Dear DinnerPlanner – Our Question is, Can Dogs Eat Rice? Is Rice Good for Dogs?

From time to time we get this question asked about what table scraps or leftovers are safe to give to your dog. This is an easy question since all of us here have dogs and some of them are elderly. Can dogs have rice?  Below we will answer that question!

Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. It is inexpensive and a staple among over half of the world’s population. Rice is easy to make and preserve. Can dogs eat rice? Absolutely!

Rice is an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates for canines and their puppies. However, not all varieties of rice are the same. You need to learn which type of rice is good for your dog’s nutrition and how to prepare it.

Is Rice Good For Dogs? What are the Benefits of Rice to Dogs?

Apart from being rich in carbohydrates, rice is also a source of fiber and protein. In his book, Natural Dog Care, best-selling veterinarian Bruce Fogel explains the food classes that offer energy.

“The fat, protein, and carbohydrates that dogs consume are an excellent source of energy. The canine body converts carbohydrates into sugar, which provides instant energy,” Explains Dr. Bruce Fogel.

Rice is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin D, and Iron for canines. Vitamin D aids the regulation of phosphorous and calcium levels in dogs. Iron, on the other hand, helps in the formation of hemoglobin, a molecule in blood that carries oxygen.

According to Brittany Kuenster, a licensed veterinary technician that works for Pet Vets, rice is an excellent nutritional choice among dogs that exhibit an immune response to gluten. Rice is perfect for gluten-sensitive canines because it delivers essential carbohydrates without gluten.

Can Dogs Eat White Rice?

White rice is rice without its husk, bran, or germ. White rice is a healthy addition to a dog’s balanced diet. The absence of husks will reduce fiber levels in the meal and slightly increase the calory and carbohydrate content. In comparison to brown rice, the digestive system of your dog handles white rice much easier. Therefore, white rice is an excellent choice for dogs experiencing gastrointestinal distress or any kind of stomach sensitivity.

For Dog Tummy Issues – Many vets recommend a combination of white rice and chicken for dogs suffering from diarrhea. The starch and fiber in the rice will help calm the gut and bind the stool.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice?

Brown rice is less processed than white rice. Brown rice contains bran, germ, and husks. A meal of brown rice is slightly lower in carbohydrates and protein but higher in fiber. Brown rice is richer in antioxidants than white rice. Apart from these facts, brown rice boasts the same nutritional advantages as white rice.

Due to the texture of brown rice, some dogs may experience some difficulty in handling the meal. Avoid feeding brown rice to dogs experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Feed them white rice instead.

How Should You Cook Rice for Your Dog?

In terms of cooking rice for your best friend, plain is the best approach. Avoid spices and additives like salt, pepper, garlic, or onions. Such spices could be harmful or toxic to your dog. To avoid digestive issues associated with uncooked rice, ensure that you cook the rice until it is marshy. Due to its high calorie content, the rice should make up at least 10% of your dog’s diet.

How to Cook White Rice

Rinse white rice with cold water before cooking to remove some of the starch.  We add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon to the water for a little additional flavor.  Pour 1-3/4 cup of cold water into a medium pan with a lid.  Bring to a light boil and stir in rice.  Cover, reduce heat to low and let rice cook for about 16 minutes. Remove rice from heat and let sit for 3-4 minutes. Stir and stir into your dogs dry food.

Can I Feed my Dog Minute Rice?

Yes!  We have an old dog that eats minute rice and cheese mixed in with her dry food. She loves the rice and will not eat her food without it. Older dogs can struggle with their appetite, so for us it’s minute rice and cheese. Sometimes we mix in a few vegetables but nothing else. Never any salt, spices or even beef. Just plain rice and cheese. We love the Minute rice because it’s simple to prepare and doggies love it.

How to Make Minute Rice –

1 cup water
1 cup minute rice
1 teaspoon chicken bouillion

Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil in a small pan. Add in the rice and stir. Cover and let sit for about 6-7 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in with your dog food.

 

So, Can You Feed Your Dog Rice?

Since the commercialization of pet food, rice has been a staple. Ingredient. In the past decade, we have witnessed the rise of a grain-free movement among veterinary paraprofessionals. The members of this movement work in pet supply stores, dog training centers, and among other fields in the industry. The movement discourages pet owners from feeding their dogs with grain-based meals.

Can you feed rice to your do? that was the question that formed the base of our inquest. Yes, you can feed your dog rice. Ensure that you cook the rice well and do not use any spices or salts. Brown rice is not good for dogs with sensitive stomachs and gastrointestinal distress.