Grains & Starches
Can dogs and cats eat rice?
Short answer on rice: safe for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a safe verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line and serving guidance for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Serving guidance differs
Rice safety for dogs
Plain, fully cooked rice with no seasoning is safe for dogs and is often recommended by vets as a bland food for upset stomachs, though it should not be a daily staple.
Safe serving: A small spoonful of plain, cooked, unseasoned rice mixed into food occasionally.
Rice safety for cats
Plain, fully cooked rice is nontoxic and safe for cats in small amounts, though it offers no nutritional benefit to an obligate carnivore and should stay an occasional addition, not a staple.
Safe serving: A teaspoon or two of plain, cooked rice mixed into food occasionally.
Questions owners ask about rice
Can dogs eat rice?
Plain, fully cooked rice with no seasoning is safe for dogs and is often recommended by vets as a bland food for upset stomachs, though it should not be a daily staple.
How much rice can I give my dog?
A small spoonful of plain, cooked, unseasoned rice mixed into food occasionally.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
Can cats eat rice?
Plain, fully cooked rice is nontoxic and safe for cats in small amounts, though it offers no nutritional benefit to an obligate carnivore and should stay an occasional addition, not a staple.
How much rice can I give my cat?
A teaspoon or two of plain, cooked rice mixed into food occasionally.. Introduce any new food gradually and watch for stomach upset.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More grains & starches
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.