Carbohydrates?

[Mlaperformancedogs]

I have done a lot of research on food. But one question I have is, are carbs bad for dogs. A flyball teamate of mine keeps saying to the other teammates that carbs are bad. I never thought they were that they were essential, in moderation. Also she says that protein is best when in fact I tell her too much protein is not good. What do you all think?

[rannmiller]

oh boy, a can of worms has just been opened!

I would say that carbs are pretty much useless to a dog since their bodies aren't designed to digest them, so pretty much all carbs do is make your dog fatter and their poop larger.

All dogs need to survive and thrive is a good diet of mostly meat, some bone, and some organ.

[RawFedDogs]

I have done a lot of research on food. But one question I have is, are carbs bad for dogs. A flyball teamate of mine keeps saying to the other teammates that carbs are bad. I never thought they were that they were essential, in moderation. Also she says that protein is best when in fact I tell her too much protein is not good. What do you all think?

Dogs have no need for carbs. As carnivores, they utilize fat the same way we utilize carbs. Check around. You won't find any minimum requirement listed for carbs for dogs.

[Mlaperformancedogs]

Thanks, didn't mean to open a can of worms. :) but it makes much more sense now the way they digest it. I didn't even think of I that way. I appreciate your responses.

[rannmiller]

Haha it wasn't quite the can of worms we normally get over such questions. Maybe tomorrow when the kibble feeders are up and about they can comment further. But as RFD said, they utilize fat like we utilize carbs because, alas, dogs are not humans after all

Thanks for asking though, we're always happy to help.

[SuZQuzie]

Dogs have no need for carbs. As carnivores, they utilize fat the same way we utilize carbs. Check around. You won't find any minimum requirement listed for carbs for dogs.

Incorrect. They use protein similarly to how we use CHOs.

A few studies now have shown that dogs fed a no-lipid diet only showed vitamin E deficiency during the period of the one experiment and Vitamin A and E deficiencies in another one.

ETA: If it was true that dogs utilized lipids similarly to how we use CHOs, then why is the minimum requirement of fat only 5% and protein is 22%?

[rannmiller]

Incorrect.
ETA: If it was true that dogs utilized lipids similarly to how we use CHOs, then why is the minimum requirement of fat only 5% and protein is 22%?

Because the minimum requirements are set by people who think dogs are omnivores?

[RawFedDogs]

Incorrect. They use protein similarly to how we use CHOs.

Nope, what I said is correct. Protein is used to build muscle and fat is used for energy. We use carbs for energy.

A few studies now have shown that dogs fed a no-lipid diet only showed vitamin E deficiency during the period of the one experiment and Vitamin A and E deficiencies in another one.

Don't know how that could happen. Vit A is found abunduntly in eggs and organ meat like liver and heart. Vit E is found in various organs.

ETA: If it was true that dogs utilized lipids similarly to how we use CHOs, then why is the minimum requirement of fat only 5% and protein is 22%?

Cause thats all they need. You are talking "MINIMUM", not "RECOMENDED". So far you haven't answered the question about what is the minimum requirement for carbs.

[SuZQuzie]

Nope, what I said is correct. Protein is used to build muscle and fat is used for energy. We use carbs for energy.

Is fat energy? Yes. Is it their main source of energy? No.

Don't know how that could happen. Vit A is found abunduntly in eggs and organ meat like liver and heart. Vit E is found in various organs.

What in the world are you talking about? I mention a no-lipid diet and you tout off vitamin sources?

Cause thats all they need. You are talking "MINIMUM", not "RECOMENDED". So far you haven't answered the question about what is the minimum requirement for carbs.

It was never asked of me. There is no minimum requirement for CHOs.

[SuZQuzie]

Because the minimum requirements are set by people who think dogs are omnivores?

What do protein and lipid requirements have to do with dogs being or not being omnivores?