Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Learn more about littermate syndrome in dogs and cats and how to successfully navigate adoption and early socialization processes.
Learn the scientific reasons why we have such strong connections with our pets, and what science says about the love between humans and our furry friends.
An Orange cat eating from a bowl filled with mixed food
It may be a staple in many human diets, but can cats eat rice?
It's safe for cats to nibble on some cooked rice now. You may also see rice in a number of cat foods since it can contribute to a nutritionally balanced cat food. Here's more on rice in your cat's meal plan.
Rice, one of the most popular grains around the globe, is a seed that's produced in many different varieties and enjoyed in many different ways. A healthy meal plan for your cat includes nutrient-rich ingredients, some of which rice can provide. Think of rice as a good staple to have in a balanced cat food product, but other ingredients are also recommended, providing the remaining nutrients your cat needs to be happy and healthy.
The nutritional benefits of rice for your cat depend on the way rice is produced. Let's take a look at the differences between brown rice (whole grain) and white rice (processed).
Brown rice has a reputation for being healthy for humans and pets alike because it's a "whole" grain that retains all three of its edible parts (specifically the bran, germ and endosperm). It also contains a multitude of nutritional benefits important to your cat's health, including:
The biggest difference between brown and white rice is the way they're processed for consumption and the amount of nutrients they contain. As the Harvard University School of Public Health explains, because brown rice remains intact in its true form, it contains higher amounts of these naturally produced vitamins and other nutritious ingredients. White rice, on the other hand, has been stripped of its essential nutrients during the milling process. Vitamins and iron are often added to the polished grain, which is then referred to as "enriched" white rice.
Before incorporating any new food into your cat's meal plan, it's a good idea to speak with your vet to ensure that it's the right choice for your cat.
While cooked rice is not harmful, you need to keep in mind that this means only cooked rice. All of the other additives that humans might enjoy, such as salt or soy sauce (which is also high in sodium), might not be good for your cat. While adding in veggies, such as carrots or peas, has nutritional value, it's still important to talk to your veterinarian before introducing anything new to your cat's meal.
You may have heard that rice can be used for digestive upsets, and this could be related to the fact it's highly digestible.r. However, keep in mind that rice by itself won't provide complete and balanced nutrition for your kitty. If your kitty is experiencing digestive issues, consult with your veterinarian about transitioning your pet to a well-balanced, highly digestible cat food that's easy on the stomach. This way your cat can still get their love for the taste of rice (which is used in many highly digestible commercial pet foods) while keeping them safe and ensuring they're getting the right balance of nutrients.
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
Clinically shown to promote urinary health by supporting a healthy mineral content in the urine.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Learn how to litter train a kitten with this guide to potty training, including when to start litter training kittens and troubleshooting tips.
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.