There’s a common misconception that carbohydrates are necessary for dogs to use as an energy source and fulfill their nutritional needs. You’ll likely notice carbohydrates in a dog’s food bag: cereal grains, corn, potatoes, or rice. Some ingredients have carbohydrates that aren’t always obvious, for example, bananas, starchy vegetables, yogurt, and peanut butter.
Most people don’t know, though, that an overwhelming number of dogs are becoming ill due to too much carb consumption. Conditions like cancer, for example, are exacerbated by carb consumption. Dogs can survive on carbs, but are they thriving? Is this what they’re meant to consume?
Dogs Weren't Designed to Eat Carbs
Dogs are not designed to consume carbohydrates, as their anatomy clearly indicates. For example, their saliva doesn't contain amylase, the enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Dogs can derive nearly all their requirements from protein and fats.
Our dog's ancestors consumed wild prey. Of course, this did also include digesting what their prey had eaten. Although amylase isn't present within the saliva, it is produced by the pancreas to break down seeds and plant matter in the small intestines.
Unfortunately, carbohydrates are one of the main ingredients in a dog's kibble. This leads to common health problems like cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
Why Are Carbs Found in Kibble?
Carbohydrates have been a significant component in a dog's kibble since the early 1950s. They're easy to obtain, have a long shelf life, and are less expensive to develop dog food in bulk than any other nutrient. This makes a pet food company's return on investment substantial.
Carbs are also critical for kibble production. Carbs allow the pieces of kibble to stick together and provide kibble with structure and texture. Without the carbs, the kibble would easily fall apart and wouldn't be in those ball-like pieces you see in the bag.
Kibble Contains an Overwhelming Amount of Carbs
Carbohydrates aren't necessarily harmful to dogs. They can undoubtedly supply a reliable source of energy in acceptable amounts. The issue, though, is the sheer number of them.
Using a dog's ancestral diet as a guide, the carbs consumed by a dog's ancestors are significantly lower than what has become the standard in today's kibble products.
Natural carbohydrate consumption for a dog's ancestors was estimated to be roughly 14% of the total diet. Despite the growing evidence that high carb levels lead to health problems in dogs, today's dry dog foods average between 46 and 74% carbs.
Calculating Carbohydrates Using the Guaranteed Analysis
In the United States, the manufacturer must indicate the minimum percentage of crude protein and fat and the maximum percentage of crude fiber and moisture contained in dog food and treats. This label section will be in table style, with each component's percentages, pounds, and specific calorie counts.
The carbohydrate percentage is rarely listed in the guaranteed analysis. Using the standard of 10% moisture in dry dog food, the simple calculation to determine the carbohydrate percentage:
100-%Protein + %Fat + %Moisture (10%) + %Ash = %Carbohydrates
You may need to contact the manufacturer for the ash content of the food if it is not listed. Manufacturers are not required to list ash content on the label.
Carbohydrates for High Performing Athletic Dogs, Working, Pregnant or Lactating Dogs
There is controversy regarding the requirements for athletic and working dogs due to their energy needs. Carbohydrates offer a quick, simple energy source for canine athletes. However, they cause inflammation, which can be detrimental to canine athletes. High-quality protein and fat from grass-fed and organically raised animals are better energy sources.
The energy needs of a pregnant dog during the third trimester also necessitate an increased intake of nutrients. She will likely be hungry frequently throughout the third trimester of pregnancy, but you can break down her meals into smaller portions throughout the day. Although she does need more energy, this does not mean she needs more carbohydrates in her diet. Fat and protein also provide sources of energy for pregnant and lactating dogs.
Takeaway Bites
- Dogs have zero requirements for carbohydrates in their diet.
- Although dogs can survive on a diet full of carbs, they do not thrive on this, and health issues are likely to result.
- Reducing the amount of carbohydrates in your dog’s diet is critical to their overall health and well-being.
References
- Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats | The National Academies Press
- Brown, S., & Taylor, B. (2005). See spot live longer: How to help your dog live a longer and Healthier Life. Amazon.
- Harrington, F. H., & Paquet, P. C. (1982). Wolves of the world: Perspectives of behavior, ecology, and conservation.
- Habib, Rodney; Becker, Karen Shaw. The Forever Dog. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
- Brady, C. (2020). Feeding dogs dry or raw? The science behind the debate. Farrow Road Publishing.
- Carbohydrates and Your Dog's Digestive System