When it comes to feeding your dog, protein and fat usually take the spotlight, but what about carbohydrates? Are they helpful, harmful, or just unnecessary? In this guide, we’ll explore the best carbohydrates for dogs, when they’re beneficial, and how to choose dog-friendly carbs that support energy, digestion, and overall health.
Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates in Their Diet?
Many pet parents have heard that dogs don’t need carbohydrates, but the truth is more nuanced.
Dogs are omnivores, not strict carnivores like cats. While they can survive on protein and fat alone, dogs have evolved alongside humans and developed the ability to digest carbohydrates efficiently. They produce pancreatic amylase, an enzyme that helps break down starches in the digestive tract.
That said, dogs don’t require large amounts of carbohydrates to thrive. In fact, studies show that when dogs are given the freedom to choose their macronutrient intake they naturally gravitate toward diets high in fat and protein, with relatively little carbohydrate. Still, many dogs can benefit from moderate amounts of well-cooked, nutrient-dense carbohydrates, especially when it comes to energy, digestion, and overall health.
When included in the right form and quantity, whole-food carbohydrates offer:
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A readily available source of energy
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Fiber to support digestion and healthy gut bacteria
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Help balancing blood sugar
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Improved stool quality and regularity
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Phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like B-complex
Far from being empty fillers, carbs like pumpkin, oats, and sweet potatoes can play a valuable role in a dog’s diet, especially when they’re cooked and introduced gradually.
What Are The Best Carbohydrate for Dogs
The best carbohydrates for dogs are those that provide energy, fiber, and essential nutrients while being easy to digest and low on the glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index scale typically classifies foods into three categories:
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Low GI: 55 or less
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Medium GI: 56–69
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High GI: 70 or more
So, any food with a GI of 70 or above is considered high glycemic.
While the glycemic index (GI) shows how quickly a food can raise blood sugar, it doesn’t consider how much of that food is typically eaten. That’s where glycemic load (GL) becomes helpful. GL takes into account both the GI and the amount of carbohydrates in a standard serving, giving a more accurate picture of how a food might affect blood sugar overall. For example, pumpkin has a high GI but contains so few carbs per serving that its glycemic load is low, meaning it’s unlikely to cause a significant blood sugar spike when fed in moderation.
For dogs with diabetes, weight issues, or metabolic concerns, paying attention to glycemic load may be more useful than looking at GI alone. Generally, a GL of 10 or below is low, 11–19 is moderate, and 20 or above is high. Choosing carbs with a low glycemic load can help support more stable energy and healthier blood sugar levels.
Here’s a breakdown of some excellent carbohydrate options for dogs:
1. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and complex carbohydrates. They’re gentle on digestion and provide a slow, steady release of energy, especially when boiled, which gives them a moderate glycemic index (GI) of around 63.
However, cooking methods affect their GI significantly; baked sweet potatoes can have a much higher GI, reaching up to 94, which may lead to quicker blood sugar spikes. To support more stable energy, boiling or steaming is often the better option. Always serve sweet potatoes cooked, and avoid feeding them raw, as they can be tough to digest.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a superstar carbohydrate for dogs, especially when it comes to digestive health. It’s high in fiber and vitamin A, and it can help regulate bowel movements, whether your dog is dealing with diarrhea or constipation. Use plain canned pumpkin (without spices or sweeteners) or freshly cooked pumpkin cubes as a meal topper or digestive aid.
Although boiled pumpkin has a relatively high glycemic index (around 65-75), it also has a low glycemic load, which means it’s unlikely to significantly impact blood sugar when fed in small amounts. Still, for dogs with diabetes or other blood sugar sensitivities, it’s best to feed pumpkin in moderation and observe how your dog responds. Always stick to plain, unsweetened varieties.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense seed that’s often treated as a grain. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with essential amino acids, making it a great option for dogs with grain sensitivities. It also has a moderate glycemic index of around 35, meaning it provides a steady release of energy without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar. Cook quinoa thoroughly before serving, and introduce it gradually to ensure your dog tolerates it well.
4. Brown or White Rice
Rice is a commonly used carbohydrate in dog diets, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or recovering from illness. White rice is easier to digest and is often preferred for short-term feeding due to its low fiber content. Brown rice offers more nutrients and fiber, but it also retains more arsenic, which is concentrated in the outer layers of the grain.
