Does My Dog Need Carbs
Kibble Dog Foods are often more than 40% carbohydrates. Some as much as 60% An all too often homemade foods include about 50% carbs!
Technically, No. Your dog could go his whole life eating nothing animal based ingredients and be healthy. Many hard core BARF and Prey Model RAW Feeders do not believe in grains or carbs of any kind.
It’s true Volhard NDF2 and Am/PM are not grain free. This can be an good choice for those worried about the grain-free hearth health issues reported a couple of years ago — even though it’s been documented by the FDA as showing no relationship to DCM. (See Interview on my Podcast)
All carbs are not created equal. The big question is does your dog need them or even can they use them nutritionally?
Foods high in carbohydrates are not a good option -- for you or the dog. Ideally, carbs for dogs should be well below 20%. Most kibble diets average >40%. Especially carbohydrates that are just starch. But there are some benefits to having nutritional grains in the diet.
It's argued that dogs are carnivores and therefore do not need any plant matter. Good Carbs become sugar or usable energy.
Carbs provide glucose. Energy. Glucose can cross the blood brain barrier and contribute to behavior -- stable glucose is a key benefit to behavior stability.
Carbs support healthy brain development. in puppies Good fiber is needed for proper stool formation and digestive care.
Low carbs and Keto may contribute to a lower thyroid function. Thyroid glands need Phenylalanine and Tyrosine to form T3. T3 is one element needed for normal thyroid function.
So in addition to good veggies, let's look at a few grains that may be nutrient rich and beneficial for your dog, in the proper amounts.
Oats: Calms the nervous system. Support the reproductive system. Support, spleen, pancreas, immune system and heart muscle. High in silicon for bone strength. Acidic and non-allergenic.
Buckwheat is an alkaline seed not a grain. Cleanses intestine. Increases appetite. Bioflavinoid. Strenthens capillaries and blood vessels. Support memory health.
Wheat germ: High in Vitamin B, E, Calcium, Phosphate and trace minerals.
Wheat bran -- helps remove cholesterol, remove toxins from blood, cleanse large intestine, helps form stool.
Grains contribute to the feeding of prebiotics which will help the diversity of gut microbiome.
Volhard oats are certified to be glyphosate free and non-GMO.
Be sure to review The Well Fed K9 For more information: https://www.k9coach.dog/wellfedk9