Unlike dogs, cats are true carnivores that usually need a diet high in real meat to thrive properly. Still, rice is often listed as an ingredient in commercial and even prescription diets. So what gives? Is it okay for cats to eat rice? Can they eat the rice we make? Should they eat rice? Let’s break it down.
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Can Cats Eat White Rice
Yes, cats can eat white rice and it’s a good option to feed your cat white rice with a single protein like lamb, fish, or chicken when they have an upset stomach. In fact, studies show plain white rice is one of the easiest carbohydrates for cats to digest.
According to a Reddit discussion, a user named "littlebirdlittlecat" mentions:
"Rice is generally recommended for cats with upset tummies, so it should be fine. It should be unseasoned though, no salt or any flavourings like garlic or onion which are both toxic. I've fed my cat plain chicken and rice a few times with no issues."
However, this doesn’t mean that rice should be a major part of your cat’s diets. They can digest it (their stomachs produce an enzyme called amylase that breaks down starch) and they are rarely allergic to it. This means it can be part of an elimination diet if your cat has food allergies. But, cats can’t get their full nutrition from plant material.
Certain nutrients, such as arginine and taurine, are only available to cats when they eat meat, meaning rice will rarely make a good long-term option as a major part of a cat’s diet. Also, it’s not great for their weight or blood glucose, so moderation is key.
Now, sometimes rice protein (yes, rice has a little protein), is used in some commercial cat foods.
According to a study from Hill's Pet Nutrition by Dr. Elizabeth Morris, "Rice Protein concentrate can serve as a high-quality and acceptable protein source for adult cats."
But it’s important to remember that prescription cat food diets that use rice protein will always supplement with extra taurine and other nutrients that cats usually get from meat.
For a healthy grain-free option to treat your cat, you can try Petcube's Pops Duck treats, which contain only duck, brown algae, and other natural ingredients.
Can Cats Eat Brown Rice
Yes, cats can eat brown rice in moderation and part of a carefully balanced diet. However, brown rice is trickier because it’s higher in fiber. This means if you want to give your cat rice and chicken because they have an upset stomach, plain white rice is easier to digest.
The extra fiber in brown rice can be good for your cat in smaller quantities when they are healthy, but keep in mind that too much can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Jasmine Rice
Cats can eat small amounts of jasmine rice. Like brown rice, it has fewer carbs than white rice and more fiber. This is fine if you want to add a little jasmine rice to your cat’s diet here and there. However, if you want to give rice to your cat for a reason, such as an upset stomach, then stick to plain white rice.
Remember, if you’re worried about your cat’s tummy and want to feed them rice, the Petcube Emergency Fund provides 24/7 online vet access for advice on what to do if your cat suddenly has an issue such as diarrhea or vomiting.
FAQs
Can cats eat rice and chicken?
It’s common to give cats plain, boiled rice and chicken when they have digestive issues because this is highly digestible and easy on the stomach. However, rice and chicken is not a balanced diet on its own in the long-term.
Can cats eat rice pudding?
Rice pudding contains milk and adult cats are pretty lactose intolerant. It also contains a lot of sugar, which is bad for felines and extra ingredients such as raisins or vanilla extract made with alcohol can be toxic to cats. So, don’t feed your cat rice pudding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, cats can eat rice. Plain white rice can be pretty helpful if you feed it with a single protein (such as chicken, lamb, or fish) when your cat has digestive issues and needs something that is easy on their tummies. It’s also a good option for when cat owners need an elimination diet to figure out what foods their feline may be allergic to. However, rice should only ever be a small part of a properly balanced diet in the long run.