Carbohydrates in Dog Diets: Energy Source or Filler?

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
5 min read

Dogs don't need carbs in large amounts. Their natural diet relies on proteins and fats, with minimal carbs from prey or plants.
High-quality carbs can help. Ingredients like sweet potatoes and oats provide fiber and nutrients, while low-quality options like corn and wheat may cause issues.
Commercial dog food often uses carbs for cost and texture. Processing methods can impact their nutritional value.
Adjust carbs based on your dog's needs. Puppies and active dogs might benefit from balanced carbs, while seniors or less active dogs need fewer.

Quick Tip: Look for dog foods with whole-food carb sources, minimal fillers, and transparent ingredient lists.

Want to explore raw or grain-free diets? They often reduce carbs and focus on high protein for better digestion and coat health.

Can Dogs Eat Carbohydrates

Basic Dog Nutrition Requirements

Dogs need specific nutrients to stay healthy and energetic. Knowing these essentials can guide decisions about including carbohydrates in their diet.

Main Nutrients: Protein, Fats, and Carbs

A dog's diet relies on three main macronutrients:

Proteins: Crucial for building and maintaining muscle.
Fats: Provide energy and help the body absorb vitamins.
Carbohydrates: Not essential but can offer extra energy.

The right balance of these nutrients depends on factors like age, breed, and activity level. Let’s take a closer look at how carbohydrates fit into a dog's natural diet.

Carbohydrates in Natural Dog Diets

Dogs are naturally built to process proteins and fats, with their ancestral diets containing very few carbohydrates. These carbs mainly came from the stomach contents of prey and occasional foraged plants. Modern studies show that while dogs can digest carbohydrates, they don’t need them in large amounts. That said, plant-based carbs can provide helpful fiber and antioxidants.

When considering carbohydrates for your dog, focus on these points:

Use whole-food sources of carbs.
Ensure the carbs are easily digestible.
Adjust the amount based on your dog’s specific needs.

Good-quality carbohydrates can boost digestive health and provide steady energy. On the other hand, low-quality options might lead to weight gain or digestion issues. Keeping these basics in mind can help you make better choices when evaluating commercial dog food options and their carbohydrate content.

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Carbohydrates in Store-Bought Dog Food

Commercial dog foods often include carbohydrates for affordability, texture, and as a source of fiber.

Why Carbs Are Added

Carbohydrates serve multiple purposes in dog food. They provide an inexpensive energy source, act as bulk agents, bind ingredients together, and contribute to dietary fiber.

Comparing Carb Sources

Not all carbohydrates in dog food are created equal. Here's a breakdown of common sources:

Carb Source	Nutritional Value	Benefits	Common Uses
Sweet Potatoes	High	Packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals	Found in premium dog foods
Oats	High	Rich in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals	Used in quality grain-inclusive formulas
Corn	Low	Mainly a cheap filler	Common in budget-friendly options
Wheat	Low	Minimal nutrients and potential allergen	Found in mass-produced kibble

Some top-tier brands, such as Loyal Saints, prioritize better-quality carbohydrate sources or even reduce carbs altogether. For example, their freeze-dried recipes emphasize high protein content without unnecessary fillers. Dogs on these diets typically eat smaller portions and experience better digestion and shinier coats.

How Processing Affects Carb Quality

The way carbohydrates are processed can significantly alter their nutritional value. High-heat processing often reduces nutrient availability and makes digestion harder for dogs. On the other hand, minimally processed carbs retain more of their natural nutrients. Techniques like freeze-drying help preserve ingredients in their natural state, supporting better digestion and overall health [2].

Factors influencing carbohydrate quality include:

Processing temperature
Length of cooking or processing
Storage conditions
Preservation techniques

For optimal nutrition, look for dog foods that rely on minimal processing to maintain the quality of their carbohydrate sources.

Managing Your Dog's Carb Intake

Age and Activity Level Guidelines

Your dog's carbohydrate needs depend on their age and activity level. Puppies and highly active dogs benefit from balanced carbs to fuel their energy, while senior or less active dogs require fewer carbs to help maintain a healthy weight. Adjusting carb intake based on life stage is key, and incorporating raw or grain-free diets can further refine their nutrition.

Raw and Grain-Free Options

If you're considering alternatives to traditional dog food, raw and grain-free diets can provide a tailored approach to meet your dog's specific needs. For example, freeze-dried raw food often contains fewer carbs while offering rich nutritional value. A popular choice is Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw food, known for its high protein content and minimal fillers. Many customers report improved digestion and a noticeable preference for this type of food.

Key tips for raw and grain-free diets:

Opt for whole protein sources.
Keep an eye on your dog's digestion.
Adjust portion sizes as needed.
Monitor energy levels to ensure they're thriving.

Understanding Food Labels

Reading food labels is essential to understand the quality of carbs and overall ingredients in your dog's diet. A clear label can help you identify nutritious options and avoid low-quality fillers.

Look for these quality indicators:

Whole food ingredients like sweet potatoes or oats.
No vague terms such as "grain products" or "mill run."
Absence of artificial preservatives.
Clearly listed protein sources at the top of the ingredient list.

Be cautious of these red flags:

Generic terms like "cereal by-products."
Multiple grain fragments listed separately.
Artificial preservatives or unnamed fillers.

Choose foods with transparent ingredient lists and avoid ones that use multiple variations of the same carbohydrate source [2]. This ensures your dog gets a cleaner, more nutrient-rich diet.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Carbohydrates in your dog's diet can either fuel their energy or act as unnecessary fillers, depending on their quality and source. High-quality carbohydrates contribute positively to health, while lower-quality fillers may do more harm than good. This highlights the importance of carefully evaluating your pet's food ingredients.

Talk to the Experts

Your dog's nutritional needs are unique. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet, especially when adjusting carbohydrate levels.

"As a vet myself, this is what sold me and I can attest!" - Janet R.

High-Quality Food Matters

Brands like Loyal Saints set a great example with their freeze-dried raw dog food, which has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 42 reviews. Their recipes avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, focusing instead on wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients. Customer reviews, such as Wanda W.'s comment on her dog's improved coat and energy, show how proper nutrition can make a visible difference.

"Finally a nutrition-packed food for Toby without all the added gunk! He loves it and it shows in his coat." - Wanda W.

"Rather spend on high quality food than on health care." - Thomas

When choosing dog food, look for:

Human-grade ingredients
AAFCO compliance
Clear, transparent ingredient lists
Freeze-dried options to preserve nutrients

Focusing on balanced, high-quality ingredients ensures carbohydrates benefit your dog's health rather than compromise it.