Is protein or carbs better for dogs

Dogs and Carbohydrates A Surprising Secret Revealed

Dogs and Carbohydrates A Surprising Secret Revealed

By Mike Sagman

Updated: September 27, 2023

Zero.Thats how many carbohydrates are nutritionally required by a dog to sustain life.The fact that a dog food doesnt need to contain any carbs at all seems hard to believe.

But its true.

You see, according to the National Research Council and compared to the other two major nutrients protein and fat no carbs are considered essential for a healthy canine diet.¹

Dogs dont need corn.And they dont need wheat, barley rice or potatoes, either.

Yet surprisingly, carbs represent the dominant nutrient found in most dry dog foods.

Why Dog Food CompaniesLove Carbohydrates

Since the early 1950s, dog food manufacturers everywhere have fallen head-over-heels in love with carbs because theyre:

• Abundant
• Durable (long shelf life)
• Essential to the kibble-making process
• Cheaper (per calorie than protein or fat)

Please notice that not one of these reasons has anything to do with nutrition not one.

Are Carbs Safe?

Carbohydrates arent bad for dogs.In reasonable amounts, they can actually provide a practical source of energy.

However, the problem lies in their quantity.

Using a dogs ancestral diet as a model, the total amount of carbs consumed by a dogs evolutionary predecessor is dramatically less than whats become the norm for todays kibbles.

One sensible source estimates natural carbohydrate consumption for a dogs ancestors at around 14 percent of total diet.²

Yet on average, todays dry dog foods contain somewhere between 46 and 74 percent carbohydrates.³

Comparing the Numbers

Todays kibbles contain as much as four times the carbohydrate content historically found in the canine ancestral diet.

Wouldnt it make sense for a dogs food to be more like the species ancestral diet with more protein and fat and fewer carbs?

The Bottom Line

When choosing dog food, its reasonable to favor products lower in carbohydrates.

However, since most dog food manufacturers fail to disclose the percentage of carbohydrates contained in their products, the Dog Food Advisor provides an estimate of this important figure inside every review.

So, look for dog foods rich in meat-based protein and lower in carbs.You could be adding years of better health to your best friends life.

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What are carbohydrates?

There are six categories of nutrients. Fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water and, the subject of this article, carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are themselves a group of macronutrients which can be further subdivided into two distinct groups. Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. The question is, do dogs need carbohydrates in dog food?

Simple carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates are the simplest of the two carbohydrate forms. They are essentially sugars and are found in the likes of cheap and highly refined grains such as white rice and refined flours. They are also found in fruits. Simple carbohydrates can be further broken down into monosaccharides and disaccharides. Quickly and easily metabolized, these simple carbohydrates are better known as glucose and sucrose. They are an ideal source of short-term energy.

Complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates meanwhile are made up of larger, more complex molecules. These are called polysaccharides. Digested more slowly, these are further subcategorized as starches and fibres.

Starches are broken down by digestive enzymes in the pancreas before becoming available for your dogs needs. Starches are found in the likes of grains, vegetables and legumes.

Fibres, both soluble and insoluble, are found only in unprocessed whole foods (plant food) such as vegetables. These are not broken down by digestive enzymes in the digestive tract but pass through your dogs digestive system relatively intact. These ensure good digestive health.

Complex carbohydrates provide slow-release energy. They aid digestion, help maintain the immune and nervous systems and help regulate the metabolism. Unprocessed, complex carbs such as fresh fruit and vegetables, brown (and some white) rice, quinoa, oats and sweet potatoes are all excellent for dogs.

Why carbohydrates benefit dogs

Research suggests that approximiately 14% of the ancestral dogs diet would have been made up of carbohydrates. That said, dogs do not actually need carbs in the same way that they need the other two macronutrients. Fats and proteins.

But that doesnt mean that dogs should not be fed carbohydrates. Those who suggest that dogs should not be fed carbs overlook one simple fact. That is that any source of complex carbohydrate, sweet potato for example, provides beneficial nutrients, minerals and natural fibre. And that is in addition to being a valuable, readily available and highly digestable source of slow release energy. They also overlook the fact that without carbohydrates and without fats, a dog would use protein as its main source of energy. Protein which is best reserved for maintaining and repairing your dogs body.

