Welcome back to our new article, where we will look at yet another exciting aspect of the beautiful Spaniel’s life. As many pet parents often express their concern regarding introducing oat milk to their pups, here we will briefly discuss the subject. So, let’s start.
Yes, oat milk, when introduced properly, is completely safe for your beloved pooches. However, the same needs to be done without any added flavours and must be administered in moderation only. Given their plant-based sourcing, slowly and gradually adding the milk into their feeding schedule doesn’t pressure their little tummies. The milk is super easy-to-digest and has nil toxic components, making it one of the best calcium sources out there.
Now that we know that oat milk is safe for Spaniels let’s find more about it.
Table of Contents
Why oat milk?
Unlike cow or soy milk, oat milk comes naturally free of lactose, soy, nuts, dairy, and everything terrible for a Spaniel. Thus, allowing your woofer to slurp a bowl full of oat milk occasionally is nothing to be worried about. Even more, the milk has higher nutritional components, making it best suitable for your active, lively puppy. These include Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin D, calcium, fibre, etc.
While oat milk in its purest form has no side effects on your Spaniel’s health, opting for flavoured ones is a big NO. This is because such kinds of milk arrive with artificial sweeteners that can risk their livers, kidneys and spleen when continued for long. The excessive sweetness will also make your pup’s bottom itchy, requiring you to administer them with dewormers much before their next due date.
What are the benefits of oat milk for Spaniels?
Apart from being tasty, oat milk is also packed with numerous health benefits. Arriving with many different minerals, nutrients, potassium, iron and antioxidants, not only keeps them active and cheerful but also provides much-needed strength to their bones. Unlike other milk varieties, oat milk is a good source of fibre and is best advised for pups with a history of bowel irregularity issues. When consumed, the components act together, helping the dog form soft excreta that quickly passes out of its system.
Similarly, if your pooch is allergic to grains and wheat, offering them oat milk in moderation also helps their body to replenish lost carbohydrates. This way, you don’t have to continually run to pet stores searching for a grain and wheat free treato. The milk variant also aids in preventing anaemia and boosting the immune system, thereby making your pup much healthier and happier.
Are there any side effects?
As you may have heard, “Anything extreme always comes with negative effects”, feeding your Spaniel too much oat milk can be pretty hazardous to their health. Dogs are carnivores, and hence the only liquid they require is simple and plain water. While occasionally treating them with the milk is safe, regular consumption or offering them more is never wise.
When ignored, given the high concentration of fibres, your Spaniel will end up with nasty diarrhoea accompanied by recurrent throw-ups. This will also mess with their gastrointestinal tract, thereby leaving them severely dehydrated and unable to digest anything they eat.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Fever and vomiting
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Runny episodes
- Unusual behavioural changes
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Liver or kidney failure
Pet parents need to treat oat milk as an occasional treat rather than an optimal dog feed substitute. You never know when a simple harmless situation can escalate into a much more severe one, requiring emergency vet assistance or admission. So, why take risks with the lives of these tiny angels???
How to introduce oat milk to Spaniels?
Unless your pooch is allergic to general carbohydrates and grains, oat milk is not at all essential. But, if you are set on feeding your dog this tasty treat for whatever reason, making sure that the pup is non-allergic to oats is the first step.
Once ensured, always start by slowly introducing the milk to your pet’s feeding regime. And yes, no matter how much your pup ends up liking it or whining to give more, never fall into the temptation. The slow process allows their tummies enough time to recognize the components correctly. This way, all milk is adequately digested, preventing any chances of sickness due to the sudden introduction.
Even though oat milk when given in moderation is safe for Spaniels, not all are made similar. Therefore, pet parents are needed to strictly supervise their pupper’s actions and behaviour closely for at least a week or two. If the pup acts normally, there is nothing to worry about, but if you start seeing mucus on their faeces or sudden throw-ups, it’s time to stop it. Always remember, “Better safe than sorry”.
Tips to prepare your own Spaniel-friendly oat milk at home
Yes, you read that right. Making your own Spaniel-friendly oat milk that too at the comfort of your home is now super easy. You will need a few items off your kitchen rack, and voila, you have your own homemade oat milk ready.
Fun fact- Pet owners can also use this homemade oat milk. Just add your favourite flavour into the milk, and get a healthy and nourishing shake anytime you want.
Now, proceeding ahead with the preparation, you will need:
- Pack of rolled oats
- Water
- Coffee filters
Step 1: Open the packet of rolled oats and put the required amount into a blender.
Step 2: Add 3-4 cups of water into the blender, following it with a blend on a high setting for a maximum of one minute.
Step 3: Once done, place a coffee filter that can filter milk stains properly on the face of a jug or container.
Step 4: Pour the contents from the blender slowly onto the filter while making sure the milk passes on correctly without any pulp residues.
This technique is not only super easy but takes only 5 minutes of your day to present your Spaniel pup with a delicious treat. You can add the milk into your pup’s breakfast and have them enjoy a scrumptious meal every once in a while.
However, before introducing anything to your Spaniel’s feeding regime, make sure to have a thorough discussion with your vet. Depending upon your pooch’s age, health condition, and other essential aspects, the decision should be taken. And hence only after being green-flagged by their vet, pet owners should think of administering oat milk to their pets.
In this article, we tried to insert as many facts as possible regarding the administration of oat milk in dogs. If you want us to continue in more detail or think we might have missed something important, don’t forget to post the same in the comment section.
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