A mainstay with many meals, rice is the perfect grain that fills us up while providing various health benefits at the same time. Whether you’re adding it to a giant burrito, or keeping it simple as a side with your protein, rice is used all over the world as a much-needed food staple. Even though rice is common in our diets, is it safe for our feline family members?
Due to cats being obligate carnivores, their digestive system may have different feelings about rice. When cats eat human food, especially carbohydrates, there are sometimes unintended side effects. Many human foods are beneficial to a cat’s daily diet, while others not only cause issues in the moment but might have lasting effects.
Here is what you need to know about whether cats can eat rice.
Health Benefits of Rice
Sometimes white rice gets a bad rap. However, experts have shown that both white and brown rice have some amazing health benefits, depending on what nutrients you are looking for in your diet.
But did you know that white and brown rice are actually the same rice? White rice has the hull, bran, and germ removed, while brown rice has those still intact. When rice is in its full form, it is considered a “whole grain.” Whole grains are filled with antioxidants and fibre that make up a healthy, well-rounded diet.
When brown rice is processed into white rice, it is often considered “empty calories” as it lacks nutritional value. However, in many countries, white rice is often enriched with vitamins and minerals like iron and folic acid, often at a higher count than brown rice.
Oat_Phawat via iStock
Can Cats Eat Rice?
In regards to rice, the short answer is “Some is okay, but not too much.” Rice is non-toxic to cats, but it also isn’t particularly beneficial either. That means it’s safe if they have an occasional bite or two, but it shouldn’t be a meal replacement because it lacks the necessary ingredients for feline health. Cats are obligate carnivores, so unlike a human omnivore diet, cat bodies aren’t designed to digest grains regularly.
“As a rule, cats are obligate carnivores and have no metabolic or nutritional need for carbohydrates,” Gary Richter, DVM, owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California and Holistic Veterinary Care tells Rover. “Small amounts of grains can be OK in a balanced diet, but they should be kept to a minimum.”
Cats like certain sizes and textures of foods. Rice is okay to give in small doses, but other whole grains, like oats, barley, and whole-wheat breadcrumbs might be better. These smaller pieces are easier for a cat to digest and hold more nutritional benefits.
Can Cats Eat Brown Rice?
It is OK to give brown rice as an occasional treat in small doses. Boiled and plain, rice is sometimes used as a recommendation by veterinarians to combat diarrhoea issues. Brown rice, which is high in fibre, may help with constipation as well.
Can Cats Eat White Rice?
Similar to brown rice, cats can eat white rice in small doses, as long as it’s thoroughly cooked. White rice lacks some of the nutritional value that brown rice has, but because it’s recommended to only feed cats rice in small doses, there is no huge difference between how brown or white rice affects a cat’s digestive system.
With both, however, feeding too many carbohydrates can lead to feline obesity or diabetes. Raising a cat’s blood sugar levels with carbohydrates frequently may create many long-term health issues.
Symptoms of feline diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Constant urination
- Lack of appetite
- Inability to jump
- Vomiting
Contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice these symptoms as it may be the beginning signs of diabetes.
If you’re worried about your cat’s carbohydrate intake in general, consider checking the nutritional information on your cat’s food. Some treats may have excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.
Alternative Healthy Snacks
If you’d like to experiment with some alternative treats instead of rice, consider vegetables. “Pet owners can always try to give vegetables to cats in food or treats. Not all will eat them,” Dr. Richter says. “There certainly are good nutrients in vegetables when part of a balanced meal.”
These veggies are not toxic to cats:
- Zucchini
- Celery (They love the crunch!)
- Carrots
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach (Filled with vitamins A, C, and K!)
- Peas (Often found in many prepackaged foods for cats and dogs as a vitamin-filled addition)
- Pumpkin (Pumpkin is used often as a way to get fibre in your cat’s diet)
- Broccoli
Even though vegetables can be beneficial to a cat’s diet, fruit is a different story. Due to their high carbohydrate and sugar content, veggies are a better option out of the two. But never replace a significant portion of your cat’s meals with veggies, as they’ll miss out on vital nutrients.
“The large majority of what cats eat should be a balanced diet,” Dr. Richter says. “In general, treats are not balanced and should not make up a significant portion of their daily intake.”
