Can I Feed Borwn Basmati Rice to My Sick Cat
Rice is a common food in our diets which provides a variety of health benefits, but you may be wondering, can cats eat rice and is it safe?
Although it is safe for humans, as cats are obligate carnivores, their digestive system is a lot different to our own, and rice is something that is not required in their diet. A cat consuming foods they shouldn't can cause digestive and other issues.
In this post we are going to answer the question of can cats eat rice? as well as covering all of the different kinds of rice, the dangers, and healthy alternatives.
Can Cats Eat Rice?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat rice as it is non-toxic and it doesn't feature on the ASPCA's list of toxic foods. It's not a straight forward yes because there are some very important factors you need to know before considering feeding rice to your cat.
- Seasoning, sauces, or additives: Rice is commonly mixed in with seasonings such as spices, salt, onions, and garlic which are potentially toxic for cats. You have to make sure that the rice is completely plain before feeding it to your cat.
- Moderation: Cats bodies are not designed to regularly digest grains, so they should only be fed rice in moderation. Rice should never be used to replace regular meals and should make up no more than 25% of your cats full meal.
- The individual cat: All cats are very unique with different bodies, and then there's age and current health conditions to take into consideration. Introducing new foods can can make a cat sick. Some cats will be able to tolerate new foods more than others.
So just to summarize, cats can eat rice, providing it's very small amounts and only occasionally as a treat. Rice should never replace a regular cat diet as cats are obligate carnivores and have no nutritional need for carbohydrates.
When first introducing rice to your cat, test with a small amount of rice to see how they react to it. It's also important to seek the advice of a veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your cats diet.
Can Cats Eat Brown Rice?
Brown rice is okay to give to your cat as an occasional treat providing it's plain. Veterinarians also recommend plain and boiled rice as an effective way to combat diarrhea issues.
Can Cats Eat White Rice?
Providing it is thoroughly cooked, it's perfectly fine for a cat to eat white rise. The only downside is that white rice doesn't have as much nutritional value as brown rice. As with brown rice, only feed white rice to your cat in moderation.
Can Cats Eat Uncooked Rice?
Uncooked rice should never be given to cats and can be bad for their health due to the following reasons:
- Hard to digest: It's hard to digest which means it can lead to gas, bloating, and upset stomach.
- Pesticides: Uncooked rice can also contain lectin which is a natural pesticide. If too much is consumed it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
If your cat has accidentally consumed uncooked rice, keep a very close eye on them. If symptoms such as sickness or diarrhea persist for longer than 24 hours then contact a veterinarian.
Can Cats Eat Rice Pudding?
Although white rice is safe, rice pudding should never be given to your cat as it contains other ingredients such as sugar which can be bad for a cats health.
If your cat happens to have a lick or two then don't be too concerned, but never give larger quantities to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Rice Cakes?
Cats can technically at rice cakes providing they are plain, but they do not provide any value when it comes to nutritional value.
Can Cats Eat Rice Krispies?
As with rice pudding, rice krispies should never be give to a cat as they contain additives such as sugars and sweeteners and provide no nutritional value to a cat. Although sugar is not toxic for cats, it can lead to long term health complications such as diabetes.
Can Cats Eat Basmati Rice?
The same rules apply with basmati rice as they do with white rice. Feed only in moderation and make sure the rice only makes up around 25% of the overall meal.
Can Cats Eat Fried Rice?
Fried rice is typically very greasy and contains added ingredients that are unhealthy for your cat. Feeding your cat fried rice is not a good idea.
Can Cats Eat Jasmine Rice?
Being another kind of long grain or white rice, jasmine rice can be given to cats but you must follow the same precautions as with white rice.
Can Cats Eat Chicken And Rice?
Although cats can eat chicken, the popular chicken and rice dishes contain additional ingredients for flavor which can be harmful and unhealthy for your cat. If you are going to feed rice to your cat, it's best to stick with the basic plain white or brown rice.
