Can Dogs Eat Rice? Effects of Rice for Dogs as a Dog Food

Dogs can eat rice safely. Dogs can consume rice safely. Boiled or steamed rice cooked without any salt, spices, or seasonings is good for dogs as it provides an excellent source of easily digestible carbohydrates.
Rice can be given to dogs as a treat or part of a balanced diet in moderation without negatively affecting their health. Depending on their size, dogs can safely take between a teaspoon of rice to one-third of a cup of cooked rice. While large dogs like Bernese Mountain can take up to ⅓ cup of cooked rice, smaller dogs like poodles can only take up to a tablespoon of rice daily.
With about 70 calories for white rice and 80 calories for brown rice per one-third cup of serving, rice is a good source of carbohydrates for dogs. Rice is also rich in soluble fiber, vitamin D, and iron, all beneficial to dogs.
Rice is beneficial for meeting dogs’ energy requirements, gut health, heart health, mood improvement, among many others.
View Table of Contents
- What Are the Benefits of Rice for Dogs?
- What are the Harms of Rice for Dogs?
- Which Nutrients From Rice Are Beneficial for Dogs’ Health?
- What Nutritions From Rice Are Harmful to Dogs’ Health?
- Can Rice Affect a Dog’s Mood?
- Can Baby Dogs (Puppies) Eat Rice?
- Can Old Dogs Eat Rice?
- Can Different Dog Breeds Eat Rice With Different Amounts?
- Is All Rice the Same?
- Which Rice Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Dogs?
- Is Brown or White Rice Better for Dogs?
- Which Dog Food Brands Do Use Rice Within Dog Foods?
- Which Dog Diseases Can Affect Dogs’ Rice Eating?
- What Else Can Dogs Eat Together with Rice?
- What are the Rice Dog Food Recipes?
What Are the Benefits of Rice for Dogs?
The Benefits of Rice for Dogs are listed below:
- Improves energy: With up to 80 calories in a ⅓ cup serving, rice can give dogs more energy thanks to its rich in carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are broken down and converted into energy for the dogs.
- Relieves gastrointestinal upsets: White rice is rich in soluble fiber, which improves digestion and aids in stool formation, making it great for dogs with diarrhea. Brown rice is not recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues as it is unprocessed hence hard for dogs to digest.
- Supports bone health: Rice has reasonable amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus essential for healthy bone formation.
- Promotes healthy skin: Rice contains some vitamins such as niacin which can help improve skin health. Brown rice is suitable for a dog’s skin as it helps relieve itching, hair loss, and redness caused by allergies.
- Good for the heart: Rice is a good source of vitamin D and B which promote a healthy heart in dogs. It also contains other vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium that are essential to a dog’s health.
- Improves cognitive function: Rice is rich in antioxidants that can help protect against diseases and cognitive dysfunction in older dogs. The antioxidants help slow the rate of cognitive decline by reducing oxidative damage.
- Aids bowel movement: Rice has probiotic properties thus helping improve bowel movements. Its probiotic action helps feed the good bacteria in a dog’s small intestines leading to less frequent poop and less odor.
What are the Harms of Rice for Dogs?
The harm rice can cause to dogs are listed below:
- Obesity: Rice is a carbohydrate hence full of starch. As such, feeding large amounts of carbohydrates to dogs can lead to unhealthy weight gain and consequently canine obesity. This can cause a lot of other health issues. It should not make more than 10% of the daily caloric needs of dogs.
- Type 2 Diabetes: White rice is highly processed which makes it easy to digest for dogs. However, it has a high glycemic index value and can cause a blood sugar spike in dogs. This puts the dog at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Allergic reactions: Some dogs may develop allergic reactions to rice.
When Should a Dog Eat Rice?
Dogs can eat rice at any time, regardless of the time of the day and at any age.
Rice is a rich source of easily digestible carbohydrates. Besides, rice is great for feeding good bacteria thereby enhancing gut health and improving digestion. Since white rice is processed, dogs can easily digest it.
