Can Cats Eat Rice? Is It Harmful or Safe for Felines?

Can cats eat rice? Most cats can eat rice so long as it is prepared well and some basic precautions are considered. Rice has been known to help with diarrhea and stomach issues.

Before you feed your cat rice, it is always wise to ask your veterinary first. Most cats can be able to consume rice without any repercussions, but there are some exceptions. Rice is not part of the natural diet for these pets and is not likely to provide them with any nutritional benefits.

It is probably best to avoid feeding your precious kitty rice, unless you want to help her with diarrhea and digestive problems. This grain falls in the plain diet category that helps to regulate digestion to return it to normal. Read on to know more about feeding rice to your feline pet.

Can cats have rice?

The answer here is yes and no. It is all dependent on the age of the animal, its health status and the amount of rice it is consuming. Remember that every kitty is unique and this grain does not have much nutritional value for felines.

Veterinarians have established that rice can help regulate the digestive system of a cat and ease an upset stomach. This grain is easy to digest, and can help your pet a lot when she is suffering from some tummy issues. These animals usually have a difficult time trying to digest starchy, high-carbohydrate foods such as pasta, therefore rice is a better choice as it is easier to digest.

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This grain is less likely to lead to vomiting, constipation or other tummy issues compared to other grains. However, for the rice to be safe for your beloved furry friend, it needs to be cooked properly and not contain salt, garlic, onions, and any other additives.

Is White or Brown Rice Good And Safe For Cats?

Without a doubt, our felines have very sensitive stomachs. Your pet can suffer from several digestive problems even if she looks overall healthy. Diarrhea is very dangerous as it can lead to dehydration if not treated immediately.

Rice works wonders when it comes to treating diarrhea. Both white plain rice and brown plain rice are safe for cats so long as you cook the grains properly and leave them unseasoned. A small portion of cooked grains mixed with the feline’s usual food can improve digestion by hardening the stool and treating diarrhea.

For better digestion, the cooked grains should be soft and moist. These grains are non-toxic and will not have any side effects if served in moderate portions. A lot of cat foods contains some grains such as rice, corn and wheat, therefore feeding your pet some rice isn’t something new.

When Is Rice Good For Cats?

If your cat has an upset tummy, you may feed her some plain brown or white rice as long as you cook the food properly. Your veterinary doctor may recommend that you mix the cooked rice with the cat’s normal food to curb diarrhea. The grains will help to firm up the animal’s stool and also prevent dehydration. However, the rice should not be above 25% of the pet’s meal.

These animals are obligate carnivores, so most of their nutritional needs are derived from meat. Rice is as such is not necessary for them. After eating too much rice, the animal may feel full and not have an appetite for consuming meat that provides her with the needed nutrients. If you feed your cat these grains for a long time, the animal may become malnourished.

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Here are a few important points to note:

• Feed your pet plain rice. There should be no seasoning, garlic, onions, or other additives in the food as they can be toxic for the animal. Garlic and onions have a poisonous compound that leads to oxidative damage to the animal’s red blood cells. More so, the garlic can cause an illness known asgastroenteritis with symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea as well as oral irritation.
• Kittens should not be given grains as it can negatively impact their growth.
• Uncooked grains should not be fed to cats as they can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and vomiting.

Do Cats Like Rice?

Many cat foods do contain grains; therefore, cats are probably used to eating rice. Your pet’s body is not designed to digest grains, therefore the grains act as fillers. They don’t have any nutritional benefits for felines and too much of this type of food can cause digestive problems.

If your feline companion is not used to consuming grains, she can vomit. Kittens can be underdeveloped if they consume grains, so it is best to avoid feeding your pet rice.

Can Cats Eat Rice Uncooked?

No, uncooked rice should not be given to cats to eat. This is because it is hard to digest and often contains a natural pesticide known as lectin. When it is consumed in big amounts, the lectin can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

In case your cat has eaten some uncooked grains, she may have some bloating and abdominal pains. You should take her to the veterinarian immediately if those symptoms carry on for more than one day.

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Conclusion

As we mentioned earlier, cats are obligate carnivores, therefore it may not be wise to feed your animal grains too much. Always keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of stomach issues, like loose stool and vomiting. You should call your veterinary doctor if you notice such symptoms.

Rice can really help to regulate your cat’s digestive system and bring it back to normal, therefore it is safe for consumption. However, it needs to be cooked properly, unseasoned and served in small portions.

All in all, always ask your vet first before introducing new food to your pet’s diet. These animals, tend to be very sensitive to new meals, and may showcase symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.