I still remember the day I bought my German Shepherd (Jack) home when he was a few weeks old. I was not sure how to take care of him. Other dog owners told me that German Shepherd dogs have a sensitive digestive system. Thus, I needed to be very cautious when I fed him.
Like most dog owners, I was not satisfied with the commercial dog feed I got for him. The reason was that many people I spoke to about my dog’s meal were wary about commercial dog food. Worried about my Gsd’s health, I started searching about what a German Shepherd can eat. I also consulted my vet for that. The one recurring question was if German Shepherds eat rice.
If you are also searching for can german shepherd eat rice?, then the answer is Yes!
Let’s Get Some Help From History.
If you are wary about feeding your dog with human food, then let’s take some help from history. Before the introduction of dog feed, all dogs ate human food. Humans and dogs ate together. When humans started petting dogs, they realized that their dogs needed a proper diet.
In the 1850s, James Pratt invented the first dog biscuit. It marked the beginning of modern-day commercial dog feed.
So, if dogs were surviving before commercial feed on human food, why is it not safe today? Even the list of ingredients of your GSD’s feed includes rice. So, isn’t it better to serve your dog with fresh home-cooked rice?
Benefits of Eating Rice For German Shepherds
- Nutrition benefits
- The energy it provides boosts your Gsd’s stamina
- Treats an upset stomach- Diarrhea as well as constipation
- Suitable for dogs suffering from food allergies.
- Easy to cook
- Inexpensive
- Suitable for gluten intolerant German Shepherds.
- Cures Colitis
Essential Nutrients In Rice
Below is the list of essential nutrients included in rice:
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are rich in energy. As German Shepherds need a lot of energy for proper functioning, so a part of carbs in their diet is good.
Protein
The right amount of protein will help your German Shepherd grow healthier. You will see a steady growth of their skin, nails, and fur. Also, their muscles and ligaments will grow stronger.
Fiber
Fiber is important for healthy intestine growth and regular bowel movements of your Gsd. It also absorbs excess body water that makes the stool firm-preventing constipation.
Calcium and Phosphorous:
Calcium and phosphorus result in healthy bones of your Gsd.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important as they help to fight diseases.
Other nutrients
Other important nutrients that rice has are Phosphorus, Sodium, Calcium, and Iron.
The right amount
Adding rice to your dog’s diet is beneficial for different reasons. Yet, you need to be careful about the amount of rice you use. According to experts, ⅓ of your dog’s food should be carbohydrates. Giving too much rice to your dog can make them obese.
Foods to Combine With Rice
Rice adds a lot of nutritious value to your German Shepherd’s meal. But if you want to increase that value, then the right kind of food combination is essential.
Meat
You can mix your Gsd’s rice with chicken or even fish. It will give a mixed balance of carbs and proteins.
Vegetables
Be careful while choosing a vegetable combination with rice. You cannot use all vegetables. You can mix rice with peas and carrots.
Beans
You should cook beans before using them with rice. Use them in small quantities as they contain gas. Avoid canned beans at all costs.
Commercial feed
You can also mix commercial feed with rice.
White or brown rice: Which Between the Two Is Preferable?
You can feed your German Shepherd with both brown and white rice. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. White rice is easier to digest when compared to brown rice. But brown rice gives energy for a longer time. White rice is not good for diabetic dogs, as the higher glycemic index in them can cause blood sugar levels to rise. However, stick to white rice if your GSD has gastrointestinal issues.
All white rice is born out of brown rice through processing. The processing removes the seed coat from brown rice. The seed coat has stored nutrients. While removing the seed coat, the stored nutrients are also gone. For example, Brown rice has more fiber than white rice.
Also, the seed coating in brown rice makes it hard to digest. If you decide to give brown rice to your dog, keep the quantity smaller than white rice. Moreover, your Gsd might not like brown rice due to its rough texture. Yet, it’s better if a diabetic gsd eat brown rice.
Beware of uncooked rice
One thing you need to be watchful of is that your GSD doesn’t intake even a small amount of uncooked rice. Keep your packet of rice in an upper cabinet so your dog doesn’t have access to it. Uncooked rice soaks the stomach’s water-causing either Diarrhea or constipation. In severe cases, it could also lead to the failure of vital organs.
What to do if your German shepherd eats uncooked rice?
Taking in small quantities of uncooked rice can lead to Diarrhea or constipation. In both cases, give them a lot of water. It will help to cure both Diarrhea and constipation.
In case your Gsd gets Diarrhea, then they will pass the uncooked rice through the stool. When you see rice balls in poop, it indicates that the stomach is cleaning.
But if your dog has taken a large quantity of uncooked rice, then don’t take a minute to take him to the vet. Professional advice is preferable in every case.