Giving dogs rice an hour before going to bed can help improve their sleep. This is because rice is loaded with natural melatonin and tryptophan which are necessary for good sleep. In addition, due to its high-glycemic score resulting from high carbs content and low fiber, rice is excellent for the reduction of oxidative stress and sleep improvement in dogs.
Dogs with gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea can benefit from eating rice. This is because rice is rich in fiber and starch which are helpful in binding stool and soothing the intestines. Hence, rice is highly recommended in a bland diet for the treatment of diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
Rice is also an excellent choice for dogs that have gluten sensitivity. This is because rice delivers crucial carbohydrates without gluten, making it perfect for dogs with an immune response to gluten.
White rice is better for dogs with gastrointestinal upset than brown or wild rice. This is because white rice is easy to digest, low in fiber, and quick to prepare. You can give ¼ cup of rice to a large dog or 2 tablespoons of rice to a small dog with an upset stomach daily to offer relief.
How Much Rice Can a Dog Eat per Day?
The amount of rice a dog can have per day depends on the dog’s size, age, and overall health condition. However, rice is high in carbohydrates hence it should only be fed in moderation. Too much rice intake leads to extra calories and consequently an unhealthy weight gain in dogs. This can in turn cause a lot of health issues.
A dog’s average calorie need per day is between 25-30 calories per pound of weight. Therefore, a dog with a weight of 10 pounds requires up to 300 calories daily. A full cup of cooked white rice has around 206 calories. Calories from rice should not exceed 10% of dogs’ daily caloric needs. For instance, a large breed dog such as a labrador, weighing 50 pounds, requires up to 1550 calories per day and a maximum of 155 calories from rice.
The general rule is that large dogs can eat up to ¼ cup of cooked rice while small breed dogs can eat up to 2 tablespoons of rice daily. When given as part of a regular diet, the rice should be limited to 2 or 3 times a week.
The amount of brown rice given to dogs should be lower than white rice. This is because brown rice is unprocessed hence not easily digestible. As such large breed dogs can have up to ⅛ cups of rice while smaller dogs should have up to 2 teaspoons of cooked brown rice.
How to calculate a safe portion of rice for a dog
The table below shows the approximate total daily calorie needs for dogs and calories treats should supply.
Approximate Daily Caloric Needs for average Dogs |
||
Dog’s weight |
Total Calories per day including treats |
Allowed Calories of all Treats per day |
10lbs |
200-275 |
20-28 |
20lbs |
325-400 |
32-40 |
30lbs |
500-575 |
50-58 |
50lbs |
700-900 |
70-90 |
70lbs |
900-1050 |
90-105 |
90lbs |
1100-1350 |
110-135 |
Which Nutrients From Rice Are Beneficial for Dogs’ Health?
A few reasons why rice makes a nutritious dog treat include many health benefits listed below:
- Potassium: Rice for dogs can include daily potassium needs 0.6 % percent or 20 mg as it contains up to 35mg of potassium. It can help regulate canine’s body fluid balance, activate nerve impulses, and control muscle and heart contractions. This is important in ensuring a healthy heart and nervous system, boosting metabolism, and better muscle growth.
- Calcium: Dogs need at least 1.25 mg/Kcal of calcium daily. Rice contains 10 mg in every 100 grams. It is therefore capable of supplying the dogs’ daily calcium requirement. Calcium aids in promoting proper cellular and nerve functioning, strong bone formation, muscle contraction regulation, and normalizing blood clotting in dogs.
- Magnesium: White rice contains 12mg of magnesium per 100grams of rice. Adult dogs need 150 mg ( 0.3%) of magnesium per day for optimal growth. This helps in muscle contraction and relaxation as well as cell degeneration in dogs. It’s also important for proper organ health and functioning.
- Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, aids in breaking down carbohydrates and converting them into energy. It’s also essential for maintaining a healthy heart and boosting cognitive function in dogs. Additionally, it promotes good eyesight in dogs. Feeding rice to dogs can help supply this essential vitamin requirement. Rice contains about 0.163mg of thiamin in every 100g.
- Vitamin B6: Rice is a good source of vitamin B6. This vitamin is essential for promoting healthy brain function and the production of red blood cells in dogs. It is also helpful in maintaining an ideal potassium-sodium balance in the bodies of dogs. What’s more, it aids in protein synthesis and absorption of thiamin in dogs.
- Selenium: A cup of cooked white rice contains about 9 mcg of selenium. This mineral can help maintain thyroid hormone levels as well as combat inflammation in dogs. Dogs also require selenium for their immune health and cell and tissue protection from damage.
- Phosphorus: Rice has decent phosphorus levels, which are crucial for building strong bones and teeth formation and promoting proper functioning of some B vitamins in canines.
- Manganese: Dogs need 2.3 mg of manganese per pound of food. Rice can meet this nutrient need. This mineral is essential for growth, development, metabolism, and the body’s antioxidant system in dogs. It helps dogs digest and absorb proteins and carbohydrates.
- Carbohydrates: Rice is super-rich in carbohydrates. Dogs need to require these carbohydrates for energy provision. The carbohydrates are broken down and converted into glucose which supplies the energy needed to keep dogs moving.
- Niacin: Dogs need about 13 mg of niacin per day for optimal health. Rice contains some amount of this vitamin. Niacin can help promote a healthy digestive tract by controlling the production of stomach acids and bile. It also helps in hormone synthesis, cognitive function, and effective metabolism.
A nutritional profile of 100g of rice is listed below.
White Rice
- Calories 130
- Total Fat 0.3g
- Sodium 1mg
- Potassium 35mg
- Carbohydrates 28g
- Dietary fiber 0.4g
- Sugar 0.1g
- Protein 2.7g
- Cholesterol 0g
Brown Rice
- Calories 112
- Total Fat 0.8g
- Cholesterol 0g
- Sodium 1mg
- Potassium 79 mg
- Carbohydrates 24g
- Dietary fiber 1.8g
- Sugar 0.1g
- Protein 2.3g
What Nutritions From Rice Are Harmful to Dogs’ Health?
Rice cannot cause any significant harm to dogs’ health, and most canines tolerate them well. Any potential harm to dogs may be linked to the factors listed below:
- Excessive amounts: Although rice is safe for dogs, excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems such as canine obesity, immobility, and heart problems due to its high-calorie content. It is therefore important to ensure that it’s given in moderation and occasionally as a treat. Dogs should not get more than 10% of their daily calorie needs from rice.
- Toxins: Due to the way it’s grown, rice has high arsenic levels. The kind of water used in cooking the rice can also increase the arsenic level as it absorbs. Overeating rice can cause arsenic poisoning in dogs. This is indicated by symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, among others. Rice that is improperly stored can also cause aflatoxin poisoning. This can cause health problems if dogs consume rice that has aflatoxins.
- Metal Poisoning: Rice absorbs various metals from the soil. These include lead, cadmium, and mercury. Overeating rice can put dogs at the risk of metal poisoning, which can have profound health implications. Heavy metal consumption can cause kidney, liver, heart, and another organ malfunctioning.
- Choking: Rice can also cause choking in dogs. Puppies and dogs that eat quickly or swallow without proper chewing can get choked by rice. This can cause blockage in the esophagus, which can be fatal to dogs. As such, it’s important to encourage your dog to eat slowly to avoid this risk.
Can Rice Affect a Dog’s Mood?
Yes, rice can affect a dog’s mood. Eating rice has positive effects on dogs’ moods. This is due to the presence of tryptophan in rice which aids in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for promoting happiness in human beings as well as in dogs. Hence, rice can help improve canines’ mood.
Can Baby Dogs (Puppies) Eat Rice?
Yes, puppies can eat rice safely. Regardless of their size and breed, all weaned puppies can reap great health benefits from eating rice. Besides being rich in carbohydrates, rice contains other essential vitamins and minerals necessary for the optimal growth of puppies.
