Food safety
Can Dogs Eat White Rice? Yes — Plain, Cooked and Small
Yes, dogs can eat white rice. Plain, cooked white rice is easy to digest and low in fiber, which is why the AKC notes that veterinarians use it in bland diets after an upset stomach. It is mostly starch, though, so it should be a small addition to a complete dog food rather than a regular filler, and it raises blood sugar faster than brown rice. Cook it in water with no butter, salt, garlic or onion, and keep portions modest.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why white rice is gentle on dogs
White rice has had its outer bran and germ removed, which leaves soft starch that the gut breaks down easily. The AKC describes white rice as easy to digest, quick to prepare and low in fiber, and notes that it can help firm up stool when a dog has diarrhea.
That is the reason it shows up in the bland diets vets suggest after vomiting or diarrhea, usually alongside plain boiled chicken. It is not a cure for anything; it simply gives a recovering gut something easy to work with.
White rice versus brown rice
Brown rice keeps its seed coat, so it carries more fiber, vitamins and minerals. The AKC notes, though, that brown rice is not used for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, because the extra fiber is harder on an upset gut. For a sensitive stomach, white rice is the better choice.
White rice has a higher glycemic index, which means it raises blood sugar more quickly. The AKC says diabetic dogs can have a little white rice if needed, but not regularly. If your dog is diabetic or overweight, talk to your vet before adding any rice.
How to cook rice for your dog
Rinse the rice, then boil it in plain water until it is soft and slightly overcooked. The AKC advises leaving out seasonings and spices, which can upset the stomach or be toxic. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Do not share fried rice, takeout rice, rice pilaf or seasoned rice mixes. These are usually cooked in oil or butter with soy sauce, salt, garlic and onion, and onion and garlic can damage a dog's red blood cells.
How much white rice by dog weight
As an occasional extra mixed into a meal: under 20 lb, one to two tablespoons of cooked rice; 20 to 50 lb, about a quarter cup; over 50 lb, about half a cup. The AKC cautions against overloading dogs with high-carb foods, since complete dog food already contains carbohydrates.
If your vet suggests a bland diet for a short period, follow their instructions on the mix and amount rather than a general guide. A bland diet is meant for a few days, not as a long-term menu, because rice and chicken alone are not nutritionally complete.
For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.
Puppies and white rice
Puppies can eat a spoonful of plain cooked white rice, but they need a complete puppy food for growth, and filling up on rice displaces the nutrients they need most. Keep it to a small taste mixed into their usual food.
Diarrhea in a puppy is more urgent than in an adult dog, because small bodies dehydrate fast and puppies can carry infections such as parvovirus. Call your vet rather than treating a puppy's upset stomach with rice at home.
Signs rice disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet
Most dogs tolerate rice well. Some get gas or constipation if they eat a lot, and a few dogs have a sensitivity to grains that shows as itchy skin or soft stools over time. Undercooked rice can cause stomach upset.
Call your vet if your dog's vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a day despite a bland diet, if you see blood, or if your dog is lethargic, refusing food or seems to be in pain. A dog that keeps vomiting should be seen, not fed.
Other easy-to-digest foods
Plain canned pumpkin, plain boiled potato without the skin, and plain cooked sweet potato are other gentle carbohydrates. The ASPCA lists cooked pumpkin among snacks dogs can share. Lean protein such as skinless boiled chicken pairs well with any of them.
For everyday treats, small pieces of carrot, apple without the core or a few blueberries add variety without much starch. Keep extras to a small part of the daily food so the complete diet stays balanced.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Is white rice good for dogs with diarrhea?
Plain cooked white rice is easy to digest and can help firm up stool, which is why vets use it in bland diets. Diarrhea lasting more than a day, with blood, or with lethargy needs a vet visit.
Can dogs eat white rice every day?
A small amount mixed into food is fine for most healthy dogs, but daily rice adds carbohydrates a complete dog food already supplies. Watch your dog's weight, and avoid it for diabetic dogs unless your vet agrees.
Is white or brown rice better for dogs?
Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients, but white rice is easier to digest and is preferred for upset stomachs. For a healthy dog either is fine in small amounts; for a sensitive gut, white is gentler.
Can dogs eat fried rice?
No. Fried rice is cooked in oil with soy sauce, salt and usually garlic, onion or scallions, all of which are bad for dogs. If your dog ate some, watch for stomach upset and call your vet.
Can dogs eat Minute Rice or instant rice?
Plain instant white rice cooked in water is fine. Avoid flavored packets, which are seasoned with salt, butter, garlic or onion. Check the ingredients before sharing any boxed rice product.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