Is rice an everyday meal for German Shepherds?
Yes, rice can be a part of your german shepherd’s everyday meal, but it’s the quantity that matters. Don’t overdo it. Also, mix it with lean meat or some vegetables to get a more balanced diet and definitely a better taste. Yet, for a diabetic German Shepherd, reduce the quantity even further. It is better to avoid white rice for a diabetic Gsd.
How to cook rice for your German Shepherd?
The best way to cook rice for your GSD is to boil them. Don’t serve your Gsd fried rice. They are as bad as uncooked rice. When you boil the rice, all its heaviness is gone while the nutrients remain in place. So, boiled rice is the best option. Moreover, avoid adding any spices or seasoning to the rice. Hence, cooked plain white rice is your way to go.
The Right Age For Feeding Your GSD rice
Rice is a good option for German Shepherds of all ages. You can start feeding it to your Gsd when they are eight weeks old. It is possible that your Gsd will not like the taste of rice in the beginning. Give them small portions till they actually start liking it.
Also, you need to be cautious while preparing a meal for Gsd puppies. Consult your vet to know the right amount of every nutrient for your puppies. It’s best to create a puppy-specific diet.
Rice For an Upset Stomach
If your German Shepherd has Diarrhea, feed them with white rice. During Diarrhea, they need food that is easy to digest and has low fiber content. As white rice fulfills both these requirements, they are good for Diarrhea. Also, we know that white rice makes stool firm.
But, during constipation, give your Gsd brown rice because they need more fiber at that time. Don’t forget to keep the quantity of brown rice moderate.
The Best Option For Gluten Intolerance
Feeding German shepherds that are gluten intolerant can be a struggle. Their feed is expensive and also lacking in other health areas. Rice is a gluten-free option for your gluten intolerant Gsd.
Other human Food For Your Gsd
If you want to share a meal with your German Shepherd, get to know these food items other than rice that you can feed them.
Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are a healthy choice for your Gsd’s meal as they are rich in protein. But don’t cook them in oil or add any seasonings.
Squash and Pumpkins
For serving these to your Gsd, remove their seeds and cut them into small slices. Both squash and pumpkins are rich in beta carotene. They also normalize bowel movements.
Popcorns
Popcorns can be the perfect treat for your Gsd. Make sure to air-pop them and avoid adding any salt or butter. They provide potassium and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Cooked lean Meat
Cooked lean meat such as chicken, pork, or beef is an excellent source of essential nutrients. They provide protein, amino acids, and B vitamins for your Gsd’s diet.
Cooked Liver
The cooked liver is a great source of B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron for your Gsd. One important consideration here is that too much liver can be harmful to your Gsd. So, keep it in moderation.
Factors To Keep In Mind Before Feeding Your Gsd Rice
You should consider the following factors before feeding rice to your German Shepherd.
Age
Puppies need more carbohydrates for proper growth and energy. But as your German Shepherd grows older, reduce the number of carbs to prevent obesity and diabetes in them.
Timing
It is important to have a regular eating schedule for your dog. Feeding your Gsd rice anytime will lead to excess carbohydrates. This excess will make your Gsd obese.
Allergies
Your German Shepherd can be allergic to rice. Keep a watch on them to check if they get Diarrhea, vomiting, or skin irritation when they eat rice. In such a case, completely avoid rice.
My personal experience
In my personal experience. I have fed my German Shepherds rice from a very young age. I have seen them developing good muscles, jaws, paws, and skin as well. Their stool is also always normal. I have also used chicken or commercial dog foods with rice for my Gsd.
End Note
Rice is an essential component of your German Shepherd’s diet. Giving your German Shepherd rice will help them to grow better. But cooking it the right way and controlling the quantity is crucial. Also, if you add the right combination with rice, it can increase the nutritional value of your Gsd’s meal. Moreover, it is always better to consult your vet before giving anything new to your Gsd. They can suggest the right way of doing things.
FAQS
Can I give my dog rice daily?
You can give your dog rice daily but make sure to keep the quantity in control. The excess of rice can lead to obesity.
Can I give rice to my German Shepherd puppy?
Rice is one of the most beneficial foods for your German Shepherd puppy. They have a lot of essential nutrients that help in the good growth of your Gsd.
Can a German Shepherd eat white rice?
White rice is a good source of nutrition for your German Shepherd. They are also easy to digest. You need to make sure that you keep the quantity in check. Moreover, if your Gsd is diabetic, brown rice is a better option.
Can I feed my German Shepherd chicken and rice?
The combination of rice and chicken is beneficial for your German Shepherd. Your Gsd can get the required carbohydrates and proteins in the same meal.
