Brown rice is never prescribed for dogs having gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. It is always white rice because our canine companions need the starch. However, white rice has a higher glycemic index than brown rice and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
While you can feed your dog brown rice, it may lead to stomach upset, it can be difficult to digest, and it may lead to an overconsumption of carbs when given alongside already nutrient-rich dog food.
Can dogs eat brown rice? In short, the answer is yes, as brown rice offers important nutrients for your dog's overall health.
Pros & Cons of Brown, White & Parboiled Rice Pros: Low risk of arsenic because the outer layers are removed in manufacturing. Cons: Low nutrient content similar to white flour. High in starch/high glycemic score. Pros: Nutritious.
Brown Rice for Dogs: Good or Bad? The simple answer is, yes. Your dog can eat brown rice. However, it may not be your first nutrition option for whole grains.
Brown Rice is Better Than White Rice It is higher in protein, higher in fiber, and lower in starch than white rice. Dog owners may have been advised by their veterinarian to feed a bland diet of boiled white rice and lean meat when your puppy has an upset tummy.
Count Carbs and Fiber The same serving of white jasmine rice contains 42 grams of carbs and zero grams of fiber. The brown version of jasmine rice contains 35 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber, according to the USDA. The brown rice varieties make a healthier option because of their fiber content.
While both white and brown versions of basmati rice provide vital nutrients, brown basmati rice contains more fiber, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. Brown basmati rice is also lower on the glycemic index.
In comparison, brown basmati rice is slightly higher in calories, carbs, and fiber. It also provides more magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus ( 2 ). Basmati rice is typically high in carbs and micronutrients like thiamine, folate, and selenium.
So basically, both brown and red are nutritious, but the red variety, is arguably the most nutritious. Even then, both these may not be an everyday option for you since you are used to the soft texture of white rice as against the chewiness of the red and brown varieties.
The bottom line. Brown rice is generally more nutritious than white rice. It's higher in fiber, magnesium, and other nutrients, and it isn't artificially enriched with nutrients like white rice is. If you'd like to add rice to your diet but aren't sure if it's right for you, talk to your dietitian.
Whole or refined grain Whole: Just like all whole grains, rice naturally contains three edible components—the bran, germ, and endosperm (the inedible hull is removed). “Brown” rice is the typical whole grain rice, though this describes not a particular variety but the natural color of the grain.
You can give your dog brown rice in addition to his diet, but feed it sparingly. “If you're mixing brown rice in with a complete and balanced diet, be careful. Large dogs can have no more than ¼ cup. Smaller dogs can eat much less, maybe a tablespoon,” explains Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey.