Have you read The Whole Dog Journal (October 2010) article "Carbs Contribute the Bulk of Your Dog's Kibble (Even Many Grain-Free Foods) - Do dogs need them? How much is enough? How much is too much? (1)" It explains carbohydrates, role of carbs in dog foods and grain-free dog foods. Grain-free is the new buzz word and how it is being marketed drives me crazy because the messages are often misleading.
My starting point: "Carbohydrates can be either simple or complex. Carbohydrates with a simple molecular structure are quickly assimilated and cause a rapid fluctuation in blood sugar; they are primarily found in fruits and sweeteners. Because complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, they help stabilize blood sugar; thus they help prevent hypoglycemia and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are found abundantly in vegetables, whole grains, and beans and legumes. (2)"
I learned more about good and bad carbs from the Glycemic Index website (in the context of human foods): "The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health."
My starting point: "Carbohydrates can be either simple or complex. Carbohydrates with a simple molecular structure are quickly assimilated and cause a rapid fluctuation in blood sugar; they are primarily found in fruits and sweeteners. Because complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, they help stabilize blood sugar; thus they help prevent hypoglycemia and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are found abundantly in vegetables, whole grains, and beans and legumes. (2)"
I learned more about good and bad carbs from the Glycemic Index website (in the context of human foods): "The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health."
I used this information to look up the GI (3) for certain foods (which we also see in grain-free dog foods): chickpeas (garbanzo beans), sweet potatoes, tapioca and potatoes.
Chickpeas, boiled
GI (vs Glucose) : 36
Serve Size : 150g
Carb per Serve (g) : 30
Sweet potato, boiled
GI (vs Glucose) : 44
Serve Size : 150g
Carb per Serve (g) : 25
Taro, peeled, boiled
GI (vs Glucose) : 54
Serve Size : 150
Carb per Serve (g) : 8
Tapioca, boiled
GI (vs Glucose) : 93
Serve Size : 250g
Carb per Serve (g) : 18
Potato, white without skin, baked
GI (vs Glucose) : 98
Serve Size : 150g
Carb per Serve (g) : 27
Bottom Line: I read in many books and websites that dogs have no nutritional requirements for carbohydrates in their diet. At the same time, some form of carbohydrates are in all types dog foods and dog treats, too! The best thing happening right now is that we have choices! Pet food companies use different types of carbohydrates and we ultimately choose the best carbohydrate source for our dogs. In Part 2, I hope to take a closer look at percentages of carbohydrates in dog food (with help from dogzoomies). I also read there is no magic number for it but just for fun, let's see what is going on out there!
Resources:
(1)"Carbs Contribute the Bulk of Your Dog's Kibble (Even Many Grain-Free Foods) - Do dogs need them? How much is enough? How much is too much?" The Whole Dog Journal (October 2010)
(2) The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Resource for Healthy Eating by Rebecca Wood
(3) Glycemic Index - The Glycemic Index Database
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