When Toby first came into my life, I didn’t think much about carbs. I’d scoop his kibble, pour it in the bowl, and watch him eat. But one day, a friend casually mentioned, “You know most of that bag might just be carbs, right?”
That comment stuck. Were these carbs helping Toby—or just taking up space in his diet?
Why Are Carbs in Dog Food at All?
Here’s the thing: dogs don’t have a biological requirement for carbohydrates like they do for protein and fat.
But carbs aren’t automatically bad. They can:
- Provide energy
- Aid digestion with fiber
- Make kibble easier to store and shape
- Help keep costs down
The problem is quality.
Carbs from pumpkin, sweet potato, and brown rice? Great.
Carbs from corn starch, cheap fillers, or mystery grain byproducts? Not so much.
If you’ve been learning about the other two macronutrients—Healthy Fats for Dogs and Crude Fat in Dog Food—you already know that source matters more than percentage.
When Carbs Can Be Beneficial
I’ve seen carbs work wonders for certain dogs, including Toby, when chosen carefully:
- Pumpkin for digestive health
- Oats for slow-release energy
- Sweet potatoes for vitamins and fiber
- Brown rice for gentle, digestible carbs during recovery
These options can balance a high-protein diet or a higher-fat plan by providing steady energy without overloading the system.
When Carbs Become Empty Fillers
Unfortunately, some pet food companies use carbs purely to bulk up the bag. These “empty” carbs:
- Spike blood sugar
- Contribute to weight gain
- Offer little to no nutritional value
Watch out for:
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat middlings
- Modified starches
- Unspecified grain byproducts
If these appear in the top 3–5 ingredients, that’s a sign your dog’s food might be more filler than fuel.
My Balanced Approach With Toby
Toby thrives when his meals are mostly high-quality protein and healthy fats, with just enough carbs for digestion and energy. I’ll often mix lean turkey or salmon with a small portion of sweet potato and a drizzle of fish oil.
It’s a formula that’s worked for him for years—and it’s easy enough for any dog parent to try.
FAQ – Should I cut carbs from my dog’s diet completely?
Not unless your vet says so. While dogs can survive without carbs, high-quality sources can improve digestion, add flavor, and help maintain steady energy.
Final Thought
Carbs aren’t the villain they’re made out to be.
But they’re not the hero, either.
When they come from whole, nutritious sources, they can be a valuable sidekick to a diet rich in protein and healthy fats.
One bowl at a time—we can choose ingredients that love our dogs back.