Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human foods” your cat can and cannot eat as information may vary based on their dietary needs and health conditions.
Rice may not be the most nutritionally rich food for cats, but it’s not toxic and is sometimes used in small portions to aid with digestive issues.
Read on to learn more about whether rice is actually good for cats, how much they should be eating and more.
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Is rice good for cats?
Rice is not inherently “good” or “bad” for cats—it depends on the context and how it’s served. Cats can eat rice in small amounts as long as it is plain, cooked, and not seasoned. Rice is not toxic to cats and is sometimes used in small portions as part of a bland diet to help firm up stools in cats with diarrhoea. White rice, in particular, is easy on the stomach and can provide temporary relief for digestive upset.
However, it should not be a significant part of their diet, as cats are obligate carnivores and require nutrients from animal protein for optimal health.
Is rice bad for cats?
While rice can be a helpful occasional addition, especially for short-term digestive issues, it shouldn’t be a staple in a cat’s diet. You should avoid feeding rice to your cat if it’s shown signs of grain intolerance (vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation), is overweight or has diabetes as rice is high in carbohydrates.
Rice is not ideal as a staple because:
- Low nutritional value: rice is a carbohydrate and lacks the essential nutrients cats need, like taurine and high-quality animal protein
- Unnecessary calories: cats don’t need carbohydrates in their diet, and too much rice can contribute to weight gain or unbalanced nutrition
- Potential allergies or sensitivities: although rare, some cats may not tolerate grains well
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into your cat’s meal is made for obligate carnivores! All the meals tailored for cats contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your cat to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet
Seasoned or flavoured rice, raw rice and sticky or glutinous rice are absolute NOs to feed to your cat as it’s difficult to digest and may contain toxic ingredients to your cat.
Instead of rice, some cats with sensitive stomachs may do better with plain cooked pumpkin or mashed sweet potatoes for added fiber and digestive aid.
Always prioritize nutritionally complete and balanced cat food for your cat’s main diet. Use rice sparingly and consult a vet if unsure.
How much rice can a cat eat?
If you’re feeding rice to a cat, it should only be given in small quantities and as an occasional treat or as part of a bland diet for digestive upset. Here’s how much is safe:
How to tell when a cat has had too much rice?
Feeding a cat too much rice can lead to digestive issues or nutritional imbalances. Here are signs to watch for if you think your cat may have had too much rice:
- Vomiting: your cat may throw up the rice or other food if their stomach is irritated
- Diarrhoea or loose stools: too much rice can disrupt their digestion rather than help it
- Constipation: rice can sometimes firm up stool too much, leading to difficulty passing it
- Lethargy: a heavy rice meal might make your cat feel sluggish due to the carbohydrate load
- Loss of appetite: cats may refuse to eat their regular food if their stomach is upset
- Weight gain: rice is calorie-dense and can lead to weight gain if given regularly in large amounts
- Nutritional deficiency: over time, replacing too much of their regular diet with rice can lead to signs of malnutrition (e.g., dull coat, weakness) because rice lacks essential nutrients like taurine and protein
If you suspect your cat has had too much rice, stop feeding rice immediately and return to their normal balanced diet. Ensure that your cat is drinking water to avoid dehydration if diarrhoea occurs and monitor closely to watch for persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy.
If signs persist or worsen, contact your vet for advice, especially if there are more serious symptoms like prolonged vomiting or lethargy.
How often can cats eat rice?
You can offer rice no more than once or twice a week to avoid upsetting your cat’s balanced diet.
Important tips to keep in mind are:
Always observe your cat for any signs of digestive upset when introducing new foods.
Is there best type of rice for cats?
Being rich in fibre, rice is a good addition to your cat’s bland diet when they’re having digestive issues. Used in small amounts, fully cooked, plain and free of seasoning or additives, here are 3 safe options to use:
- White rice: best for digestive issues and works well with diarrhoea or an upset stomach
- Brown rice: while it contains more fibre and nutrients than white rice, it’s harder to digest. Used sparingly it can help your constipated cat if it tolerates it well
- Rice flour (in some cat foods): found in certain commercial cat foods as a filler ingredient. It’s already balanced within the food’s formula, so there’s no need to add extra rice yourself
How to feed your cat rice?
To safely feed your cat eggs, follow these steps
Cook some plain white or brown rice (if your cat tolerates it) thoroughly until it’s soft and easy to digest. Skip the salt, butter, oil, spices or any seasonings. Let the rice cool to room temperature before serving. Hot food can burn your cat’s mouth.
With a ratio of 1 part rice to 2-3 parts protein, combine the rice with a high-protein, cat-safe ingredient like boiled chicken or plain cooked fish.
Give your cat 1–2 spoons of the rice mixture at a time. Serve it as a treat or as part of a bland diet for short-term digestive issues (e.g., diarrhoea or upset stomach).
Watch for any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If your cat tolerates it well, you can repeat for 1–2 days for digestive issues. For general feeding, limit to once or twice a week.
