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Can Cats Eat Rice? What Pet Parents Should Know
Published on August 18th, 2022
Updated on June 16th, 2026
Do you have questions about whether or not it is safe to give your cat rice? Petco has the answers to this & other feline diet questions!
Yes, cats can eat rice—but there are some important considerations. Be sure to read on if you’re considering questions like “Can cats eat fried rice?” or “Can cats eat Rice Krispies?” And as always, please consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your cat’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate snack for your pet.
Rice is generally okay to feed your robust cat, but only in small amounts and on spread-out occasions. It’s not toxic to felines and won’t harm your pet if they manage to sneak some off the floor or your plate—but it’s not exactly nutritious, either.
For humans, rice might be an important filler and staple grain of many world cuisines, but the cat digestive system is different and can’t handle all the same foods in the same way as humans do.
Also, there are many different types of rice and ways of preparing it. These are all important to consider when asking yourself, “Can cats eat rice?”
Are There Health Benefits of Rice for Cats?
Cats are a type of meat-eating pet called obligate carnivores. This means that they meet most of their nutritional needs from eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited for just this type of diet. Providing your cat with high-quality cat food can be ideal to ensure they get all the nutrients they need and eat a wholesome diet. In this regard, there’s typically no need or reason to feed rice to your pet.
Yet, there are still some health benefits of rice for your cat.
The main benefit of rice is that it contains relatively easy-to-digest carbohydrates and a good amount of fiber. If you’re wondering, “Can cats eat rice?” it might be because your main question is, “Can cats eat cooked rice for diarrhea?” While cats don’t typically need carbs, rice can sometimes be helpful if your cat is experiencing digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. It can bind to the stool to help with diarrhea but also has enough fiber to ease constipation.
Can cats eat brown rice for stomach issues? When feeding rice to your cat for digestive problems, it’s recommended to stick with white rice, start with a small amount and monitor your cat closely. If it appears to help with their bowel movements, you can offer it more regularly until things get back to normal. Consult your veterinarian before trying this, and also discontinue feeding your cat rice right away if their condition worsens or they appear to have a food sensitivity.
Cats are also notoriously picky animals, and the digestive system of each cat is different. While one cat may enjoy the little grains of rice you offer them, another may not. Rice might calm the stomach of one cat yet make the stomach of another cat act up even worse. That’s why it’s always important to monitor your cat closely when offering them new food.
Lastly, if your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease, it’s generally best to stick with a specific, veterinarian-recommended diet that may exclude rice.
How to Feed Rice to Your Cat
When considering the question “Can cats eat rice?” as it pertains to your pet, remember that human foods like rice should only be given to cats occasionally and in moderation—if at all. Most of your cat’s calories should come from foods specially formulated to provide them with the nutrients they need. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pet’s diet.
If you want to provide rice as a treat or gastrointestinal calming agent for your cat, be sure to cook it thoroughly—either in a rice cooker or boiled in water in a pot. Also, ensure that the rice is cooked plain with no added flavors or seasonings of any sort, and those could be unhealthy for your cat. While the answer to “Can cats eat cooked white rice?” is “Yes,” it should never be fried or cooked using oils or fats.
The cooked rice can be offered to your cat in a small spoonful or mixed in with their usual food.
Start with only a minimal amount of rice and monitor your pet closely to ensure that there aren’t any problems. If your cat shows signs of gastrointestinal distress—such as vomiting or diarrhea—discontinue feeding them rice and monitor them closely to ensure their condition doesn’t worsen. Call your veterinarian if you suspect there is a more severe problem.
Rice should also be considered a treat and not a primary aspect of your pet’s diet. As such, treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Ask your veterinarian or consult an online tool to estimate the appropriate caloric intake for your cat and calculate what amount of rice would equal less than 10% of that number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat rice? Yes, plain cooked white rice is non-toxic to cats and safe in small, occasional amounts. However, cats are obligate carnivores whose nutritional needs are met almost entirely by animal protein, so rice offers little meaningful nutritional value for them. It should never replace a complete, balanced cat food. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Can cats eat fried rice? No. Fried rice is prepared with oils or fats, and typically contains seasonings, garlic, onion or soy sauce — ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Garlic and onion in particular are toxic to felines even in small amounts. Always offer rice plain, boiled or steamed in water only, with zero added ingredients. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can cats eat Rice Krispies or other puffed rice cereals? It's best to avoid them. Rice Krispies and similar cereals contain added sugar, salt and flavorings that are unnecessary and potentially irritating to your cat's digestive system. Even though the base ingredient is rice, the processed form is not the same as plain cooked rice, and the additives offer no benefit to your cat. Stick to plain, thoroughly cooked white rice if you offer rice at all. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can cats eat brown rice? Brown rice is not toxic, but it is harder for cats to digest than white rice. Its higher fiber content and tougher outer bran layer make it more likely to cause stomach upset. If you're offering rice to help settle a cat's digestive issues, plain cooked white rice is the better choice — and only after checking with your veterinarian first. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Can cats eat cooked rice for diarrhea? Sometimes, yes — plain cooked white rice may help firm up loose stools because of its easily digestible carbohydrates and mild binding effect. That said, diarrhea in cats can signal an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention. Do not rely on rice as a treatment; consult your veterinarian before using it as a home remedy, and discontinue immediately if your cat's condition worsens. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information
How much rice can I safely give my cat? Rice should be treated as an occasional addition, not a dietary staple. Treats and supplemental foods — rice included — should make up no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ Offer only a small spoonful at a time, mixed into or alongside your cat's regular food, and monitor closely for any signs of digestive upset such as vomiting or loose stools. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian what portion is appropriate for your cat's specific size, age and health status.
