Can I give my dog brown rice daily?

Yes, you can—but only in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, and typically not as more than about 10 % of total daily calories unless otherwise advised by a vet.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice? Benefits, Risks & Serving Tips

Spread the love

Author: DogsBlogSS Team

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a veterinarian.

can dogs eat brown rice

If you’ve ever caught your dog giving you the “please share a bite” look while you’re cooking brown rice, you’ve probably wondered: can my dog eat brown rice? It’s a great question—and one I’ve asked myself many times when preparing meals for my own pup. After all, we want to give our four-legged friends wholesome, nutritious food that’s safe and beneficial. Brown rice seems like a simple, healthy human staple—but when it comes to dogs, there are a few details to consider.

In this article we’ll walk through what the experts say, how to prepare it, how often and how much to feed it, what risks there might be, and how it stacks up against other grains. Think of this as a friendly chat about whether brown rice deserves a spot in your dog’s bowl.

General Safety & Benefits

Is brown rice safe for dogs?

In most cases, yes—brown rice is safe for dogs to eat. According to the pet nutrition experts at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, brown rice “offers important nutrients for your dog’s overall health.” According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition

And the Purina team confirms: “yes, dogs can eat brown rice.” Purina That said, “safe” doesn’t always mean “perfect for every dog,” so it’s good to understand the nuances (which we’ll get into).

related: Can Dogs Eat White Rice: Pros & Cons

What are the benefits of brown rice for dogs?

Brown rice stands out because it’s a whole grain—meaning it retains the bran and germ layers that white rice does not. That means it delivers extra fiber, B-vitamins, minerals like magnesium and manganese, and complex carbohydrates. According to spotandtango.com+2Hill’s Pet Nutrition+2

For example, Hill’s notes that brown rice is “full of natural fiber, which helps a dog’s digestion. It is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.” According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition

If your dog is active and needs steady energy, or if you’re looking to include wholesome ingredients in homemade meals, brown rice can be a solid option.

Can brown rice help with a dog’s upset stomach?

Here’s where things get a little more nuanced. If your dog is dealing with an upset tummy, vomiting or diarrhea, many vets actually prefer white rice—a more processed grain that’s easier to digest. The American Kennel Club (AKC) writes that “brown rice is never prescribed for dogs having gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, since they need the starch in white rice.” According to American Kennel Club

That’s not to say brown rice is harmful in those situations—it’s just not the first recommendation if the goal is a bland diet for GI upset.

related: Best Dog Food for Digestive Upset

Is brown rice a good source of fiber for dogs?

Yes—one of the greatest benefits of brown rice is its fiber content. Fiber helps support healthy digestion, supports bowel regularity, and can help dogs feel full without overdoing calories. According to spotandtango.com+1 For dogs that aren’t fighting a digestive event, the fiber of brown rice can be a plus.

Does brown rice offer nutritional value for dogs?

Absolutely. Because the bran and germ elements are present, brown rice carries vitamins such as B2 (riboflavin), B9 (folate), minerals like iron and calcium, and other nutrients important for health. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition That said: dogs don’t need grains to thrive—they need high-quality protein, fats, and other nutrients. Grains like brown rice can complement a diet, but they don’t replace core nutrition. According to PMC

Preparation & Serving

How should I prepare brown rice for my dog?

Keep it simple: rinse the brown rice, boil it in plain water, cook until fully soft, and don’t add seasonings, butter, oils or salt. The AKC explains that you should “boil it in water and do not add any seasonings or spices … keep it plain and simple; they won’t know the difference.” According to American Kennel Club A plain, well-cooked grain is far safer than tossing in extras we humans love.

Can dogs eat plain cooked brown rice?

Yes. In fact, plain cooked brown rice is the best way to serve it if you’re introducing it to your dog’s diet. No seasoning, no oils, no extras. It allows you to monitor how your dog reacts without introducing other confounding variables.

Do I need to cook brown rice specifically for my dog?

If you’re using a portion of what you cook for yourself, yes just make sure there are no added ingredients (salt, garlic, onion, butter, etc.). If you want to be super safe, cook a separate pot for your dog so you’re 100% sure of what goes in. Also make sure it’s fully cooked—undercooked rice can be harder for dogs to digest. According to spotandtango.com

Should I season brown rice for my dog?

No. Seasonings, spices, salt, onion, garlic—all of these can be problematic for dogs. Stick with plain cooked brown rice.

Can dogs eat brown rice with chicken?

Yes—they often eat brown rice as part of a mixed meal of plain cooked chicken + brown rice. In fact many vets and pet-nutrition sites recommend pairing lean protein with digestible carbs for homemade meals. For example, PetMD says you can add “a little bit of boiled boneless, skinless chicken or turkey to the rice.” According to PetMD That makes a balanced simple meal: protein + carbohydrate.

related: Can Dogs Eat Rice? Fun Food Facts

What is the best way to serve brown rice to a dog?

