Ingredient Spotlight: Oats
With grain, or without grain? For pet owners around the world, that is the question when it comes to choosing the right diet for their pups. Many owners are concerned that commercial dog food brands use wheat and corn byproducts as a filler, giving their dogs less nutrients per tasty bite of food. However, grains are an important part of a balanced diet for every dog, as they provide critical vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Here at Pawsitively Pure, we like to find the right ingredients for every dog’s diet. One of our treat flavors, blueberry and oats, prominently features oats in the recipe. Here are a few reasons why oats are a healthy grain to include in your dog’s diet:
Proteins are higher in proteins and fats than other types of grains. Proteins and fats are extremely important to your dog’s diet. They’re what help give your dog its energy levels, a shiny coat, healthy skin, and more. Adding in a grain that gives your dog an extra boost of those healthy fats to keep them happy!
If your dog does have a gluten sensitivity, oats are a good alternative grain to add to their diet. Oats still pack the punch of fiber your dog needs to keep their gut healthy. Currently, oats do not undergo any genetic modification or engineering. Furthermore, oats that haven’t been processed with grains like wheat, barley, and rye, are completely gluten free.
Oats are packed with vitamins and minerals. Take a look at the health benefits of oats and you’ll see a long list of important vitamins and minerals, like zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin B, and vitamin E. The best way to get your nutrition - or for your dog to get their nutrition - is to get it through whole foods rather than supplements.
Any dog will benefit from a diet that’s high in protein and lower in carbohydrates, so we don’t recommend that you make up large portions of your dog’s diet with oats. However, in moderation, oats can be a healthy snack or a great addition to daily meals. Try our blueberry and oat dog treats and we know your pup will love them! To learn more, send us a message or browse through our products.