As the main ingredient in many of our meals, rice is the perfect grain to fill us up while providing a variety of health benefits.
Whether you include it in a giant burrito or simply keep it as a protein side dish, people use rice around the world as a much-needed staple.
Although rice is widely used in our diets, can we serve it safely to our Persian family members?
Since Persian cats are obligate carnivores, their digestive systems may have a different sensitivity to rice.
When cats eat human foods, especially carbohydrates, they sometimes experience undesirable side effects.
Many human foods are beneficial to a cat’s daily diet, while others can cause lasting effects, not just problems at the moment.
Here is what you should know whether your Persian cats can eat rice or not?
Health Benefits of Rice
Sometimes white rice gets a bad rap. However, experts have shown that both white and brown rice have some wonderful health benefits, depending on what nutrients you need in your diet.
Actually, white and brown rice are usually the exact same rice.
White rice has its hull, bran, and germ removed, while brown rice still has them intact.
While rice is in its full form,we call it whole grain.
Whole grains are full of antioxidants and fiber that make up a healthy and complete diet.
Can Persian Cat Eat Rice?
When it comes to rice, the short answer is “some is good, but not too much.” Rice is not toxic to Persian cats, but it is not particularly beneficial either.
Rice is not on the ASPCA’s list of toxic foods. So it’s okay to give your kitty a bite or two from time to time.
However, you should not use rice as a meal replacement because it doesn’t contain the ingredients necessary for your cat’s health.
Like other Cats, Persians are obligate carnivores, which means that, unlike a human omnivorous diet, your Persian cat’s body is not designed to regularly digest grains.
“Generally, cats are obligate carnivores and have no metabolic/nutritional need for carbohydrates,” says Gary Richter, DVM, owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California, and Holistic Veterinary Care in Rover. “Small amounts of grains can be accepted in a balanced diet, but should be kept to a minimum.”
Persian cats enjoy certain sizes and textures of food. Rice is good in small doses, but other whole grains such as oats, barley, and whole-wheat crumbs may be better. These smaller pieces are easier for cats to digest and contain more nutrients, PetMD says.
Can Persian Cats Eat Brown Rice?
Most countries of the world consider Rice as a staple food. It is rich in calories and carbohydrates and gives people the energy they need to get through the day.
This also contains manganese and iron.
In addition, it’s cheap, easy to store, and goes with almost any meal. But is it really that good for Persian cats?
Not white rice. Not all carbohydrates are created equal, and white rice is one example. White rice is a simple carbohydrate, and cats don’t need it because of the way their bodies work.
Cats do not have the enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates, and they cannot enjoy sweet foods. Carbohydrates can even be harmful to cats because they increase their insulin and blood sugar levels.
Some carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and barley, are excellent for cats because they provide fiber. Some fruits and vegetables that contain carbohydrates can also be included in cat food.
In small, limited doses, it is acceptable to give brown rice as an occasional treat.
Boiled and plain, rice has also been recommended by veterinarians to combat diarrhea problems. Fiber, found in large amounts in brown rice, is also a tool that helps combat constipation.
Can Persian Cats Eat White Rice?
As with brown rice, Persian cats can eat white rice in small quantities, if we completely cook it.
White rice does not have the same nutritional value as brown rice, but since cats can eat it only in small doses, there is not much difference between the effect of brown and white rice on the cat’s digestive system.
However, in both cases, feeding too much carbohydrate leads to obesity or diabetes in the cat.
The frequent elevation of blood sugar levels due to carbohydrates leads to some long-term health problems.
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the symptoms of cat diabetes are :
- Lack of appetite
- A constant need to urinate
- Excessive thirst
- Inability to jump
- Vomiting
You should contact your veterinarian whenever you notice these symptoms, since they may be the first signs of diabetes.
If you are concerned about your cat’s carbohydrate intake essentially, check the packaging. Some cat treats may contain excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.
Some Healthy Foods
If you want to use other treats instead of rice, you may consider vegetables.
“Cat owners may consider feeding vegetables to their pet as an additional part of their nutrition.
Dr. Richter says. “There are certainly good nutrients in vegetables when they are part of a balanced meal.
Here are some vegetables that are not toxic to cats by the ASPCA :
- Green peppers
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Green peppers
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin (pumpkin is often used to add fiber to cat food)
- Peas (often included in many packaged cat and dog foods as a vitamin supplement)
- Spinach (contains vitamins A, C, and K!)
However, never replace a significant portion of your cat’s meals with vegetables, as they will lose important nutrients.
“Most of what cats eat should be a balanced diet,” Dr. Richter says. “In general, treats are not balanced and should not be a significant part of the daily diet.”
Conclusion :
It is perfectly fine to give your Persian cat-cooked brown rice, but ONLY in small quantities.
Be sure to serve rice mixed with food he is used to eating, but don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you notice any health issues.
