From: Lisa Walther
Checked: Carla Steffen
Here you can find out:
Carbohydrates are a non-essential but nevertheless excellent source of energy for dogs. Carbohydrates are a source of energy, they are rich in starch (60-80%), low in protein (approx. 7-12 %) and calcium, sometimes also low in crude fiber (depending on the husk or shell content). They consist of many sugar molecules chained together, which are divided into single, double or multiple sugars depending on their size. Simple sugars include glucose, for example, while complex carbohydrates include starch.
The starch contained in cereals cannot usually be directly utilized by dogs. Therefore, pasta, rice & etc. should be processed before feeding, otherwise diarrhea may occur. Cooking cereals is a suitable method for breaking down starch. Please make sure that the types used are very softly cooked, al dente pasta is not suitable for dogs. It is best to plan a 10-minute longer cooking time than for yourself.
Another option is to use cereal flakes. This uses heat and pressure to improve starch digestibility. You can soak the flakes in about 3 times the amount of warm water. Oat flakes can also be fed without further treatment.
Are carbohydrates useful 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 cannot be utilized by dogs because of their wolf ancestry. However, this claim is not true. Although it is true that wolves did not originally eat grain, our domestic dog has adapted to humans over several thousand years, both in terms of its behavior and its eating habits. They are now very capable of utilizing grain.
Carbohydrate-rich dog food is particularly recommended for active dogs, during pregnancy (energy supply for puppies via glucose) and during the suckling phase (lactate in the milk). However, adult dogs also benefit from carbohydrates, as this energy source also benefits the intestinal flora. In addition, certain diseases require a reduction in protein with increased carbohydrate intake, such as a kidney diet.
Which carbohydrate sources are suitable for dogs?
Potatoes are currently frequently used in dog nutrition. With potatoes, you should cut out sprouts and green parts. They should always be sufficiently cooked, 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 pour away the cooking water. In addition to potatoes, you can also feed peeled and cooked sweet potatoes.
Of course, the carbohydrate sources most commonly used by humans are also suitable for dogs: Rice and pasta. Rice is often used for gastrointestinal problems as it is easy to digest and therefore well tolerated. The same applies to these carbohydrates: cook for a sufficient amount of time so that your dog doesn't get diarrhea.
Other healthy carbohydrates are millet, tapioca, oatmeal and quinoa. Barley or amaranth are also good sources of carbohydrates. Just try out what your dog likes best.
Many dog owners are afraid of gluten, the gluten protein in cereals. They think that dogs are sensitive to it. However, this is rarely the case. Nevertheless, there are some dogs that develop gluten intolerance, with the Irish Setter being the most common. If you still want to avoid gluten in grains, the following carbohydrates are suitable: rice, millet, maize, amaranth, quinoa, (sweet) potatoes. If you are looking for a complete food, our gluten-free dog food may be just right for you and your furry friend!
A When feeding carbohydrates, the following also applies: Only feed your wet or dry food in small quantities so that the nutrient ratio does not get mixed up. If you are cooking yourself, it is advisable to have your vet calculate a ration with 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 more information about 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. The carbohydrates serve as a source of energy and support the intestinal flora.
The energy requirements of dogs can vary greatly. Among other things, athletically active animals and pregnant and lactating bitches need more energy. They should therefore also be given a more energy-rich diet 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