6 Great Sources of Carbohydrates for Dogs: Vet Approved Nutrition Facts

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

When it comes to dog nutrition, carbohydrates are a tricky subject. While dogs can get energy from protein and fat, many dog food brands contain one or multiple sources of carbs. On the opposite end, there are dog food recipes that are grain-free and low-carb. So, whats the deal with carbs, and are they good for dogs?

Thankfully, carbohydrates can be a healthy source of energy for dogs while also adding additional health benefits depending on the source. There are plenty of sources of carbs that are safe for dogs, from whole grains to fruit.

Lets take a look at some great sources of carbohydrates that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat.

The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice

Top 6 Sources of Carbohydrates for Dogs

1. Whole Oats

Whole Oats Nutritional Info ( cup):

• 140 calories
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 1g

Serving Size for Dogs: Approx. 1 tablespoon per 20 pounds of weight. Do not exceed 4 tablespoons.

• Note: whole oats are high in calories and can cause weight gain if fed too often.

Oats, in general, whether old-fashioned or rolled, are naturally rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Theyre one of the healthiest sources of carbs for dogs, especially for homemade dog food and treats. If youre planning on switching your dog to homemade cooking, consider adding oats as a main source of carbohydrates. Not only are they cheap and available virtually anywhere, but theyre also great for dogs that need a little extra fiber.

2. Rice

Brown Rice Nutritional Info ( cup):

• 108 calories
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 0g

Serving Size for Dogs: No more than 10% of your dogs total diet, especially in smaller dogs and dogs with diabetes and digestive issues. While white rice is recommended for dogs bland diets, brown rice should not be given to dogs with diarrheaor othergastrointestinal issues because it is not processed and is harder to digest. Adding rice to a diet already rich in carbs will cause an imbalance, so its crucial to talk to your vet before adding rice.

• Note: Rice is a high-glycemic and high-caloric source of carbs and can cause issues in dogs with diabetic and thyroid conditions. Never feed your dog any type of rice that has been cooked in oils, butter, or spices, as they can be potentially toxic.

Although rice is a bit high on the glycemic index, its still one of the better carbohydrate options. White rice may be easier for your dog to digest, but brown rice is a little more nutritious. Rice is a great source of carbs and protein, especially for dogs that are active and require a lot of fuel. Make sure any rice products do not contain oils, spices, or butter that can be potentially toxic or harmful to your dog.

3. Barley

Cooked Pearled Barley Nutritional Info ( cup):

• 99 calories
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Protein: 1.82g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 22.75g
• Sugar: 0g

Serving Size for Dogs: No more than 10% of your dogs weekly meals. Barley is high in fiber and can cause digestive issues if fed too much at once. Consult with your vet if your dog has stomach problems before feeding barley.

Barley is sometimes forgotten as a dog-safe carbohydrate, even though its in dozens of commercial dog food recipes. Its a whole grain that contains multiple nutrients essential for a balanced diet, such as potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. Although this grain contains gluten, most dogs do perfectly fine with these types of grains. However, be sure to contact your vet to ensure your dog doesnt have a grain intolerance.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Cubed Sweet Potatoes Nutritional Info (1 cup):

• 114 calories
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Sugar: 6g

Serving Size: Feed no more than 15% of your dogs weekly food intake. Serve as a treat or occasional snack. Consult with your dogs vet first before feeding them, especially breeds prone to heart problems, food allergies, or diabetes.

Sweet potatoes are a starchy source of carbs that most dogs can eat, which is evident in the dozens of commercial dog food recipes that contain sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a dietary source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and calcium, so they are nutritious for your dogs nervous system, eyes, skin, muscles, and bones. In addition, they contain beta carotenes that have antioxidant effects aiding your dogs immunity. However, discuss with your vet before feeding them to your dog, as excess vitamin A can cause some bone and muscle issues. Although gluten-free, sweet potatoes are high in carbs, so they are best as a treat instead of the main staple in your dogs diet; this point is especially important in diabetic dogs.

5. Banana

Medium Ripe Banana Nutritional Info (1):

• 110 calories
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 15g

Serving Size: Small dogs: one or two half-inch pieces a day. Medium dogs: up to of one medium banana a day. Large dogs: up to half of one medium banana a day.

