Can dogs eat rice? Is rice toxic to dogs? Learn more here about preparing rice for dogs.

Is Rice Good for Dogs?

Are you considering feeding rice to your dog but unsure if it’s appropriate? Well, from now on, you can always cook an extra batch of rice because this little energy grain should play an important role not only in your dinner but also for your four-legged companion. It is indeed healthy for your dog, so there’s nothing wrong if your dog occasionally gets some rice. Sometimes, it’s even desirable!

Which Rice is Best for Dogs?

There are many different types of rice, but only the best grains go into your dog’s bowl, right? Generally, all rice varieties are fine and suitable for your dog, including:

Just like for us humans, whole grain rice (also known as “brown rice”) is the best choice for your canine friend. This is because it has a higher fiber content, which supports a healthy digestive function. Note that whole grain rice takes a bit longer to cook.

However, your dog can also safely eat white rice, which is generally well-tolerated. Like for us, it has less fiber.

Cooking Rice for Dogs

Naturally, your dog should not eat raw rice but only cooked rice. When preparing it, make sure not to add any spices and especially no salt! Otherwise, you can cook the rice just like you would for yourself:

Rice Provides Dogs with Extra Energy

You’re probably familiar with the idea of giving your dog rice with chicken as a gentle diet when their stomach is upset. But there’s more to it: Rice provides your furry friend with a lot of strength and energy in the form of complex carbohydrates. Contrary to what many think, dogs don’t only need meat.

Although our canine friends don’t need carbohydrates to the same extent as we do because they get the majority of their energy from fats and proteins. However, they can meet their required intake with the starch found in rice. It’s essential to cook the rice well beforehand so that your dog can digest it more easily.

Rice for Stomach Aches or Allergies

Because your furry friend can easily digest rice, it’s perfect as a gentle diet when your dog experiences stomachaches or diarrhea. Starch-rich food components support a healthy gut flora. Organs like kidneys and liver, responsible for filtering toxins from the body, also benefit from it.

Especially for older dogs, meals should be rich in carbohydrates and low in fat. In such cases, reducing meat and adding rice is beneficial. Don’t be alarmed when you hear that rice is a grain because unlike grains in, for example, bread, brown rice is gluten-free and suitable for dogs with allergies.

How Often Can My Dog Eat Rice?

In theory, you can feed your dog rice every day; it just depends on the right portion size. Rice in your dog’s daily breakfast won’t bother your meat-eating Bello—in fact, it’s beneficial. Alongside an optimal meat percentage of up to 80%, you can incorporate rice and vegetables into the rest of the menu as often as you and your furry friend like. This ensures a healthy supply of nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements for your canine companion.

If you’re unsure about putting together a tasty meal, you can surprise your beloved pet with one of our BARF Fresh Menus, where we focus on healthy carbohydrate sources like rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does rice do for dogs?

Cooked rice serves as a healthy energy source for dogs. Especially brown rice or whole grain rice is rich in fiber and vitamins. When dogs have stomach and intestinal issues, rice is often chosen as a gentle diet.

How often can my dog eat rice?

Rice is rich in carbohydrates, so the fed amount should always be tailored to your dog’s nutritional needs. In principle, your dog can eat rice daily, provided it is part of their diet. In many complete foods, the individual nutrients are already optimally balanced, so you shouldn’t regularly supplement rice.

If your dog has been prescribed a bland diet by veterinarians, rice can be fed for a few days.

What is better for dogs: rice or potatoes?

Both are starchy foods. Both rice and potatoes contain carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and fiber for dogs. If your dog doesn’t have food allergies or intolerances, both can be fed without any worries. The key is the right preparation and adjusting to your dog’s daily nutritional needs.