Carbohydrates in a Dog’s Diet

Carbohydrates in a Dog’s Diet

Do dogs need carbohydrates their diet?

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. Dogs don't need corn. And they don't need wheat, barley rice or potatoes, either.



Since dogs are generally active, they need a clean source of
carbohydrates that can be easily used for energy. There is a
general consensus among veterinarians that dogs need 40
to 50 percent carbohydrates in their daily diet. Dog food
companies make use of a variety of inexpensive sources of
starch (carbohydrates).

If your dog is having a hard time digesting a new brand of
dog food, check the ingredients. Food allergies can
sometimes occur when the dog‟s chief source of
carbohydrates is soybean in its food. (Allergies show up as
excessive flatulence and other signs of indigestion.)

If your dog is allergic to soybean-based dog food (or allergic
to any specific source of carbohydrates or starch), try
shifting to another brand of dog food that has been
manufactured with regular flour, like wheat flour.

What carbs are good for dogs?

Some of these may include:

• Barley (pearled)
• Oats (or whole oats)
• Brown rice.
• Whole wheat.
• Whole corn.
• Potato (or sweet potato)
• Millet.