Can Dogs Eat Rice Cakes? The Ultimate Guide

Rice cakes, sometimes called rice biscuits or rice crackers, are made from puffed rice pressed into a firm, dry cake. The rice is usually cooked then partly dried and molded into the desired shape before being further dried and baked.

Plain rice cakes contain minimal ingredients – typically just rice with a small amount of oil or salt. Flavored varieties have extra ingredients like spices, seasonings, chocolate chips, and more.

Can dogs eat rice cakes that are safe for human consumption? Yes, plain rice cakes without unhealthy add-ins can be fed to dogs in moderation. Chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol should always be avoided, as they are toxic for dogs.

While rice cakes don’t provide complete nutrition, they can serve as a low-calorie, gluten-free carbohydrate source. Let’s look closer at the potential benefits and risks of feeding rice cakes to dogs.

Are Rice Cakes Good For Dogs? Benefits and Nutritional Value

Rice cakes can provide some benefits for dogs when given occasionally and in small amounts. Here are a few of the main advantages:

A Source of Carbohydrates

The main component of rice cakes is carbohydrates. Canines need carbs as an energy source. The carbs in rice cakes can boost your dog’s energy.

Brown rice cakes have more nutritional benefits than white cakes since brown rice keeps the bran and germ of the grain. However, brown rice is more difficult for dogs to digest. White rice cakes offer easily digestible carbs, though less protein, vitamins and minerals.

High in Fiber

Plain rice cakes contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion in dogs. The insoluble fiber in rice can help clear your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and promote regular bowel movements.

Low in Fat

Rice cakes are very low in fat, especially compared to many commercial dog treats. The small amount of fat they contain provides some healthy unsaturated fats.

Gluten-Free

Dogs with gluten allergies or sensitivities are unable to tolerate grains like wheat. Rice cakes make a gluten-free, grain-free carb option for dogs. Unless flavored with wheat, they typically do not contain gluten.

Crunchy Texture

The firm, crunchy texture of rice cakes makes them an enjoyable, tooth-cleaning chewy snack for dogs. They can satisfy your dog’s instinct to chew and gnaw.

Added Nutrients

While rice itself offers some nutritional value, rice cakes aren’t a significant source of protein, vitamins or minerals for dogs. However, brown rice provides small amounts of nutrients like B vitamins, iron and calcium.

Are Rice Cakes Bad For Dogs? Potential Risks

While rice cakes can be a safe, low-calorie snack for pups, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

Weight Gain

One of the biggest problems with feeding too many rice cakes is excess calories leading to weight gain. Rice cakes are high glycemic index foods, meaning they cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. They digest quickly and don’t leave dogs feeling full. It’s easy to overfeed high-calorie snacks, so portion control is essential.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Rice cakes should not make up a large portion of your dog’s diet. Since they are low in overall nutrients, relying too heavily on rice cakes could lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. They don’t provide complete, balanced nutrition for dogs like a high-quality commercial dog food does.

Upset Stomach

Some dogs may get an upset stomach from overindulging on rice cakes, especially if they are prone to digestive issues. The high carb content could cause gas, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea. Introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Choking hazard

Rice cakes can present a choking risk for dogs, especially small breed dogs. Their airy texture turns dry and crumbly when chewed. Large pieces could potentially get lodged in your dog’s throat. Always monitor your dog when feeding rice cakes and break them into bite-size pieces first.

Dental damage

While the crunchy texture can clean teeth, chomping on hard rice cakes could potentially lead to cracked teeth or mouth pain if your dog is too aggressive. Pay attention to how your dog chews them and avoid very hard varieties.

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons, let’s look at what ingredients to avoid in rice cakes for dogs.

Rice Cake Ingredients to Avoid for Dogs’ Safety

When choosing a rice cake to share with your pup, read the label carefully and watch out for these common additions:

Chocolate

Never feed chocolate rice cakes to dogs! Chocolate contains toxic theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death in dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous.

Onions and Garlic

Onion and garlic flavored rice cakes should also be avoided. Onions and garlic contain toxic compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs when ingested.

Xylitol

Many sugar-free rice cakes are sweetened with xylitol. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs. It can lead to dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage. Never give your dog rice cakes with xylitol or any product containing it.

Raisins and Dried Fruit

Some rice cakes include raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruit, which are unsafe. Grapes, raisins and currants can cause serious kidney failure in dogs, even when eaten in small amounts.

Dairy

Rice cakes flavored with cheese or containing milk ingredients could cause digestive upset in dogs who are lactose intolerant. Avoid giving your dog rice cakes with any dairy-based add-ins.

Salt

Excess sodium is unhealthy for dogs, so choose low-sodium or no salt added varieties. Too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination, vomiting or even sodium ion poisoning in dogs.

