Can dogs eat rice?

Yes — plain cooked rice is safe

Yes. Plain cooked white rice is easy on the stomach and often recommended by vets for dogs with digestive issues.

The full picture

White rice is a bland, easily digested carbohydrate that many vets recommend for dogs recovering from gastrointestinal problems. The classic 'chicken and rice' recipe — a 50/50 mix of plain boiled chicken and plain boiled white rice — is often the first food reintroduced after vomiting or diarrhoea. Brown rice is nutritionally denser but harder to digest, so stick with white for stomach upsets. Avoid fried rice, rice cooked in broth, or anything seasoned with onion or garlic.

Risks to watch for

  • Weight gain if overfed
  • Not a complete nutrition source on its own

Potential benefits

  • Gentle on the digestive system
  • Good source of energy
  • Helps firm up loose stools

Safe portion size

Up to a quarter of a meal for a medium dog. Not a substitute for proper dog food long-term.

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Related foods

Chicken yes Oats yes Pasta caution
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

Spot an error? Report it

Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.