Carbohydrate Requirements For Dogs
Dogs Do Not Need Carbohydrates
Ini this post we’re talking about starchy carbohydrates. While our dogs do not need carbohydrates in their diet and can thrive on meat-only diets, they have adapted in physiology to process carbs small amounts.
Dating back to the 1950’s dry kibble was created for ease of access, use by military dogs, extended shelf life, and now for it’s cost-effectiveness. The creation of kibble was not about health and longevity — it was about convenience, costs and profits. It is still not about your dog’s health. Even today, AAFCO trials don’t focus on longevity — but on keeping a few dogs alive for a few weeks without too much weight loss.
The true cost of kibble is an increasing number of dogs with chronic allergies, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, pancreatitis, cancer, and shorter overall lifespans. Not to mention the cost of vet care and heartbreak.
Dogs do not produce amylase in their saliva like you do. This means their ability to digestive carbohydrates doesn’t begin in the mouth, as it does for you, And is therefore harder to digest and concern to usable energy.
So yes, carbs make them feel fuller, save the budget a bit, and provide some nutritional resources — it is not going to be the food that enhances their quality of life and longevity. In fact, it could be cause for disease.
If you must, use non-starchy carbohydrates in moderation and a very low total volume of the food. Ideally less than 20% of the total food volume.
Most kibble diets average around 40-60% carbohydrates. And not healthy carbohydrates. Pet food manufacturers are not required to list how much kibble they include in their recipes. But a little math helps us figure it out.
They use these carbohydrates because it’s the only way kibble becomes those little balled nuggets of food. It functions like glue to hold the other ingredients together in a form.
Even many of the new “fresh food” brands are including far more carbohydrates than you might realize. The ingredients are less expensive than meat — but they still charge you a premium for the custom name labels, small bags, and marketing trickery, even though it’s high in carbs.
Interestingly enough the “industry claims carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy. Sled dogs perform better without them” according to Dr. Conor Brady. I also know a Sled-dog competitor in one of my Young Living groups and her dogs are raw-fed meat eaters.
Starchy Carbohydrate Grains
Your dog definitely does not need corn, wheat, soy, peas, rice, millet, or versions of these grains. In many cases, these plant materials are also being counted as your total protein % and you’re getting less meat protein than you realize — even though it’s listed first on the ingredient list.
Diets high in carbohydrates are not a good option -- for you or the dog. Especially starchy carbohydrates. Kibble manufacturers argue and market that these grains provide your dog with energy. And while some energy does come from carbohydrates — it’s not the energy type your dog needs. Your dog will need to burn off these carbs through high-performance activities.
But most dogs do not digest these carbs well at all. Instead, these carbs contribute to inflammatory concerns that may include: diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, arthritis, and IBD. Yes, carbs can contribute to pancreatitis!
Feeding your dog starchy carbohydrates regularly can have detrimental effects on their health. When consumed, these carbohydrates break down into sugar, triggering the release of insulin, a hormone responsible for storing excess glucose in the body as fat. This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of various metabolic disorders, including diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. Furthermore, obesity, which often results from excessive carbohydrate consumption, can significantly shorten a dog's lifespan by up to two years. It's important to provide a balanced diet for your dog, consisting of appropriate levels of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, to maintain their overall health and well-being.
It's argued that dogs are carnivores and therefore do not need any plant matter. But we do find that many dogs can digest some good carbs and actually benefit from their inclusion in moderation. Good Carbs become usable energy.
Carbs can provide glucose and therefore energy. Glucose can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to behavior -- stable glucose is a key benefit to behavior stability.
Volhard’s New Rescue Diet is completely grain-free and gluten free. Rescue Diet or Homemade may be the way to go for some of whose dog’s are intolerant of any grains.
If you’re evaluating some on the new Fresh Food Delivery Products — check their carb count. Many of them are leaning heavily into carbohydrates because it’s more cost effective for them. But it may end up costing you more in the long run.
Effects of Carbohydrates on Your Dog’s Behavior:
in General, starchy carbohydrates are not meant to be part of your dog’s biologically appropriate diet. It’s not species-appropriate food. Compound that with the high-heat processing of kibble-based diets, we’re really straying away from species-appropriate foods.
In many cases, we see dogs living with digestive issues, allergies, chronic inflammation, chronic dehydration, insufficient vitamins and minerals due to the use of synthetic versions, toxins stored in cellular tissues & the liver, etc. These burdens on the body lead to a burden on behavior. Your dog simply cannot function optimally in this state. So training alone for behavioral issues may not be enough — in fact, it might not be what you need at all.
All carbs are not created equal.
So in addition to good veggies, let's look at a few grains that may be nutrient-rich and beneficial for your dog, in moderate amounts. Healthy grains may help you stretch your budget a bit.
Healthy Grains In Your Dogs Diet
There are some healthier grain choices when we need additional fiber or budget-friendly ingredients. But please remember — any excess amount of carbohydrates can lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the onset of diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, arthritis and Irritable Bowel Disease.
Oats: Calms the nervous system. Support the reproductive system. Support, the spleen, pancreas, immune system and heart muscle. High in silicon for bone strength. Acidic and non-allergenic.
Buckwheat is an alkaline seed, not a grain. Cleanses intestine. Increases appetite. Bioflavinoid. Strengthens capillaries and blood vessels. Support memory health.
Wheat germ: High in Vitamin B, E, Calcium, Phosphate and trace minerals.
Wheat bran -- helps remove cholesterol, remove toxins from the blood, cleanse the large intestine, helps form stool.
Grains contribute to the feeding of prebiotics which will help the diversity of the gut microbiome.
You'll find some of these in Volhard NDF2 as well.
Veggie & Fruit Carbs!
You’ll get some carbohydrates in many of your veggies. Carrots are a big example, and of course fruits.
Carbs support healthy brain development in puppies. Good fiber is needed for proper stool formation and digestive care.
Carbohydrates to Avoid In Dogs
Look for any grains you choose to be organic, certified to have no GMO and are human grade only when preparing a diet.
Read More on Why You Should Avoid Rice!
Learn to Calculate The Carbs in Your Dogs’ Food:
Add Together Crude Fiber, Crude Fat, Crude Protein and Moisture from your dog food label. Then Add 6 points for dry kibble and 3 points for wet food for ASH content — unless it’s listed on your label.
Subtract that number from 100% and you’ll have the % of carbohydrates on your dog’s bowl.
I generally aim to keep carbohydrates below 20% for all dogs, and less for many fighting inflammatory conditions, allergies, seizures, diabetes, etc.
Learn More About Reading Dog Food Ingredient List & Labels
“The Industry claims carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy. Sled dogs performed better without them. Dr. Conor Brady, Feeding Dogs”
Order Dr. Conor Brady’s Book: Feeding Dogs