Author: Lisa Walther
Proofreader: Carla Steffen
Here you will learn:
Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy for dogs, although they are not essential. Carbohydrates are one of the energy suppliers, they are rich in starch (60-80%), low in protein (approx. 7-12%) and calcium, and sometimes also low in crude fiber (depending on the amount of husk or shell). They consist of many sugar molecules chained together, which are divided into simple, double or multiple sugars depending on their size. Simple sugars include glucose, while multiple sugars, complex carbohydrates, include starch.
The starch contained in grains cannot usually be used directly by dogs. Therefore, pasta, rice, etc. should be processed before feeding, as otherwise diarrhea can occur. A suitable method for breaking down starch is to cook grains. Please ensure that the types used are cooked very softly; al dente pasta is not suitable for dogs. It is best to plan a cooking time 10 minutes longer than for yourself.
Another option is to use cereal flakes. Here, the digestibility of starch is improved with the help of heat and pressure. You can soak the flakes in about three times the amount of warm water. Oat flakes can also be fed without any further treatment.
Are carbohydrates good for dogs?
Grain has gotten a bad reputation in recent years. Manufacturers of grain-free food and breeders often claim that grain is a cheap filler and that dogs cannot use it because of their ancestry from wolves. However, this claim is not true. While it is true that wolves did not originally eat grain, our domestic dogs have adapted to humans in both their behavior and eating habits over several thousand years. They are now very capable of using grain.
A carbohydrate-rich dog food is particularly recommended for dogs that are active in sports, during pregnancy (puppies are supplied with energy via glucose) and during the lactation phase (lactate in the milk). But adult dogs also benefit from the administration of carbohydrates, as this energy source also benefits the intestinal flora. In addition, certain diseases require a reduction in protein and an increased administration of carbohydrates, such as the kidney diet.
Which carbohydrate sources are suitable for dogs?
Potatoes are currently often used in dog food. You should cut out any sprouts and green parts of potatoes. They should always be cooked sufficiently, as raw potatoes contain solanine, which is poisonous to dogs. When cooked, the poison loses its effect and the potato is therefore harmless to the dog. You should also throw away the cooking water. In addition to potatoes, you can also feed peeled and cooked sweet potatoes.
Of course, the most commonly used carbohydrate sources for humans are also suitable for dogs: rice and pasta. Rice is often used for gastrointestinal problems because it is easy to digest and therefore well tolerated. The same applies to these carbohydrates: Cook them long enough so that your dog does not get diarrhea.
Other healthy carbohydrates are millet, tapioca, oatmeal and quinoa. Barley and amaranth are also good sources of carbohydrates. Just try out what your dog likes best.
Many dog owners are afraid of gluten, the sticky protein in grains. They think that dogs are sensitive to it. However, this is rarely the case. Nevertheless, there are some dogs that develop a gluten intolerance, the Irish Setter is often affected. If you still want to avoid gluten in grains, the following carbohydrates are suitable: rice, millet, corn, amaranth, quinoa, (sweet) potatoes. If you are looking for a complete food, our gluten-free dog food may be just the right thing for you and your furry friend!
The same applies when feeding carbohydrates: only feed small amounts of wet or dry food so that the nutrient ratio is not disrupted. If you cook yourself, we recommend having your veterinarian calculate the ration with the appropriate nutritional supplements .
We hope we have given you a good overview. In part 1 and part 2 of our series “Suitable foods for dogs” you will find further information on the subject of fruit/vegetables and oils. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at tierarzt@vegdog.de .
A balanced dog diet should contain proteins, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates serve as an energy source and support the intestinal flora.
The energy requirements of dogs can vary greatly. For example, physically active animals as well as pregnant and lactating dogs require more energy. Therefore, they should also receive a more energy-rich food in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The following carbohydrate sources are particularly suitable for our four-legged friends: potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, millet, tapioca, oatmeal, quinoa, barley and amaranth.
Lisa Walther
