Frequently asked questions aimed at veterinarians and nutritional experts usually involve queries such as, “Can dogs safely eat rice?” or “Is giving my dog rice acceptable?” The response to these inquiries is invariably affirmative. Despite what some may believe, rice frequently serves as a critical component in canine diets. From the inception of the commercial pet food sector, rice has played a fundamental role.
In fact, if you ask many dog lovers what they feed their dog when it’s sick, they’ll possibly tell you white rice is a part of their dog’s diet. White rice is a good option for a dog’s upset stomach because it’s quick to prepare, easy to digest, and low in fiber.
Moreover, it can also help bind the stool in cases of diarrhea. Read on to learn more about the benefits of rice for dogs, find out more about your dog eating rice.
Benefits of Rice for Dogs
Rice has been a staple food for more than half of the population around the world. So, is rice ok for dogs? Is rice safe for dogs? The answer is an enthusiastic yes. Rice is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
Energy comes from the fat, protein, and carbohydrates eaten by your dog. Rice is also a great source of iron and vitamin D for your dog. Vitamin D aids in regulating phosphorus and calcium levels, whereas iron helps in the formation of the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen called hemoglobin.
If your dog is sensitive to gluten, then rice is a great choice for him as well since rice delivers essential carbohydrates without gluten. Because of these nutritional benefits, pet owners use rice in some of their recipes mixed with particular ingredients to create a balanced meal for their dogs.
Now you might be wondering, is brown rice good for dogs? Yes, it is. In fact, brown rice is a great source of B vitamins, minerals, and easily digestible carbohydrates. Due to how it is processed, brown rice is more nutritionally dense than white rice. It’s actually higher in fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and lower in starch than white rice. However, because of its coarser texture, some dogs may have difficulty eating it.
How about white rice? Is white rice good for dogs? Again, the answer is a resounding yes. Unlike brown rice, white rice is lower in fiber but slightly higher in carbohydrates and calories due to the absence of the husk. It’s easily digestible and chewable, making it a good choice for dogs having GI distress [1].
When a dog is experiencing diarrhea, vets sometimes recommend plain white rice mixed with chicken. The starch and fiber in white rice help calm the gut and bind the stool. Though, compared to brown rice, white rice has a higher glycemic index which may cause a dog’s blood sugar levels to rise and fall.
Is rice bad for dogs, you ask? No, it’s not. In contrast to dog’s wild ancestors, domestic dogs have evolved into omnivores. That means dogs can eat and digest plant foods.
They actually require vastly different vitamins and minerals than their wild ancestors. In addition, there is simply no scientific evidence that grains are toxic to dogs or cats. The vast majority of dogs do just fine on a diet that contains grains or rice. In fact, grains are well tolerated by a dog.
How To Prepare Rice for Your Dog?
Whether you opt for white rice or brown rice for dogs, you will need four cups of water for one cup of uncooked rice. Wash any excess starch off the uncooked rice. You can add the rice to a sifter with holes where the rice won’t fall through. Run it under cool water until the water turns clear. Once it’s cleaned, add the rice and the water to a pot and let it boil on the stove for 20-30 minutes. Once it’s done, allow it to cool first before taking a segment out to mix with your pet’s food. Keep in mind, when it comes to cooking rice for your dog, the rice should be steamed in plain water only, and avoid using any spices or seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Rice Should A Dog Eat?
Grains are nutritious, but they also contain calories. Therefore, the calories from rice need to make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric consumption. Feeding your dog small portions of rice will help prevent him from gaining extra pounds.
What do you do if your dog doesn’t poop for 3 days?
If your dog doesn’t poop for 3 days, you need to visit a vet immediately. A dog that is forced to go without pooping for three days can be diagnosed with stones or even clogged unedible items. In such a case, the sooner you show concern and care, the easier it is to get things under control.
Which Is Better For Dogs, White Or Brown Rice?
Both brown rice and white rice are good for dogs. Brown rice has a brown color because it still has the bran and hull parts of the grain or the outer layers than white rice does. That means it retains natural oils and it’s more fibrous than white rice. However, it can also spoil faster when it’s stored.
Thus, if you’re choosing between the two, be mindful of how quickly you plan to serve the rice to your pet. This can help you decide which one to prepare.
What Human Food Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can also enjoy the right sort of occasional treats. It’s fine to supplement a dog’s diet with small amounts of some human foods.
Some of the people foods that will help boost the nutrition of a dog are peanut butter (high in protein, but high in calories), popcorn (contains potassium), pineapple (with calcium), liver (small quantities of liver contains many nutrients), lean meat (chicken, beef, or pork meat, has B-vitamins) as well as squash (great source of beta carotene or Vitamin A).
Conclusion
There you have it! We hope we helped you answer the, “can dogs eat rice?” question and other common queries about giving your dog rice. As you can see, not only can they eat rice, dogs can also benefit from it as an extra treat or as part of their balanced diet.
They can actually be added to almost any other dog food to better infuse it with healthy nutrients. Dog owners should ask their vet about their suggestion on quality dog food to make sure their dog has a healthy, well-balanced meal.
Better yet, to learn more about how a dog can benefit from rice, how to incorporate rice in a pet’s diet, and what to believe about the grain-free pet movement, consult a veterinary nutritionist or your vet for information.
