Are you puzzled about why you're seeing brown rice in the list of ingredients in your dog food? Can dogs eat brown rice? In short, the answer is yes, as brown rice offers important nutrients for your dog's overall health. Here are explanations to some of the most common questions about why brown rice is an essential ingredient in many dog foods.
What health benefits does brown rice offer dogs?
Brown rice is full of natural fiber, which helps a dog's digestion. It is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Specifically, vitamins B2 - better known as riboflavin, B9 - better known as folate, and D are found in brown rice and provide a variety of health benefits. Minerals and vitamins essential to a dog's health, including calcium, iron and riboflavin are also packed into this superfood. It is important to have the right balance of these nutrients in your dog's food, so if you see brown rice listed as an ingredient in a Hill's® dog food you can be confident that Hill's has done extensive research to make sure that it not only meets our high-quality standards, but is also precisely balanced to meet your dog's needs.
Brown rice vs. Brewers rice: What’s the difference
Brown rice is made by removing the hulls from the rice kernel but leaving some of the bran intact, giving it a brownish color. By contrast, brewers rice (named because it is often used in the brewing industry) is broken pieces of white rice. Nutritionally speaking, brewers rice is a great source of energy and provides protein and minerals.
What about white rice?
The biggest nutritional difference between brown and white rice is that the bran on brown rice increases the fiber content. Unless your pet's food uses rice as a primary fiber source, either option will work fine for your dog.
Can my dog be allergic to rice?
Yes, but it's rare. If your dog is allergic to rice or other grains, they might have symptoms, such as itchy skin, hair loss and ear infections. But those same symptoms could be caused by other allergies or health issues. It's best to ask your vet to help you determine if your dog suffers from a rice allergy — or any other type of allergy — before cutting it from his meals.
Tasty Tips
Why would I want to keep my dog from eating grains?
The popularity of a grain-free food has far outpaced the number of dogs with diagnosed grain allergies or sensitivities. This fad, instead, became popular about the same time as low-carb diets in human kitchens. Vets report frequently hearing from pet parents that they chose to go grain free because they believe grains are simply fillers in dog food to keep prices low. That is simply not true. Whole grains like brown rice provide dogs with important and digestible nutrients. In addition, grain-free dog foods are not low in carbs — which are essential to a dog's overall health. All that being said, some dogs should go grain-free, so make sure to check with your vet if there is one that is best for your dog.
So, can dogs eat brown rice as part of a healthy meal plan? The answer is yes, and that it actually provides beneficial nutrients for your dog — it's not a cheaper filler option. The most important thing to remember in choosing a dog food is that it should provide your dog with complete and balanced nutrition. Hill's relies on a team of more than 200 veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists to develop new products and improve existing ones, to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy, and full life. Always be sure to consult your veterinarian on ingredients for your dog's food, and do not rely on fads to sway your opinion of choosing the right nutrition for your dog. We care about his health as much as you do, and make every effort to ensure when they eat a Hill's dog food that they are getting a high-quality meal with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Related articles
Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the basics about cardiomyopathy in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds affected, symptoms dogs might show and how veterinarians treat it.
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Prevention
Learn important information about lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, testing procedures, treatment options and how to prevent this disease.
When is a Puppy an Adult Dog?
By one year old, you puppy will be an adult dog – some behaviors may not change any time soon, but his needs in many areas have changed.
Change a Bored Dog into a Playful Dog with These 6 Games
Are you worried you may have a bored dog? Learn about five common signs of boredom in dogs and games you can play to help beat the bored blues.
What Happens When My Dog is in Heat?
Understand what it means for your female dog to be in heat and what you can do to provide her with the best care.
Do's and Don'ts of Disciplining Dogs
Having trouble with your dog's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your dog with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Why Do Dogs Chase Cars? (& How to Get Them to Stop)
Learn why many dogs are fascinated with chasing cars, why this behavior can be very dangerous, and training tips to help your dog to avoid this behavior.
3 Steps to Prepare Your Apartment For a Dog
Learn tips to think about if you're considering a dog for apartment living, including ideal breeds/characteristics & how to make your space dog-friendly.
What Causes a Heart Murmur in Dogs?
Concerned about a heart murmur in dogs? Learn more about what might be causing it and what you can do to help your dog.
Chondrodystrophic Dog Breeds: All About Short-Legged Dogs
All About Chondrodystrophic (Short Legged) Dog Breeds
Common Health Concerns to Look for in Puppies
Watch out for these 6 common health issues that puppies may develop in their first year of life. Learn all the symptoms so you can provide the best care.
Preventing Growth Disorders in Dogs
Reduce the chances of your puppy developing a growth disorder by discovering the issues that cause this dog disease and taking steps to combat it.
The Advantages of Wet Dog Food
Learn how today's wet dog food blends have gotten a face lift, and how you'll provide your dog the nutrition he needs in the form he loves.
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
Managing Kidney Failure in Dogs
Learn from a Veterinarian: All about kidney & renal failure in dogs, from what symptoms are for both acute & chronic conditions, to treatment & management.
What are the signs of food allergies?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of pet food allergies and food intolerance in dogs and the affect on your pet's health and well-being.
What to Expect When Adopting a Three-Legged Pet
Learn common concerns from pet parents considering adopting a three-legged pet, including info about mobility, preparing your home, & long-term care.
Taking your dog to the vet
Trips to the vet can be a challenge for dog owners. Read these tips to have a better vet visit for your dog, including transporting the dog with a carrier.
Managing Your Male Puppy Around In-Season Females
Learn how to manage your male puppy around female dogs in season, as you will begin to notice changes in your puppy.
Facts About Kidney Disease in Dogs
Learn what kidney disease is in dogs and what can cause it. Learn the signs of kidney disease in canines as well as potential treatment options.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog'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.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog'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.