Can Dogs Eat Rice?

As November approaches, you’ll see information about feeding Thanksgiving leftovers to your pets. Your dog can have leftover turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, and other uncomplicated foods.

“Uncomplicated” means foods without lots of seasonings, alums (garlic, leeks, onions, scallions), and xylitol (often used as an artificial sweetener). And as with most foods, moderation is key. Feeding any animal too much of anything can lead to immediate complications or long-term health issues.

If your pet has an allergy to grains, signs include skin irritations, ear-scratching or ear infections, and nervousness. But several grains are actually beneficial to a dog’s diet. One of these is rice.

Rice and Your Dog’s Digestion

Rice is a staple in many cultures. It’s sometimes used in commercial dog foods and is often prescribed by veterinarians when dogs are sick. For a dog with an upset stomach, rice is easily digested because it’s bland and low in fiber. “Rice helps to bind the stool in cases of diarrhea,” says Steve Weinberg, 911Vets CEO/DVM.

Even if your dog is diabetic, a little rice won’t be harmful. Brown rice has a lower glycemic index, but it’s harder to digest, so stick to white rice for your diabetic dog’s carbohydrate.

Rice is a staple in many senior dogs’ diets. It’s a natural energy source and is so easily digested it is a good dietary choice for older dogs’ tummies.

Are Dogs Carnivores?

Plant-eaters are herbivores. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and wolves are carnivores (meat-eaters). Some people argue dogs are carnivores because of their genetic ancestry, but just as human bodies have evolved, dogs have largely become omnivorous; they eat animals and plants.

This is not to say vegetarianism is a great idea for dogs. Even if your diet is free from meat, your dog has “a notable and undeniable carnivorous bias,” says DogFoodAdvisor.

Just as you learned to like – and your body became conditioned to – added sugars and salts, your dog may have learned some bad dietary habits. Assuming a dog has never had a McDonald’s French fry . . . and when left to his own dietary preferences, if your dog could choose his own diet, recipes would include:

• Carbohydrates
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• Meat-based proteins
• Natural oils/fats
• No artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives

Fruits and Vegetables for Dog Diets

Veggies and fruits are packed with vitamins that are beneficial to your dog. Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables include bananas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Apples and oranges (remove the core and seeds) are good sources of vitamins A and C.

When mixed with rice or served as a treat, these fruits and vegetables have dietary advantages for your dog:

• Apples
• Asparagus – Not toxic, but when cooked loses much of its nutritional value, so…
• Bananas – Treats only; high in sugar
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cantaloupe – Treats only; high in sugar
• Carrots
• Celery – Natural breath-freshener
• Cranberries
• Green beans
• Mangoes – Treats only; high in sugar
• Oranges – Peel and remove seeds
• Peaches – Remove flesh around the pit, which is toxic
• Pears – Treats only; high in sugar
• Peas
• Pineapples
• Raspberries – Anti-inflammatory properties for older dogs; small amounts of Xylitol, so limit accordingly
• Spinach
• Squash - Remove rinds and seeds
• Strawberries
• Watermelon – Remove rinds and seeds

These fruits and vegetables can be harmful to your dog:

• Asparagus – Not toxic, but when cooked loses much of its nutritional value, so…
• Avocados – Can cause vomiting and diarrhea
• Cherries – Toxic; if your dog accidentally eats cherries, watch for difficulty breathing, red gums, and dilated pupils. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Grapes – Grapes and raisins are highly toxic; they can lead to immediate and acute kidney failure.
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Tomatoes – The ripened fruit itself is safe; the stem and green parts are toxic.

Thanksgiving Dinner Stew for Your Dog

Your dog has a lot to be thankful for, too! She’s living with someone who loves her and cares about her health.

Store-bought stews and soups for dogs are trending but making your own is easy. It’s also a good way to hydrate your pet. Here’s a Thanksgiving leftovers recipe for your dog. It can make from 1-4 meals, depending on your dog’s size:

• 1 cup cooked, ground turkey (Put it in the food processor or finely chop)
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• ½ cup cooked white rice
• ½ cup cooked carrots
• ½ cup cooked green beans or broccoli
• ½ cup cooked cauliflower
• 1 cup turkey or chicken broth (Never give your dog turkey drippings or fat.)

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container.