Brown rice has been around for thousands of years and is now a popular ingredient in healthy cat and dog foods.

Brown rice has gotten a bad rap in recent years - and we won’t stand for people picking on our little, grainy friend anymore! We’re here to set the record straight on this superfood and how it can benefit your pets. Brown rice provides plenty of research-backed benefits and, when included in your cat food or dog food, is a healthy source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

But there’s some concern among pet owners and vets about certain grains in pet foods. And really, it’s no surprise - it’s common knowledge that low-quality grains can be used as cheap filler. It’s possible to skimp on quality just to add bulk to recipes - unhealthy bulk.

So let’s be fair in setting this record straight…there are valid concerns with some types of grains, but brown rice can be a strong player in your pet’s daily diet and overall health. In this article, you’ll learn about the more problematic grains in pet foods and why brown rice is the ultimate winner in the grain game!

Corn, Wheat, and The Problems They Cause for Pets

Corn and wheat are two grains pet parents steer away from. Some people claim the issue with these all-too-common ingredients is their lower nutritional value compared to other ingredients, like protein - but that’s not the whole grain truth.

The main problem with highly-processed corn and wheat is they simply aren’t made to satisfy a primal meat eater. (Sorry, we don’t make the rules of nature - we just live by ‘em.)

And in some cases, a dog’s system will reject corn or wheat, and your pet may develop an allergy to them. Due to the reaction, their stomach can become irritated and digestive problems can arise.[1] In short, corn and wheat may cause a stinky mess to clean up.

Of even greater concern, corn made headlines in 2020 and 2021 for being the culprit in multiple recalls of kibble with health-threatening levels of mold.[2] This mold is so common it even has a name–aflatoxin, for all of you science nerds out there–so it’s understandable why you’d want to avoid feeding corn to your dog or cat.

While at times there are reasons for choosing a grain-free food for your dog or cat, generally speaking, brown rice can still be an important part of your pet’s diet. Just like you, our furry friends need a well-rounded diet with high quality proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. And one of the best carbs you can find in pet food is brown rice (no surprise there)!

Life’s Abundance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Food is made with robust proteins and high-quality brown rice for a hearty meal that supports overall health.

5 Benefits of Brown Rice for Dogs and Cats

Brown rice is a whole grain rice. That means it has the bran and the germ still attached. These fiber-rich and nutrient-packed parts of brown rice make it the better grain choice in your pet’s food.

Brown rice is considered more nutritious than white rice - or corn for that matter! And here are five reasons why:

• It’s a complex carb and complex carbs burn slower than simple carbs, supporting your pet’s blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
• It contains seven minerals and five essential B vitamins, promoting heart health and metabolism.
• It’s a natural source of fiber that aids digestion, maximizing nutrient absorption.
• It keeps your pets feeling fuller for longer, helping with weight management.
• It’s full of calcium and iron, contributing to healthy teeth and bones.

At Life’s Abundance, we add high-quality brown rice to our dog foods and cat foods so your pet gets all of the benefits above - plus you get the assurance your pet is eating wholesome nutrition made just for them.

As an extra layer of safety–to make extra sure you’re getting only the good stuff–we routinely test for hazards like arsenic in our foods. It’s something we take pretty seriously because we want your pet to live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side, for many years to come!

References:
www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment
www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/aflatoxin-poisoning-pets

 

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In recent years, there has been concern about using grains in pet foods as they’re sometimes seen as cheap fillers. Corn and wheat in particular are two grains that pet parents try to steer away from when looking at the ingredients. One of the issues is that they’re not particularly high in nutritional value and aren’t easily digestible. Of even greater concern, corn has caused multiple recalls of kibble due to increased levels of aflatoxin, which is a mold commonly present in this ingredient.

This has led consumers to look towards grain-free diets. While there is nothing wrong with choosing a grain-free food, grains are still an important part of your pet’s diet. Just like humans, our furry friends need a well rounded diet that consists of carbohydrates, high quality proteins, and healthy fats. One of the best carbohydrates that can be included in pet foods are whole grains such as brown rice.

Benefits of Brown Rice

Brown rice is made from the entire grain with only the inedible outer husk removed. It’s not considered a cheap filler and is a great addition to dog and cat foods.

• It contains seven minerals and five B vitamins which are essential for promoting heart health and metabolism.
• Brown rice leaves some of the rice bran intact meaning it is a source of fiber. Fiber aids in your dog or cat’s digestive system and heart health. Not to mention it can also increase their energy levels!
• Being a complex carb with over a 90% digestion rate, it burns slowly which helps to support their blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
• Brown rice keeps your pets feeling full so you can feel even better knowing it aids in your pet’s weight management.

At Life’s Abundance, we include brown rice in both our dog foods and cat foods, as it’s a healthy addition to their diet and provides them with sustained energy. And, you can take comfort knowing we routinely test for hazards such as arsenic in our foods so your dog or cat can live a long, happy and healthy life by your side!

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Key Ingredients Most Pet Parents Are Missing