Can dogs and cats eat rice?

Yes, rice is safe for dogs to eat! It’s a listed ingredient in some pet foods, and your vet may even have recommended it to you at some point. If you plan to offer it to your pet, then you must make sure that it's been properly cooked and served plain, with no additional ingredients.

Rice is simple to prepare and easy to digest, which can be helpful for some dogs with stomach upsets. White rice is best for dogs with gastrointestinal issues as it is lower in fibre and easier for pups to process than brown rice. Your vet may suggest offering it alongside plain cooked chicken breast or white fish. This type of food is generally ok for short term tummy troubles, but it's not ideal as a long-term diet because it is lacking in certain nutrients.

If your pet is suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea issues, it’s important to check with your vet first before offering rice. There may be an alternative diet or treatment that is more appropriate for your pet’s condition. Getting a diagnosis for your dog's stomach trouble will help ensure they are receiving the right care.

In healthy dogs, cooked rice is fine to offer as an occasional treat. Just make sure any extras, including rice, make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. Too much could cause nutritional imbalances and weight gain. Most vets will recommend sticking to a pre-formulated commercial pet food as much as possible, as this will contain all the nutrients your pet needs.

Can dogs eat brown rice?

It’s safe for healthy dogs to eat brown rice. Brown rice is less processed than white rice, so it retains more of its nutrients and fibre. It still has a seed coat where things like B vitamins and magnesium are stored. Brown rice is less digestible than white rice, so it shouldn’t be given to dogs with stomach upsets.

Can dogs eat basmati rice?

Basmati is a type of long-grain rice that is safe for dogs to eat as an occasional treat. Just make sure it is served plain, and you don't give it alongside any leftovers, like curry, which could irritate your pet's stomach.

Can dogs eat pilau rice?

Pilau rice is usually basmati rice that has been cooked with other ingredients like spices, onions, and oil. Pilau rice is best avoided as these additional ingredients could cause stomach upsets or even toxicity. Onions are a member of the allium family and can cause haemolytic anaemia.

Can dogs eat wild rice?

Wild rice is not toxic to dogs. It is also worth noting that it is a nutritious aquatic seed from a grass species rather than being actual rice. Dogs can eat wild rice in moderation if it is cooked and served plain. Too much could lead to stomach upsets, however, due to its high fibre content.

Can dogs eat rice pudding?

Rice pudding is not recommended for dogs. It contains high levels of sugar, which has no nutritional value and adds extra calories to your pet's diet. Rice pudding is also made from milk, with some dogs struggling to digest the lactose it contains. Stomach upsets, weight gain, and even pancreatitis could occur if you feed your dog too much rice pudding - it's best to skip this one.

Can dogs eat rice cakes?

Plain rice cakes are not toxic for dogs, but they are low in nutrients and often highly processed. If you choose to offer your pet rice cakes, make sure they are unsalted and unflavoured, and offered without any additional toppings, as these could be harmful.