Dog owners all over the world ensure their dogs get the required nutrition from a meat diet and dog food. However, many are now branching out to human food to feed their furry friends. While all foods are not healthy for pets, some foods in small quantities can be adjusted in their diets.
Many dog owners have come to the realization that grains are beneficial for dogs due to the nutritional properties they offer.
But the question remains, can dogs eat jasmine rice safely?
Jasmine Rice: Are They Safe for Dogs?
Dogs can safely consume jasmine rice. Your dog can experience the various health benefits of jasmine rice, but it is integral to remember that at least 90% of the overall calories of your dog should be from dog food, and 10% of the calorie intake should be from human foods.
Adding small amounts of jasmine rice is best as higher amounts of human food could upset the dog’s stomach.
Benefits of Jasmine Rice for Dogs
Surprisingly dogs get similar health benefits from consuming jasmine rice like humans. Jasmine rice has thiamin, B3, B1, and a small quantity of protein. Some of the major advantages of feeding jasmine rice to dogs are as follows:
- Improves Digestion: Jasmine rice has fiber that can regulate digestion and bowel movements. It can also aid with stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
- Enhances Immunity: Jasmine rice includes multiple B vitamins, including thiamin. These vitamins offer support to the metabolism, heart, and immune system. They have also been found to enhance the immune system as they are rich in antioxidant properties.
- Loaded with Minerals: Jasmine rice comprises essential minerals that aid in the regulation of multiple bodily functions, including magnesium and manganese. Magnesium offers energy and supports metabolism, while manganese offers protection against irregular compounds.
How Much Jasmine Rice Can You Feed Dogs Safely?
While Jasmine rice can provide health benefits to your dogs, it is essential to include this rice in their diet in smaller quantities. You can gradually increase the amount after every few days so that your dog’s digestive tract can get used to the rice.
However, the glycemic index of jasmine rice is high and can increase the weight or blood sugar of the dogs. If your dog has diabetes, it is best to either feed jasmine rice in small quantities or avoid them altogether. Consult a veterinarian before adding human food to your dog’s diet.
Tips to Feed Jasmine Rice to Dogs
Jasmine rice offers multiple nutritional values to dogs, but if they are served the right way. Here are some useful tips to safely feed your dog jasmine rice:
- Consult your dog’s vet before feeding your dog jasmine rice. Being a starchy carb, it has the tendency to spike the blood sugar levels of your dog, particularly if your dog is diabetic.
- Make sure to select the right type of choice. You might be tempted to try out different kinds of jasmine rice, including brown rice, but it is best to use white jasmine rice as brown rice could become difficult for the dog to digest.
- When preparing jasmine rice for your dog, always thoroughly rinse them first under cold water for at least three minutes. Be sure to eliminate any excess starch. Once the rice is rinsed, prepare the jasmine rice as per the instructions on the packet.
- Keep in mind that the digestive system of your dog can only manage a small quantity of rice. Therefore, cook and serve them in small portions – around half to three-quarters of a cup.
- You might want to add dairy products, salt, or other seasonings to the rice, but it is best to avoid it and keep it plain. These ingredients have the tendency to upset their stomach or result in dehydration.
- Continuously monitor your dogs for any signs of an allergic reaction, which should be done every time you add a new food item to their diet. In case of any hair loss, itchiness, or stomach discomfort, it is best to immediately stop giving them the new food and consult a vet.
Whenever a dog’s diet is changed, even slightly, it might cause some digestive problems, or they might not want to eat the new food item. Some furry friends can be stubborn and resistant to change, and others could be highly sensitive to certain food items.
Therefore, start small and give it some time for them to adjust to the new food. Make sure to examine any changes in their levels of energy and their bowel movements.
Dangers to Watch Out For
As stated earlier, your dog might experience some allergic reaction. Processed rice has lower nutritional value, and even humans are advised to switch to a brown, whole-grain variety. However, jasmine rice is easier for dogs to digest and can be good for their stomach.
Even so, it is integral to watch out for any signs of allergies or discomfort. Moreover, jasmine rice has a higher glycemic index and can drastically increase sugar levels, making them unsafe for diabetic dogs.
It is also vital to note that white rice has a higher amount of carbohydrates, and feeding them too much rice could result in weight gain, which might result in heart issues and obesity.
Our Final Thoughts
Dogs can certainly eat jasmine rice, but it is best to only give them the rice in smaller quantities. Feeding them jasmine rice once or twice a week can provide them with health benefits that could boost their body and mind.
It is not recommended to use jasmine rice as a complete meal for your dogs as it is best that their main meal is non-human food. Mix it with dog food to provide them with a balanced diet. Jasmine rice should be used as a supplement food.
As long as you keep a look out for signs of diarrhea and any allergic reactions, your dog is bound to enjoy the change in the diet.
