Is rice or oatmeal better for dogs?

Updated 04/10/2024

Once again, we’re asking another show-stopping question here at TrustedHousesitters: is rice or oatmeal better for dogs? Yes, that’s right, we’re not afraid to shy away from those difficult questions, oh no! Today we’ll face up to the granular facts around the great debate of whether to give oatmeal or rice to dogs. Which is the mightier grain? Are they both just as beneficial for our bark babies or are neither actually worth your time?

Come with us as we plow through the research around which of these fantastic fiber foods will help give our paw-some friends a dietary boost…

Benefits of rice in dog food: Brown rice or white rice?

First off, it’s important to state that dogs can eat rice in regulated portions and not as a main staple of their diet. Lots of store-bought dog food contains cooked rice as a healthy way to add essential carbohydrates to doggo kibble, particularly with white rice. White rice can also be really great to feed to dogs with an upset tummy as it’s easy to digest and absorbs excess moisture in the digestive tract.

But what about brown rice? Well, as human food brown rice is thought of as the healthier option - it contains more fiber and is high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium and phosphorous (all important for growth, repair, and well-being). However, for pup tummies, the increase in fiber means it’s harder for them to digest it, particularly if they’re a puppy or senior dog. Chat with your vet and see if your doggo would be okay eating either white or brown rice and, if so, the best way to introduce it to their diet.

Remember, uncooked rice is toxic to dogs, so always make sure it is properly cooked and cooled before serving them!

Benefits of oatmeal in dog food: Cooked oatmeal or dry oatmeal?

As we said with rice, dogs can also eat oatmeal so long as the portions are carefully measured out and monitored. Like rice, it’s rich in healthy and helpful vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. This stuff is great for their skin and to maintain a healthy coat, plus it can act as a mild inflammatory too. But, you must always give the cooked oatmeal and not the raw grains. Like brown rice, uncooked oats are harder for pups to digest and can cause them stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. So make sure you add cooked and cooled oatmeal as a meal supplement.

So, is rice or oatmeal better for dogs?

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, not only are you awesome and super informed, but you might also guess what we’ll say here… Whether rice or oatmeal is better for dogs will depend on your pupper. Sorry! White rice or brown rice could be perfect for a healthy adult dog who loves to run around and play. But for an elderly dog with a sensitive tummy, a small amount of oatmeal might be better for their diet.

Create a food plan with your vet to do a bit of trial and error. See if including small amounts of one adds any benefit to your dog’s daily life, or if it’s even something they’ll like the taste of. In measured portions, both rice and oatmeal are well-recommended additions to your dog’s diet!

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

Do you have a preference for oatmeal or rice for dogs? Well, let us know on our Community Forum - share the love and your knowledge with other pet people and discuss all things doggo. Or, why not go one step further and become a member of our global pet-loving community? Check out our different membership plans to see which one would suit your lifestyle best.