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Can dogs eat Jasmine rice? In short, yes!
Jasmine rice is loved by humans and dogs all around the globe thanks to its delicious taste, flavor, shape, and texture.
Your dog can also be part of this amazing experience as Jasmine rice is safe for your dogs to eat! Adding small amounts to your dog’s diet can add protein, vitamins like thiamine and niacin, which are necessary for energy production in the body and aids in cholesterol decrease and arthritis pain.
I am an experienced veterinarian student and a passionate dog owner ready to solve any of your questions! I have more than five years of experience in dog ownership and consistent learning in many different topics such as nutrition, behavior, and care.
In this article, I will provide you with the details on:
- What is Jasmine rice
- The benefits of Jasmine rice for dogs
- The possible toxins (for dogs) in Jasmine rice
- Some ways to prepare Jasmine rice for your dog
What Is Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice or fragrant rice is a special kind of rice that looks similar to the regular type but is way more delicious. It can be found in different varieties such as brown, black, or the most common, white. It comes from Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
The perks of choosing Jasmine rice over regular rice is that it is longer and thinner. This gives way for a fluffier texture and doesn’t allow for it to clump together.
Jasmine rice can be a great ingredient to use in homemade dog food because of its characteristics. It has a soft smell, is slightly better than regular rice, and has a higher nutritional quality. It is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, and manganese.
This nutrient-rich food includes a high content of fiber to help flush and cleanse the digestive tract from toxins, a little bit of protein that can help in protein or muscle building.
If you’re looking for a higher source of fiber, Brown Jasmine rice is a great option. It has much more fiber, and it is not as processed, which means the nutrients are kept safe to help your pup have a better digestive system and gut health.
Benefits of Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice can provide your dog with plenty of benefits.
The 3 most essential nutrients it provides are phytonutrients, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6.
Phytonutrients
Jasmine rice has been shown to have an antioxidant effect on the body and aid in immune system function thanks to the high number of phytonutrients [1, 2].
Some phytonutrients, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and sulforaphane, help maintain health and have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is an essential nutrient for dogs because it is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism, the production of certain proteins that keep your dog’s metabolic paths stabilized, and for their nervous system [3].
Since dogs cannot synthesize vitamin B1 in their bodies, they must ingest it to have these nutrients.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps maintain the balance in your dog’s system, also known as homeostasis. They are needed to make neurotransmitters, hormones, and proteins.
Vitamin B6 is also needed for sodium and potassium balance and is helpful for water regulation in the body.
Possible Toxins (For Dogs) In Jasmine Rice
Rice may seem to be a perfectly safe food as humans around the world eat it every day.
However, it can cause several issues in dogs if overfeeding occurs.
Arsenic
Rice, in general, contains arsenic, which, in high amounts, can be fatal to both dogs and humans. As dogs are smaller and less tolerant to grains than humans, a lesser amount of rice should be given to them.
Providing your dog with too much rice over a long time can cause changes in the skin and liver, damage kidneys, or increase infection occurrence. This is why it is important to serve your dog Jasmine rice in moderation.
Washing the Jasmine rice thoroughly before cooking it can help to reduce the arsenic levels [4]. Brown or colored Jasmine rice would also serve as better alternatives to white Jasmine rice in dog food recipes.
Caloric Content
Jasmine rice was classified as a high glycemic index food, and close caution must be taken when using it directly in dog food.
Due to its high caloric content, your dog will feel fuller after consuming Jasmine rice compared to other rice types. As such, you do not need to feed as much Jasmine rice to your dog if you switch from other rice types.
If you do not keep a close eye on the amount of Jasmine rice you feed your dog, it may negatively impact their metabolism in terms of blood sugar and cause diabetes mellitus.
Therefore, when you plan to start feeding your dog Jasmine rice, go easy on the amount used on the first few attempts to check out how your dog is responding to it.
How To Prepare Jasmine Rice For Dogs
The best way to feed your dog Jasmine rice is by cooking it.
The perfect mixture for Jasmine rice is adding one cup of rice to three cups of filtered water. Bring the water to a boil and wait until the water is absorbed by the rice. Avoid adding any additives like salt, oil, or sauce.
Jasmine rice has a delicious taste. By adding any sauce or salt to the mix, the benefits can be taken away, and you can end up hurting your dog more than helping them!
You can give a small portion of rice up to once a day if you are feeding homemade dog food. To supplement, you can choose to add toppings to the rice to make it more delicious for your dog.
If you are already feeding your dog commercial dog food, watch out for the quantities, as packaged dog food might already bring a large amount of rice.
While it is not common, your dog may exhibit changing behavior or symptoms such as diarrhea or vomit after Jasmine rice consumption. In such cases, visit the veterinarian immediately as it is possible for your dog to develop a sudden allergic reaction that may affect their intestines or breathing airways.
Our Verdict
Can dogs eat Jasmine rice? Definitely, but only when 1) it is served in moderation, and 2) your dog is not allergic to this particular type of rice.
Consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes or introducing new ingredients into your dog’s diet, especially if you have any doubts.
Remember – dogs are much smaller and generally less tolerant to grains than humans. Serving Jasmine rice in small quantities will help your dog get the nutrition without overwhelming its digestive system!
