Potato Vs. Rice in Dog Food

Food sensitivities and allergies are a significant problem for pet owners, particularly when purchasing packaged dog foods with ingredient lists longer than your shopping list. Your choice may be made for you if your dog has a sensitivity to grains, a major reason why some pet owners select a potato-based food over rice-based offerings. Consult your veterinarian before making decisions on which dog food is best for your furry friend.

  1. Selecting a Food

    • When selecting the best food for your four-legged friend, it is important to consider the nutrients they require. Large breeds have different nutritional requirements than small breeds, particularly golden retrievers and boxers, which have known joint and hip issues. Your veterinarian is an important resource when making this decision and can provide you with breed-specific information, as well as guidance based upon the specific health requirements of your dog.

    Nutritional Information

    • Potatoes are a superior choice nutritionally vs. white rice. While both are complex carbohydrates, rice tends to have a lower vitamin and mineral content than potatoes. Rice has a higher calorie, protein and carbohydrate amount than potatoes but is lower in vitamins such as vitamin C and lutein. Potatoes are higher in minerals like phosphorous, magnesium and potassium but lower in calcium. Nutrition labels on dog food are even more challenging to understand than the labels on your own food, so consult your vet to aid in deciphering what you need.

    Food Allergies

    • Food allergies are responsible for about 10 percent of all dog allergies and are behind 20 percent of itching and skin conditions, reports PetEducation.com. Not surprisingly, the biggest culprits in causing allergies are ingredients listed most frequently in dog food, such as corn and wheat. Some dogs are sensitive to all grains, including rice, and should avoid foods that include grains. If your dog has grain sensitivities or allergies, consult your vet and consider a food containing protein and potato.

    The Bottom Line

    • Each dog is different and will require different foods to thrive, so there is no clear preference between potatoes and rice that will apply to every animal. Your dog will quickly inform you as to whether you made the right food choice. Watch for changes in your dog's stool, which should be firm and low in volume. Your dog has an efficient digestive system, which rids itself of roughage quickly. If your dog begins to experience an increase in stool, or loose stools, this may be a sign the selected food is not well-tolerated by your pooch.