Feeding rice to puppies will supply them with energy from carbohydrates necessary to fuel their activities. However, it should be pressed and given in moderation.
Can Old Dogs Eat Rice?
Yes. Older dogs can eat rice. Rice is perfectly safe for old dogs regardless of their breed. As they advance in age, dogs have slower metabolisms and may suffer from digestion issues. In this case, rice can help improve their digestion. Rice is rich in fiber which is essential for proper digestion.
In addition, feeding rice to aging dogs will supply them with a source of easily digestible carbohydrates. This can help boost their already declining energy levels. The high fiber content in brown rice can also help address constipation issues in older dogs.
As dogs age, many body functions are also altered. As such, old dogs’ diets need to be enriched with the necessary vitamins and minerals to ensure the proper functioning of body functions, including liver, kidney, and heart. Rice contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, selenium, and vitamins B1 and B6, which can help promote these functions.
Can Different Dog Breeds Eat Rice With Different Amounts?
Yes, different dog Breeds can eat different amounts of rice per day depending on their size and weight. A labrador, for instance, with an average weight of between 55-80 pounds, can eat more rice daily than a pug whose average weight is between 14-18 pounds.
Thus, different dog breeds have different daily calorie and vitamin, mineral needs. In general, large breed dogs can eat more rice than small breed dogs.
Large breed dogs can eat up to ⅓ cup of rice daily, while small breed dogs can only eat 2 tablespoons. The dog breed below can eat one or more rice daily.
Chinooks: These dogs weigh between 55-80 pounds on average and have a daily calorie requirement of between 1375-2800 calories. Chinooks can eat about 3-4 ounces of rice daily, totaling up to 280 calories.
Pitbull Terriers: Pitbull Terriers have an average weight of 30-60 pounds and need about 922 to 1740 calories. Hence they can eat 2 to 3 ounces of rice daily, totaling 92-174 calories per day.
The dog Breeds below can eat less Rice than other dog Breeds daily.
Pomeranians: These are small dogs with an average weight of between 3-7 pounds and a daily caloric need of 300 to 400. Hence they can take 0.55 ounces of rice totaling 30-40 calories a day.
Japanese Chin: These minute dogs weigh between 4-11 pounds and need 350-450 calories per day. They can hence take up to 0.65 ounces of rice, totaling 35-45 calories daily.
Which Dog Breeds Are Rice More Beneficial for?
Rice is beneficial to all dogs regardless of their breeds. It’s rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, low in fats and cholesterol, and contains numerous other essential vitamins and minerals necessary for dogs’ optimal health. These nutrients include manganese, selenium, potassium, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin D.
However, dog breeds such as Labradors, Shar-pies, and German shepherds prone to gastrointestinal upset and indigestion issues can benefit more from rice because of its digestibility and soluble fibers.
Which Dog Breeds Are Rice Less Beneficial for?
Rice is not less beneficial for any dog breed but can be a valuable nutrition source to all dogs. However, it can become less beneficial if not given in moderation and not properly prepared.
Is All Rice the Same?
No, all rice is not the same. Unlike brown rice, white rice is more processed and has had its husk, bran, and germ removed, making it easy to digest. However, it has lower nutritional content than brown rice and a high glycemic index compared to brown rice. Brown rice is not recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Which Rice Recipes and Parts Can Be Eaten Safely by Dogs?
The following are some rice recipes available for dogs. How safe are they for dogs? Well, let’s find out.
1. Rice Cake
Also known as puffed rice, rice cakes a crunchy, light-textured, and low-calorie snacks with up to 35 calories that make an excellent treat for dogs at any time of the day. It is made from rice grains gathered together and put under high temperatures and pressure making them swell and stick together.
Rice cakes can provide dogs with a good source of energy from easily digestible carbohydrates.
Can Dogs eat rice cakes safely?
Yes, dogs can have rice cakes safely but in moderation. However, ensure that it is plain with no added flavorings, seasonings, preservatives, or salt.
