Chicken and Rice- Yes or No?

Here at Pawfect Nutrition, we'll probably contradict most veterinary guidance, and there's a great reason for it, although we DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING TO REPLACE YOUR VETS GUIDANCE.

This topic has been covered by many, many with the same stance as us but we thought we'd add our two pennies anyway.

As most of you know, the vets generic fall back for a sick dog, regardless of what's occurring is "Chicken and Rice" the idea behind this is because its a bland meal providing sufficient energy and the starch can help "settle" the stomach, rice can also "soak up" excess stomach acid too, the chicken provides much needed protein.

Rice is one of the worst things you could feed to a dog, never mind a sick dog especially white rice,  It's been proven that dogs don't need carbohydrates, which is why carb content on pet foods is never listed, but if you work it out for yourself, dry foods specifically are on average 50% carbs.  Considering they don't need them , that's a lot right?

Did you know that dogs primarily get their energy from fats, then protein and carbs as a last resort? They're facultative carnivores, although some veterinary professionals would label them as omnivores. (Some are borderline, we can't deny that but not all dogs are)  Yet the pet food industry makes out like fat is the worst thing for your dog, which would be correct if its COOKED fats specifically, cooked fats/hydrolysed ( (processed) fats have zero place in your dogs diet but high levels of fats in any form combined with high carbs contribute to pancreatitis on a large scale, but why are the veterinary industry leaning on fats as the culprit?  Surely anatomically, it makes sense to remove what dogs don't need nutritionally right?  That being the carbohydrates?

Unfortunately, if they were to recommend that, they will be alienating all of the prescription foods because they're all high in carbohydrates, so they recommend kicking the fats instead regardless of what's more appropriate, they have to work with what their benefactors provide ;) (Disclaimer: that is OUR opinion)

Our view based on research and studies cited within is that a pancreatic dog would benefit from having zero/minimal carbs in their diet at least during a flare up, of course carbs aren't the devil and they do have their place and provide excellent nutrients to your dogs, but you have to chose complex carbs, not simple carbs. Simple carbs such as pasta, rice, and bread are a no go! (Whole grain options will be ok in moderation, although we personally say there's no kneed < C'mon that was comedy gold)

As you can see, rice is a simple carbohydrate, so why is it recommended so much?  If your dog is suffering from gastrointestinal issues, then sugary foods such as simple carbs can make things worse, you'd be much better using Quinoa, Rolled Oats, Pearl Barley instead of the rice, or at least ensure its brown rice.

So what should you feed?

Well that's subjective to the issue but generically, We'd always recommend dropping the chicken/rice altogether and switching this to poached white fish fillets and lightly scrambled egg (no milk, seasoning or oil) and some high quality bone broth poured over, you can even add some fresh parsley to boost Vitamin C, although Vitamin C isn't a nutrient requirement, sick dogs don't synthesise this well for themselves, so it's great to add some dietary Vitamin C in.  

This is a minimal carb option which will put your dog in better stead and promote whole health.

Anyway, thhis is our taken on Chicken and Rice and why we say ditch it...