Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet
Rice is one of the most popular foods for people around the world. Dogs can get along with rice but are they safe for them to eat? Can dogs eat rice? Yes, they can. Many dog foods have rice as an ingredient, especially commercial foods.
Some of the reasons why many people prefer to feed their dogs with rice, especially when they are sick is that; it’s easy to prepare, easy to digest, and has low fiber.
Types of rice you can safely feed your dog
Do away with brown rice if your dog has gastrointestinal issues. Use white rice because dogs need starch for their health, but problems may arise when your dog is diabetic. But you can still feed your diabetic dog white rice in moderation or once in a while as a treat.
Brown rice can be hard for dogs to digest because it is not as processed as white rice. Brown rice still has a brown coat where nutrient concentration is high.
Therefore, compared with white rice, brown rice is highly nutritious for dogs but not suitable for those with GI issues.
Rice is an essential source of carbs for dogs and humans too. Together with proteins and fat, a dog can add weight. So while feeding your dog a diet containing rice, be watchful of their weight.
Many commercial dog foods contain high carbs content already, but it won’t cost a thing to add them some rice as an occasional treat.
How to prepare rice for your dog
With your rice and water in a ratio of 1 to 3, add rice to boiling water after removing excess starch by running cold water on the rice and sieving them until clean.
And without adding any seasoning agent or spices, add your rice and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve them as is; your dog will love it or, add the cooked rice to other dog meals.
Like any other new foods, you might want to introduce to your dog, consult with your vet nutritionist and start them off slowly.
Benefits of feeding your dog with rice
First, rice belongs to a cereal group of food. They are grains harvested from type grasses that produce wheat for human consumption.
Important to note is; not all grains have the same nutritional content. Quinoa, for example, is high in protein while bulgar is high in fiber. Because white rice is processed differently from brown rice, its nutritional content varies.
Brown rice still has a brown coating which holds most of the vitamins, and minerals, and is high in fiber too, which helps reduce chances of constipation in dogs.
On the other hand, white rice has a higher index glycemic, a risk factor for diabetes.
Perks for serving your dog with white rice rather than brown rice
If you are genuinely up for serving your dog with rice, many commercial food processors don’t necessarily indicate whether it is a white or brown type of rice included as ingredients in commercially packaged dog food. It is up to the dog owner to research.
Here are some benefits of serving white rice over brown rice to your dog:
- White rice is perfect for stabilizing the stomach of a dog suffering from diarrhea or just getting out of indigestion issues.
- Dogs lap up food without necessarily chewing them, with white rice, which won’t cause issues because rice is soft and easy to digest.
- White rice cooks easier, and it is the best alternative for pet owners.
- White rice is a cheaper and more cost-effective option compared to brown rice.
- due to the simple composition of white rice, it is easier for dogs to digest compared to brown rice
Are grains safe for dogs?
Many believe that dogs being descendants of wolves are predisposed to eat meat only. That’s not true. The truth is, dogs are far enough from their ancestors, the wolves, that they have become omnivores.
It means they can comfortably digest meat and plants. Wolves and dogs belong to different universe altogether, and a diet that is complete for wolves lacks vital vitamins and minerals that dogs require.
Dogs can digest rice, for example, to get plenty of nutrients, and science has proven that dogs can digest all sorts of grains without issues.
Scientists have evidenced ten genes available in dogs and not their ancestors that can aid dogs in the digestion of fats and starches. Scientifically no proof has been found to state that grains are harmful to dogs.
Furthermore, some dogs may do better on a grain-free diet, but most dogs do well on homemade or commercial dog food with grains.
While commercialist insist on a grain-free diet for dogs, the truth is, dogs can not only eat grains to fill their stomachs but also get vital minerals and vitamins. As a matter of fact, most dogs do well on a grain diet than on a grain-free diet.
Can Dogs Eat Rice Summing up
Moderation is critical if you would like to include rice in your dog’s diet unless it is allergic to rice. To know whether your dog is allergic to rice or not, give them a small amount and watch out for any adverse effects it causes to your dog.
If none, feel free to include rice in their diet comfortably. It gets even better when mixed with vegetables, meat, and other mineral-rich foods. Consider it will also be the safest food for your dog because you are preparing them fresh and free from contamination unlike those you pick off the shelves.
So, can dogs eat rice? Yes. Your dog will pant with pleasure for the delicious perks as it gets plenty of nutritional benefits with less trouble digesting. Rice will slow down the running stomach of your dog, and it is the safest meal for a dog recovering from indigestion and diarrhea.
