Rice For Sick Dogs

As a pet parent, you will likely need to address your dog’s sicknesses at some point. One of these is mild stomach upsets. If your dog has a decreased appetite and diarrhea, figuring out what to feed them to help them get on the mend might be challenging. This is where rice comes in for sick dogs.

You might first ask, can dogs have rice? As an omnivore, your pup can safely eat rice if they are otherwise healthy. As such, offering a bland meal of white rice and chicken is often a choice remedy for dogs with stomach upsets. However, gas, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea are sometimes signs of a more serious issue. Always check with your vet before attempting to treat your dog’s sickness at home.

Can You Give Rice to Sick Dogs?

If your dog has mild diarrhea and is otherwise healthy, you can feed them a bland meal of rice and meat. Often, your dog’s stomach will settle on its own, and there may be no need to change its diet. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to make sure.

Your dog’s digestive system is a delicate balance that requires certain food types to work at its best. Just like humans, adjusting what your dog eats can be beneficial when they have digestive problems. Rice is a good option because it’s easy to digest and low in fiber, which helps to firm up your dog’s stool, reducing diarrhea that can come with stomach troubles.

However, excessive rice consumption can cause constipation, so it’s essential to feed it in moderation. Additionally, rice is high in the glycemic index, which can lead to diabetes, so it’s not ideal for diabetic or overweight dogs. Dogs with candida or yeast infections should also avoid rice, as the carbohydrates in rice produce sugars that can feed yeasts and bacteria.

In summary, rice can be a helpful addition to your dog’s diet when they have mild digestive problems. However, it’s important to feed it in moderation and consider your dog’s specific health needs. Always check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

What Type of Rice Can You to Your Dogs?

There are more than 40,000 rice varieties, but most fall into two categories – white or brown. For our furry friends, you’ll most often find either white or brown rice when rice is present in their food. This is because other types are more expensive and have a different nutritional profile. The answer to the question, can dogs have rice is yes, but the type matters, too.

White Rice

White rice is a starchy grain with a chewy and soft texture. It’s a refined grain, so it doesn’t offer the same amount of fiber as whole grains – but it is still a good source of carbohydrates, iron, and manganese. White rice has little fat but plenty of protein and B vitamins (especially thiamin and niacin).

As well as this, white rice has a higher glycemic index than other varieties of rice, which can elevate your dog’s blood sugar levels. If your dog is diabetic, it may be best to avoid white rice or only give it in small quantities to avoid adverse effects. Overall, though, white rice is the best rice for sick dogs.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain. This means it comes with all parts of the grain, including bran, germ, and endosperm. It’s chewy and takes a bit longer to cook due to the tougher bran coating. This type of rice has a small advantage over white rice in terms of nutritional content as it contains more fiber and antioxidants.

However, brown rice is often less suitable for a dog with stomach troubles than white rice. This is because of the higher fiber content in brown rice. It’s also a little harder for your pup to digest due to the harder exterior. If you’re just looking for a nutritious addition to your dog’s meal every once in a while, brown rice is totally acceptable. But if your dog is having trouble with diarrhea, it’s best to stick with white rice.

Chicken and Rice Recipe for Sick Dogs

A bland meal may not sound appetizing for your pooch, but sometimes it’s a good option for dogs with upset stomachs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing your dog’s meal. Always use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Using boneless, skinless chicken breast is important because it has less fat, which can be easier on your dog’s stomach if they’re feeling unwell. Next, always boil your dog’s chicken pieces to remove excess fat.

While boiled chicken loses more B vitamins than roasted chicken, boiled chicken retains more iron, folate, and vitamin E. For rice, we recommend sticking with white rice. This is because brown rice is higher in fiber and can worsen an upset stomach when given in excess. Be sure to prepare the rice according to the package instructions.

Overall, it’s best to aim for 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups of rice to 1 cup of chicken.

Better Options Than Rice

It’s very important to note that you should only attempt to treat your dog’s stomach upsets at home if they are otherwise healthy. If your dog is frequently vomiting or experiencing frequent bouts of constipation or diarrhea, your first stop should be with your vet. You risk potentially worsening the underlying issue by attempting to treat your dog at home.

Oatmeal is another option for dogs with digestive upsets. It contains soluble fiber, which attracts water and removes it from the digestive tract. This helps slow digestion, adding bulk to your dog’s bowel movements.

Psyllium husks are another viable option for pups with digestive troubles. Like oatmeal, psyllium contains plenty of soluble fiber. It soaks up water in your dog’s digestive tract, making their stool firmer and slower to pass. You can find psyllium in unflavored Metamucil, available over the counter, and can be given to your pup at home.

So, can sick dogs have rice? Indeed, they can. However, it’s best to stick with white rice for better results. And, as always, make sure to contact your vet if you have concerns about your pup’s health. Frequent bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting cause a vet visit.