Rice can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when served plain and cooked, with white rice being easier to digest and brown rice offering more nutrition but higher fiber. Always consult your vet for portion sizes and frequency, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
In this blog, we learn all about whether rice is good for dogs, including the white, brown, basmati, and wild varieties, and whether a dog can be given rice every day.
Can Dogs Eat Rice?
In short, yes! Dogs can eat cooked, plain white rice, and this includes basmati, long-grain, and jasmine rice too. Vets sometimes even recommend this style of white rice to dogs experiencing any gastrointestinal upset, served with some plain, cooked, lean chicken instead of their normal food while recovering.
Rice often appears as an ingredient in commercial dog foods as the carbohydrate source too. However, it is essential that the rice is served cooked and plain to a dog, as some fats and seasonings like garlic and onion are toxic to dogs, so a dish like pilau rice is not recommended. Wild rice is also okay for a dog to eat if cooked and unseasoned.
Is Rice Good For Dogs?
Rice is highly nutritious – it just gets a bad rap because it’s a source of carbohydrates, which humans have decided are a bad thing. Carbohydrates are a good source of starch (which is good for the gut), energy, and can improve cognitive functioning.
Rice is low in fat and sodium and contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins D, B1, and B6, niacin, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and phosphorus. Rice can also help a dog feel fuller for longer.
However, rice can spike sugar levels, so dogs who are diabetic may not respond well to white rice and should be given it in very small amounts, with caution and a vet’s go-ahead. Dogs that struggle with yeast infections should also be given white rice with caution, as yeast feeds off of the sugars produced by carbohydrates.
Is Brown Rice Good For Dogs?
Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice but can be harder for a dog to digest because it’s much higher in fiber than white.
You shouldn’t give brown rice to a dog that’s experiencing gastrointestinal upset or has a sensitive stomach, but brown rice may be helpful to a dog experiencing constipation.
Conclusion
In summary, rice can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when served correctly.
While white rice is often recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, brown rice offers additional nutrients but may be harder to digest.
Always consult with your vet before introducing new foods, and ensure that any rice given to your dog is plain and cooked without harmful seasonings.
By understanding the benefits and precautions of feeding rice, you can make informed decisions that support your dog’s health and well-being.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Rice for Dogs
Can dogs eat white rice?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked, plain white rice, including basmati, long-grain, and jasmine rice. It’s often recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal upset.
Is brown rice better than white rice for dogs?
Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice but can be harder for dogs to digest due to its higher fiber content.
How often can I feed my dog rice?
A large dog can be given about ⅓ cup of rice two to three times a week, while smaller dogs should have much less. Always consult your vet for specific recommendations.
What should I avoid when feeding rice to my dog?
Avoid feeding your dog seasoned or flavored rice, as well as fried rice, due to potential toxic ingredients and fats.
Can rice help dogs with digestive issues?
Yes, plain white rice is often recommended for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal upset as it is easy to digest and can help firm up stools.
Are there any risks in feeding rice to dogs?
Feeding rice in moderation is generally safe, but dogs with diabetes or yeast infections should be cautious as rice can spike sugar levels.
