A common question that is asked when we are finding fun treats for our dogs is whether or not they can eat rice. This opens up other questions, like what types of rice can they eat? Is rice healthy for dogs? It’s easy to get lost in information when looking for the answer. Today we will be answering all of these questions and more. Let’s find out; can dogs eat white and brown rice? And is it good or bad for our dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Rice?
The short answer to this is a positive yes! Dogs can, and in some cases should eat rice.
Rice is a great grain to give our dear pups. It is one of the oldest grains, with it’s first appearance being over 5,000 years ago.
Rice has been shown to have no fats, cholesterol, or salt. It is also very low in calories.
Our dogs’ ancestors might have been carnivores, but today’s companion identifies as an omnivore. Veterinarians say that grains and plants can make up to 75% of their diets, but rice should only make up 10%.
If you needed any more convincing, a lot of large food brands actually include rice in their dog food recipes, so it could be already a part of their diet!
In the next section, we will be breaking down the two most common types of rice, and which one is healthier for our dogs.
Can Dogs Eat White Rice?
White rice is created when the rice grain has the outer layer of the hull and bran parts of the grain taken out. Doing so makes it easier to digest, but also causes a few setbacks you should know about.
The bottom line is that white rice is okay for dogs to eat, but not in large quantities. Vets will recommend white rice if your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal issues or diarrhea. This is because of how easy white rice is for them to digest.
Because white rice is a great source of carbohydrates and healthy starches, it is extremely good at quieting an upset stomach in your dog.
Please note that if your dog has a history of diabetes or other blood sugar-related issues, they should not eat white rice since it is known to spike blood sugar levels and may cause your dog more issues than it would solve.
White rice can also be a great option if your dog suffers from high blood pressure. In this instance however, check with your vet before making a decision.
Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice?
Along with white rice, brown rice is also a great option for dogs to eat! Just as for humans, there are plenty of reasons that brown rice is good for dogs, and we’re going to go through them all.
First and foremost, brown rice is brown because it still contains the bran content that gets taken out in white rice. This helps the rice retain healthy oils and makes it way more fibrous.
An important note is that because of this, brown rice also tends to spoil faster.
And if you needed any more convincing, brown rice is also higher in protein than white rice, so if you are trying to keep your dog on a protein-heavy diet, it is a great substitute.
Now, in opposition to white rice, brown rice is harder for our dogs to digest. Scientifically brown rice is considered a “Complex Carb” and burns more slowly.
Brown rice is known to treat constipation in dogs and can stabilize their blood sugar. This means if your dog has a blood sugar-related illness, you can feed them brown rice without much detrimental issue.
An important thing to remember is: Veterinarians say white rice is healthier for dogs than brown rice is. Always check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet or adding anything new.
Next up let’s discuss how to serve your dog rice.
How to Serve Your Dog Rice
If you have read the above and are interested in seeing how you should serve your dog rice, look no further.
Just like with other human-oriented foods, it’s important to not season or spice your dog’s rice. Simply made on the stove with water is the best option for their digestion. Also, take care to make sure the rice is well cooked.
You should never give your dog fried rice or rice mixed with other foods not approved by your vet.
Some vets recommend giving your dog white rice and boiled chicken if they are experiencing stomach and digestive issues but ask your specific vet before trying this.
Never serve them rice that is fresh off the stove, as it can burn their mouths and hurt them. As well, do not serve them rice that is more than 6 hours old.
The rice could be harboring dangerous bacteria from being left out and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
For safety, you should make the rice, and let it cool down, then feed it to them.
Do not go over the vet’s recommended amount, and make sure to monitor your dog after feeding them rice to make sure they do not have any allergic reaction.
Is White & Brown Rice Good or Bad For Dogs FAQ
How Much Rice Can a Dog Eat?
It is said that a large category dog should only eat ⅓ cup of white rice 2-3 times a week. If you are worried or have questions about this amount, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian to see the right amount of rice for your dog.
Depending on your dog’s health issues or symptoms, your vet may recommend a different amount or remedy for their problem.
However much reading online you can do, it is always a safer bet to contact a professional for their opinion.
What are the Symptoms of a Rice Allergy in Dogs?
There are seven common symptoms of a rice allergy in your dog. These symptoms include
- Vomiting
- Dry Skin
- Hair Loss or Hot Spots
- Inflamed Paws
- Constant Paw Licking
- Itchy Skin
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately and monitor your dog for worsening symptoms. A rice allergy is rare but not unheard of in dogs.
If you notice your dog has an allergy to rice, make sure to check the content of your dog food, as some large brands use rice in their recipes for vitamins and minerals.
What Kind of Rice Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat quite a few amounts of rice, such as:
- White
- Brown
- Wild
- Jasmine
As always, please check with your vet before trying any of these food options, since they will know your dog’s allergies better than we will.
Final Words About Can Dogs Eat Rice
A good notion to take away from this is that your dog can eat white and brown rice. Always ask your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Make sure to follow what your vet has told you for portioning and thank you for reading.
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