Last Updated on October 9, 2021 by Woody Pet

Dogs, as very energetic species, require various kinds of nutrients namely proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates, minerals, and water. In this article, we’ll discuss what carbohydrates does for your dog, if they need them, and what products are best for their diet!

5 Best Low Carb Dog Food: What You Need to Know About Carbs

As most dog parents already know, dogs require a particular amount of energy in order for them to do their normal routines and activities every day. Other circumstances they may be in such as pregnancy, growth, and exercise can increase the amount of energy required for your dog. This energy is measured generally in calories, which comes from three major dietary sources: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. 

Most commercial dog foods contain carbohydrates such as lactose, sucrose, starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Now, what the heck does this all mean? These varieties of carbohydrate sources can be eaten and digested by dogs into the simple sugar, glucose, which is very efficiently absorbed across the intestinal tract. Physiologically, glucose is an essential energy source and a supplier of carbon skeletons for biosynthesis for other compounds in your dog. 

Of course, there are reasons why there are dog foods categorized as low carb. One of which is that if these glucose levels get higher than what is necessary, serious illnesses and complications may arise that may even lead to death. Your dog’s system can only process and hold a limited amount of glucose so the rest of the glucose will be stored as fat. As more sugar is consumed, these fats will gradually grow and your dog will be much more susceptible to becoming fatter. If this is not regulated, this leads to obesity and other unhealthy effects too. 

Do dogs need carbs in their diet?

First of all, dietary carbs are not an essential part of the dog’s diet. However, in terms of feed processing and supplying an efficient and cost-effective dietary energy source, carbohydrates such as starch are very important. Carbohydrates are one of the most important dietary factors in dog food supplying energy as well as the physical characteristics allowing for effective processing-manufacturing. What matters essentially is the amount of carbs that the dog food contains. 

Many dog parents are adamant in buying dog food that is high in carbohydrates which is understandable and justified. Much research and studies have already shown that too much carbohydrate consumption leads to obesity, which is the most common nutritional disorder of dogs in the United States.

5 Best Low Carb Dog Food in the Market

EVO Grain Free Red Meat Formula

This formula contains natural ingredients that deliver visible benefits you will definitely notice on your dog. Not only that, but many dog parents believe that this low carb dog food is reasonably priced for the quality that it delivers. Expect your dog to get a healthy, shiny coat and loads of energy throughout the day. 

ACANA Appalachian Ranch Regional Formula

ACANA Regional Formula is nutrient-dense and high in protein, nourishing your dog completely with whole ranch-raised beef, Yorkshire pork, grass-fed lamb, ranch-raised bison, and freshwater catfish. This formula also uses meat, organs, cartilage, and bone which help naturally deliver the nutrients to your dog. It’s also grain-free with no gluten, potato, or tapioca. 

The Honest Kitchen Force Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

This dog food is formulated with free-range chicken and dehydrated for easier digestibility and to lock in the necessary nutrients. There is also a balanced level of calories and carbohydrates, which makes it the perfect maintenance diet for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes that not even the picky eaters can resist. Rest assured that this formula is made with no by-products, preservatives, or GMO ingredients. 

Orijen Regional Red Kibble

This kibble provides a diet that is rich and varied in fresh, whole animal ingredients from ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, grass-fed lamb, Yorkshire pork, and wild-caught mackerel. It helps nourish dogs according to their natural, biological needs through 85% quality animal ingredients. It’s your next biologically appropriate, grain-free diet that dogs will love to eat especially with its fresh and raw animal ingredients. 

Primal Pet Foods – Canine Lamb Formula

This formula includes ingredients that help with your dog’s nutritional needs. It includes fresh lamb for optimal levels of amino and essential fatty acids; finely ground and fresh lamb bones for superior levels of calcium; organic produce for vitamins A, B-complex, C and D; cold-water salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids; unrefined nutritional supplements for digestion and circulation; and organic coconut oil for essential saturated fatty acids. 

Tips on How to Choose Dog Food

1. Pay attention to how your dog reacts to their diet. This includes effects on their skin, coat, eyes, stool, energy, behavior, bloodwork, and resurgence of vomiting. 
2. Although carbohydrates are not necessary for a dog’s diet unlike other nutritional needs, it is important to educate yourself as to why you would be removing carbohydrates from your dog’s diet. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the diet that will suit your dog best. 
3. If your dog’s diet requires carbohydrates, make sure to choose high-quality sources some of which include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. 
4. If you do make changes to your dog’s diet, always document the changes that may arise in order to adjust their food accordingly. 

Always be educated about your dog’s diet and what they need. One change to their lifestyle can add more years to your fur baby’s life! If your dog needs it, here are the five best low carb dog food!