{"id":12389,"date":"2023-11-21T05:00:20","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T13:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=12389"},"modified":"2026-04-28T13:39:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T20:39:33","slug":"carbohydrates-for-dogs-explained-by-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/carbohydrates-for-dogs-explained-by-experts","title":{"rendered":"Best carbs for dogs: Are they necessary?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12389\" class=\"elementor elementor-12389\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ac65a53 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2ac65a53\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62760f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"62760f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"169\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"25\">TL;DR + Key Takeaways<\/strong><br data-start=\"25\" data-end=\"28\" \/>Thinking carbs are the enemy for dogs? Think again \u2014 here\u2019s a quick snapshot of what you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"985\">\n<li data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"319\">\n<p data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"319\">Dogs aren\u2019t strict carnivores. They\u2019re <em data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"224\">omnivores<\/em>\u00a0and have evolved to digest starch better than wolves.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"486\">\n<p data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"486\">High-quality carbohydrates can serve multiple roles: energy, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and digestive support.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"624\">\n<p data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"624\">Risks are minimal in balanced diets; issues mostly arise if there\u2019s intolerance or overfeeding.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"803\">\n<p data-start=\"627\" data-end=\"803\">\u201cPercentages\u201d on dog food labels can be misleading due to moisture content \u2014 dry matter and calorie-based comparisons are more reliable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"804\" data-end=\"985\">\n<p data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"985\">Not all carbs are equal \u2014 whole-food, nutrient-dense sources (sweet potato, quinoa, squash, etc.) are preferred over low-quality \u201cfillers.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1247\">If you\u2019ve ever wondered whether carbs belong in your dog\u2019s diet, or how to read pet food labels more wisely, this post dives deep with expert insight.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e50e035 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e50e035\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We get a lot of questions about carbohydrates in our fresh dog diets. In this blog post, we will go over the benefits of <strong>carbohydrates for dogs<\/strong>, why we use them in our meals, and why not everything is as it may seem when it comes to dog food label regulations.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-do-dogs-need-carbs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Dogs Need Carbs?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":12095,\"width\":\"1000px\",\"height\":\"800px\",\"scale\":\"contain\",\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" class=\"wp-image-12095\" style=\"object-fit: contain; width: 1000px; height: 800px;\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Macaroni.jpg\" alt=\"can dogs eat pasta noodles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Macaroni.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Macaroni-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Macaroni-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Macaroni-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Many pet parents wonder if dogs really need carbs. Aren\u2019t they carnivores? Shouldn\u2019t dog food be mostly animal protein? Why are there so many low-carb and grain-free diets on shelves, then?<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Dogs are omnivores, and though they generally aren\u2019t essential, carbohydrates play a major role as a source of energy and dietary fiber.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>According to DNA findings, dogs are biologically built to digest carbs quite well. Dr. Cailin Heinze, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University\u2019s Clinical Nutrition Service, <a href=\"https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2021\/07\/the-role-of-carbohydrate-in-pet-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">explains<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of the most dramatic genetic differences between dogs and wolves is that dogs have many more copies of the gene that codes for amylase, the pancreatic enzyme used to digest starch, showing that they evolved from wolves to be more adept at processing carbohydrate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This discredits proponents of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/raw-dog-food.html\">raw diets<\/a> who argue that dogs should only eat raw meat because they are descended from wolves. Simply put, the dietary needs of a domesticated dog are not the same as a wild animal. Wolves have half the lifespan of dogs that also get essential nutrients from non-animal protein sources, such as complex carbs, in their dog food.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-benefits-of-carbohydrates-for-dogs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Carbohydrates for Dogs<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Carbs provide high-quality nutrients in the canine diet such as:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fiber<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>antioxidants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>essential fatty acids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>vitamins and minerals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Our nutritious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/recipes\/\">fresh dog food recipes<\/a> don&#8217;t use carbs and grains as \u201cfillers.\u201d Every ingredient in JustFoodForDogs recipes serves a function, including carbs. The complex carbohydrates used provide valuable nutrients that help promote your pet\u2019s health.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Here are just a few ways dogs can benefits from dietary carbohydrates:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Improved gut health<\/strong>: The fiber from carbohydrate sources nurtures healthy gut bacteria and promotes healthy stools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supports digestion<\/strong>: Our dog food is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/research.html\">proven<\/a> to be 40% more digestible than dry dog food. The carbs included are a part of supporting your dog\u2019s digestive system!