Is rice good for dogs?
Are you considering feeding your dog rice but are unsure if that is →species-appropriate? Well, from now on you can always cook an extra portion of rice, because this little energy grain should play an important role not only in your dinner. It is also quite healthy for your four-legged companion. So there’s nothing wrong with your dog getting rice every now and then. Sometimes it's even desirable!
Which rice is best for dogs?
There are many different types of rice, but only the best grain goes into your dog's bowl? Basically, all types of rice are fine and digestible for your dog. These include:
- Brown rice
- Parboiled rice
- Basmati rice
- Thai rice
- Jasmine rice
- Risotto rice
- Whole grain rice
Just like for us humans, whole grain rice (also referred to as "brown rice") is the best for your four-legged friend. The reason for this is the higher fiber content, which supports healthy intestinal function. Keep in mind that whole grain rice takes a bit longer to prepare.
White rice can also be eaten by your dog without worry and is generally well tolerated. However, just like for us, it offers less fiber.
Cooking rice for dogs
Of course, your dog should not eat the rice raw, but always cooked. When preparing, make sure to add no spices and especially no salt! Otherwise, you can prepare the rice just like you would for yourself:
1. Wash the rice to remove excess starch.
2. Cook in a pot with unsalted water for 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Let the rice cool and then serve it to your dog.
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Rice provides dogs with an extra portion of energy
Rice with chicken as bland food when your pet's stomach is upset is probably already known to you. But there’s more to it: Rice gives your four-legged friend plenty of strength and energy in the form of complex carbohydrates. Contrary to what many think, →dogs do not only need meat.
While our four-legged friends do not require carbohydrates as much as we do, because they derive most of their energy from fats and proteins, they can meet their needs with the starch contained in rice and metabolize it. It’s important here: Cook the rice well beforehand, as only then can your dog digest it particularly well.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Auch beim BARFen werden frische Zutaten wie rohes Fleisch, Gemüse und Reis gefüttert. Lerne mehr dazu!
Rice for stomach aches or allergies
Because your four-legged friend can digest rice particularly easily, it is perfect as bland food when your dog suffers from →stomach aches or →diarrhea. Starch-rich food components support a healthy gut flora. Organs such as the kidneys and liver, which filter toxins from the body, also benefit from it.
Especially for older dogs, meals should be carbohydrate-rich and low in fat - here, a reduction of meat and the addition of rice makes sense. Don’t be alarmed if you hear that rice is a →grain, because unlike grains in, for example, →bread, brown rice is gluten-free and therefore also suitable for →dogs with allergies.
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How often can my dog eat rice?
Theoretically, you can feed your dog rice every day, it just depends on the right portioning. Your dog, as a meat-eater, won’t mind rice in his daily breakfast - on the contrary. Alongside an optimal meat content of up to 80%, you can design the rest of the menu as often as you and your furry friend like with rice and vegetables. This ensures a →healthy supply of nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements for your four-legged friend.
If you are unsure about putting together a tasty menu, you can surprise your beloved pet with one of our BARF fresh menus, where we focus on healthy carbohydrate sources like rice.
