Why dogs can have it
Cooked rice is not toxic to dogs and is easy to digest. It is mostly starch, which gives energy, and brown rice has more fibre than white.
Rice is still not a complete food: it has little protein and few of the other nutrients a dog needs. So it works as an extra or a treat, not instead of a balanced dog food. Rice, white rice especially, raises blood sugar, so for a dog with diabetes give it only after talking to your vet.
How to give it
- Boil the rice in water, with no salt, oil or seasoning.
- Let it cool and mix it into the usual food, or give it on its own.
- The first time, give a little and watch how your dog feels.
- Rice should be only a small part of what your dog eats.
What to watch out for
- Rice with salt, seasoning, onions or garlic, such as fried rice, is not suitable for a dog.
- Too much rice adds calories and can contribute to weight gain.
- In a dog with diabetes, rice can raise blood sugar.
- Uncooked rice is hard to digest and can upset the stomach.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Cooked rice
SafePlain rice boiled in water is fine for a dog in small amounts.
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Uncooked rice
Not safeRaw rice grains are hard to digest, so it is better not to give them.
What to give instead
- Oatmeal Yes, cooked oatmeal is fine for dogs: just cook it in water, with no sugar, salt or anything added. Safe
- Buckwheat Yes, cooked buckwheat is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, just cook it without salt, butter or bacon bits. Safe
- Sweet potatoes Yes, plain boiled or baked sweet potato without salt, butter or spices is fine for dogs, peeled and cut into small pieces. Safe
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give bones or raw meat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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