Rice yields several benefits for a person’s overall health and energy. Many of the nutrients in rice, especially brown rice, that help aid the health of people is also beneficial to your dog’s health as well! Brown rice is especially rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well as being a great source of manganese, magnesium, and selenium. Keep reading to learn more about how the benefits of brown rice can maintain your dog’s health.

Is rice good for dogs?

One of the healthiest grains for any person and their dog is brown rice. The high level of antioxidants in brown rice helps support and maintain blood sugar levels in your dog’s system. Brown rice is also very high in fiber, manganese, magnesium, and selenium, all of which support your dog’s energy levels and heart as well.

While fiber and manganese have both been known to help with digestive issues, manganese has been linked to supporting energy as well. Selenium has been linked to helping maintain stress in humans, as well as supporting healthy heart function. Meanwhile, magnesium can help with muscle tension, energy, and it also supports a healthy heart as well!

As with any change in your dog’s diet, brown rice should be gradually added to a dog’s diet to avoid negative reactions.1 You should avoid making rice your dog’s primary source of nutrients as dogs need a meat-focused meal to be healthiest. Be sure to cook the rice properly and fully before serving.

Can I give my dog brown rice for an upset stomach?

If your dog has an upset stomach, there are several options to consider. One is to fast your dog for 12-24 hours after being sick. A lot of people will feel bad withholding food from their dog but it’s important not to overfeed when a dog is sick. After the fast, you may begin to feed your dog bland meals first so you don’t further upset their stomach. Start with one part boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast and two parts rice. As your dog becomes less sick, you may then begin to gradually introduce their normal meal into the chicken and rice.

Is brown or white rice better for dogs?

What makes white rice so much tastier and softer than brown rice? The absence of bran, which provides many of the nutrients contained in brown rice. White rice is processed and stripped of its bran and many of the original nutrients as well. So many nutrients in such a small package can make it very difficult for some dogs to chew. With brown rice being so rich in fiber, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and antioxidants, the texture can be too rough for some dogs.

So you try brown rice and your dog just won’t eat it, now what? Thankfully the Chicken & Rice Dog Food Formula from AvoDerm Natural® is made with white rice! Though white rice contains fewer nutrients and benefits, many dogs prefer the texture because it’s softer and easier to break down. If your dog does enjoy brown rice, your household can also try an AvoDerm Natural® Brown Rice recipe. Our Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula will make sure that your dog can receive the full benefits of a healthy grain in their diet.

SOURCES:

  1. Cardiff, Emily. “Oats and Brown Rice: Healthy Whole Grains Your Dog Can Eat,” One Green Planet, November 6th, 2013.