Is Rice Good for Dogs on a Weight Loss Diet?

Rice is one of the most common ingredients in homemade dog food — it’s affordable, easy to prepare, and gentle on the stomach. But if your dog is overweight or on a calorie-restricted diet, you may wonder: is rice actually a good choice for weight loss?

The answer depends on how it’s used. Rice is low in fat and easy to digest, which makes it a safe option for many dogs. However, it’s also high in carbohydrates, which means portion control is essential. When combined with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, rice can be part of a balanced weight-loss plan.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of feeding rice, share the best ways to include it in your dog’s meals, and provide a few simple rice-based recipes that support healthy weight management. For example, pairing rice with protein-rich foods like eggs (see my guide on are eggs good for dogs on a weight loss diet?) can create a filling, balanced meal.

Nutritional Profile of Rice

Rice is a staple food around the world, and for dogs, it can provide energy without being heavy on fat. But not all rice varieties are the same when it comes to nutrition.

White Rice

• Calories: About 200 calories per cooked cup
• Fat: <1 gram
• Protein: ~4 grams
• Carbohydrates: ~45 grams
• Digestibility: Very easy to digest, which is why it’s often used in bland diets for upset stomachs.

Brown Rice

• Calories: ~215 calories per cooked cup
• Fat: ~1.5 grams
• Protein: ~5 grams
• Carbohydrates: ~45 grams
• Digestibility: Higher in fiber and nutrients than white rice but a bit harder to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Key Takeaways

• Both white and brown rice are naturally low in fat, making them suitable for weight-conscious meals.
• White rice is easier on digestion, while brown rice offers more fiber and micronutrients.
• Rice is calorie-dense for its volume, so portion size is important — too much can lead to weight gain rather than loss.

Benefits of Rice in a Weight Loss Diet

Rice can be a useful ingredient in your dog’s weight management plan when it’s served in moderation and paired with the right foods.

1. Low in Fat

Both white and brown rice are naturally low in fat, making them a safe choice for overweight dogs or those with conditions like pancreatitis that require fat restriction.

2. Gentle on Digestion

Rice is easy to digest, which is why it’s often included in bland recovery diets. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or recovering from illness can handle rice well, especially white rice.

3. Provides Energy

Carbohydrates from rice provide quick energy for daily activities, which is important when reducing fat and calories elsewhere in the diet.

4. Versatile Ingredient

Rice can be combined with lean proteins (like turkey, fish, or eggs) and fiber-rich vegetables to create complete, balanced meals. See my article on are eggs good for dogs on a weight loss diet? for a great protein partner.

5. Affordable and Accessible

Rice is inexpensive and easy to prepare in bulk, making it a practical option for pet parents who want to cook at home.

Potential Drawbacks of Rice for Weight Loss

While rice can support a dog’s weight loss diet, it isn’t perfect. Too much can work against your goals, especially if not balanced with other nutrients.

1. High in Carbohydrates

Rice is primarily made of carbs. Overfeeding can spike calorie intake and contribute to weight gain instead of loss. Dogs need protein and fiber alongside rice for balance.

2. Limited Nutrients on Its Own

Rice provides energy but lacks essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It should never be the main or only ingredient in your dog’s meals.

3. Not Ideal for Diabetic Dogs

Dogs with diabetes or insulin resistance may not tolerate rice well, as it can cause blood sugar spikes. In these cases, alternatives like pumpkin, oats, or lentils may be better.

4. Portion Size Challenges

Because rice is calorie-dense, it’s easy to give too much. Even a small bowl can add hundreds of calories, which matters a lot for dogs on strict calorie limits.

👉 If rice doesn’t suit your pup, check out my guides on low-fat canned dog food and best weight management wet foods for balanced alternatives.

Best Ways to Feed Rice for Weight Control

Rice can be part of a healthy weight loss plan — but only when it’s used wisely. Here’s how to include it safely in your dog’s diet.

Portion Control

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons cooked rice per meal
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–4 tablespoons cooked rice per meal
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): Up to 1/2 cup cooked rice per meal
  Always adjust based on your dog’s total calorie needs and activity level.

Cooking Tips

• Cook rice plain, without salt, butter, or seasoning.
• Use extra water to make it soft and easy to digest.
• Mix with broth or water for a canned-food style texture.

Best Pairings

• Lean protein: Chicken breast, turkey, whitefish, or eggs (see my guide on are eggs good for dogs on a weight loss diet?).
• Fiber-rich vegetables: Pumpkin, green beans, zucchini, carrots.
• Healthy grains: Mix small amounts of rice with oats or quinoa for variety.

Feeding Frequency

Rice should be used as part of balanced meals — not as the main component every day. Ideally, it should make up no more than 20–25% of the diet in a weight-loss plan.

Homemade Rice-Based Weight Loss Recipes

Here are three simple, digestion-friendly rice recipes that help dogs feel full while keeping calories under control.

Recipe	Ingredients	Instructions	Why It Works
Chicken & Rice Light Stew	– 1 cup boiled chicken breast (shredded) – 1 cup cooked white rice – 1/2 cup carrots, steamed & chopped – 1/2 cup low-sodium broth	1. Boil and shred chicken. 2. Cook rice until soft. 3. Steam carrots. 4. Mix all with broth into a stew.	A gentle, low-fat, filling recipe that provides lean protein and satiety.
Rice & Egg Slim Bowl	– 1 boiled egg, chopped – 3 tbsp cooked brown rice – 1/4 cup zucchini, steamed & grated – 1/4 cup pumpkin puree	1. Cook rice until soft. 2. Chop egg. 3. Steam zucchini. 4. Mix all ingredients into a moist bowl.	Combines rice with egg for high-quality protein (see are eggs good for dogs on a weight loss diet?).
Rice & Veggie Fiber Blend	– 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown) – 1/4 cup green beans, chopped – 1/4 cup sweet potato, mashed – 1/4 cup peas, steamed	1. Cook rice until soft. 2. Steam and prepare vegetables. 3. Mix into a moist fiber-rich blend.	High in fiber, low in fat, helps overweight dogs feel full while staying within calorie limits.

👉 If your dog does better with softer textures, you might also like my guide to low-calorie canned dog food, which mimics store-bought textures while staying light and healthy.

FAQs About Rice in a Dog’s Weight Loss Diet

Final Thoughts: Is Rice Good for Dogs on a Weight Loss Diet?

Rice can absolutely be part of a dog’s weight loss diet — when used in moderation. It’s low in fat, easy to digest, and provides energy, making it especially useful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those transitioning to lighter meals.

That said, rice is carb-heavy and calorie-dense, so it should never be the main ingredient in your dog’s meals. Instead, use it as a supplement alongside lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and other healthy fillers. For balance, you might pair it with protein sources like eggs (see are eggs good for dogs on a weight loss diet?) or incorporate it into low-calorie homemade recipes.

With the right balance, rice can help your dog feel full, maintain energy, and slim down in a safe, steady way. The key is portion control and variety — not relying on rice alone.