Can Dogs Eat Rice? White vs Brown, and the Upset-Stomach Meal
Plain cooked rice is safe for most dogs. Learn when white rice helps an upset stomach, how to cook it, and when to call your vet.
PawFacto Editorial Team
4 min read
Short answer: Yes. Plain, fully cooked rice is safe for most dogs. White rice is gentle on the stomach and is a vet favourite for short-term diarrhea, while brown rice has more fibre but is harder to digest. Skip the salt, butter, oil, garlic and onion.
If your dog has ever had an upset stomach, there’s a good chance someone told you to “try chicken and rice.” It’s one of the oldest bits of dog-care advice around, and it’s mostly sound. But rice isn’t magic, and how you cook it matters.
Is rice good for dogs?
Rice is a simple carbohydrate that dogs digest well. Like people, dogs produce amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch. It’s also a common ingredient in commercial dog food. Rice gives energy, but it’s not packed with the protein, fat and micronutrients dogs need, so it works as a topper or short-term helper, not as a complete meal.
White rice vs brown rice for dogs
| White rice | Brown rice | |
|---|---|---|
| Digestibility | High; low in fibre | Lower; the bran layer is tougher to break down |
| Best for | Upset stomach, diarrhea, bland diets | Healthy dogs that tolerate it, as an occasional extra |
| Fibre | Low | Higher |
| Blood sugar | Rises faster (higher glycemic index) | Slower rise |
Veterinary sources, including AKC and PetMD, generally recommend white rice when a dog has digestive upset, because its low fibre and easy-to-digest starch are gentle on the gut. Brown rice is perfectly safe for a healthy dog, but it isn’t the right pick when their stomach is already unhappy.
How to cook rice for a dog
- Use plain water. No salt, oil, butter, stock or seasoning.
- Cook it fully. Soft and a little overcooked is fine for a sensitive stomach. Never serve it raw or undercooked.
- Cool it down. Serve it lukewarm, not hot.
- Store leftovers safely. Cooked rice should be refrigerated soon after cooking, because it can grow bacteria if left out.
Avoid fried rice, takeaway rice, risotto and anything made with onion, garlic, spices or sauces. Onion and garlic can damage dogs’ red blood cells.
Rice for an upset stomach: the bland diet
For mild diarrhea or vomiting, vets often suggest a short bland meal of plain boiled chicken (no skin, no bones, no seasoning) mixed with plain white rice. A common ratio is about one part chicken to two parts rice, though your vet may adjust it for your dog. Feed small portions a few times a day, and return to normal food gradually over a few days as your dog’s stool firms up.
Important limits:
- A bland diet is a short-term fix, usually a few days. It isn’t nutritionally complete.
- Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day or two, if your dog is very tired, in pain or dehydrated, or if there’s blood.
- Puppies, seniors and small dogs can get dehydrated fast, so call sooner for them.
How much rice can a dog eat?
As an everyday topper, keep rice within the usual treat allowance of about 10% of daily calories. That’s a spoonful or two for small dogs and a bit more for large ones. Too much rice can crowd out balanced nutrition, add weight, and, in dogs with normal stools, contribute to constipation.
Who should check with a vet first?
- Diabetic dogs: Rice, especially white, can raise blood sugar quickly. Ask your vet before offering it.
- Overweight dogs: Rice is calorie-dense for its size.
- Dogs on prescription or homemade diets: Ask your vet before adding extras.
Quick answers about dogs and rice
Can dogs eat rice every day?
A small amount of plain rice is fine for many dogs, but it shouldn’t replace a balanced dog food. Talk to your vet if you want to feed it regularly.
Is rice good for dogs with diarrhea?
Plain white rice is often used for short-term diarrhea because it’s easy to digest and can help firm stools. If diarrhea continues beyond a day or two, call your vet.
Can dogs eat raw or uncooked rice?
No. Uncooked rice is hard to digest and can upset the stomach. Always cook it fully.
Can dogs eat basmati or jasmine rice?
Yes, if it’s plain and cooked. White basmati is a common choice for a bland meal. Avoid flavoured or pre-seasoned rice.
Can puppies eat rice?
Small amounts of plain cooked rice are fine, but puppies need a complete puppy diet for growth. Call your vet if your puppy has diarrhea.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Rice?
- PetMD, Can Dogs Eat Rice?
- Purina UK, Can Dogs Eat Rice?
