Dogs are almost genetically predisposed to begging for anything food that is on the table. But if your taste buds are Indian and you enjoy food with generous spicing, with no exception to rice.
Basically, cook yellow rice every now and then but Can Dogs Eat Yellow Rice?
To answer your question, yes, dogs can eat yellow rice without any problems. The rice is generally easy to prepare and is made with colored spices, such as saffron, annatto, and turmeric, which gives it its yellow coloring and tangy flavor. However, none of these ingredients are toxic to dogs.
What is yellow rice?
Yellow rice is a traditional, yellow-colored rice dish popular in Indian and Spanish cuisines as a side. It is also a common traditional cuisine in South Africa, Morocco, and West Indies.
The rice is made with colored spices, including saffron, annatto, and turmeric, which gives it it’s yellow coloring. The rice is easy to prepare and rich in vitamins and minerals, such as, riboflavin, calcium, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B-6, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, etc.
Is yellow rice good for dogs?
Yellow rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, however, despite it, it’s still better to not feed your dogs too much of it.
The reason is the same as why your dog shouldn’t be eating too much of any food, because it may lead to obesity and other health problems.
Overfeeding your dog with yellow rice can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. Similarly, yellow rice in moderation also acts as a natural medicine for dogs and is beneficial for health problems, such as, cancer and skin problems in dogs.
It does not only help with healing and pain but also prevents illnesses in dogs. This is one of the reasons why many off-the-shelf food labels have turmeric in them, as it provides a variety of health advantages.
However, like with any other food item, keep a close eye on your dog the first time you give yellow rice to them. They may have an adverse reaction to it. The safe dose of turmeric for dogs in anywhere between 15 mg to 20 mg per pound of body weight.
Are there any benefits to eating yellow rice for dogs
Yellow rice is good for dogs suffering from digestive problems. It can help relieve digestive problems in dogs, while also increasing their appetite.
This is because the rice has high potassium content that metabolizes proteins and fats and transforms them into energy.
Another main ingredient in yellow rice is turmeric, which is good for soothing a dog’s upset stomach and works as a good anti-inflammatory agent.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help decrease the pain caused by joint inflammation or arthritis.
Yellow rice is also believed to be excellent for strengthening your dog’s kidneys and can restore it to function normally again.
In addition, the soluble fibers in yellow rice are lower pH levels and help in the absorption of water in the gut. Therefore, beneficial for your dog if they are suffering with diarrhea.
What Happens If A Dog Eats Yellow Rice?
While yellow rice benefits dogs, overfeeding them can be like loving them to death. An excess of anything is harmful for dogs. It can give them an upset stomach, cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Basmati Rice?
The answer is yes; your dog can eat Basmati rice. White rice is easy to prepare, quick to digest, and low in fiber. For this reason, many pet owners are more likely to tell you that they feed their dog’s white rice when they have an upset stomach. However, the same doesn’t apply to brown rice.
Brown rice can be harder for dogs to digest because of how its processed. White rice has a higher glycemic index, and our furry friends need the starch.
Although if your dog is diabetic, you can still feed them white rice but not regularly.
Are there any tips to consider when feeding dogs yellow basmati rice?
If you’ve decided to feed your dog basmati rice, boil the rice in plain water and don’t add any salt. Keep the flavorings for the humans. And as with any balanced diet, feed the rice in moderation.
Aim to feed them the rice, not more than twice or thrice a week in small quantities. However, if your vet says otherwise for medical reasons, it is best to follow their advice.
In addition, the rice should be properly washed to remove any chemical residues. If you don’t wash the rice properly, the chemicals can lead to digestive and skin problems.
If the flavor of plain rice is not appealing to your dog, you can always add sauce or gravy, given that it’s safe.
Is Saffron Safe for Dogs?
Saffron is another ingredient used in yellow rice, which is not toxic for your dog in small quantities. And your dog won’t experience any negative effects in the quantity present in rice. However, there is a risk of toxicity if consumed in large quantities.
But your dog will have to work very hard to consume enough saffron to lead to poisoning.
Is Turmeric Safe for Dogs?
Turmeric has several health benefits for dogs. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as curcumin which is good for dogs suffering from joint inflammation or arthritis. However, do not give your dog turmeric for other conditions.
Studies have also shown that the anti-inflammatory ingredient is helpful for dogs with mobility issues and acts as an antioxidant with several other benefits.
Given that your furry friend does not eat large quantities of it. Some dogs may also be intolerant to turmeric; therefore, monitor your dog if it is the first time you’re giving it to them.
In addition, turmeric is best eaten with a bit of cooking oil for dogs with digestive problems. This is because it can be hard to digest for dogs with digestive problems.
Is Spanish Yellow Rice Any Different?
Yellow rice is white rice made with spices, turmeric, saffron, and annatto. Whereas Spanish yellow rice is, while quite similar, usually includes other local spices. South African yellow rice, however, is very different from all other savory forms of yellow rice.
Other than the staple ingredients, turmeric and saffron, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins are also added to it – making it a sweet dish.
Can dogs eat Spanish yellow rice?
While dogs are genetically predisposed to eating a wide variety of foods, plain cooked white rice are the best rice for them.
The digestive system of dogs differs from humans, and the addition of spices may be toxic and pose several health risks for dogs.
For example, yellow rice contains spices and coloring agents, which are only safe for dogs in small amounts.
In addition, studies have also shown that annatto can cause a spike in dogs’ blood sugar levels and can lead to loss of appetite, seizures, skin discoloration, gum disease, muscle twitching, extreme weakness, and even death if not treated immediately.
Spanish rice also contains other spices, such as garlic and onions, which can cause hemolytic anemia (severe damage to red blood cells) in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Vigo Yellow Rice?
Vigo rice is a delicious concoction of Spanish yellow rice served with either chicken, beef, pork, and seafood. Vigo yellow rice is rich in flavor and a bit too salty for dogs.
Salt can be toxic for dogs if ingested in large quantities and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, muscle tremors, and seizures. It may be delish but keep it away from your dogs!
How Do You Get Rid of the Factory Smell from Rice?
The scent is especially apparent in cooked rice because of the chemicals that are used to preserve the rice.
Wash the rice very well until the water is clear before cooking to get rid of the bad odor. Some people also recommend using cold water to wash the rice. That should get rid of the smell.
Summing it all up! Can Dogs Eat Yellow Rice?
What may make for a great and delicious meal for you is not always the best for your pets. The spices used in yellow rice are generally safe in small quantities but can also be potentially poisonous for dogs.
Therefore, while it may be fine to feed them the rice once or twice in a week, it’s best to feed your dog plain, boiled rice with no seasonings or spices to take care of your dog’s health.
