Is rice, i.e. cereals, good for a dog’s diet? Is it just a filler or a valuable source of nutrients?
Gluten, a group of proteins which is in most cereals, causes allergic or autoimmune reactions. However, rice, similarly to corn, is one of the gluten-free cereals. They are much better for dogs (as well as for people) as they are easier to digest.
Rice is even the most valuable basic feed material of plant origin for dogs. Therefore, we can see it in their bowls very often. And not only to satisfy their hungry tummies. Besides highly digestible carbohydrates and starches, rice also contains a great number of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, E), minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, silicon, selenium, calcium and others) and 8 essential acids. It is also suitable for dogs and cats with allergies or diabetes.
Therefore, you will find it in hypo-allergenic and other special kinds of feeds. In high-quality pet food, you should only see one kind of starchy feed material (rice, corn, potatoes).
With regard to the nutrients, the best kind of rice is wholewheat. The cover layers of grains are missing in white rice, but these contain a great number of vitamins. The amount of fibre is the same; however, wholewheat rice is more difficult to digest.
If you prepare it for your dog on your own, no matter if it’s white or wholewheat rice, cook it for a long time as it makes it easier to digest. However, it is a good idea to soak it in water during a night (at least 9 hours), with a drop of lemon juice or another acidic component in a perfect case. This way, preservation enzymes are released from the grains (they prevent early germination and preserve the nutrients for growth), the grains are “activated” which increases their digestibility and the eater gets more minerals and proteins from them. It also shortens the boiling time – and boiling destroys some vitamins.
Should your pet eat rice? Personally, I like it a lot and I also give it to my pets.
When we have to spend most of our time at home, we as well as are pets may be easily bored. How can you avoid stereotype and use free time effectively by working with your companion? How can you tire your dog even without long walks outside?
Staying home because of quarantine means a lifestyle change. There is much more time for hobbies, we finish things we didn’t have time for before – however, it all happens in a limited space. We spent a lot of time with our dogs and we get to learn...
The spring is here, so it’s also time to support immunity and focus on body detoxification. In winter, most toxins accumulate in our body and the weather change is also a burden. What should you do in order not to burden the dog’s immunity and to...
In the USA and some European countries, you can register a dog, a cat or any other pet as an emotional support animal. A registered pet than has some advantages over regular pets. However, it isn’t an assistance dog.
Sometimes you encounter a story of a stray dog that joins people during their greater or smaller adventures. Mera had quite an enviable adventure. Moreover, she has become the first dog that ascended a 7,000 metre high mountain. So, it means she has...
Cats are often said to be very empathetic and some believe they can sense how people feel or if they’re suffering from any pain. It’s clear that living with them improves the quality of our lives as well as our health. However, can our cat companions...
Hoopers is a relatively new canine sport. Therefore, you might have never heard about it. Obstacles are designed with minimum requirements for the musculoskeletal system of both the dog and its handler. So, it’s also good for older four-legged pets as...
It’s clear you need to take care of white hair so it doesn’t turn yellow or brown. But have you ever wondered that it might be possible to help the white hair to shine with food and food supplements?
The European Shorthair looks like a common cat and its nature is not as stable as other breeds’. That’s why it’s not extremely famous in the world except for Scandinavia, where it’s still quite popular.
This always active and playful companion is the oldest dog breed in central Europe. Its ancestors include even the dogs from the Stone Age. It is an extraordinary learner and a great watchdog. Its characteristic feature is very rich hair, sticking up...