Can dogs eat
Rice?
Yes
Yes. Plain, cooked rice is safe for most dogs in small amounts, and vets sometimes recommend white rice as part of a bland diet after a stomach upset.
Why it’s safe
Rice is a digestible carbohydrate, and the AKC notes that white rice is low in fiber and easy to digest, which is why vets sometimes use it as a carbohydrate source in a bland diet after a stomach upset. The AKC adds that brown rice can be harder for a dog to digest and is not what vets prescribe for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Rice is still mostly starch. It is not a complete meal for a dog and adds calories, so it should supplement a balanced diet and not replace one. The AKC notes that white rice has a higher glycemic index, and says a diabetic dog can have a little white rice if needed but not on a consistent basis, so ask your vet first if your dog has diabetes.
The risks are in how it is made. Avoid seasonings and spices, which the AKC says can upset stomachs or even be toxic. That rules out takeout fried rice and flavored rice mixes, which often contain onion or garlic. Boil plain rice in water.
Whether a bland diet is right for your dog is a decision for your vet.
Benefits
- Easy to digest, especially white rice
- Sometimes recommended by vets as part of a short bland diet
Risks
- Calorie-dense starch that can contribute to weight gain
- White rice has a higher glycemic index; ask your vet if your dog is diabetic
- Seasoned rice may contain onion, garlic, salt or fat
- Brown rice can be harder to digest
How to serve it safely
Boil plain rice in water until soft, with no salt, oil, butter or seasoning, and let it cool before serving. Use it as a small topper or side, not as a main meal, and keep all extras within 10% of daily calories.
If your dog has an upset stomach, call your vet before switching to a bland diet. Vets sometimes recommend one, but the right food and amount depend on your dog, and puppies, seniors, or dogs that are unwell for more than a day should be seen rather than treated at home.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | Yes | Easy to digest; plain and cooked. |
| Brown rice | Yes | More fiber, but can be harder to digest. |
| Fried rice and flavored rice mixes | No | Seasonings can upset stomachs or be toxic; often contain onion or garlic. |
If your dog already ate it
A dog that has eaten a normal amount of plain cooked rice needs no treatment.
For seasoned rice dishes with onion or garlic, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Call your vet as well if your dog has persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is rice good for a dog with diarrhea?
Vets sometimes recommend plain white rice as part of a short bland diet, but ask your vet first, especially if your dog is young, old or unwell for more than a day.
Can dogs eat white rice every day?
In small amounts mixed into a balanced diet, it is generally fine, but it should not replace complete dog food. Ask your vet if your dog is overweight or diabetic.
Is brown rice better than white rice for dogs?
Brown rice has more fiber but can be harder to digest, so the AKC says it is not what vets prescribe for dogs with stomach problems. Either one should be plain and cooked.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy