Is Rice a Safe Food to Feed to Your Dog?

When your dog isn’t feeling their best—especially during episodes of vomiting or diarrhea—many pet parents turn to simple, soothing foods to help settle their stomach. Rice is often a go-to remedy, but is it truly safe and effective for your dog? Read on to find out more about the nutritional benefits and potential risks of feeding rice to your pup, how it can be used to support digestive health, and the safest ways to prepare and serve it. Whether you’re nursing your dog through a short-term tummy upset or simply curious about incorporating rice into their diet, we’ll help you understand when it’s helpful, when it’s not, and how to do it right.

Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Rice to Your Dog

Rice is a valuable source of complex carbohydrates—specifically starch—which plays a key role in providing dogs with energy. As a cereal grain, rice delivers easily digestible starch that is broken down into glucose, the brain’s primary fuel and one of the most vital nutrients for dogs after water and oxygen. Supplying enough carbohydrates like those in rice helps spare protein for tissue repair and growth instead of using it for energy.

In addition to energy, rice contributes dietary fiber, especially in its whole grain form. Fiber supports digestive health in multiple ways:

Insoluble fiber from grains like rice adds bulk to stools and promotes regular bowel movements.

Soluble, fermentable fiber (present in small amounts) feeds beneficial gut bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs serve as an energy source for cells in the large intestine and support overall gut health.

Ultimately, rice is a well-rounded carbohydrate source in dog food—providing digestible energy, supporting gut function, and helping maintain a balanced diet. (Case et al., 2000)

Health Issues in Dogs that can be remedied with rice

Rice—specifically plain, cooked white rice—can help dogs with GI problems because it's bland and easily digestible. This is due to the milling process, which removes the bran and germ layers, leaving it low in fiber and easily broken down by the digestive system. This makes it a great option for dogs with upset stomachs. 

Rice can be helpful for dogs experiencing diarrhea due to its fiber content, which helps absorb excess water and firm up stools. When dealing with digestive upset, dogs benefit from foods that are gentle on the stomach. A simple meal of boiled chicken and rice is often recommended, as it combines a lean, easily digestible protein with a mild carbohydrate. White rice is typically suggested at first because it's more bland and gentle than brown rice. However, brown rice can be beneficial too, as it provides extra fiber that may support digestive health.

“We use rice as a carb source when dogs are on a bland diet after a GI upset,” says Dr. Steve Weinberg, DVM and medical director/CEO of 911Vets, a mobile veterinary service in the Los Angeles area. “Rice helps to bind the stool in cases of diarrhea.”

Risks of Feeding Rice to Your Dog

Rice can be a beneficial and safe short-term solution for digestive issues when given in moderation. However, there are some risks to consider. White rice has a high glycemic index, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels—making it a less suitable option for diabetic dogs. It can also cause constipation and weight gain if given over a long period. To ensure your dog does not experience negative side effects, return your pup to their regular diet as soon as they are feeling better.

Although brown rice has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, it can be more difficult for some dogs to digest, particularly those with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, rice can absorb arsenic from the environment, with brown rice generally containing more due to its outer layers. While there haven’t been any documented cases of arsenic poisoning in dogs from eating rice, and no studies have confirmed elevated arsenic levels in their bodies, it’s still something pet owners should keep in mind.

Because every dog’s dietary needs are different, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before feeding rice—especially if your dog has underlying health conditions like diabetes. When used appropriately and under veterinary guidance, rice can be safe for short-term use

How to Serve Homemade Rice Safely to Your Dog

When serving homemade rice to your dog, it's important to ensure you are preparing and serving it properly. Adhering to the below guidelines will ensure that you are keeping your dog safe:

Always cook the rice thoroughly and serve it completely plain—avoid adding any spices, salt, butter, or seasonings, as these can upset your dog’s stomach or be harmful.

Refrigerate the rice within two hours of cooking, and ensure it cools rapidly to below 40°F (4°C); store it in a shallow, tightly covered container.

Do not feed homemade rice to your dog after it’s been in the fridge for four days

Ensure that you serve the rice along with a protein like plain, boiled chicken - a good guideline is to use a 2:1 ratio. Ensure that the protein is thoroughly cooked to avoid bacterial contamination.

Keep rice to about 10% of your dog’s overall diet. Check portion recommendations here.

To prevent nutritional imbalances, limit rice servings to no more than two or three times per week.

The Safe and Easy Way to Feed Your Dog Rice

If your dog is dealing with an upset stomach or diarrhea, preparing homemade rice and protein can be both time-consuming and tricky. Not only does the meat need to be thoroughly cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria, but any leftovers must be properly stored to avoid contamination. On top of that, it’s hard to accurately measure portions or track your dog’s calorie intake when feeding a mix of homemade human foods—especially during a sensitive time when proper nutrition and portion control are essential.

That’s where Simple Replacement comes in as a safe, easy, and reliable solution. This freeze-dried, bland diet eliminates the risks of undercooked food by using gently cooked protein and a freeze-drying process that kills bacteria. Just add hot water, serve small portions, and skip the hassle of cooking and cleanup. Each serving is balanced with a 2:1 rice-to-protein ratio and clearly labeled with portion sizes and calorie counts, making it simple to support your dog’s recovery while staying on top of their dietary needs.

Conclusion

Rice can be a safe, soothing, and beneficial addition to your dog’s diet—especially when they’re experiencing digestive issues like diarrhea. Its bland nature, easily digestible carbohydrates, fiber content, and starch all work together to help firm up stools and ease stomach upset. However, moderation is key. Because white rice has a high glycemic index, it can raise blood sugar levels, which may not be ideal for dogs with diabetes or those struggling with obesity. As with any dietary change, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before introducing white rice into your dog’s meals. When used appropriately, white rice can be a gentle and effective tool to support your dog’s digestive health.