However, both white and brown rice have a high glycemic index, meaning they might cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. This is especially important to consider for dogs with diabetes, obesity, or inflammatory conditions, where blood sugar regulation is crucial.
For this reason, moderation is key, especially for dogs on high-rice diets. Always cook rice thoroughly to improve digestibility and reduce any potential contaminants. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure rice fits appropriately into your dog’s diet.
5. Oats
Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help support digestion and promote more stable blood sugar levels. They’re also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like manganese and selenium. The glycemic index (GI) of oats can vary depending on how they’re processed: steel-cut oats have a lower GI (around 52-58), rolled oats fall in the moderate range (around 55–58), while instant oats can have a high GI (up to 82), which may lead to quicker blood sugar spikes.
For dogs, it’s best to use plain, unsweetened oats and cook them with water before serving. Avoid flavored or instant oatmeal, as they often contain added sugars or artificial ingredients that aren’t suitable for pets.
6. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is another excellent carbohydrate option, providing fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. It’s gentle on the stomach and can add a touch of natural sweetness to your dog’s meals. Cooked butternut squash has a moderate glycemic index, around 51–64, depending on how it’s prepared, meaning it may cause a mild to moderate rise in blood sugar. To keep it as gentle as possible, serve it cooked, steamed, baked, or boiled, and always remove the seeds and skin before feeding.
7. Beans and Lentils
Beans (like kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas) and lentils are considered "slow carbs" because their high fiber content prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar. They’re also a good source of plant-based protein. However, they should be cooked thoroughly and fed in moderation to avoid gas or digestive upset. Avoid canned beans with added salt or seasonings.
8. Millet and Barley
Both millet and barley are low-glycemic grains that provide steady energy and are easy to digest. Millet is gluten-free, making it a good option for dogs with sensitivities. Barley, while not gluten-free, is high in fiber and can support digestive health. Cook these grains thoroughly before feeding.
Key Considerations
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Balance is Key: Carbohydrates should make up about only 1/3 of your dog’s diet, alongside protein and fat, depending on their activity level and health needs. For highly active dogs, you might increase carbs slightly, while dogs with weight issues or diabetes may need fewer carbs
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Cook Thoroughly: Always cook carbohydrates to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.
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Introduce Gradually: If your dog isn’t used to eating certain carbs, introduce them slowly to avoid digestive upset.
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Avoid High-Glycemic Options for Certain Dogs: Dogs with diabetes, obesity, or chronic inflammation may benefit from low-glycemic carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, or beans over high-glycemic options like white rice or potatoes
Why Cooking Carbohydrates Matters
When it comes to feeding dogs carbohydrates, cooking makes a big difference in how easily they can digest and absorb nutrients. Raw carbs, especially starchy ones like sweet potatoes, squash, and beans, are difficult for dogs to break down. Cooking helps by:
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Breaking down starches into more digestible forms
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Reducing anti-nutrients (like lectins and phytic acid) that can interfere with mineral absorption
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Softening fibers, making the food gentler on your dog’s digestive system
For example, raw sweet potatoes can be tough to digest, and uncooked beans may contain compounds that are toxic to dogs. That’s why it’s important to always steam, boil, or bake carb-rich foods before feeding them to your pup.
Best practices for preparing carbs at home:
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Cook thoroughly without added salt, oil, or spices
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Let foods cool to a safe temperature before serving
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Mash or chop into small pieces for easier mixing with meals
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Start with small amounts and watch your dog’s response
Cooking not only improves safety, it also makes carbohydrates more nutritionally useful for your dog.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Carbs for Your Dog
Carbohydrates may not be essential in large amounts, but they can offer real benefits when thoughtfully selected and properly prepared. Whether you're looking to support your dog’s digestion, balance energy levels, or simply round out a home-cooked diet, whole-food carbohydrates like pumpkin, oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes can be a smart addition.
The key is balance, preparation, and observation, not all carbs are equal, and every dog is different. Focus on nutrient-dense, low-glycemic options that match your dog’s health needs, and cook them thoroughly to support easy digestion and nutrient absorption.
Ready to Feed Carbs the Right Way? Here's What to Explore Next:
✅ The Original CrockPET Diet™ Recipe – A whole-food, vet-formulated meal plan that integrates healthy carbohydrates into a balanced, home-cooked diet tailored to your pet’s needs.
✅ Book a consultation with a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach – Get personalized guidance on how to include the right carbs for your dog’s age, condition, and lifestyle.
