Is Rice Good for my Dog?

Pet owners often make one common mistake, regardless of what pet they own, feeding their pets human food. The assumption usually is that if a food is healthy for us, it must be healthy for our pets. A problem faced by dog owners is their inability to say no to the puppy dog eyes, and so they cave in and feed a little bit of what they eat to their dog when they come asking.

However, the assumption can be a dangerous one. The food you eat and enjoy doesn’t need to be safe for your dog. Some human food can be toxic for your dogs. Thus, it is of utmost importance that you know what you should or should not be feeding your dog to keep them safe.

The common food that we all love to eat is rice. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this is considered a healthy food. But the question is, is it safe to be fed to your dog?

Can rice be fed to dogs?

The answer is yes, rice is safe to be included in your dog’s diet. In fact, if you look at the ingredients of commercially available dog food, rice is a common ingredient in the food.

Rice is also fed to dogs with upset stomachs. White rice is easy to prepare, low in fiber, thus easy to digest, and a source of carbs that give your dog energy.

Benefits of feeding dog’s rice:

Rice is laden with health benefits for your dog, making it a great food to include in their diet. Rich in carbohydrates, rice is a source of energy for your dogs.

Devoid of harmful fats, sodium, and cholesterol, this grain makes up a well-balanced diet for your canine and also keeps their brain function strong.

Rice is also a good source of iron, calcium, Vitamin D, and riboflavin as well as starch. Starch is important as it encourages the growth of good bacteria, which in turn encourages bowel movements. Since rice is low in sodium, it is great for dogs who might have high blood pressure. The husk from rice not only helps with blood pressure but also can be used to treat dysentery in dogs. Rice is also believed to be a cure for stomach diseases and helps increase your canine’s appetite. The bran oil present in rice has antioxidant properties which aid in reducing cholesterol and increasing cardiovascular strength.

And it’s not just limited to white rice only. Brown rice is rich in insoluble fiber, which safeguards against cancer. Brown rice also has neurotransmitter nutrients that work on fighting Alzheimer’s disease in your dog.

How often can I feed my dog rice?

Can Dogs Eat Rice?

Before we start answering your question, there are certain things you need to take note of.

Moderation is key. Feeding your dog too much food or adding too much of an ingredient, irrespective of how healthy it may be, can lead to long-term health problems. A promise you make to your dog when you bring them into your homes and lives is to keep them happy and healthy, and to do that; you need to be informed, especially about what food they need and how much of it. Moderation and knowledge both go hand in hand.

You’re probably wondering since rice is so safe and is usually present in their canned food, there’s no harm in feeding it to them every day. That is true for most of the part. You can feed your dog rice daily as long as you do so in limited amounts. Too much rice can bowl your dog up. On the other hand, the right amount will work magic for dogs suffering from diarrhea.

Similarly, if you’re adding rice on top of tinned food, you might want to keep it to a small portion. This is mainly because the dog food already contains rice, and if you add more than you’re doubling the number of carbs, which in the long run, can lead to obesity. Similarly, too much rice given to a diabetic dog can prove to be bothersome in the long run.

Also, since rice is rich in fiber, make sure your dog drinks a lot of water to avoid getting constipated.

In any case, it is always advisable to consult your vet before making any additions to your dog’s diet.

If you’re making your dog food at home, then the amount of rice that you add depends on the ratio of other ingredients. Anywhere between one to two cups can be added, but this is a general idea.

How to include rice in my dog’s food?

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Including rice in your dog’s food is pretty simple, Boil the rice and water and add them to the food. Avoid any spices and seasonings. It might seem bland to you, but your dog doesn’t notice.

Do not feed your dog rice from your Chinese takeout since this rice contains lots of spices, garlic, and sodium, all of which will cause a great deal of damage to your dog’s digestive system.

What is better: brown rice or white rice?

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Both kinds of rice are a great food to give your dog. Both have similar health benefits, as well. The only difference is that brown rice is more fibrous, which makes it a bit more difficult to digest as opposed to white rice. Also, brown rice spoils faster.

Conclusion?

To sum it all up, rice is a safe and healthy food to offer your dog. Laden with health benefits, it is a part of your dog’s everyday diet and helps sort out several health problems. However, no matter how excellent food rice is, you must serve your dog rice in proper portions to avoid long-term problems. If you are confused, consult with your vet. It’s always good to be safe than sorry.

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