Carbohydrates Vs. Vegetables in Homemade Dog Food

Wanted: Good Energy Source

• Duke has a busy day ahead of him and needs energy to mark off all the items on his to-do list. Unlike nutrients such as protein and fat, there is no minimum dietary requirement for carbohydrates for dogs. Opinions differ whether carbohydrates are necessary at all for dogs, but the Merck Veterinary Manual for Veterinary Professionals notes if a dog uses dietary protein to fill his energy needs, his amino acids will be channeled away from their normal jobs, such as building muscle. Of the six classes of nutrients -- water, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates -- only carbohydrates, protein and fat can provide Duke energy.

Starchy Carbohydrates

• The National Research Council lists protein and fat as the two most significant nutrients in a dog's diet. Though there aren't requirements for carbohydrates in dog food, they can comprise a significant portion of commercial pet food as an inexpensive protein source. According to Dr. Karen Becker of Healthy Pets, starchy grains and vegetables break down into sugar, potentially contributing to food allergies, diabetes or weight gain if a dog eats a carb-heavy commercial diet. She notes feeding a balanced homemade diet can help avoid such potential health problems. If you're cooking for Duke and want to minimize the amount of starch he eats, avoid parsnips, acorn and butternut squash, potatoes and green peas, as well as white rice and corn.

Vegetables Mean Carbohydrates

• Most people know it's good to eat their veggies, and it certainly won't hurt Duke if he indulges in a few vegetables. While a vegetarian diet is a definite no-no for cats, who are obligate carnivores, it's possible -- but extremely difficult -- to feed Duke a nutritionally complete vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet requires supplements to ensure your dog gets sufficient amino acids. Keep in mind that if you include any vegetables in your pup's homemade dog food, he'll get at least a few carbs. However, carbs from veggies are preferable to grain-based carbs because they convert to simple sugars -- such as glucose -- slower and decrease insulin level.

Balancing Vegetables and Carbohydrates

• If you're preparing Duke's supper yourself, you know he needs a balanced diet including a high-value protein source, such as some sort of meat or eggs, and a fat source, such as fish oil. Vegetables can do double-duty, providing him with a source for phytochemicals and healthy carbohydrates. He can eat a grain-based carbohydrate, such as oats, brown rice or barley, or enjoy sweet potato in his meal because they're helpful in meeting his fiber needs. If you want to limit his vegetables to those low in carbohydrates, the American Diabetes Association includes beans, broccoli, greens, carrots, zucchini and turnips in its list of low starch veggies. Check with an animal nutritionist or vet to confirm Duke's specific diet is meeting his unique requirements and that your chosen ingredients are safe.