Can Dogs Eat Rice Cakes?

Yes, dogs can eat rice cakes. Rice cakes can be a good dog treat, especially with yummy peanut butter. Just give them only unseasoned, plain rice cakes without any added flavors. They are low in calories and fat, making them a light snack. However, they are mostly empty calories for dogs and don’t provide much nutritional value. So, while rice cakes can be a fun occasional treat, they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet.

Now, just because dogs can eat rice cakes, it doesn’t mean that you should give them a pack and let them eat a ton! As with any processed food that’s safe to share with dogs, use it as a special treat (if they really like it) or just give them one here and there so they don’t get hooked on the crunchiness and texture.

You may have noticed that a lot of dog food contains rice, so rice cakes must be super healthy for dogs, right? Hmm, not really. Rice is a part of a balanced diet, but rice cakes are more of a snack with little nutritional benefit. Let’s expand on this topic and learn more!

Rice cake ingredients and are they safe for dogs

Rice cakes are a puffy snack, often seasoned with salt, oregano, or other flavorings. We often eat them with peanut butter, bananas, or even chocolate… or maybe that’s just me! Jokes aside, we use them as a low-calorie snack, and one rice cake typically has around 35-40 calories per piece.

Common rice cake ingredients

• Rice: Plain rice is safe for dogs and is often used as a carbohydrate source in dog food. However, rice cakes are processed and don’t offer much nutritional value.
• Salt: Added salt is not good for dogs. It can make them thirsty and dehydrated, which can then lead to excessive urination. Salt can also be toxic in large amounts.
• Oregano: While small amounts of oregano are generally safe for dogs, too much can cause digestive issues.
• Other flavorings (e.g., cheese, barbecue): These can contain harmful ingredients like garlic or onion powder, which are dangerous to dogs in large amounts, but there are not enough flavorings in rice cakes for them to be toxic!

Rice cake toppings and are they safe for dogs

• Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and you should never give your dog chocolate. It contains theobromine, which can potentially cause some serious health issues.
• Caramel: Caramel is high in sugar and can lead to obesity, dental issues, and even pancreatitis in dogs. If you wondered, “Can dogs eat caramel rice cakes?” the answer is no.
• Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be safe for dogs in small amounts. It can even provide some probiotics, but avoid any flavored or sweetened varieties.
• Peanut butter: Plain, unsalted peanut butter is generally safe for dogs and can be a tasty treat. However, always check that it doesn’t contain xylitol, a highly toxic sweetener to dogs.
• Bananas: Bananas are safe for dogs and can be a healthy treat in moderation. They are high in vitamins and fiber.

When topping rice cakes for your dog, stick to plain, dog-friendly options and avoid anything with added sugars, flavors, or toxic ingredients.

Can dogs eat popular rice cakes

Caramel rice cakes

These sweet treats are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They contain caramel flavoring and added sugars, making them high in sugar.

Apple cinnamon rice cakes

These sweet and spicy snacks are flavored with apple and cinnamon. They often contain added sugars and artificial flavors.

Brown rice cakes

Brown rice cakes are made from whole-grain brown rice and are often eaten as a healthy snack. They are usually plain and have a slightly nutty flavor.

Cinnamon rice cakes

Cinnamon rice cakes are seasoned with cinnamon and sometimes sugar, offering a sweet and spicy flavor. They typically contain added sugars and flavorings.

Lightly salted rice cakes

Lightly salted rice cakes are a savory snack with a hint of salt. They are made from rice and have added salt for flavor.

Multigrain rice cakes

These cakes are made from a variety of grains, like rice, quinoa and millet. They are often plain and considered a healthier snack option.

Rice cakes can be a low-calorie treat for dogs if given in plain, unseasoned form. While they don’t offer much nutritional value, they can satisfy your dog’s craving for a crunchy snack without the high calories of other treats. Remember to avoid any flavored rice cakes, especially those with ingredients harmful to dogs, like chocolate or caramel.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Is it okay for dogs to eat rice cakes?

Yes, it’s okay for dogs to eat plain, unseasoned rice cakes in moderation. They can be a low-calorie treat but should not replace a balanced diet.

Are rice cakes easily digestible?

Plain rice cakes are generally easy for dogs to digest. However, they don’t provide much nutritional value and should only be given as an occasional treat. They are low-calorie junk food.

What will happen if my dog eats a chocolate rice cake?

If your dog eats a chocolate rice cake, please try to check how much they had. Chocolate can be toxic for dogs, but it really depends on your dog’s size and how much chocolate they eat. Your dog will be fine if it’s just a couple of chocolate-coated rice cakes. However, please contact your vet immediately if it’s more than that. You can also check this chocolate toxicity calculator too see what would be the dangerous dose for your dog.