Is oat straw good for dogs and cats? Yes. Traditionally oat straw is not typically considered a regular part of a pet's diet, however, it can have some great benefits. Oat straw is a source of dietary fibre, which can promote digestive health and regularity in pets. It has also shown to have calming and soothing properties that can help cats and dogs with anxiety and nervousness.
Oat straw contains compounds called avenanthramides, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds work to help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health, which can have a positive effect on our pet's stress levels.
PetWell's CALM - Anxiety Aid, contains the right amount of oat straw as well as other all-natural ingredients that work perfectly together to calm your pet and boost their immune system.
Why is oat straw good for my pet?
Oat straw, is the stem of the oat plant and is a great source of various vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients found in oat straw include:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin): Helps the body convert food into energy.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Supports normal growth and development, and helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): Helps the body convert food into energy and supports healthy skin and nerve function.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Supports the body's production of hormones and cholesterol.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Supports the production of red blood cells, and helps the body break down proteins.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
- Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Iron: Important to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
- Magnesium: Helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function.
- Zinc: Essential for the immune system and wound healing.
More on the benefits of oat straw
Promoting digestive health: Contains dietary fibre, which can promote digestive health and regularity.
Supporting skin and coat health: As mentioned above a powerful source of B vitamins, for maintaining healthy skin and coat.
Soothing and calming: Has calming and soothing properties that can help to reduce stress and anxiety in pets.
Supporting joint health: Contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation and support joint health in pets.
Immune system support: Contains antioxidants, which can help to support the immune system and protect the body from damage.
Nutrient support: A good source of various vitamins and minerals, which can help to support overall health and well-being in pets.
How should I feed my pet oat straw?
A supplement produced by a qualified pet naturopath is the safest and most reliable way to provide oat straw to pets. PetWell supplements have been professionally developed and are designed to provide the appropriate dosage and balance of nutrients to support optimal health.
The Science behind it
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7499044/ - This study examined the effects of dietary oat straw on the growth and immune function of weaned rabbits, and found that oat straw supplementation improved nutrient digestibility and had a positive effect on immune function.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7021591/ - This study looked at the effects of an oat straw extract on mitochondrial function and antioxidant defence in human endothelial cells, and found that oat straw extract had a protective effect against oxidative stress.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.