"Dogs do not require any carbohydrates whatsoever in their diet."

"Dogs do not require any carbohydrates whatsoever in their diet.

Studies of beagle pups fed carbohydrate-free diets all exhibited normal blood glucose concentrations, growth rates and weight gain over time. Despite this, the pet food industry is now feeding them 50% carbohydrates every meal of their lives."(1)

Dogs have a biological need for certain nutrients, but carbohydrates are not among them. Unlike humans, dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of meat.

Dogs can thrive on a diet that's high in protein and fat, mimicking the macronutrient composition of their natural prey as consumed by their wild ancestors who still thrive on such a diet today.

Look at the back of the packaging of your dog's processed food. Carbohydrates are hiding in there as wheat, millet, rice, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, and maize (corn).

Why does my dog's food have carbohydrates in it?

Firstly, the machinery used in producing dry kibble relies on an adequate amount of carbohydrates to ensure the dough's consistency is suitable for expansion.
Secondly, dog food formulations often prioritize providing sufficient energy, measured in calories, and carbohydrates serve as the most cost-effective calorie source. Excessive carbohydrate content can indicate lower-quality food.

Additionally, manufacturers favor dry food production due to its profitability. This choice reduces ingredient costs and also minimizes expenses related to packaging, transportation, and storage. In other words, £££££.
Moreover, in both dry and canned dog foods, carbohydrates play a crucial role in enhancing taste and texture. Ingredients such as glutens, gums, and proteoglycans (proteins coated with sugars) contribute to the formation and cohesion of nuggets, cuts, and chunks.

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

"Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is most liekly explained by poor diet [...] it is likely caused by a diet high in carbohydrates. It causes your body to run on sugar, using the glycolytic energy system and not the fatty-acid oxidation system. The result is the more carbohydrates that are consumed, the more fatty acids build up in the blood."(2)

"Tumors are carbohydrate junkies. They use glucose 10-20 times more than normal cells."(3)

For more information, scientific research and evidence, we implore you to read the 65 page chapter dedicated exclusively to "Carbohydrates" and their effects on dogs in Dr. Conor Brady's canine nutrition bible "FEEDING DOGS'.

Please also refer to the summary article "Why a 50% carbohydrate diet gives dogs cancer" by world esteemed canine nutritionist, Dr. Conor Brady.

(1)(2)(3) Brady, Dr. Conor, "Feeding Dogs", Carbohydrates, p. 65.

While K9 Anytime are not currently veterinary medical nutritionists, we collate and reference a wealth of scientific studies and world experts in the field of canine nutrition from our own extensive research, reading and resources to compile compelling information for your dog's benefit.