Many dogs love the flavor of bananas, which are rich in carbohydrates and potassium. Theyre a great source of carbohydrates but best fed to your dog as a treat instead of the main part of your dogs meals. Bananas are naturally high in sugar and high in the glycemic index, so dogs with diabetes and thyroid conditions should avoid bananas. Before feeding your dog a piece of banana, double-check with your vet to make sure it will work with your dogs current diet.

6. Millet

Cooked Millet Nutritional Info ( cup):

• 103 calories
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0.85g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Serving Size: Serving Size for Dogs: Approx. 1 tablespoons per 20 pounds of weight. Do not exceed 4 tablespoons.

• Note: Millet is high in calories and can cause weight gain if fed too often.

Millet is a cereal-type of grain that occurs in both human and dog food, usually in cereals, kibble, and dog treats. Not only is it rich in healthy carbohydrates, but its an excellent source of dietary fiber. Millet is not as popular as other grains in homemade dog food, but that doesnt mean you should count it out. Its also lower on the glycemic index than other sources of carbs without containing any gluten. Millet is a good choice for dogs that cant have potatoes or rice, especially dogs with conditions affected by high-glycemic foods.

Why Are Carbohydrates Important for Dogs?

When it comes to dog nutrition, carbohydrates are not as essential to a balanced diet as other nutrients. While some dogs may thrive with an outside source of energy in their diets, they can usually get enough energy from breaking down fat and protein. There are several reasons why you should or should not feed your dog carbs, especially if your dogs diet already contains it.

Although they can provide energy for your dog, most sources of carbs have additional nutrients like fiber or vitamins. On the flip side, some types of carbs are high-glycemic foods that can cause blood sugar spikes. Working dogs and high-energy dogs may need an extra source of energy to be healthy, while less energetic dogs may need a lean, low-carb diet.

Dog diets vary in nutrition levels and diet types, so you must provide for your dogs specific needs. While giving your dog a few carb-heavy treats may not cause issues, adding it daily can throw off a balanced diet. If you think your dogs diet is off-balanced or lacking in sources of energy, contact your veterinarian to discuss carbohydrate options that will work best for your dog.

How Many Carbs Does My Dog Need?

How carb-heavy your dogs diet can be is a heavy question, one that is almost impossible to answer without knowing what is in your dogs current food. This is a question best left to veterinarians, especially for dogs with food sensitivities and food-triggered health conditions. Some types of carbs can have additional properties that may cause health problems to worsen, so its crucial to ask your vet before feeding them.

A dogs diet may have anywhere from 20% to nearly 60% or more carbohydrates. Some commercial dog food has more or less than this amount, depending on the quality of ingredients and type of recipe. Working and high-energy dogs may need more carbs than other dogs, but thats not always the case. Again, its best to consult with your vet for your dogs specific dietary requirements before changing anything.

Grains vs Fruits vs Vegetables as Carb Sources

Carbs are in a wide variety of foods, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Carbohydrates also come in two forms: complex and simple carbs. Whole grains like oats and millet contain complex carbs, which take longer to break down. Sugar and foods like fruit contain simple carbs, which break down much faster. Both simple and complex carbs have their place in a balanced diet, but simple carbs like sugary fruits can cause flare-ups in conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease. Fruits like bananas are a nutritious form of simple carbs, but theyre high in sugar and should be limited as a treat or snack once a week.

Starches and whole grains are complex carb sources, which take longer for your dogs body to use and absorb. While they may not cause as many issues as sugary fruits and simple carbs, starches, and whole grains can throw off a diet that doesnt need them. Adding starches and whole grains as treats is generally safe to do, but we recommend asking your vet to help create a diet plan for your dog.

Conclusion

Carbohydrates can be a great way to give your dogs diet an energy boost. Theyre generally safe for dogs to eat, especially sources that contain dietary fiber. While they often have a negative reputation, many dogs thrive on a diet with carbohydrates. Whether youre looking to supplement your dogs food or make dog food at home, there are many healthy and natural carbs that you can give to your dog. Always consult with a veterinarian before changing your dogs diet, especially with dogs that have allergies or health conditions triggered by food.

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Featured Image Credit:Dmitriev Mikhail, Shutterstock