2. Rice Krispies
This is a rice-based cereal made using natural rice grains. Rice is first ground into a paste mixed with other ingredients such as sugar and butter then popped the same way popcorns are made. These treats are high in calories, with about 399 calories in every 100g, making them unsuitable for diabetic or overweight dogs.
Can dogs eat rice Krispies safely?
Yes, dogs can safely consume Rice Krispies. However, these should be given in small quantities as too much can cause unhealthy weight gain and diabetes. Krispies can provide fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins to dogs. However, they don’t make an adequate meal replacement.
3. Rice Porridge
This is simply made from rice flour. Rice flour is made by grinding rice grains. Rice porridge is excellent for soothing the stomach of dogs with diarrhea. Besides being easy to digest, rice porridge can provide a lot of energy to fuel dogs with diarrhea. A cup of rice porridge has around 78 calories.
Can dogs take rice porridge safely?
Yes, rice porridge is perfectly safe for dogs to consume as it’s made with ingredients that are not harmful to dogs. It is great for dogs suffering from diarrhea as it can help soothe their stomachs. It is also a good source of energy for dogs.
4. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is made from rice, sugar, salt, milk, and other ingredients such as raisins and vanilla. This dish is high in calories and can lead to diabetes or obesity. Since it contains milk, lactose-intolerant dogs should not be given as it may cause allergic reactions like itching and skin rashes.
Can dogs eat rice pudding safely?
Yes, dogs can consume rice pudding without any harm, provided it’s given as an occasional treat and in minimal amounts. Consuming too much rice pudding can cause serious harm to dogs.
5. Rice Flour
This can be made simply by blending rice grains in a blender. This provides an excellent alternative for dogs with gluten or wheat sensitivity. Rice flour, especially white rice flour, is high in calories with about 366 calories for 100 grams. It can, therefore, lead to blood sugar spikes.
Can dogs eat rice flour safely?
Yes, rice flour is safe for dogs. Besides being a great choice for dogs that are allergic to gluten, rice flour is rich in carbohydrates that can supply ample energy for dogs to take them through the day. However, you should give this in moderation to avoid obesity or diabetes.
6. Sushi with Rice
Generally, sushi is raw fish that’s wrapped in rice and seaweed. Although rice is safe for dogs, raw fish can be harmful. The biggest problem with raw fish is that it can harbor many bacterias and parasites. This may cause serious health problems for dogs.
Can dogs eat Sushi with Rice?
Although fish and rice have some nutritional benefits, feeding sushi with rice to dogs is not recommended. This is due to the risks that raw fish presents to dogs. However, if your dog has a small bite of sushi, there is likely to be no harm.
7. Rice Bread
This is made from baked rice flour. This is an excellent source of carbohydrates that supply energy to dogs. Rice bread does not contain any ingredients that can harm dogs. However, rice bread is packed with calories ( 243 calories in 100g of bread), making it unsuitable for diabetics or dogs battling obesity.
Can dogs eat rice bread safely?
Yes, dogs can eat rice bread safely but in moderation. Due to its high-calorie content, too much rice bread puts dogs at the risk of unhealthy weight gain and can make diabetic dogs worse.
8. Risotto
This is a creamy Italian dish that resembles rice made with cheese and mac in taste. The main ingredients for risotto are rice, broth, and various flavorings and seasonings. It may also include butter and cheese.
Can dogs eat Risotto?
No. This dish contains flavorings and seasonings which can harm dogs. It’s, therefore, best to avoid feeding it to dogs. Risotto includes seasonings such as garlic and salt which can be toxic to dogs.
9. Brown Rice
Brown rice is unprocessed and still has its husk, germ, and bran intact. It is, therefore, high in nutritional content. However, its high fiber content makes it hard to digest and is not recommended for gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea in dogs.
Can dogs eat brown rice?
Yes. Dogs can eat brown rice. Besides being nutritionally rich, brown rice has a low glycemic score making it ideal for diabetic dogs.
10. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is just like other varieties of long rice. Its only difference it tends to get softer and stickier on cooking. It is higher in iron, carbohydrates, fats, and calories.
Can dogs eat jasmine rice safely?
Yes, dogs can consume jasmine rice perfectly. However, just like any other rice, it should be given in moderation. It’s easily digestible and has good fibers that help improve digestion.
11. Basmati Rice
This is white grain rice that originates from India. This rice is an excellent choice for dogs that have stomach issues. It’s, however, rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, which may cause sugar spikes in dogs.
Can dogs eat Basmati Rice safely?
Yes, dogs can consume basmati rice without any adverse effects on their health. It’s easy on the gastrointestinal systems of dogs; hence can be helpful to dogs with stomach upsets.
12. Fried Rice
Fried rice that includes seasonings, oil, and other flavorings is not ideal for dogs and should be avoided. The best method of cooking rice for dogs is by boiling or steaming without any other additives.
Can dogs eat fried rice?
No, fried rice is not safe for dogs to consume as it may contain additives that can be harmful to dogs. However, fried rice prepared at home without using butter or adding seasonings or flavors is okay for dogs.
13. Cooked Rice
Rice must be cooked before being given to dogs. When it comes to cooking rice for dogs, you should cook it plain without adding any salt, pepper, oil, or other unsafe additives.
Can dogs eat cooked rice?
Yes. Dogs can eat cooked rice. Dogs are allowed to eat plain rice that’s boiled or steamed without any additives to reap benefits from its nutrients.
14. Uncooked Rice
Dogs cannot process and digest uncooked rice. As such, it will pass through the gastrointestinal tract and come out the way it is.
Can dogs eat uncooked rice safely?
No, dogs cannot eat uncooked rice. Since dogs are incapable of processing the carbohydrates in uncooked rice, the undigested starch and sugar can cause gas, diarrhea plus other digestion issues in dogs.
Is Brown or White Rice Better for Dogs?
White rice is processed by removing its husk, germ, and bran. Although this removes most of the nutrition, it also makes it easy to digest and suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal problems. However, it’s also high in the glycemic score and can cause blood sugar spikes.
Brown rice, on the other hand, is unprocessed and has more nutrients. It’s, however, hard to digest and unrecommended for dogs with stomach issues. On the other hand, it’s better for diabetic dogs and those with no gastrointestinal issues, given its high nutrient contents and low glycemic value.
Can I Mix Rice with Dog Food?
Yes. you can mix rice with your regular dog food. This will help make it more digestible, especially for dogs with digestion problems.
Which Dog Food Brands Do Use Rice Within Dog Foods?
Several dog food brands include rice in their recipes to provide health benefits to dogs. Examples are listed below:
Blue Buffalo Dog Food
This is a dog food brand that has a reputation for providing quality and balanced nutrition for canines. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is among rice recipes. This food has the following benefits:
- It contains calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth
- Has carbs for energy provision and for an active lifestyle
Purina Dog Food
This is a pet food company that’s dedicated to providing balanced nutrition for dogs utilizing wholesome ingredients. The Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food offers the following benefits:
- It’s easily digestible and gluten-free
- Designed to cater to dogs’ sensitive skin and stomach
- It contains fiber to aid with digestion
Which Dog Diseases Can Affect Dogs’ Rice Eating?
Rice is safe for dogs. However, it may not be suitable for dogs that have the following diseases as it may worsen or complicate them further:
Diabetes: Rice is very high in carbohydrates. White rice is especially high in easily digestible carbohydrates due to its processing. As such, it has a higher glycemic index which can lead to increased blood sugar levels. Overeating rice is bad for diabetic dogs.
An increase in blood sugar causes type 2 diabetes or worsens the condition in already diabetic dogs. Diabetes is a serious health condition that needs careful medical attention and maintenance. If not properly handled, diabetes can be fatal to dogs.
