Having a healthy diet is important for a canine’s wellbeing and their happiness. As responsible pet owners, we want to make sure we are feeding our dogs the best possible nutrition while also letting them enjoy their food. Rice is a popular ingredient in many dog foods, but can your dog have white rice every day? In this blog post, we will discuss the potential health benefits and risks of feeding white rice to your dog on a daily basis and offer advice on how to make sure your pup is getting all the nutrients and energy they need. We will also provide some alternatives to white rice, in case you decide this food is not right for your canine companion. This blog post is a great resource for any pet owner looking to make sure their furry friend is being taken care of.
How to Use White Rice in Your Dog’s Diet
It’s best to start slowly whenever you introduce new foods to your dog’s diet. See our article on brown rice, which is considerably more nutrient-rich than white rice, if you want to include grains as a source of carbohydrates. You can safely switch to the 50/50 boiled white rice and boiled lean meat bland diet if you are currently taking white rice as prescribed by your veterinarian to treat diarrhea. Instead of one or two large meals, it is preferable in this situation to feed small portions several times throughout the day. It combines ingredients like lean turkey or chicken for a highly digestible bland diet that is gentle on the dog’s digestive system.
*Be aware that consuming too much white rice for an extended period of time can cause constipation, so keep an eye out for your pet straining and a lack of bowel movements.
Many commercial dog foods already include rice. Large amounts of “extras,” even fresh foods, can upset a balanced diet if your dog consumes balanced dog food, especially nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Specific vitamins and minerals in excess can cause health issues.
Use of the 20% rule for human foods as supplements to a commercially balanced diet is a good rule of thumb. That means that no more than 20% of your dog’s diet should consist of fresh food “toppers.” The amount of commercial kibble you can substitute for up to 20% of your dog’s meal, or 2 cups, is 0 in this case. 4 cups or 3. 2 ounces – containing “people foods,” such as cooked lean meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains No more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from rice. *.
*Take note that the exception is when white rice is provided as part of a bland diet for a brief period of time to treat diarrhea.
**You might want to stay away from rice if your dog has food allergies to grains. However, since rice is gluten-free, white rice will be acceptable if your dog needs to avoid gluten. When you’re diagnosing food allergens, see our article for the best dog food.
Is there anything else to consider about feeding my dog rice daily?
While it’s fine to feed your dog rice every day, it’s important that rice not be the only thing you feed them. Your dog also needs plenty of protein, healthy fat, carbs, calcium, and essential fatty acids. They need a balance of nutrients in their daily diet to stay at peak health. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has this helpful article if you need help to plan a well-balanced diet for your dog.
Rice and allergic reactions in dogs
Various foods, including rice, can cause allergies or intolerances in some dogs. Before introducing a new food to your dog, it is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s allergies with your veterinarian. When you want to give your dog rice, yeast allergies can be a particular problem.
Signs of intolerances or allergy to rice are:
FAQ
What happens if I feed my dog white rice everyday?
The rice is a source of carbohydrates, so even though it’s a good addition to your dog’s meal, you should never give them too much. Although easy to digest, rice is starchy, and consuming a lot of it daily could cause your pet’s blood sugar to rise, which is dangerous if your pet has diabetes.
How often can dogs eat white rice?
The majority of dog foods include the daily recommended amounts of calories and nutrients for your dog’s health. Accordingly, they can only eat 10% of their daily calories from rice. Give them more and you run the risk of developing diabetes or weight gain. About a third cup of rice can be consumed by large dogs twice or three times per week.
How much white rice should I give my dog?
Feed no more than a quarter cup of extra rice for a large dog and just a tablespoon or two for a smaller dog. Rice is typically combined with a small amount of lean protein, such as plain, shredded chicken breast, as part of a bland diet for stomach upset.
Is too much white rice bad for dogs?
Due to the presence of carbohydrates in commercial dog food, it is important to avoid giving your dog too many high-carbohydrate foods, such as rice. Adding some rice to your dog’s meals is fine as long as they are maintaining a healthy weight.