It’s ok for dogs to consume Basmati rice if they have an upset stomach or if you want to give your dog a special treat. However, Basmati rice lacks vital nutrients that your dog’s body requires for long-term health. For this reason, it should not replace dry kibble for long-term use.
We see healthy food trends come and go all the time. These trends typically boast about the amazing health benefits of certain foods. Remember how popular Acai Berry was a few years ago? It was supposed to be a new miracle food.
Lately, Basmati rice has become the new food trend. It’s hard to go a full day without seeing some type of ad promoting Basmati rice. This has left many dog owners to wonder if the rice is also ok for dogs.
In this article, we will go over whether Basmati rice is safe for dogs, what the benefits are, and if you should include it in their diet.
But before we dive into those details, let’s briefly go over what Basmati rice is.
Brief Overview of Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a white long-grain rice native to India. It’s typically imported from India, but can also be grown in tropical climates in the states.
When it comes to dogs, vets recommend Basmati rice with specific diets. Basmati rice is also a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. In fact, a lot of wet foods, including the ones sold at big pet chains like PetSmart and Petco, include Basmati rice.
Vets also recommend Basmati rice for dogs who have unsettled stomachs or diarrhea. When our dog had diarrhea, the vet recommended we feed him a mixture of Basmati rice with cottage cheese and boiled chicken…it worked like a charm!
Difference Between Basmati Rice and Brown Rice
Brown rice is NOT recommended for dogs. It’s much harder on a dog’s digestive system. If your dog already has digestive issues and eats brown rice, you might be in for a long night.
On the other hand, Basmati rice is easy on the gastrointestinal system of dogs. However, we need to remember that it is a fast-digesting carbohydrate, so there’s a chance it will cause your dog’s blood sugar to rise. That’s why most vets recommend adding boiled meat with it along with some cottage cheese.
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Basmati Rice?
Yes, but in limited quantities. Like humans, dogs can also develop diabetes. Diabetes in dogs can cause circulatory issues, affecting your dog’s paws (just like it affects the feet and hands of humans). Diabetes can also cause your dog to go blind, so it’s best to speak to your vet before feeding Basmati rice to a diabetic dog.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Basmati Rice?
Yes, but if they are allergic, you’ll immediately see the signs. A dog that has allergies to Basmati rice will have severe itching and will constantly scratch himself.
Some dogs experience such severe reactions that they end up bleeding from scratching themselves so hard.
Any time you feed your dog something new, pay attention to them the next few days and look for signs of severe scratching, hair loss, or raw patches. If you see any of these signs, contact your vet ASAP.
Using Basmati Rice to Treat Digestive Issues
For diarrhea and an upset stomach, most vets recommend a diet of rice and chicken. Some vets will also recommend a 24-hour fast.
If your dog has severe diarrhea, start with a 24 hours fast. This will allow the stomach to clear out.
After 24 hours, feed him a simple diet of Basmati rice and boiled chicken. You want to keep the meals as bland as possible.
Cook the Basmati rice according to the instructions on the package. When preparing the chicken, boil it until the meat is completely white with no pink. Cut the boiled chicken into small pieces and mix it in with the rice.
Once the food has cooled to a safe temperature, it’s safe for your dog to eat.
How Much Basmati Rice Should I Feed My Dog?
Rice is a high carbohydrate food. Contrary to popular belief, carbs are NOT the enemy of dogs, but you need to be cautious.
If you feed your dog too much, it can cause obesity, diabetes, vertebral disease (especially in dachshunds), and congestive heart failure.
A good rule of thumb is to match the amount of carbs your dog is currently eating. For example, if there are 20 grams of carbs in the food you’ve been feeding your dog, then you’ll want to feed them 20 grams of carbohydrates from the rice.
It will take some math, but by reading the nutrition label of dog food, you’ll know exactly how much Basmati rice to feed your dog per serving.
Mix the rice with other foods high in proteins, such as chicken or fish. The important thing is that you give your dog a balanced diet.
Feed Your Dog According to Their Lifestyle
The more active your dog is, the more you need to feed him. Like humans, when dogs are active, it burns more calories. This is especially true for younger dogs and puppies. Puppies are still growing, and young adult dogs have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise.
This means that throughout your dog’s life, you may have to change their diet according to their activity level.
The best way to find out what and how much you should feed your dog is to have a conversation with your local veterinarian. They will give you nutritional guidelines and tell you how much you should feed your dog based on their height, weight, and activity level.
The Final Verdict
There’s nothing wrong with giving your dog basmati rice. With that said, it’s not the “magical cure” you’ll often hear about. If your dog is experiencing digestive issues or if you just want to give your dog a special treat, Basmati rice is a great option. However, it can’t replace dry kibble. Dry kibble is full of vitamins and minerals that your dog will not get from Basmati Rice.
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