We can’t think of a single day without rice. It is not only because it is our staple food but also because it makes us feel fuller. Sometimes, we see our dogs try to mimic us and want to have rice like us. But can dogs have rice?
The good news is that dogs can also have rice like us, but not in the quantity that we eat. Rice is the staple food for us, not for dogs. They rely on animal protein. So if you ever think of including rice in their diet, make sure it is moderate and less than the dog food.
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Can Dogs Have Rice?
Fortunately, dogs can also have the goodness of rice like us. They will not only feel fuller from this treat but also gain several nutrients. Such as folic acid, thiamin, niacin, iron, magnesium, etc. The best part is that rice doesn’t have any toxic elements that can make a dog suffer health issues unless he is allergic to them.
Rice can do a lot for your dog. For example, it has carbohydrates and fats. These nutrients will give you energy and keep you satisfied for a long time. Also, the fibre and starch of rice can aid in his digestion.
What Rice Can Dogs Have?
Here are some options for rice that can be safe for your dog:
White Rice
One of the most common types of rice that most dog owners feed their dogs is white rice. Many veterinarians also consider it the safest option for dogs. It takes less time to cook, and dogs can digest it easily. For an upset stomach, we mostly have white rice; you can offer it to your dogs too when they face it.
Basmati Rice
Another healthy rice that you can feed your dog is basmati rice. It is available in both white and brown. It would be better if you fed the white basmati to your dog, as it is easy to digest.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is also a healthy treat for dogs, but it is somewhat hard to digest. This rice is more nutritious than white rice, so you may consider feeding it to your dog in a small amount.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice like basmati rice. However, it is only available in white. You may offer a moderate amount of jasmine rice to your canine friend whenever he feels unwell.
How Much Rice Can Dogs Have?
A dog’s diet should be 90% dog food and 10% other healthy treats. Rice is not a dog food, so you need to add to your dog’s diet that 10% portion. Besides, you need to decide the amount of rice for him based on his size.
For instance, an extra-small breed can have 1 to 2 tablespoons of rice, and a small breed can have 3 tablespoons of rice. Again, a medium breed can have 5 to 6 tablespoons of rice, and a large breed can have 7 to 8 tablespoons of rice. Lastly, an extra-large breed can have up to 10 tablespoons of rice.
How To Feed Rice To Dogs?
While preparing rice for your dog, remember not to add any ingredients, flavours, or seasonings. Just boil the grains for 10 to 15 minutes, and they will be ready for your dog to eat. Also, make sure you wash the rice before cooking so that no germs stay in it.
In order to increase the taste of rice, you can serve a piece of boneless chicken to your dog along with the rice. Both the rice and chicken should be properly cooked without any seasonings.
Benefits Of Having Rice For Dogs
Dogs can have several health benefits from eating rice, as it is loaded with carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B9, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, etc. Vitamin B1 can help with your dog’s nervous system; vitamin B3 will keep the skin healthy; and vitamin B9 will improve brain function. Other minerals in rice will promote bone health, teeth health, digestion, and the immune system.
Many years even suggest offering white rice to dogs, especially when they are going through hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome. Besides, its high amount of carbohydrates helps you feel fuller for a long time.
Note: The benefits of rice are only inevitable in dogs when they eat it in a proper amount.
Risks Of Having Rice For Dogs
Having rice can pose a risk to your dog if he is allergic to it. For instance, he can get itchiness and rashes from eating a large amount of rice. However, it is hardly seen that any dog is allergic to this staple food. Again, eating too much rice can make it harder for dogs to digest, which can even lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Offering brown rice to a diabetic dog can also pose health risks to them. Hence, feeding the right amount of rice to the right amount of dogs is necessary.
When Can Dogs Have Rice?
The right time to offer rice to dogs is when they are suffering from digestive issues. When they vomit and get watery poop, vets usually recommend offering them a small portion of cooked white rice. It is because rice has nothing that can worsen health unless people take it in moderation.
If your dog does not have any allergies to human foods, only then can you serve him rice. So try offering him the slightest amount of rice at first. If he seems fine, then you can offer him some more rice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Rice?
Can you feed your dog with rice and vegetables?
Offering a moderate amount of rice with some cooked vegetables to dogs is not a bad idea. In fact, this meal will provide them with loads of vitamins and minerals. Just make sure the vegetable is not cooked with any ingredients but only steamed or boiled.
Can dogs eat dal rice?
Both dal and rice are safe for dogs in small quantities if they are cooked without any added seasonings.
Can you mix rice with your dog’s food?
Some dog foods have rice in their ingredients. So even if you mix rice with his food, that won’t have any adverse effects. You may try this technique when you want your canine friend to put on some weight.
Final Thoughts
Rice is indeed a part of our daily meals, as it provides both nutrients and contentment. We see some dogs deny having rice, despite its non-toxic ingredients. That’s why we often wonder, Can dogs have rice? Well, dogs can have rice if it is cooked properly.
White rice would be the best option for dogs. Its grains are small and easy to digest. Whenever you see your dog having an upset stomach or diarrhoea, you must avoid other foods for him but offer some plain white rice.
