Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice

Brown rice in its cooked form is a good nutritional source for dogs because of its high protein and fiber content. However, it should be given to them in moderate amounts unless they are allergic to it.

Brown rice vs. White rice

Though both varieties of rice have individual benefits, each one of them is useful for dogs from certain aspects.

When you are introducing rice into a dog’s diet, it would be convenient to acquaint them with long-grained, white rice first as it is easier to chew and digest in comparison to the brown ones that are more hard to digest(due to its high phytic acid content making mineral absorption difficult.) White rice is also fast to cook (as it is devoid of the husk and bran) and less expensive than brown rice.

In terms of nutritional value brown rice surpasses the white one, though the latter is a recommended diet for dogs with diarrhoea as it falls under the category of bland foods. However, over the recent times, brown rice is being preferred as a food choice for sick dogs that can be boiled with chicken

Is brown rice good or safe for dogs

• It is high in fiber because of the bran, being beneficial for dogs with constipation, also providing a sense of fullness to the canine pets especially the puppies that have a good appetite, reducing their meal intake.
• Being high in protein and carbohydrates as well as low in fat, brown rice is considered to be one of the suitable foods to give pancreatic dogs, provided they are not allergic to it. The pet food company “Blue Buffalo” prepares a diet of brown rice and chicken breast, that is low in fat and opted by many owners of dogs who suffer from pancreatitis.
• Certain evidences have shown that the presence of polysaccharides in the bran of brown rice along with oat meal help in fighting against cancer.

Can you give dogs brown rice for diarrhoea

Brown rice is generally not a preferred option for dogs with diarrhoea as its high fiber content would trigger the upset stomach further. However, as the dog is recovering from diarrhoea, brown rice mixed with boiled chicken and yoghurt may be provided in moderate amounts to help him restore the lost nutrients.

How much brown rice to give dogs

Though brown rice is high in nutrition, it cannot meet the total protein requirement of a dog. In fact, it is advisable that the grains food in a dog’s diet does not exceed 40 %.  If your pet is being provided with other forms of grain foods like white rice, quinoa or oatmeal, limit its intake of brown rice to about twice a week. While introducing it for the first time, monitor your dog closely and if you notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea or allergies stop giving it any further, as well as consult your vet about the same.

Is brown rice harmful for dogs

Having it in low amounts would generally not cause any harm to your dog. However, if you find him vomiting, having an upset stomach or developing allergies on his body after consuming it, stop giving it further and talk to your vet about the same.

How to cook

Since it is difficult to chew and digest cooking brown rice in a proper way is highly essential to make it soft enough so that it does not hurt or irritate the dog’s intestinal tract.

• If you are taking a cup of rice then go for one and a half cup of water {ratio: 1 (rice): 1 ½ (water)}.
• Soak it in a pot (covered) for a short span of thirty minutes or as long as eight to twelve hours ( to reap the maximum nutritional benefits) at room temperature. (If soaking for a longer time the water needs to be drained and replaced with fresh water half way through the soak.)
• Simmer it for forty minutes and after it has been removed from the heat let it remain for ten more minutes.

After giving your pet some of it, the remaining can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for three to five days.

Brown rice recipes for dogs

Easy Crock pot Chicken and Brown Rice

Ingredients

• Brown rice ( one cup)
• Water (two cups)
• Raw sweet potato ( one, cut into medium chunks along with skin)
• Sliced carrots (three)
• Boneless chicken breasts (two) or boneless chicken thighs without skin ( four to six)

Directions

• Place the ingredients in the crock pot
• Cook for eight hours on low and five hours on high
• After the cooking is done, stir well and break up the chicken into small pieces
• Serve it to your canine pet when cooled.

You can add it to your dog’s kibble or serve it right away, the quantity depending on your dog’s weight and level of activity. The unused portion can be stored in the fridge for three to five days.