Carbohydrates, the main contributor for our dog’s zoomies, fetches, and play time. Carbs supply glucose, an important aspect of a dog’s diet since it is one of the few nutrients that crosses the blood-brain barrier; the only source of energy for the brain and red blood cells. Just because your dog is doing sprints in the living room, does not mean they’re losing their mind! When dogs have excess amounts of proteins and carbs, the body breaks them down further into simple sugars known as glucose. Because of this, carbohydrates are still not seen as an essential part of a dog’s diet, meaning they can live without them. With that being said, carbohydrates are given in the correct amount and the right source benefits the dog’s overall health.
Digestion and Benefits of Carbohydrates
Unlike humans, canine digestion begins in the small intestines. Amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, is present in the small intestines instead of the mouth. As a result, glucose gets absorbed directly into the blood. Thyroid function depends on having the proper amount of carbohydrates in a dog’s diet. This is because carbs supply Vitamin B which is necessary for protein amino acids and T3 to produce. Carbohydrates also increase the fiber intake improving the stool and GI tract. Several factors that can impact your dog’s ability to digest carbohydrates.
- Age-related changes in enzyme activities. (Carbohydrate digestibility decreases with age in otherwise healthy dogs.)
- Inherent specific differences in metabolic pathways. (Small dogs → Shorter digestive tracts → more absorption of nutrients)
- Lactase activity is highest in puppies and decreases with age. (Enzymes that digest lactose into glucose)
- Starch digestibility is affected by the source and type of carbohydrate present as well as the degree of processing of the carbohydrate. (Simple vs Complex)
- If the bacteria levels are unbalanced then the dog only has enzymes and organs to process this nutrient and problems can be observed.
- The presence of bacteria along with amylase helps a dog appropriate carbohydrates into the body.
- Fiber, as previously mentioned, does, however, benefit a dog’s body by keeping the digestive processes in working order in two ways:
- Soluble/fermentable fiber, found in many whole grains, is a nutrient that supplies “good” gut bacteria which, in turn, produce free-fatty acids to feed the dog’s colon cells and keep his digestive system healthy.
- Diets with the wrong source or amount of high-quality carbohydrates do not provide the dog with the prebiotics needed to feed probiotics which keep the microbiome of the gut diverse, rich and even.
- If there are no prebiotics available then certain bacterial strains do not exist in the digestive tract which could lead to unbalanced good and bad bacteria in the dog.
Types of Carbohydrates
There are several different types of carbohydrates: Absorbable, Digestible, Fermentable, and Non-Fermentable. On top of different types of carbohydrates, there are simple and complex carbs. Types of carbohydrates are located below, along with some examples.
| TYPE: | Absorbable Quick energy source | Digestible | Fermentable | Non-FermentableStrictly a source of fiber |
| -Helps digest and metabolize their food, as well as supply energy to various systems of the body. – Rapid effect on blood sugar levels: too many absorbable carbs in diet can result in unused energy that needs to be stored Cons: Excessive sugars lead to digestive issues Unnecessary weight gain. | -Significant impact on blood sugar if overfed- Enzymes in the small intestine are needed to break down starches into an absorbable format Cons: Takes longer to digest | -Used by the bacteria In dogs intestines as a food source Prebiotics-Ferment during digestion-Produce sugars that are then used to feed existing bacteria in gut | -Fiber does not break down sugars or energy, instead it acts as a digestion regulator. -Fiber is important to healthy digestion -Two types of non-fermentable fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber attracts water, slows digestion, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Found in foods like oatmeal and berries Insoluble fiber adds book and speeds movement through the digestive system. | |
| Examples: | Sugar, Honey Molasses, Caramel, Beef Pulp | Starches, Sweet Potatoes, Rice, Wheat, Corn | Alfalfa, Chicory Root | Insoluble: Brown rice, PumpkinSoluble: Pumpkin. |
Simple vs Complex Carbohydrates
As if things couldn’t get more confusing there are different types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. It’s important to understand the difference is that it has a huge impact on the value and nutrients that carb supplies. Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, have less value in a canine diet than complex carbs due. Simple carbs offer more energy than actual nutritional value; typically seen as glucose or fructose. Commonly used simple carbs are sugar, honey, and fruits. Complex carbohydrates are made from multiple sugar complexes, take longer to digest and supply sugar into the blood at a slower rate. Complex carbs also may contain more fiber and nutrients which makes them more nutritious to dogs; examples of complex carbs are vegetables, starches, and beans. We at wise woofs always recommended complex carbs over simple carbs.
Health Issues
Because dogs digest in the small intestine, carbohydrates have a large effect on blood glucose levels. Over-feeding carbohydrates, or feeding the incorrect type of carbohydrates can affect the overall health of our dogs leading to weight issues or even diabetes.
https://www.mypetnutritionist.com/post/do-dogs-need-carbohydrates