Here’s a friendly step-by-step recommendation:

Cook brown rice in plain water until soft.
Let it cool to room temperature.
Mix a small portion into your dog’s regular food, or serve it alongside lean cooked protein.
Monitor how your dog responds over the next meal or two (stool consistency, appetite, energy).
Adjust portion size or frequency based on their reaction and their overall diet.

can dogs eat brown rice everyday?

Potentially yes—but moderation is key. Some sources caution against making brown rice the daily staple because dogs need varied nutrition and because too much carbohydrate (grains) can displace essential protein/fat. For example, a recent blog from Houndsy states: “Dogs can eat brown rice every day in moderation as part of a balanced diet… however, it should not exceed 10 % of their total daily caloric intake.” According to Houndsy So yes—daily is possible, but only in small amounts and as part of a balanced diet.

Quantity & Frequency

How much brown rice can I give my dog?

As a general guideline: keep the portion small relative to their overall meal. For instance, PetMD suggests that treats and extra foods shouldn’t make up more than about 10 % of a dog’s diet. According to PetMD

While they don’t give a blanket number for every dog in that article, it implies the rice portion should be modest. Good rule of thumb based on size:

Small dogs (under ~20 lbs): maybe 1–2 tablespoons of cooked brown rice as a starter.
Medium dogs (~20-50 lbs): ¼ cup perhaps.
Large dogs: up to ½ cup, depending on their total diet.

What is the appropriate serving size of brown rice for dogs?

Serving size depends on their weight, activity level, diet, and whether brown rice is replacing or supplementing part of their meal. If brown rice is just a portion of their meal (not replacing their regular dog food entirely), you might aim for something like:

Small dog: ~1–2 tablespoons cooked rice.
Medium dog: ~¼ cup cooked rice.
Large dog: ~½ cup cooked rice.
Then mix in with protein and veggies as needed. Always adjust based on how your dog’s weight and energy are doing.

How often can dogs eat brown rice?

Often—but again, not so often that it dominates the diet. Many experts recommend feeding rice (brown or white) only a few times a week if it’s being used as a “treat” or supplement. For example, Purina says rice should only be part of the diet and “aim to feed your dog rice no more than two to three times a week.” According to Purina If brown rice is being used as part of majority homemade diet, then daily might be possible—but it must still be balanced and not displace other nutrients.

Is it okay to feed brown rice to my dog every day?

Yes—provided it’s well-balanced with the rest of their diet and the rice portion is modest, and there are no health conditions that contraindicate it. The Houndsy article outlines that daily feeding is possible if brown rice is kept as not more than ~10 % of total calories. According to Houndsy

But since every dog is different (age, activity, breed, health), it’s always wise to check with your vet before making it a daily habit.

Potential Concerns & Risks

Are there any risks associated with feeding brown rice to dogs?

Yes—while brown rice is generally safe, some risks and considerations include:

Digestibility: brown rice is harder to digest than white rice because of its bran. The PetMD article notes that brown rice “may be harder for dogs to digest than its white counterpart.” According to PetMD
Carbohydrate load: dogs don’t need large amounts of carbohydrate, and overfeeding rice could contribute to weight gain or nutrient imbalance. According to wefeedraw.com
Arsenic or other contaminants: like many grains, brown rice can carry trace levels of arsenic (more on this below).
Grain sensitivities/allergies: although rare, some dogs may react to rice or grains.
Health condition conflicts: dogs with certain conditions (diabetes, very sensitive stomachs) may not tolerate brown rice optimally.

Can brown rice cause allergies in dogs?

Yes, although it appears to be rare. Hill’s notes: “Can my dog be allergic to rice? Yes, but it’s rare.” According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition Signs may include itching, hair loss, ear infections, digestive upset—but these could also be caused by other allergens. If you suspect an allergy, work with your veterinarian.

What are the signs of a dog having an adverse reaction to brown rice?

Be on the lookout for:

Loose stool or diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Itching, hot-spots or skin irritation
Chronic ear infections
If you notice such signs after introducing brown rice, pause the feeding and consult your vet.

Is brown rice bad for dogs with certain health conditions?

Potentially—yes. For example:

Dogs with gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea) may digest white rice better than brown rice. According to American Kennel Club+1
Dogs with diabetes or weight-concerns: brown rice has a lower glycaemic index than white rice (good), but still is carbohydrate-rich, so it must be managed. According to PetMD+1
Dogs with very sensitive guts may struggle with the fiber in brown rice.

What about arsenic in brown rice – is it a concern for dogs?

Yes—this is a more subtle issue. Brown rice (in humans and animals) can have higher levels of arsenic compared to more processed grains, because the bran retains more trace minerals (and arsenic) than white rice. While the risk for an average dog receiving modest amounts is low, it reinforces the idea of moderation and diet variety. Some nutrition articles caution against relying exclusively on a single grain. According to PMC

If your dog eats brown rice very frequently in large quantities, the arsenic risk could become meaningful over time.

