It may be a staple in many human diets, but can cats eat rice?

It's safe for cats to nibble on some cooked rice now. You may also see rice in many cat foods since it can contribute to a nutritionally balanced cat food. Here's more on rice in your cat's meal plan.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Rice for Cats?

Rice, one of the most popular grains around the globe, is a seed that's produced in many different varieties and enjoyed in many different ways. A healthy meal plan for your cat includes nutrient-rich ingredients, some of which rice can provide. Think of rice as a good staple to have in a balanced cat food product, but other ingredients are also recommended, providing the remaining nutrients your cat needs to be happy and healthy.

The nutritional benefits of rice for your cat depend on the way rice is produced. Let's take a look at the differences between brown rice (whole grain) and white rice (processed).

Brown Rice vs. White Rice

Brown rice has a reputation for being healthy for humans and pets alike because it's a "whole" grain that retains all three of its edible parts (specifically the bran, germ and endosperm). It also contains a multitude of nutritional benefits important to your cat's health, including:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  
• Iron
• Magnesium

The biggest difference between brown and white rice is the way they're processed for consumption and the amount of nutrients they contain. As the Harvard University School of Public Health explains, because brown rice remains intact in its true form, it contains higher amounts of these naturally produced vitamins and other nutritious ingredients. White rice, on the other hand, has been stripped of its essential nutrients during the milling process. Vitamins and iron are often added to the polished grain, which is then referred to as "enriched" white rice.