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

 

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

The Inside Scoop On Homemade Pet Food
3 Things to Know About Grain-Free Dog Food and Cat Food