Can Dogs Eat Rice?

Yes, dogs can eat rice. Plain, fully cooked rice with nothing added is fine for most dogs. White rice is the kind vets use for upset stomachs, and brown rice is okay as a small extra. Skip butter, salt, spices, onion, and garlic. Those extras are what make some rice dishes a problem.

Why is white rice used for upset stomachs?

The AKC says white rice is easy to digest, quick to cook, and low in fiber. Vets use it as a gentle carbohydrate when a dog is recovering from a stomach upset. Dr. Steve Weinberg told the AKC that rice helps firm up stool when a dog has diarrhea.

The Merck Veterinary Manual also lists rice, along with cottage cheese, as an easy-to-digest food after vomiting stops. It describes small, frequent meals. It also says to call your vet if signs come back, vomiting keeps happening, your dog gets very dehydrated, or you see blood in the stool.

We did not find a source that gives exact amounts or a set number of days. Ask your vet how much to feed and for how long.

How do I serve rice safely?

• Boil it in plain water. No butter, oil, salt, or spices.
• Cook it fully so it is soft.
• Mix a small amount into your dog’s normal food instead of replacing it.
• Check with your vet first if your dog is sick, is diabetic, or has any health problem.

How much rice is too much?

Rice is mostly carbohydrate. The AKC warns that too many carbs can cause weight gain. Dog food already has carbs in it, so rice is an extra. A little added to meals is fine if your dog stays at a healthy weight. The AKC also says white rice can raise blood sugar more than brown rice, so it is not a good steady choice for a diabetic dog.

Other kinds of rice and rice dishes

Is brown rice okay for dogs?

Yes, in small amounts. Brown rice still has its outer coat, so it has more nutrients but is harder to digest, the AKC says. That is why it is not used for a dog with diarrhea. For a sick dog, use white rice.

Can dogs eat fried rice or chicken fried rice?

No, it is better to skip it. Fried rice is cooked with oil and salt, and it often has onion and garlic. The ASPCA says onion and garlic can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, and too much salt can cause throwing up, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. A single lick is unlikely to matter, but don’t share the plate. If your dog ate a lot, call your vet or a poison hotline.

Can dogs eat saffron rice?

Better not to. The saffron spice itself comes from a different plant than meadow saffron, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs. We could not find a vet source that covers saffron spice in dogs, though. Saffron rice is also often made with butter, salt, or onion, so plain rice is the safer pick.

What about rice cakes, rice crackers, sushi rice, wild rice, and rice with beans?

We could not find a reliable vet source for these, so I can’t give a clear answer. Here is what is known. Seasoned rice is the main risk, so check the label for onion, garlic, and salt. Sugar-free products can contain xylitol, a sweetener that is very dangerous to dogs, so read labels for it too. When in doubt, offer plain cooked rice instead and ask your vet.

Can dogs eat cold or leftover rice?

We did not find a vet source on how long cooked rice can sit out or be stored for dogs. Keep any rice you share plain, and don’t give rice that has been left out or smells off.

Can dogs be allergic to rice?

It is possible. The AKC says grains don’t cause allergies, but any food can be the target of one. If your dog has diarrhea or other signs after eating a food, talk to your vet before changing what you feed.

Other treats to try

Small bits of plain apple, banana, or peanut butter (check it has no xylitol) are easy options. See our guides on apples and bananas. For a full list of what to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs. Keep treats, including rice, to about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.