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More energy<\/strong>: As mentioned, carbs are a prime source of energy your dog needs. The intestine breaks it down into the simple sugar glucose, which provides energy for your dog\u2019s body and supports nervous system function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-healthy-carb-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best carbs for dogs\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":13615,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"center\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" class=\"wp-image-13615\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bowl-of-rice-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"brown rice\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bowl-of-rice-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bowl-of-rice-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bowl-of-rice-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bowl-of-rice.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>We only use healthy carbohydrates in our recipes that our four-legged friends can nutritionally benefit from. These include:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sweet potato<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>whole wheat macaroni<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>russet potato<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>brown rice &amp; white rice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-dogs-have-quinoa.html\">quinoa <\/a>(high protein)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>apples<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>butternut squash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Pet owners may be wondering about the amount of carbohydrates used in our food. There\u2019s a reason it seems like some of our recipes are carb-heavy. To understand why, in the context of dog nutrition, requires a little bit of math.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-moisture-amp-maths\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moisture &amp; Maths<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You may have noticed that all pet food labels include a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2020\/12\/what-is-guaranteed-about-the-guaranteed-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">Guaranteed Analysis<\/a>.\u201d This is a regulatory requirement that displays the minimum levels of protein and fat and maximum levels of fiber and moisture. It\u2019s important to note that these are not the <em>actual<\/em> percentages of the nutrients in the food.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Since the moisture content of dry dog food is very low compared to fresh dog food, the percentage of protein appears higher than the fresh food. \u201cThis plays a big role in why our food appears to have a really low protein content in comparison to kibble,\u201d explains Dr. Vincent Michels, DVM, the Director of Veterinary Nutrition and Research at JFFD.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/modern-topics-in-nutrition-an-interview-with-the-experts.html\">Experts<\/a> agree that a more accurate way to present pet food nutrient profiles is on a \u201cdry matter\u201d basis. This shows the nutrient levels without including the water content.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example, say you come across a dry food bag with a protein level of 30% on the guaranteed analysis, and a package of fresh dog food with a protein level of 8% on the guaranteed analysis. The fresh food appears significantly lower in protein compared to the dry food. When the moisture content is taken out of the equation, in reality, the protein levels are nearly identical.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>While the dry matter basis is a better way to present nutrient levels in dog food, this is still not an apples-to-apples comparison. The best way to compare nutrients between dog food is on a <a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/nutrition\/beyond-the-guaranteed-analysis-comparing-pet-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">calorie basis<\/a> (i.e. the number of nutrients per calorie). That\u2019s how the professionals do it! You can do the math on your own using Tufts University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vetnutrition.tufts.edu\/2017\/08\/nutrient_converter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">Pet Food Nutrient Calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-are-there-any-risks-to-feeding-dogs-carbohydrates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"color: #07272d;\">Are There Any Risks to Feeding Dogs Carbohydrates?<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cThere is little evidence that even high amounts of carbohydrate in high quality, complete and balanced pet foods pose any health risks to pets,\u201d writes Dr. Heinze. In rare cases, a dog may have an intolerance or food allergy to a specific carbohydrate source.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, there are few links to carbs and health issues in dogs. If your dog has diabetes, however, you should work with your DVM to find the right diet for them.<\/p>\n<p>As with any type of food, obesity is a risk factor. You know that eating an entire box of pastries isn\u2019t good for you, so portion your dog\u2019s meals appropriately.<\/p>\n<p>For the whole grain-intolerant pooch, we offer gluten-free and grain-free dog food recipes like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/product\/fish-sweet-potato-recipe\/FBS10040103.html\">Fish &amp; Sweet Potato<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/product\/venison-squash-recipe\/FBS10040106.html\">Venison &amp; Squash<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/product\/beef-russet-potato-recipe\/FBS10040101.html\">Beef &amp; Russet Potato<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-carbs-are-not-the-enemy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carbs are not the enemy<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates have a lot to offer when it comes to dog health and nutrition.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Carbohydrates can be an excellent source of energy when that carbohydrate is from a whole-food, human-grade source. We believe <em>feed-grade<\/em> carbohydrates and grains must be avoided at all cost, due to possible contamination with toxins from an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petage.com\/10-years-later-examining-the-pet-food-industry-a-decade-after-the-widespread-melamine-contamination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">unregulated production system<\/a>. Each protein, carbohydrate, supplement, and vegetable used in our fresh dog food recipes is mindfully selected by experts in canine nutrition.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>No matter what you choose to feed your dog, work with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to make sure your pet food is meeting your dog\u2019s individual needs.