Is Brown Rice Good for Dogs?

White or brown? 

This is the question that a lot of humans have been asking throughout history. Some are yet confused. Some say that white looks better, but they get a counter that brown is healthier and, hence, smarter. Let’s dig into this and find out which is better and if brown is actually good (we are just talking about rice by the way). 

Brown rice has become the go-to grain for not only the health-conscious bunch of people but even dog owners when choosing a grain for their dogs. But the real question is, is it actually good or just another fad? 

But before answering that, we need to take a step back and ask whether grains, in general, are good for dogs. The answer is not a clear one here. Dogs do not necessarily need grains in their diet. The soluble carbohydrates found in them can easily be substituted by muscle glycogen found in meat. ⁽²⁾ However, grains, in general, are not harmful to your dog unless the dog is allergic to anything in particular. They can be a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins that can boost a dog’s energy levels. 

Grains are not a part of a natural diet for dogs, though. Some dogs can even be allergic to grains or the gluten present in them. 

If we narrow down on rice, it does not contain gluten and is not a common allergen in dogs. Eating plain rice in moderate amounts is safe for dogs. So, the first checkpoint of safety is cleared. 

Now, the second checkpoint would be to see if rice is good for dogs. The answer to this is yes, it can be. It can be a good source of carbohydrates for dogs, which provides them with energy and can be a helpful part of a bland diet for dogs with digestive issues. The major issue with rice is its high glycemic index. It can cause blood sugar levels to spike. This can be especially concerning for dogs with obesity or diabetes. 

Is there an alternative where you get all the good parts of rice but without the high glycemic index? 

*Come in brown rice. 

Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice?

To answer this question, we must first ask, why is brown rice brown, and how is it different from white rice. 

Brown rice is a whole grain. It is brown because it still has the outer layers or hull and bran parts of the grain that white rice doesn’t. It contains more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than white rice. ⁽¹⁾

This makes brown rice naturally a better option, especially for dogs. Many commercial foods already include brown rice in their recipes, and not as a filler but as a very nutritious ingredient. It is easily digestible and comes without a high glycemic index. It can be helpful for dogs with gastrointestinal upset. 

The way to feed brown rice to your dog is to cook it thoroughly in water or a steam rice cooker and add a small amount of it to your dog’s bowl. Do not top it with butter, ghee, oil, salt, or any kind of spices as they can cause a stomach upset. The quantity should also never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.  

Can Brown Rice Upset a Dog’s Stomach? 

Brown rice is usually safe for dogs to eat. However, it can be problematic for some dogs, especially if eaten disproportionately. The higher fiber content in brown rice helps digestion, but dogs can only digest limited fibers at a time. Excess fibers can result in a stomach upset. Moreover, adding seasonings to the rice can also cause an upset stomach in dogs. ⁽³⁾

Some vets also suggest feeding white rice over brown rice to your dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Hence, it is always better to consult a vet before adding brown rice to your dog’s diet. Once you do, you must look for signs of discomfort in your dog, if any.   

What Kind of Rice is Best for Dogs?

Looking at all the facts, for overall health, brown rice is mostly a better option for dogs as it comes with more nutrients and a lower glycemic index. However, the high amount of fibers may be unsuitable for dogs with a gastrointestinal medical history. 

Does Rice Firm Up Dog Stool? 

Yes, plain rice is often recommended as a temporary diet for dogs experiencing diarrhea. It can help firm up their stool due to its binding properties. However, it should not be the sole diet for an extended period, and if diarrhea persists, consulting a veterinarian is advised. 

More about Spot Pet Insurance

Having a dog is great, but there will be times when your canine ends up feasting on things they are not supposed to. You may also unknowingly feed them foods that can cause digestive upset and other problems for them. Too much barley, for example, can not only cause digestive issues but also allergic reactions, weight gain and pancreatic inflammation. 

Some illnesses may be minor, but others might be severe and may even surgery. At such a time, worrying about your pet would be more important than worrying about all the medical bills. This is where pet health insurance helps. You can save up to 90% of all expenses and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!