White rice is often recommended by vets when providing dogs with digestive issues a bland diet, as its easily digestible carbs help soothe their stomach, feed good bacteria, and regulate bowel movements.
But should white rice form a significant portion of your dog’s diet? We take a closer look at its advantages and drawbacks as food for dogs.
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Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
Commercial dog foods contain rice as one of their key ingredients, but while many pet parents choose grain-free diets for their pups, adding white or brown rice in moderation to his or her daily regimen should pose no adverse affects – just ensure it is fully cooked and completely plain before feeding it to them!
Rice has a low glycemic index (a one-third cup contains only 70 calories), making it easily digestible by most dogs. However, diabetic or obese pups should avoid it since this could raise blood sugar levels further.
If you decide to give your dog some rice, be sure to pair it with an animal protein source such as beef, turkey breast or chicken meat for optimal nutritional intake. Wild rice also adds an exciting nutty taste!
Soothes Upset Stomachs
As part of a bland diet to soothe stomach upsets in dogs, vets recommend including boiled rice and lean, bland meat like chicken in your pet’s food to ease its digestion and help bind stool if diarrhea arises.
White rice is often recommended because it’s easy for sick dogs to digest and low in fiber content; plus it can be quickly prepared. Brown rice offers more nutrients and fiber content but may be harder for sick pups to process.
As much as many commercial dog foods contain rice, it’s never advised that your pet consume a large quantity of it at one time. Too much can lead to weight gain and digestive issues for both you and your pup! For maximum control and optimal nutrition levels for both parties involved, rice should either be added directly into wet food or sprinkled over dry dog food so that you can monitor exactly how much is consumed each time a serving arrives at its destination.
Helps Control Diarrhea
Rice can help control diarrhea in dogs as it absorbs excess moisture while providing starch to help bind loose stool together. So adding small portions of cooked rice into their diet after diarrhea may help them feel better; however if black or bright red blood appears in his stool or your dog seems lethargic or dehydrated then visit your veterinarian immediately.
White rice is ideal for soothing your pet’s stomach as its processing removes hull and germ, leaving only starchier endosperm. Furthermore, its lower glycemic index means it has less impact on digestion compared to brown rice which has more fiber and nutrients but may be harder on its digestive tract.
If you’re using rice to help your dog manage diarrhea, try cooking it plain without salt or any additives – allow to boil until all water has been absorbed by it and consider serving in portions no larger than 70 calories per cup!
High in Calories
Rice is commonly used as filler in many dog food brands and should not be considered an essential source of protein, fat, vitamins or minerals for your pet’s diet. Due to its high carb content however, providing large quantities for extended periods can add additional calories that could contribute to obesity in pets.
Add rice to your pet’s diet in moderation and only as directed by their veterinarian. Provide plain, boiled white or brown rice rather than fried varieties which contain oil, soy sauce and salt which could potentially harm their health.
Substituting small amounts of plain white rice mixed with lean proteins (such as boiled chicken breast) with small portions of plain white rice may help your dog recover from digestive discomfort, including diarrhea and vomiting. Keep in mind that this diet should only be fed temporarily until their digestion improves; additionally, rice has high glycemic index ratings so should be avoided by pets with diabetes.
