Can Dogs Eat Rice? How to Feed Dogs Rice

In most cases, feeding rice to your dog is safe. There’s a good chance rice is already a part of your dog’s diet because commercial dog food brands commonly add rice as a key ingredient—particularly in dry kibble. You can technically let your dog eat rice every day in small amounts as it has no fat, salt, or cholesterol. The specific health benefits of rice will depend on the preparation, type of rice, amount of rice, and frequency you feed it to your dog.

In moderation, rice can provide health benefits and be part of a balanced diet for your dog. Rice is a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates, and carbs help provide dogs with energy over a long period of time. Cooked rice is a good addition if you’re trying to create a bland diet for dogs. A bland diet is often recommended for dogs experiencing an upset stomach, unusual bowel movements, or other digestive issues. Vets recommend dog owners feed their dogs canned or dry dog food specially formulated to have more nutritional value than human food, such as home-cooked rice and boiled chicken. When introducing new foods to your dog, give them a small amount and monitor their reaction.

Explore the different types of rice that dogs can eat. Whenever you feed your dog rice, make sure it is fully cooked and free of any added ingredients like salt, fat, or seasonings.

1. 1. White rice: Cooked white rice—like jasmine or basmati rice—is easy on your dog’s digestive system as it’s low in fiber. White rice is a starchy, fast-burning carb that can raise blood sugar levels, so take care not to overfeed white rice to dogs with diabetes. It’s also high on the glycemic index. One cup of rice can contain over 200 calories and can contribute to weight gain if fed to your dog too frequently.
2. 2. Brown rice: Brown rice retains its shell when cooked, which means it has more fiber and retains more protein, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B, calcium, and iron. Additional fiber can help alleviate constipation. However, brown rice contains phytic acids, which can make it harder to digest than white rice. Feed your dog brown rice only a couple of times a week, or talk to your vet about your dog’s diet to prevent gastrointestinal issues from too much fiber and phytic acids.
3. 3. Wild rice: High in nutritional value, wild rice has high fiber content and contains antioxidants that are generally good for your dog’s health.

Fried rice is a popular food but is generally not recommended for most dog breeds. Fried rice contains a host of additives and ingredients like salty seasonings, garlic, onions, and fat that aren’t healthy for dogs. Avoid giving your dog any amount of fried rice.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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