Shun NagaiThe question of whether dogs really need carbohydrates is an important one for pet owners who care about their dogs’ health. As high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets continue to gain attention, many people wonder whether feeding carbohydrates to dogs is truly appropriate.
In fact, dogs are able to digest carbohydrates and use them as a source of energy, although carbohydrates are not considered an essential nutrient. Even so, appropriate carbohydrate intake can play an important role not only in supporting digestive health but also in maintaining overall nutritional balance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between dogs and carbohydrates.
What Are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of the three major nutrients, along with protein and fat, that provide energy in the form of calories. They can be divided into two main groups: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are carbohydrates that do not require much breakdown in the body and are quickly absorbed as an energy source. These are sugars that provide fast-acting energy.
They are mainly absorbed rapidly in the small intestine and used immediately for energy. Examples of simple carbohydrates include:
- Glucose: Also called blood sugar, it is the body’s most direct source of energy.
- Sucrose: Common table sugar, made up of glucose and fructose.
- Fructose: A sugar found in fruit and known for its strong sweetness.
These are found in foods such as:
- Sugar
- Honey
- Fruit
- White rice
- Refined wheat flour
Simple carbohydrates are excellent for quickly generating energy and can be useful after exercise or when rapid energy replenishment is needed. However, they are not ideal for providing sustained energy over time.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates that are digested more slowly in the body and provide a more sustained source of energy. They consist of starches and dietary fiber. Because they must first be broken down by digestive enzymes before being absorbed, they provide energy gradually over time. Examples of complex carbohydrates include:
- Starch: Broken down by the digestive enzyme amylase from the pancreas and absorbed as an energy source. It is mainly found in grains and vegetables.
- Dietary fiber: Not broken down by amylase, but instead passes through the digestive tract, where it helps improve gut health and stool quality.
These are found in foods such as:
- Whole grains (whole wheat, oats, brown rice, etc.)
- Vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, etc.)
- Legumes (lentils, kidney beans, peas, etc.)
- Fruit
Because complex carbohydrates are digested slowly and provide long-lasting energy, they can help stabilize blood sugar levels and support digestive health.
Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates?
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not require pet food manufacturers to list carbohydrate content on labels, nor does it set a carbohydrate requirement for dog food. This can be confusing, but carbohydrates are still nutrients that all mammals use.
During digestion in mammals, simple carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. Glucose provides energy to the body’s cells and supports their function. In that sense, carbohydrates do play a role in a dog’s diet.
On the other hand, when carbohydrates and fat are insufficient, a dog’s body begins to rely more heavily on protein as an energy source. Protein is less efficient than carbohydrates as a source of energy and can place a greater burden on the liver. More importantly, protein is meant to be used for other vital functions in the body, such as growth, tissue repair, and immune support.
It is also important to remember that carbohydrate-rich ingredients used in pet food, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits, often contain other valuable nutrients, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Also Important During Pregnancy and Lactation
Research has shown that diets containing carbohydrates during pregnancy and lactation may help reduce puppy mortality and prevent hypoglycemia in mother dogs.
Benefits of Carbohydrates for Dogs
Carbohydrates can offer several health benefits for dogs.
Energy and Nutrient Supply
Easily digestible simple carbohydrates provide about 3.5 to 4 calories per gram, similar to protein. Complex carbohydrate sources such as grains, legumes, and root vegetables provide not only energy but also nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential fatty acids.
Support for Weight Management
Carbohydrates contain fewer calories than fat, and complex carbohydrates also contain dietary fiber, which helps dogs feel full on fewer calories. For this reason, they can be effective for weight loss and weight management. Fiber may also help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Improved Digestive Health
The dietary fiber found in complex carbohydrates comes in two forms: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and, once it reaches the colon, acts as food for beneficial bacteria that support digestion. This is why soluble fiber is often referred to as a prebiotic, as it helps promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria.
Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve and instead adds bulk to the stool as it passes through the intestines, helping to promote regular bowel movements.
Better Food Texture
The starch found in complex carbohydrates is also important in kibble and wet food from a palatability standpoint. This is because the shape, texture, and density of kibble, all of which influence palatability, depend in part on the starch content of the food.
How Do Dogs Digest Carbohydrates?
Decades of research have shown that dogs are capable of digesting carbohydrates.
The digestion of complex carbohydrates such as starch begins, as in humans, when food is chewed. However, dogs have very little amylase in their saliva, so almost no carbohydrate digestion actually takes place in the mouth.
Most starch digestion occurs in the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase breaks it down. The amount of amylase secreted by the pancreas increases as carbohydrate intake rises.
Amylase breaks starch down into smaller sugar molecules, mainly glucose. Once absorbed, glucose travels through the portal vein and is transported throughout the body. The glucose circulating in the bloodstream is known as blood sugar and is taken up by the body’s cells to be used as energy.
Any excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use. By breaking down stored glycogen to produce glucose, the body can help maintain stable blood sugar levels even when food is not being consumed.
Risks of Carbohydrates for Dogs
There is no research showing that carbohydrates are harmful to dogs. There is also no evidence linking carbohydrates themselves to canine health problems such as diabetes or obesity. Weight gain is caused by excessive calorie intake, regardless of whether those calories come from protein, fat, or carbohydrates.
How Much Carbohydrate Can Dogs Eat?
It has been confirmed that dogs can digest more than 99% of the starch in dry dog food containing 35% to 40% starch on a dry matter basis.
According to one expert, dogs generally have a high tolerance for carbohydrates. In particular, for dogs whose protein or fat intake must be restricted, up to 75% of daily calories may come from carbohydrates if necessary.
That said, dogs with diabetes should avoid consuming too many simple carbohydrates, while dogs with high energy demands may benefit from a higher carbohydrate intake. The ideal amount of carbohydrate varies from dog to dog, so if there is any uncertainty, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
How to Calculate Carbohydrates (%)
Carbohydrates (%) can be estimated using the following formula:
| Calculation Formula |
|---|
| 100% – Protein – Fat – Ash – Moisture |
In Terms of AAFCO Standards
AAFCO does not establish a required minimum carbohydrate intake for dogs, and carbohydrate values are usually not listed in the guaranteed analysis of commercial dog foods. However, most commercial dry dog foods typically contain around 30% to 60% carbohydrates.