Can Cats Eat Rice? Remember, 'Can' Is Different From 'Should'

Bengal kitten eating rice — Cats and kittens don't digest grains in the same way humans do. Vanilin Ka / Shutterstock

You might be surprised to learn that the answer to "can cats eat rice" is yes—sort of. Cats can eat rice in small quantities, but it’s not an essential part of their diet.

Since cats are obligate carnivores, they rely on meat for the bulk of their nutrition, and grains like rice don’t offer as much nutritional value for feline consumption.

Still, rice can be useful in specific situations and is even found in some commercial cat foods.

Is Rice Good for Cats?

Not really. Rice is not toxic for cats, but it's also doesn't provide any real nutritional benefits

White rice and brown rice both contain carbohydrates and small amounts of dietary fiber. While rice offers some additional nutritional benefits for humans, the same doesn’t quite apply to cats. Their digestive system is optimized for protein and animal fats, not grains.

Cats eat rice best when it’s cooked properly and fed in very small quantities. Rice should never replace meat products or a high-quality diet.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice

Cooked white rice — This is a meal for humans, not for cats. rocharibeiro / Shutterstock

Both types are safe when cooked, but brown rice contains more fiber and nutrients. However, it’s also harder to digest. Cats eat white rice more easily, making it a better option if your vet suggests rice for digestive reasons.

Too much rice, whether white or brown, can cause bloating or stomach upset. Feeding your cat large quantities or too much carbohydrate can also lead to weight gain and other health problems, especially in obese cats or those that require regular insulin injections.

When to Feed Rice to Your Cat

Cooked rice is sometimes included in commercial pet foods to add bulk or texture. As a cat owner, you might also feed rice as part of a bland meal recommended by a veterinarian.

Only serve rice that’s fully cooked and free from spices, butter, or sauces. Never offer a cat uncooked rice; it’s hard to digest and may contain a natural pesticide called lectin, which can cause stomach upset or even health issues if eaten in larger quantities.

How Much Rice Is Safe?

Cat eating rice — Adult cats need mostly meat in their diet, but eating rice alongside protein-rich foods can sometimes work for these obligate carnivores. AjayTvm / Shutterstock

While rice isn’t toxic, it also isn’t an essential part of a healthy diet for cats.

Safe: Very small quantities alongside balanced cat food
Unsafe: Large quantities, uncooked rice, or frequent feeding
Watch for: Digestive issues, bloating, or changes in behavior

If you want to offer something extra, stick with treats specially intended for feline friends or ask your vet about other grains that are safe for cats.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.