Health Benefits of Rice For Cats
Although too much rice can be bad for a cats health, a small amount can do wonders for their digestive system if they are suffering from an upset stomach. This works because it makes their stools harder which prevents dehydration.
| Rice Nutrition Facts | ||||
| Nutrition | Cal | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
| Brown Rice (98g) | 109 | 23g | 0.8g | 2.3g |
| White Rice (98g) | 102.5 | 22.5g | 0.2g | 2.1g |
| Rice Pudding (98g) | 99 | 17g | 2g | 3g |
| Rice Cakes (9g) | 35 | 7.3g | 0.3g | 0.7g |
| Fried Rice (100g) | 145 | 19.9g | 6.2g | 3.9g |
Dangers Of Rice
By now you should know that cats do not need carbohydrates as part of their diet. Consuming too much can raise blood sugar levels and lead to long term health issues such as feline diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Constant urination
- Lack of appetite
- Inability to jump
- Vomiting
If you notice any of the following symptoms then you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Do Cats Like Rice?
Although a cats body is not designed to digest grains, many cat foods available on the market actually contain small amounts of grains. If the food you regularly feed your cat with does contain rice, then they may be used to consuming small amounts.
Consuming rice on it's own is a different story. Although not impossible, it's very rare that a cat will just eat rice on it's own. Sniffing it to see what it is and then turning away from it is a reaction you will find in most cases.
Can Kittens Eat Rice?
As rice is not toxic, kittens can technically eat rice just as an adult cat can, but whether they should or not is a different question.
The thing to be aware of is that a kitten is more delicate than an adult cat with a much weaker immune system. Rice can make adult cats sick so you can only imagine what it can do to a kitten.
When it comes to kittens, it's best to lay off the rice and just stick with properly formulated kitten food. Even a kitten with diarrhea should not be given rice.
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Kitten Food Variety Pack, Kitten Classic Pate Collection, 4 flavors - (24) 3 oz. Boxes | $44.49 ($0.62 / Ounce) |  |
 | Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food, Chicken 3-oz cans (Pack of 24) | $33.12 ($0.46 / Ounce) | |
 | IAMS PERFECT PORTIONS Healthy Kitten Grain Free* Wet Cat Food Paté, Chicken Recipe, (24) 2.6 oz. Easy Peel Twin-Pack Trays | $29.36 ($0.47 / Ounce) | |
 | Purina Pro Plan Pate, High Protein Wet Kitten Food, DEVELOPMENT Chicken & Liver Entree - (24) 3 oz. Pull-Top Cans | $36.96 ($0.51 / Ounce) | |
 | Tiki Cat Velvet Mousse Grain Free Wet Cat Food, Silky Smooth Kitten Food, 12 pouches 2.4oz, Chicken and Liver | $20.10 ($0.70 / Ounce) | |
How Should I Serve Rice To My Cat?
If you are going to feed rice to your cat, here are some great tips you can follow on how to correctly serve rice to your cat:
- Cooked: Make sure the rice is thoroughly cooked, and never feed uncooked rice to your cat.
- Mixing and moderation: You should mix rice in with your cats regular cat food. The quantity of rice should be no more than 25% of the overall meal.
- No Seasonings: It's important to remember to serve rice plain and never use spices, seasonings, or sauces. Things such as onion and garlic contain a compound that can cause health complications.
How to cook the rice:
- Soak the rice in spring or filtered water for around an hour. This will help to remove starch and make the rice soft.
- Wash the rice thoroughly using a sifter.
- Add the rice and water to a pan and bring it to a boil.Reduce the heat and simmer until it is cooked.
How much rice should I give my cat?
As previously stated, rice should be no more than 25% of the overall meal. It's also best to only feed rice to your cat if they are experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea.
Alternative Healthy Snacks
Here are some alternative snacks that you can feed your cat by mixing it in with their regular food. As with everything else, only feed in moderation.
According to the ASPCA, here are some vegetables that are not toxic:
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Carrots
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
Conclusion
Always remember that cats do not need people food as part of their diet. Only feed rice to your cat in moderation. As long as you follow the guidelines provided in this article and with the advice of a veterinarian then your cat will be fine.
Source: https://caredicat.com/can-cats-eat-rice/