Can brown rice cause constipation or diarrhea in dogs?

Yes—both are possible but for different reasons.

Constipation: In some dogs the high fiber content can slow things down if they’re not used to it, or if water intake is low.
Diarrhea: If a dog’s digestive system is sensitive or the rice is under-cooked or served in too large a quantity, it may cause loose stools. Also, for dogs already experiencing diarrhea, brown rice may exacerbate things because it’s less binding and harder to digest compared to white rice. PetMD
The key takeaway: introduce gradually, monitor, and adjust accordingly.

related: Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Fixes, & When to Worry

Comparison to Other Grains

Brown rice vs. white rice for dogs: Which is better?

It depends on the context. Brown rice offers more fiber, vitamins and minerals because the bran remains intact. According to wefeedraw.com

But white rice is easier for dogs to digest and is often preferred when the dog has a gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) or needs a “bland diet.” According to American Kennel Club

So: if your dog is healthy and needs a nutrient-rich grain, brown rice generally wins. If your dog is recovering, or has a very sensitive stomach, white rice may be the better short-term choice.

Can dogs eat other types of rice besides brown?

Yes—they can eat white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice (both white and brown versions) and other simple rice forms. The key criteria: fully cooked, plain, and served in moderation. According to Purina+1

Some of these types may have slight variation in digestibility or glycemic load.

Is brown rice a better option than other grains for dogs?

“Better” depends on the dog’s overall diet, health, and digestive system. Brown rice offers good nutrient value, but some dogs may benefit from other whole grains (oats, quinoa, barley) or grain-free options if grains are problematic. The blog from WeFeedRaw underscores that while brown rice is acceptable, dogs don’t require grains at all and higher-quality carbohydrate sources may exist. According to wefeedraw.com

So yes, brown rice can be a good option—but it’s not automatically the best for every dog.

Specific Scenarios

Can puppies eat brown rice?

In general, yes, but with caution. Puppies have higher nutrient needs for growth, so any addition of rice must not displace high-quality puppy food that’s formulated to meet their protein/fat/vitamin/mineral needs. If you include brown rice in their diet, it should be in modest amounts and under veterinary guidance. Because their digestion can be more sensitive, introducing slowly is wise.

Is brown rice good for older dogs?

Possibly yes—older dogs often benefit from digestible, wholesome foods with fiber for gut health. Brown rice can offer fiber and nutrients that support digestion and metabolism. That said, older dogs may also have slower digestion or health conditions (e.g., renal, gastrointestinal) where grain intake should be monitored. So brown rice can be part of their diet—but again, balanced and moderate.

Can brown rice help a dog gain weight?

Yes—since brown rice is a source of calories via carbohydrates, it can contribute to weight gain if fed in sufficient amounts alongside proteins and fats. If you have an underweight dog, mixing brown rice, lean protein and maybe safe fats can help increase calorie intake. But you’ll want to coordinate with your vet to ensure the gain is healthy muscle/adipose and not just carbohydrate overload.

Should I feed brown rice to a dog with digestive issues?

Only after consulting your vet—and likely in limited, carefully prepared form. For many digestive issues, especially diarrhea, white rice may be more appropriate because it is easier to digest and more binding. According toAmerican Kennel Club+1

Brown rice might be introduced later, once the dog’s gut has stabilized and you’re looking to transition back to normal diet.

Can pregnant or nursing dogs eat brown rice?

Yes, in moderation—brown rice can be included as part of a balanced diet for pregnant or nursing dogs, offering carbohydrates and nutrients. However, these dogs have increased nutritional needs: more protein, calories, and vitamins/minerals. Brown rice should complement—not replace—the high-quality dog food formulated for pregnancy or lactation. Always check with your vet.

Is brown rice suitable for dogs with diabetes?

This is a situation where caution is required. While brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice, it still supplies carbohydrates, which affect blood sugar. According to PetMD, dogs with diabetes or those managing weight should have any rice—and carb intake in general—monitored carefully. According to PetMD

If your dog has diabetes, it’s best to consult your veterinarian about whether brown rice is appropriate, how much and how frequently.

Conclusion

So, in short: can dog eat brown rice? Yes—most of the time, it’s a safe and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. It offers fiber, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates—all good things. But: it’s not a magic grain, it doesn’t replace high-quality dog food, and it’s not ideal for every situation (e.g., upset stomachs, certain health conditions). The key is moderation, proper preparation, and fitting it into a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs. Introduce it gradually, watch how your dog responds, and when in doubt, talk to your vet.

Notice : The DogsBlogSS editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, research-based information about dog health, behavior, and care. All our articles are fact-checked using trusted veterinary sources such as VCA Hospitals, Merck Vet Manual, and the AKC.

sources