Can Dogs Eat Fried Rice?

Do you have some leftover fried rice from last night? Are you considering sharing it with your pup?

Rice itself is safe for dogs unless, in very rare cases, your pup is allergic to it. In fact, boiled white rice is commonly given to dogs recovering from stomach upsets and having other health issues.

But fried rice is a different story.

There is a wide variety of different types of Asian-style and other fried rice, some of which may contain harmful and potentially toxic ingredients to canines.

Also, fried rice is made with quite a lot of fat, which is not good for pups, especially in large quantities.

So, if you are asking, can dogs eat fried rice? Then the short answer is – a little bit won’t kill them, but fried rice is definitely not a safe or healthy food choice for pups.

Read on to find out more about how fried rice can harm your furbaby and what you can do to reduce the risk of pancreatitis in your pet.

Is Chicken Fried Rice Safe For My Dog?

If you have ordered chicken fried rice and feel tempted to give some to your furbaby, think twice.

Both chicken and rice are safe for dogs and are even recommended for them when they are unwell. But only when they are prepared properly – boiled, cooked, or steamed, without spices, salt, added fat, and other potentially dangerous ingredients.

Unless you have prepared it mindfully, chances are that the fried rice you ordered from your favorite Chinese restaurant is filled with unhealthy ingredients and can even be harmful to your pet.

Some of them include a high salt content, MSG, different spices, garlic, onions, and others.

This can lead to stomach upsets such as diarrhea and vomiting, and if given on a regular basis or eaten in large quantities can lead to more severe adverse effects. Onions and garlic are toxic to canines when consumed in large quantities.

Plus, too much salt and fat can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and other chronic problems in your dog, which can shorten its lifespan significantly.

Your pup needs to eat a healthy and balanced diet containing about 40% protein, 10% fat, and carbs. Fried rice has very high fat and carbohydrate content and not enough protein to be your pup’s primary food.

A little of your fried chicken rice will hardly harm your furbaby, but it should not become a part of its regular dietary regimen.

Can I Give My Pup Any Fried Foods?

Healthy and fit dogs can handle eating several French fries without serious repercussions. But overall, you should avoid feeding your furry companion any fried foods, no matter how hard it begs for some of that delicious fried chicken you are eating.

The reason is that canines cannot digest fatty foods as humans can. Too much fat in their diet can lead to gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pain. But what is worse is that eating too much fried and fatty foods can lead to an inflammation of the dog’s pancreas and to pancreatitis, which is painful and can be life-threatening.

So, avoid feeding your furry companion any foods of this type, especially deep-fried foods containing spices, onions, garlic, salt, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

What Is Pancreatitis In Dogs?

Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for producing the enzymes needed for proper digestion. In healthy dogs, these enzymes are released once they reach the small intestine. In dogs with pancreatic, this occurs in the pancreas and the surrounding organs causing extreme pain to the animal and damage to the tissues and organs.

This is considered a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment. With timely treatment and a proper diet in the future, a dog may recover from pancreatitis.

Your pet will likely be prescribed special dog food, which is highly digestible and low in fat.

Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Of Pancreatitis In Canines

While medical science has not determined the exact cause for this severe digestive disorder in dogs and humans, some factors are known to increase the risk of such inflammation attacks in canines, including:

• A diet that is high in fat
• Not eating a healthy balanced diet
• Eating high-fat human foods
• Obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders
• Ingesting toxins and certain medications
• Genetics (some breeds like miniature schnauzers, toy, or small terrier breeds are more prone to it)
• Severe trauma in the abdomen

The common symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:

• Incessant vomiting
• Distended, painful, or bloated abdomen
• Diarrhea
• A loss of appetite
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

Preventing pancreatitis is not always possible, but there are ways to minimize the risk for your pup suffering from this painful and dangerous condition. Some of them are:

• Feeding your dog with good quality, well-balanced dog food suitable for its size, and health
• Not exceeding the recommended fat content of 10% in your dog’s daily diet
• Avoiding feeding your pup table scraps, fried rice, or any other fatty human or dog foods
• Keeping the dog’s weight healthy
• Managing any other underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and others
• Keeping your dog away from potentially dangerous medicaments and toxins

Can I Give My Dog Chinese Takeaway Fried Rice?

As mentioned above, any fried rice or fried food is not a healthy choice for your pup.

Apart from being full of fat and oil, Chinese takeaway rice can contain other potentially harmful ingredients for your dog. Some of them include salt, onions, garlic, MSG, spices, and others.

A few spoonfuls will probably not harm a healthy dog, but giving it larger quantities of this type of food can lead to digestive problems, obesity, and pancreatitis.

So, if you are ordering food from your preferred Chinese takeaway, order just for yourself and the other humans at home. If you want to treat your furbaby with something special, you can prepare your own take on the fried chicken rice, which is dog-friendly instead.

Recipe For Homemade Dog-Friendly Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe is trendy among dog parents. It is for some delicious chicken and rice muffins, which are suitable for dogs, but only when given in moderation.

Remember that the amount you can safely give to your pup depends on size, age, activity level, and health.

Ingredients:

• 1 Chicken breast (chopped)
• 1 cup of veggies that are safe for dogs, such as carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup of brown rice (steamed or boiled)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil

Step-By-Step Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the coconut oil
3. Sauté the chicken breast on both sides until cooked
4. Add the veggies and the brown rice to the pan and stir them well until they are cooked
5. Pour the content of the skillet into a mixing bowl and mix them altogether after they have cooled down
6. Add the two eggs and mix well
7. Use a silicone muffin pan and spoon the mixture into it
8. Bake until browned on the edges, which should take about 15-20 minutes
9. Let the dog-friendly muffins cool
10. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge
11. Give Your pup an occasional treat
12. Enjoy the happy tail wagging!