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e6c698 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8e6c698\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c14879 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"1c14879\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2940\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2940\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can dogs eat white bread or processed carbs?  <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2940\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7b3aa6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c7b3aa6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b146261 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b146261\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dogs can technically have small, occasional amounts of plain white bread or processed carbs without harm, but there&#8217;s really no good reason to make it a habit. These foods are essentially empty calories \u2014 they provide nothing of nutritional benefit and, over time, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2941\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2941\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How many carbs should a dog eat per day? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2941\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-800ef09 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"800ef09\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b775fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b775fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dogs don&#8217;t have a set daily carbohydrate requirement. Most kibble-based dog foods are made up of roughly 30\u201360% carbohydrates, largely in the form of starch. Common grains like corn, rice, wheat, barley, and oats are the primary sources of that starch, and dogs generally digest and absorb them well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2942\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2942\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Do carbohydrates cause allergies in dogs? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2942\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e388f1a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e388f1a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0dbd7c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0dbd7c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>While carbohydrates can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, they tend to be a less frequent cause of allergies compared to animal proteins.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2943\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2943\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can diabetic dogs eat carbohydrates? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2943\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6bae917 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6bae917\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-175bf45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"175bf45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Diabetic dogs aren&#8217;t necessarily restricted from carbohydrates entirely, but careful attention to both the quantity and quality is essential for keeping blood sugar stable. Low-carb diets are frequently suggested to avoid glucose spikes, though complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber can still have a place in a well-managed diabetic diet. Talk to your vet.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can dogs eat white bread or processed carbs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dogs can technically have small, occasional amounts of plain white bread or processed carbs without harm, but there&#8217;s really no good reason to make it a habit. These foods are essentially empty calories \\u2014 they provide nothing of nutritional benefit and, over time, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many carbs should a dog eat per day?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dogs don&#8217;t have a set daily carbohydrate requirement. Most kibble-based dog foods are made up of roughly 30\\u201360% carbohydrates, largely in the form of starch. 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Talk to your vet.\"}}]}<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca8fe18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ca8fe18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><strong>This post was reviewed and approved by a board-certified veterinarian.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><em>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Murphy, Colleen. 2017. \u201c10 Years Later: Examining the Pet Food Industry a Decade after the Widespread Melamine Contamination.\u201d Pet Age | Pet Age. Pet Age. October 24, 2017. https:\/\/www.petage.com\/10-years-later-examining-the-pet-food-industry-a-decade-after-the-widespread-melamine-contamination\/.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u200c\u201cPet Food Nutrient Calculator: Comparing Nutrient Levels between Two Pet Foods \u2013 Petfoodology.\u201d 2017. Tufts.edu. August 7, 2017. https:\/\/sites.tufts.edu\/petfoodology\/2017\/08\/07\/nutrient_converter\/.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u200c\u201cBeyond the Guaranteed Analysis: Comparing Pet Foods.\u201d 2013. Today\u2019s Veterinary Practice. 2013. https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/nutrition\/beyond-the-guaranteed-analysis-comparing-pet-foods\/.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u200c\u201cNutrition | Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.\u201d n.d. Vet.tufts.edu. https:\/\/vet.tufts.edu\/foster-hospital-small-animals\/specialty-services\/nutrition.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DR + Key TakeawaysThinking carbs are the enemy for dogs? Think again \u2014 here\u2019s a quick snapshot of what you\u2019ll learn: Dogs aren\u2019t strict carnivores. They\u2019re omnivores\u00a0and have evolved to digest starch better than wolves.\u00a0 High-quality carbohydrates can serve multiple roles: energy, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and digestive support.\u00a0 Risks are minimal in balanced diets; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":14288,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[280],"class_list":["post-12389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best carbs for dogs: Are they necessary?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what the best carbs for dogs are and how they support energy, digestion, and gut health. and how to read pet food labels to understand what your dog really eats.&quot;\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/carbohydrates-for-dogs-explained-by-experts\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best carbs for dogs: Are they necessary?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what the best carbs for dogs are and how they support energy, digestion, and gut health. and how to read pet food labels to understand what your dog really eats.&quot;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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