White rice is safe for dogs, but can dogs eat yellow rice? What’s in yellow rice? Find these answers (and more) in this guide.
Maybe you’ve heard that brown rice is safe to add to your dog’s diet. Pet owners, yellow rice is not the same thing. Before you share it with your furry friend, keep reading this helpful guide.

What Is Yellow Rice
What type of rice is yellow rice? Well, it can be made with any type or white rice – Jasmin, basmati, etc. It’s the spices that are added to the rice that make it yellow, not the rice itself.
Yellow rice is a popular choice at either Indian or Mexican restaurants (it all depends on what kind of yellow rice you order). This is because there are two types of yellow rice – Saffron and Turmeric.
Spanish yellow rice is a popular side dish at Mexican restaurants. It’s made with Saffron and vegetables. Goya and Vigo are the most popular brands that produce it. Spanish rice almost always has garlic and onion in it.
The other type of yellow rice is Turmeric yellow rice. Turmeric is a powerhouse spice, known for a slew of nutritional benefits.
Rice is already known for being a good source of carbohydrates. But when you add nutritious spices – like turmeric – it now has essential nutrients that are part of a healthy diet.
But all these health benefits are for us, humans. What about our dogs? Can you give your dog rice?

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Rice
Dog owners, be careful when you give your dog yellow basmati rice (or other types of yellow rice). Always think about the spices and herbs that are added to the rice.
Dogs should not eat garlic or onion. And excessive salt is dangerous for dogs too. If the rice is made without these things, it probably won’t cause any visible adverse effects.
If the rice you make doesn’t have any toxic spices, you can share it as an occasional treat. When you introduce new food to your pet, watch for gastrointestinal issues – like bloating, gas, loose stools, or vomiting.
Since there are always potential risks (especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach), it’s best if you don’t even give your dog small portions of it.
If your dog is supposed to eat a bland diet, they should eat white rice, not yellow rice.
Is Yellow Rice Good For Dogs
No, yellow rice is not good for your dog’s health. It might make a nutritious addition to your diet, but it might contain harmful ingredients for your dog.
Remember, your dog needs to eat a balanced diet that is high in animal protein. They might get all they need from commercial dog food. Even if they don’t, it’s still not a good idea to try and give them different types of rice that might have unsafe spices.
The best option for a dog with a sensitive stomach is just plain white rice. It’s easy for dogs with health conditions to digest.
Is Yellow Rice Bad For Dogs
Do not add yellow rice to your dog’s meals, especially if it is made with garlic or onion. Very small amounts might not hurt them, but it’s still a good idea to keep it away from your dog.
If your dog eats some, watch for signs of allergic reactions like itching, sneezing, or coughing. Most dogs aren’t allergic to yellow rice, but you can still watch them.
If your dog has preexisting health issues, it’s best to only give them white rice. Since yellow rice is made with lots of spices, large amounts could make your dog pretty sick. Garlic and onion can cause damage to red blood cells.
If your canine companion eats too much yellow rice, it could cause issues for your dog’s digestive system, too.

Can Dogs Eat Saffron Rice
Saffron rice gets its yellow color from the Saffron threads that are added to Basmati rice. Veterinarians warn that Saffron could potentially make your dog sick.
If your dog eats Saffron rice, watch for signs of digestive issues.
It’s just a good idea to keep it away from your pet. It has no nutritional value for them. Plus, there is also the risk that your dog has food allergies to the spices or seasonings in saffron rice.
Can Dogs Eat Rice With Turmeric
Turmeric is known for having a lot of health benefits, which is why it’s added to dog food sometimes. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and could support healthy skin.
The first time your dog eats turmeric rice, they might get an upset stomach. If that’s them, then just give them less next time (or don’t give them any).
Always take note of any adverse reactions your dog has to any new foods you give them.
If it doesn’t have any garlic or onion, small quantities might not give your dog any negative effects. It’s always safest to keep it away from your dog. If your dog eats rice with turmeric, watch for any signs of digestive problems, like diarrhea or upset stomach.

How Much Yellow Rice Can Dogs Eat
When we say dogs shouldn’t eat large quantities, what does that mean?
This all depends on your dog’s size and what else they ate that day. Very small dogs should only eat a few tablespoons of rice a few times a week. Bigger dogs – like mastiffs – can probably handle a full cup of rice without showing effects.
Just be aware of how many calories your dog eats. And remember to never give your dog a rice dish that is made with onion.
Dogs shouldn’t eat too many carbs, either. Carbs will make your dog’s blood sugar levels spike, which puts them at risk for developing diabetes.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, your dog’s body isn’t set up to digest or eat yellow rice. All of the potential benefits you might have heard of don’t apply to dogs. It’s better to give your dog plain rice (although it has a higher glycemic index and so should only be given on rare occasions).
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more articles about more rice, pasta, and grains dogs can and can’t eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice
- Can Dogs Eat Couscous
- Can Dogs Eat Farro
- Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese
- Can Dogs Eat Millet
- Can Dogs Eat Pasta
Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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