal cream pies as long as they are prepared in a dog-friendly way. Here’s a simple recipe to make homemade oatmeal cream pies for your furry friend:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of water
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp of honey
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, egg, applesauce, peanut butter, baking soda, and water until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool.
- For the filling, mix together the plain Greek yogurt and honey.
- Spread the filling onto one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
Your oatmeal cream pies are ready for your furry friend to enjoy!
Pro Tip: Store the oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, oatmeal cream pies can be a delicious snack for humans, but they are not a suitable treat for dogs.
While oatmeal itself is safe for dogs in moderate amounts, the high sugar and fat content in oatmeal cream pies can cause digestive issues and lead to obesity over time.
Additionally, oatmeal cream pies often contain artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet specifically formulated for its needs.
Avoid giving them human food, especially processed junk food, that can harm their health.
Instead, stick to dog-friendly treats like carrots, apples, and peanut butter that are safe and healthy for them.
