The Scoop on Low-Carbohydrate Dog Food: Why It Matters

Ever wonder if your dog's food is really good for them? Just like us, what dogs eat affects their health big time. Let's talk about why low-carb food is great for your furry friend.

Food and Your Dog's Health

The food we eat changes how healthy we are. It's the same for dogs! Their bodies work a lot like ours, so what we know about human food often applies to dogs too.

The Carb Question

When picking dog food, ask yourself: How many carbohydrates is my dog getting? (Carbohydrates are the sugary and starchy parts of food.)

Here's a surprise: Most dog food labels don't tell you how many carbs are in the food. We looked into it and found that many dog foods have 45% to 76% carbs. That's a lot!

Why Too Many Carbs Can Be Bad

Dogs' bodies aren't made to handle lots of carbohydrates. Eating too many can cause:

1. More inflammation (swelling) in their body
2. Higher blood sugar levels
3. Greater risk of health problems like cancer and diabetes

Checking Your Dog's Health

Want to know if your dog's food is working for them? Try these:

1. Ask your vet for a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test. This blood test shows how much inflammation is in your dog's body. High levels might mean your dog's diet needs adjusting.
2. Check your dog's blood glucose (sugar) levels. Your vet can do this, or you can learn to do it at home with a blood glucose meter (we recommend the Precision Xtra meter from Abbot Labs.) This small device measures the amount of sugar in your dog's blood from a tiny prick. Regular high readings could indicate your dog's diet has too many carbohydrates.

Why Low-Carbohydrate Food is Good for Dogs

Cutting down on carbohydrates in your dog's food can help them live longer and stay healthier. It might stop many health problems before they start.

Making Low-Carbohydrate Dog Food

Want to try low-carb food for your dog? Check out our easy-to-use Diet Calculator at https://www.ketopetsanctuary.com/pages/keto-diet-calculator. It helps you make a special low-carb meal plan just for your dog.

Remember, every dog is different. What's good for one might not be right for another. Always talk to your vet before changing your dog's food in a big way.

Authors Bio

Paul Raybould is the Co-Founder and CEO of KetoPet and Visionary Pet Foods. Paul is an experienced dog dad and a passionate advocate for dogs everywhere. He has a deep understanding of dogs' dietary needs and the importance of providing them with the best nutrition possible. When not working helping dogs everywhere have a long, healthy life, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife Susan and two rescue standard poodles, Freya and Coconut.

Disclaimer

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns about your dog, please consult a qualified veterinarian.