Can dogs eat rice?
Plain cooked rice is safe for dogs and is commonly recommended by vets for upset stomachs. Both white and brown rice are fine, though white rice is easier to digest.
Rice is a staple ingredient in many commercial dog foods and is perfectly safe for dogs to eat. It provides easily digestible carbohydrates and can be a good energy source.
White rice is particularly useful when your dog has an upset stomach. Its bland nature and low fiber content make it gentle on the digestive system. The classic veterinary-recommended bland diet is boiled chicken breast mixed with plain white rice in a 1:2 ratio.
Brown rice is also safe and offers more fiber and nutrients than white rice, but it takes longer to digest. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, white rice is generally the better choice. Always serve rice plain — no butter, salt, or seasonings.
Safe alternatives
- Oatmeal (plain, cooked)
- Sweet potato (cooked, no seasoning)
- Quinoa (cooked, plain)
- Pasta (plain, cooked, small amounts)
- Barley (cooked)
Worried your pet ate something?
Check your pet's symptoms now — it's free and instant.
Check Your Pet's Symptoms