One of the most consumed cereal grains by humans is rice, which is also used in a variety of recipes. However, can cats eat it? You’ve certainly observed that a lot of commercial cat food producers use rice and other grains in their products, but is rice healthy for cats on it’s own? Let’s get a little bit deeper.
Can cats Eat Rice?
Yes, cats can eat rice without harm, but not very often and in little amounts. A small amount of rice won’t hurt your cat because it isn’t harmful to them. However, you shouldn’t give them too much because it is’nt a necessary element of their diet.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat other animals to be healthy. So your kitty will not profit nutritionally from eating rise on the side if they get all the nutrients they need from high-quality cat food. However, if your cat has diarrhea or stomach discomfort, your veterinarian could advise giving them a small amount of rice since the nutritional fiber helps to firm the stool.
Nutritional Benefits Of Rice For Cats
Rice is a seed that is grown in a wide range of kinds and prepared in a variety of ways. A nutritious diet for your cat should contain foods that are high in nutrients, some of which may be found in rice. Consider rice as an excellent staple to include in a balanced cat food product, but other components are also suggested as they may help your cat get the additional nutrients she requires to be healthy and happy. The method of rice production affects the nutritional value of rice for your cat.
READ ALSO: Can Cats Eat Grapes? Is It Safe To Give Grapes To My Cat?
Is Brown Rice Safe For My Cat
Brown rice contains more vitamin B, iron, fiber, magnessium and potasium. This is the main reason why most people prefer that instead of white. But does brown rice benefit cats more?
Unprocessed white rice, like brown rice, is more difficult for cats to digest. Additionally, aside from fiber, none of the nutrients found in brown rice will be absorbed by their digestive system.
How To Feed Rice To Your Cat
We advise not offering your cat any rice as it does not provide any nutritional value to cats. Instead, give your cat a high-quality food and treats made exclusively for cats.
If you do feed your cat rice, give them just a small bit. Make sure it is cooked completely without the addition of any sauces, spices, or seasonings.
Less than 25% of the total calories in your pet’s diet should come from grains like rice. Therefore, if you want to feed your kitty rice, be sure that at least half of the meal’s contents are animal byproducts.
Never feed raw rice to your cat since it is very difficult to digest and may also contain lectin, a natural insecticide that, if consumed in high amounts, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Take your cat to the doctor as soon as you can if you observe bloating and they appear to be in pain more than 24 hours after consuming uncooked rice.
When Is Rice Harmful For Cats
While the majority of cats may safely eat tiny amounts of rice, there are a few exceptions that pet owners should be aware of and some rules that they should follow.
Never Feed Your Cat Uncooked Rice
Uncooked rice is difficult for cats to digest and can cause stomach upset, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Furthermore, raw rice may contain lectin, a type of natural insecticide that can make people throw up and have diarrhea.
The rice Should Be Plain
Cats may be poisoned by the seasonings, salt, onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are frequently added to rice. A toxic substance found in onions and garlic has the potential to oxidatively harm the cat’s red blood cells. Garlic can also lead to gastroenteritis, a condition that manifests as nausea, vomiting, and mouth irritation.
Feed Your Cat Small Amounts Of Rice
According to studies cats whose diets contained 25% or more rice bran had lower taurine levels and were hence taurine deficient. Only animal protein contains the essential amino acid taurine, which is essential for your kitty. Additionally, rice has a lot of fiber. If eaten in large amounts, it may give your cat diarrhea or constipation.
Conclusion
Cats don’t need rice in their diet. However, rice isn’t bat for your cat if you are careful and follow the rules. Just give your cat small amounts of rice an not very often. If you notice strange behavior you should call your vet immediately.
