best carbs for dogs with allergies

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.

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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

The Best Foods for Dogs With Allergies

Humans arent the only ones with allergiesour dogs can get them, too. Canine allergies can lead to numerous skin conditions that can be frustrating to manage. These allergies can be due to environmental causes or from the food our dogs eat.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs can be allergic to foods like beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
• Allergy tests for dogs are not reliable.
• The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.

The most common symptoms of dog food allergies include:

• Redness of the skin of the inner ears

• Itchiness of the ears (chronic scratching of the ears or shaking of the head)

• Ear hematomas

• Chronic thickening of the ears

• Chronic ear infections

• Redness and itchiness of the feet or in between toes (foot chewing)

• Chronic pododermatitis

• Patchy hair loss along the neck and trunk

• Chronic skin infections (with bacteria or yeast) that never seem to clear up

Skin issues are the most common dog food allergy symptoms. These are mostly seen as an allergic reaction to the proteins absorbed in food.

The reaction leads to the release of immune cells, which can cause weakening of the bonds between the skin cells, resulting in a weakening of the skin barrier. This change in the skin barrier leads to redness and itchiness, and it makes the skin more susceptible to infection with normal bacteria and yeast.

The most affected areas are the ears, paws, around the eyes, and sometimes the trunk (torso) and limbs.

What Are Common Dog Food Allergens?

The most common proteins dogs are allergic to are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Other less common causes of dog food allergies include soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.

Dogs cannot be tested for food allergies like people can, as the available testing is unreliable. The only proven way to tell what your dog is allergic to is to change their protein source or perform an elimination diet trial.

During an elimination diet trial, you eliminate all proteins your dog has been exposed to for two to three months. This gives the body enough time to completely eliminate the old protein sources and heal from the chronic allergy stimulation.

How To Help a Dog With Food Allergies

An elimination diet trial withhydrolyzed foodis the best way to treat and diagnose a dog food allergy. Its easiest to start with a prescription diet, such asHills z/dorRoyal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. Theseveterinary dietshave proteins that are too small to be recognized by the immune system.

An elimination diet trial takes approximately two to three months to complete. This time is necessary for the old proteins to leave the dogs system. Additionally, the dog must be on the diet long enough to see a difference from the previous food.

The most common mistake pet parents make is not waiting long enough before calling it quits on the diet trial. Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.

Another common mistake: feed a dog anything other than the elimination diet. During a diet trial, pets cannot have any table scraps or treats (unless the elimination diet has a compatible treat option).

Changing what your dog is eating for just a week or two will not give you complete results, so taking the proper amount of time to test food and treats is crucial.

If the symptoms do not resolve after two or three months on the hydrolyzed elimination diet trial, your dog most likely has some type of environmental allergen. Or something else is causing the problem, such as an autoimmune condition.

If you get a good response from the trial, try to feed your dog a new protein source, such as venison, fish, or kangaroo. If they are going to react to these proteins, you should notice a mild reaction starting within two weeks. If their allergy symptoms return, stop the new protein source and go back to the hydrolyzed food.

Try adding one protein at a time every two to four weeks. If your dog reacts, stop and keep things steady for another two weeks before trying a different protein.

Contact your veterinarian before starting any diet trial to get a prescription for a hydrolyzed diet. Its also important to see your veterinarian to make sure your pet doesnt have any concurrent infections, which can be common because of the disturbed skin barrier caused by the allergic reaction. Infections can look the same as dog food allergy symptoms, so you must make sure to clear all infections during the food elimination trial.

During the trial, remember:

• Make sure the prescription treats and food are all that you are feeding your pet. You cant feed human food or regular pet treats with a food trial, as it can introduce the allergens youre trying to eliminate.

• Alwaysintroduce a dog to a new diet slowlyto avoid stomach upset or diarrhea.

The Best Dog Food for Allergies

Hydrolyzed Dog Foods

Hydrolyzed foods are the best dog food for allergies because the proteins are broken down into pieces that are so small the body cant recognize them. Some of these foods include:

Novel Protein Foods

Novel protein diets include proteins that your dog has not been introduced to before, such as duck, fish, venison, and kangaroo. Some examples of novel protein diets are:

Foods for Puppies With Allergies

While its rare for puppies to have food allergies, there are some documented cases in pups as young as 6 months old. If you think your puppy may have a food allergy, lamb and rice formulas, such asPurina Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula, would be a good place to start for a novel protein.

If allergies are severe and your vet recommends a hydrolyzed diet, Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein does come in a puppy formulation.

WRITTEN BY

Robyn Gallucci, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Gallucci started her career in veterinary medicine as a kennel assistant in high school and began training as a technician in college....