When in doubt, stick to plain, non-flavored rice cakes without any seasonings or spices listed in the ingredients. Check with your vet if your dog has food allergies or health conditions.

Feeding Guidelines: How Much and How Often Can Dogs Eat Rice Cakes?

Now that you know which ingredients to steer clear of, let’s discuss how much and how frequently rice cakes can be fed to dogs. There are a few factors to consider:

Serving Size

Since rice cakes are a snack, not a meal, recommended serving sizes are small. As a general guide, feed 1-2 mini rice cakes per day for small dogs, 1-3 for medium dogs, and 1-4 for large breeds. Adjust amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Divide into multiple pieces for safety.

Frequency

Rice cakes should be a special occasional treat, not something you feed every day. Limit rice cakes to a few times per week at most. Too much, too often can lead to obesity or nutritional imbalance. Monitor your dog’s weight and health as you add this human snack to their diet.

Supervision

When first introducing rice cakes, always supervise your dog to ensure they are chewing safely. Pay attention to their manner of eating – do not allow them to take overly large bites that could cause choking. Take rice cakes away once they’ve been consumed to prevent overeating.

Dog’s Age and Health

Growing puppies, senior dogs, and those with medical conditions like diabetes require more careful diet monitoring. Consult your vet before feeding rice cakes to at-risk dogs. They may recommend limiting or avoiding rice cakes altogether in some cases. Follow your vet’s guidelines.

With Meals or as Treats

Rice cakes can be offered as tasty low-calorie treats between meals, for training rewards, etc. You can also crumble them over your dog’s regular food as a carb topper or mix-in. But don’t replace actual meals with rice cakes alone.

Hydration

Since rice cakes are dry and absorbent, always provide fresh clean water when feeding them. Keep your dog well-hydrated to aid digestion and prevent constipation from the fiber and carbs.

Is It Safe? Introducing Rice Cakes to Your Dog’s Diet

You know what ingredients to look for, how much to feed and how often. But before you let your dog start munching rice cakes, follow these tips for safely adding them to their diet:

• Ask your vet – Make sure rice cakes are appropriate for your specific dog before feeding.
• Read labels carefully – Confirm no toxic ingredients for dogs are included.
• Start slowly – Introduce just a bite or two at first to watch for any allergic reactions or tummy upset.
• Supervise – Stay close by as your dog tries rice cakes for the first few times. Do not leave them unmonitored with the new treat until you know they tolerate it well.
• Watch for reactions – If your dog vomits, has diarrhea, develops skin irritation or other issues after eating rice cakes, stop giving them immediately and call your vet.
• Prevent obesity – Weigh out servings carefully. Don’t exceed recommended daily amounts or overindulge your pup.
• Provide hydration – Ensure your dog has access to fresh water after consuming dry rice cakes.

With a few precautions, most healthy dogs can enjoy rice cakes in moderation. Adjust amounts and frequency based on your individual dog’s needs.

Healthy Homemade Rice Cakes for Dogs

Want to whip up a homemade rice cake treat? Here are some dog-friendly recipes to try:

Basic Rice Cake Recipe

• 1 cup brown or white rice, cooked
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp peanut or pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 1 tbsp flaxseed meal

1. Cook rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
2. Mix in egg, puree, carrots and flaxseed.
3. Press into a cake pan and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Cool before cutting into bite size pieces.

Pumpkin Rice Cakes

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked
• 1 whole egg
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

1. Cook rice and allow to cool.
2. Whisk together egg, pumpkin, honey and cinnamon.
3. Fold wet ingredients into rice.
4. Press into a lightly greased pan.
5. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes until firm.
6. Cool completely and cut into pieces before serving.

Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cakes

• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

1. Cook rice and chill until cold.
2. Mash banana in a bowl. Mix in peanut butter, egg and flaxseed.
3. Add rice and stir until fully combined.
4. Press into a cake pan and bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool before cutting into bite sized pieces for your dog to enjoy!

Rice cakes made at home allow you to control the ingredients and avoid add-ins that are unsafe for dogs. Consider adding in other dog-friendly mix-ins like shredded carrots, sweet potato, or blueberries.

Should You Give Your Dog Rice Cakes? The Bottom Line

Can dogs eat rice cakes? In moderation, plain rice cakes without unhealthy additions can be a safe snack for dogs. A few bites of rice cake can provide some nutritional value for your canine companion and satisfy their craving for people food. Just be sure to introduce new foods slowly, watch for any reactions, and avoid ingredients like chocolate, onion, and garlic that are toxic for dogs. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about incorporating rice cakes into your pup’s diet. Monitor treat consumption to prevent weight gain or nutritional deficiencies. While rice cakes shouldn’t be a dietary staple, they can be an occasional carb-filled snack your dog enjoys. Offer a few bite-sized pieces at a time and always supervise your furry friend when treating them to this popular human food. With some care and common sense, you can feel good about sharing this fun snack with your dog!