Rice Types & Preparation Methods: Quick Reference for Cat Parents
| Rice Type / Preparation | Safe for Cats? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked white rice | ✅ Yes — occasionally, in small amounts | Easiest to digest; may help ease mild diarrhea or constipation; no seasonings or oils https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals |
| Plain cooked brown rice | ⚠️ Use caution | Higher fiber content; harder for cats to digest than white rice; white rice is the better choice for digestive upset https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals |
| Fried rice | ❌ No | Cooked in oils or fats and typically contains garlic, onion or soy sauce — all of which can be harmful to cats https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Rice with seasonings or sauces | ❌ No | Garlic and onion are toxic to cats; salt, butter and other additives are inappropriate for feline digestion https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Rice Krispies or puffed rice cereals | ❌ No | Processed cereals contain added sugar, salt and artificial ingredients not suitable for cats; no nutritional benefit https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ |
| Raw/uncooked rice | ❌ No | Difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; always cook rice thoroughly before offering any to your cat |
| Rice cooked in broth or stock | ❌ No | Most broths contain onion, garlic, salt or other additives that are unsafe for cats; use plain water only https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
Bottom line: If you offer rice to your cat at all, plain cooked white rice — prepared in water with zero added ingredients — is the only appropriate choice, and only as an occasional small treat making up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Because cats are obligate carnivores, rice provides no essential nutrition and should never replace a complete, balanced cat food. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food, especially if your cat has diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat rice every day? No. Rice is not nutritionally necessary for cats, who are obligate carnivores that meet their needs through animal-based protein. Feeding rice daily could displace the balanced nutrition your cat needs from a complete cat food. Offer it only occasionally and in small amounts — no more than 10% of daily caloric intake — and consult your veterinarian before making it a habit. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Can cats eat fried rice? No. Fried rice is prepared with oils or fats and almost always contains garlic, onion or soy sauce, all of which can be harmful to cats. Garlic and onion in particular are toxic to felines and should never be part of your cat's diet. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can cats eat brown rice instead of white rice? White rice is the better option for cats. Brown rice is higher in fiber and harder for a cat's digestive system to break down efficiently. If you're offering rice to help with mild digestive upset, plain cooked white rice is the gentler, more digestible choice. Always check with your veterinarian first. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
Can cats eat cooked rice for diarrhea? Plain cooked white rice may help bind loose stools in some cats due to its easily digestible carbohydrates, but it is not a guaranteed remedy and every cat responds differently. Start with a very small amount, monitor your cat closely and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen — diarrhea can signal an underlying condition that needs professional attention. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information
Can cats eat Rice Krispies or other rice cereals? No. Puffed rice cereals and similar processed products contain added sugar, salt and artificial ingredients that are not appropriate for cats. They offer no nutritional value for felines and should be kept out of your cat's bowl. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/
How much rice can I safely give my cat? Treats — including plain cooked white rice — should make up no more than 10% of your cat's total daily caloric intake. For most cats, that translates to a very small spoonful at most. Ask your veterinarian or use a trusted online calorie calculator to determine the right daily calorie target for your individual cat, then portion accordingly. https://petnutritionalliance.org/
This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.
FAQs About Rice and Cats
Yes, cats can eat small amounts of cooked white rice. In fact, if you are going to offer your cat rice, it should only be small amounts of cooked white rice. As we’ve explored in this article, white rice can be a solid filler food and an easy-to-digest alternative for a cat with an upset stomach. Be sure the rice is cooked all the way, and no other ingredients are added. The most important thing to avoid is cooking rice with additional seasonings—such as onion, garlic, salt, spices or oil.
As common varieties of white rice, you may wonder, “Can cats eat basmati rice?” or “Can cats eat jasmine rice?” These are two different rice varieties widely available in grocery stores and often two of the most popular types that come to mind when you think of white rice.
Both are usually fine for cats to eat and come in white and brown varieties. As discussed previously in this article, white rice is typically easier for your cat to digest and would be the preferred variety to feed them.
Can cats eat brown rice? Can cats eat wild rice? Cats can eat both without much harm, but they aren’t ideal for your cat. White rice is easier to digest and just as wholesome under the circumstances. Brown rice and wild rice are unrefined—which means they still have the husk and germ attached to the grain. Both the husk and germ are removed in white rice to expose the plain white grain underneath.
Yes, rice can potentially help with gastrointestinal issues for your cat—including diarrhea—but it’s important to limit the amount of rice you offer them.
Offering your cat cooked rice for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues is the primary reason why people allow their cat to have this human food. The science on whether this is helpful or not is inconclusive and can vary from feline to feline. As long as the amounts provided are relatively small, there doesn’t appear to be any harm for most cats, either.
As always, consult your veterinarian before offering any new foods to your cat. For prolonged or chronic diarrhea, there might be a more significant medical issue at play that would require more direct veterinary care.