Yes, dogs can eat rice, and it's one of the more useful foods to have in the cupboard. Plain cooked white or brown rice, with nothing added, is safe for most dogs and is famously gentle on an upset stomach. In fact plain rice with a little boiled chicken is the classic bland diet vets suggest when a dog has had a bout of the runs. As with anything, moderation matters, but rice is about as unproblematic as human food gets for dogs.
I get asked about "tummy foods" a lot by owners here in York, usually when a dog has had a dodgy day and they want to help settle things at home. Rice comes up almost every time, and for good reason. Here's how I'd use it.
Is rice good for dogs?
Rice isn't a superfood, but it has a genuine role to play. It's:
- Easily digestible: gentle on a sensitive or recovering gut.
- A quick source of energy: simple carbohydrate the body handles easily.
- Low in fat: which is exactly what you want during a tummy upset.
- Bland and unlikely to irritate: no strong flavours or fats to aggravate things.
Both white and brown rice are fine. White rice is lower in fibre and often the go-to when a dog is poorly, because it's a touch easier to digest. Brown rice has more fibre and nutrients, which is nice for a healthy dog but can be a little heavier on a delicate stomach.
Rice for an upset tummy
This is where rice really earns its place. If your dog has mild diarrhoea or a queasy stomach, a bland diet of plain boiled rice with a little plain cooked chicken or white fish can help settle things while the gut recovers. The PDSA's advice on vomiting in dogs suggests exactly this kind of highly digestible, low-fat approach, fed in small portions through the day.
- Cook it plain: no salt, no stock, no butter or oil.
- Keep it simple: rice with a little plain boiled chicken (skin and bone removed).
- Small, frequent portions: rather than one big bowl.
- Reintroduce normal food gradually once things are back to normal.
> Groomer's tip: A bland rice diet is for short-term settling, not a long-term meal plan. If the upset lasts more than a day or two, keeps coming back, or your dog seems unwell, listless or off their water, ring your vet rather than pressing on at home.
How much rice can a dog eat?
For a healthy dog, rice is a treat or a small topper, not a main course. It shouldn't crowd out their proper, balanced food, and treats and extras together should stay under about 10% of daily calories. A spoonful or two mixed through dinner is plenty for most dogs.
During an upset tummy the portions are different (it becomes the meal for a day or so), but always follow your vet's guidance on the amount and how long to keep it up, especially for puppies, seniors or dogs with health conditions.
What to avoid
Rice itself is easy. It's what we tend to serve it with that causes bother:
- No salt or stock cubes: far too much salt for a dog.
- No fried rice: oil, soy sauce, garlic and onion are all off the menu, and garlic and onions are toxic to dogs.
- No rich leftovers: curry-soaked or buttery rice will undo the point of it.
- Watch the extras: if you add protein, keep it plain and unseasoned.
Frequently asked questions
Is white or brown rice better for dogs?
Both are safe. White rice is easier to digest and is usually the better choice for a poorly tummy. Brown rice has more fibre and nutrients and suits a healthy dog, but can be a bit heavier on a sensitive stomach.
Can dogs eat rice every day?
A small amount of plain rice mixed into balanced food now and then is fine, but rice shouldn't be a daily staple in place of proper dog food. It's an occasional extra, not a replacement for a complete diet.
How much rice should I give a dog with diarrhoea?
Feed small, frequent portions of plain rice with a little plain chicken through the day rather than one large bowl. Follow your vet's advice on quantity and how long to continue, and see your vet if it doesn't improve within a day or two.
Can puppies eat rice?
Plain cooked rice in small amounts is generally fine for puppies, but their tummies are delicate, so check with your vet before making any changes, especially if the puppy is unwell.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A settled tummy and a comfy coat make for a much happier groom. Book your dog in with Fluffs.