Dogs suffering from diabetes show the following symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased appetite
At an advanced level, the following symptoms will manifest
- Depression
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Obesity: Rice, being carbohydrate-rich, packs a lot of calories. Excessive intake of rice supplies extra starch and calories to dogs. These extra calories can lead to unhealthy weight gain in dogs and consequently cause obesity.
Besides causing immobility issues, too much weight can lead to more serious dogs’ health problems, including pancreatitis and heart problems. Other risks brought about by obesity in dogs include arthritis, skin diseases, high blood pressure, decreased liver function, and poor quality of life.
Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that rice is given occasionally as a treat and in low amounts to reduce the risk of excessive weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Rice When Sick?
Yes, dogs can eat rice when they are sick. Rice, rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, can supply energy that sick dogs need to keep moving. Besides, eating rice has a calming effect.
Can An Anemic Dog Eat Rice?
Yes, anemic dogs can eat rice to help boost their blood levels. This is because rice contains iron (0.2 mg per 100g) iron which aids in the production of red blood cells. This helps to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Can Dogs With Kidney Disease Eat Rice?
Yes, dogs with kidney diseases can eat rice safely. The different kidney-friendly minerals in rice, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and manganese, can help promote dogs’ kidney health.
Can Dogs Eat Rice to Help With Diarrhea?
Yes, dogs can eat rice to help with diarrhea. This is because rice contains easy-to-digest carbohydrates and soluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps bind stool to ease diarrhea.
Can a Nursing Dog Eat Rice?
Yes. Nursing dogs can eat rice because it contains nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which help develop strong bones in puppies.
What Else Can Dogs Eat Together with Rice?
Some of the human food that is often shared with dogs together with rice are listed below:
Beans:
Beans are a good source of plant-based proteins. They also contain other nutrients, including iron, potassium, fiber, and vitamins A & C, crucial for dogs’ good health. Dogs should only be fed on cooked beans and never raw. The best beans for dogs include black beans, lentils, kidney beans, and green beans. However, beans should be given in minimal amounts as they can cause excess gas and constipation in dogs. can dogs eat beans safely?
Chicken:
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality, easily digestible proteins necessary for building and developing lean muscles in dogs. Veterinarians recommend a bland diet consisting of boiled rice and chicken for the treatment of diarrhea in dogs. However, chicken and rice should not be given as the main diet as it’s not a nutritionally balanced meal.
Egg:
Eggs are not only rich in protein but also packed with other nutrients, including essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, eggs are rich in cholesterol hence can cause health problems if taken in excess. Dogs should only eat cooked eggs.
Stew:
Dogs can also enjoy rice with a stew made with healthy meats and fresh vegetables. You can make beef stew and enrich it with a mix of fresh vegetables. While meat provides proteins essential for lean muscle development, veggies will provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, ensure the stew has no seasonings or spices that are toxic to dogs.
What are the Rice Dog Food Recipes?
These are some rice recipes you can make for your dog:
Rice and peanut butter dog treat
This needs powdered milk, eggs, milk powder, peanut butter, water, baking soda, and brown rice to make.
To make this, first, preheat your oven to 325 Degrees. Then blend rice into flour and mix the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Spoon the mixture into balls and put in a baking sheet, then bake for about 10 minutes.
Brown rice, Turkey, and Veggies Recipe
This requires brown rice, ground turkey, spinach, carrots, zucchini, and olive oil.
To make this, you will need first to boil rice and set it aside. Next, heat olive oil, add ground turkey, and cook for between 3-5 minutes. Then, add the shredded carrots, spinach, zucchini, peas, and the cooked brown rice, then cook for 5 minutes. Finally, cool and serve.
Chicken and Wild Rice Dog Biscuits
This treat is made with chicken, wild rice, eggs, flour, and chicken broth.
Begin by boiling chicken breast and wild rice separately and allowing them to cool. Next, puree the chicken and rice with some broth in a blender. Then add the egg and flour to the pureed mixture in a bowl. Finally, roll out on a lightly floured board, cut out the shapes and bake for 30 minutes.