This month we shine a light on pet nutrition, particularly the two main ingredients used in some of the most popular pet food – chicken and rice. We chatted to Myles Van Heerden and Lourens de Wet from Nutrition Hub and asked them to share their expertise with us (thank you, Myles and Lourens!). We hope this information will help you make a more informed decision on your pet’s nutrition.
In this article we are looking specifically at chicken and rice-based diets as they are so popular. We will unpack why they are the most popular flavour in pet food as well as why your vet may prescribe a chicken and rice meal when your pet is sick.
What are the nutritional benefits of a chicken and rice-based diet?
Good quality chicken protein offers:
- a higher ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats, which effectively means it is a great digestible energy source for pets.
- a fantastic source of essential amino acids, the building blocks for muscles and organs, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus – all vital for skeletal health and development.
- a source of chondroitin (found in chicken cartilage), a well-established joint health nutrient for pets.
- a taste that many pets love.
Good quality cereals such as rice offer:
- a good source of energy for pets, often associated with premium pet diets.
- a wheat gluten-free food option that’s easy to digest.
Many of us associate a ‘chicken and rice’ diet with wholesomeness and home-cooked food that we believe will be good for our dog or cat (we often think of it as ‘chicken soup for the soul’). Whilst this may well be true (if you’re investing in a top quality pet food brand), chicken protein is not necessarily better for your pet than beef, lamb etc. If the protein is of a good enough quality (free from feathers, bones etc.) then there’s no major reason to choose chicken over another protein option.
Similarly, rice has traditionally been viewed as more digestible than maize but the way in which rice and maize are now ground and cooked means that these ingredients are ground down to very fine particles which should ensure good digestibility so there is not a specific reason to choose a rice diet over a maize-based diet.
A note about gluten intolerance for pets
Just as with humans, some pets are intolerant to wheat gluten. It may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs – making them feel sluggish or sick. If you suspect anything at all, check with your vet. It may be that you need to try a rice-based diet which does not contain any wheat gluten.
Is a 'chicken and rice' diet suitable for cats and dogs?
A chicken and rice -based diet can be suitable for many cats and dogs but pet nutrition, just like human nutrition, is complicated and some cats and dogs may have specific, elevated nutrient requirements and/or compromised immune systems or food intolerances making a chicken and/or rice diet unsuitable. Rather than ingredient requirements, a pet has nutrient requirements for a complete and balanced diet and these should be discussed with your vet.
Why do vets often prescribe a 'chicken and rice' diet when a pet is sick?
Some vets may prescribe a plain chicken and rice-based diet (home-cooked not store-bought) when a pet is sick as the blandness of the flavours can soothe an upset stomach. It’s also likely that a home-cooked succulent and juicy chicken may get the taste buds going for a pet who might otherwise have lost his or her appetite. However, it’s always best to seek the advice of your vet if your pet is sick. He or she may prescribe one food with certain ingredients over another so as to eliminate a suspected allergen from your pet’s diet. For example, your vet may want to check whether rice (gluten-free) or wheat (wheat-gluten) is more suitable for your pet’s well-being.
Here are a few chicken and rice options from some of your favourite brands:
A quick note on pet nutrition
Pet nutrition is absolutely critical to pet health and well-being – it is so important to choose the right food for your pet and to make sure it is suitable for every life stage (a puppy or kitten has very different nutritional needs to a more senior cat or dog). It is about so much more than just two ingredients and there are many great pet food brands, flavours and ingredients to choose from.
Ask the experts
If you are in any doubt about your pet’s nutrition, we highly recommend you ask your vet or a qualified animal nutritionist. And remember, we are also here to help so, visit your local Absolute Pets store or get in touch with us online, or on Facebook.