No, dogs should not eat uncooked rice.
Rice is a type of edible grain that comes from the seed of grass species Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima. Its popular forms include white and brown rice, which vary in how they are processed. The nutritional value found in each type also varies depending on the soil it grew on, how it was processed or polished, and how it was prepared.
Easily digested, rice is a common ingredient found in commercially sold dry food for dogs and cats. It is packed with carbohydrates, plant-based protein, fiber, and fat. Many pet owners serve cooked plain rice to dogs with digestive upset as it supposedly helps ease their conditions. It is also said to help with blood sugar management and weight maintenance.
Though cooked rice is beneficial for dogs, any type of uncooked rice is not recommended. The hard grains can soak in moisture found in your dog’s stomach. This may end up causing gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. In some cases, the lectins found in uncooked rice may also damage his gut lining.
What to do if your dog accidentally eats uncooked rice: Try to determine how much your dog ate in one sitting. The gravity of your pet’s symptoms may depend on his size, how much raw rice he ate, how sensitive his stomach is, and other preexisting conditions he may have. Inform your veterinarian of all your findings.
Aside from watching for the aforementioned symptoms, observe your pet for any changes in his mood, behaviour, eating, and excreting habits. If he ate a lot of uncooked rice, he may even suffer from gastrointestinal obstruction. Keep an eye out for bloody stool, which signify internal wounds caused by the uncooked rice.
In summary: When feeding rice to your dog, stick to the plainly cooked type instead of indigestible raw rice. Combine it with vet-approved, canine-safe meats to reap countless nutritional benefits. Also, find out which vegetables, fruits, and beans you can feed your pooch under our “can dogs eat” category.
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