Posted on 21st Apr 2010 @ 5:42 PM

The Atkins Diet for dogs? Kind of.

While this low-carbohydrate diet for humans does not hold long-term promise for keeping weight off, when it comes to your dog, eating a high carbohydrate diet can cause a lot more harm than just a yearning for bread.

Dogs are carnivores and have evolved over time to thrive on diets that are meat and protein-based. While nature may produce natural grains like corn, wheat and gluten, these foods are best left consumed by plant-eating mammals, not your beloved canine.

Dogs, just like humans, are battling an overweight and obesity problem. It is estimated that between 25 and 44 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. And the effects of carrying extra pounds for dogs are just as dangerous as they are for humans with diabetes, heart problems and certain illnesses being attributable to excess weight.

Part of the problem has to do with most commercial dog food, even the premium brands that claim to be healthy. Many of these formulas contain high amounts of carbohydrates in the form of grains and starches like sweet potatoes. But carbohydrates are less expensive to use in dog food then lean cuts of meat so they are often readily used.

Here are ten reasons why veterinarians and dog health experts consider carbohydrates harmful for your dog.

1. Lowers Metabolism: Dogs’ digestive tracts are short and designed for quickly digesting animal protein and fat, but not carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrate like those found in grains and starches are very difficult to digest and absorb. As your dog’s body tries to digest complex carbs, his metabolism becomes less efficient and his immune system is similarly weakened.


2. Improper Use of Teeth Structure: Dogs’ teeth have been adapted for the sharp grabbing of food rather than grinding and crushing against grain. Think gnawing through a piece of meat versus chewing through a piece of toast. In addition, dogs lack the saliva enzymes necessary to effectively break down carbohydrates, which therefore tax the metabolic system and render it less efficient.


3. Digestion Problems: If you ever watched a dog eat, you know that he eats in large mouthfuls. Often large bits of grains can pass through the intestines undigested, which can cause elimination problems.


4. Slowed Digestion: Grains, unlike fruits and vegetables, take a long time to digest. The longer the undigested material remains in the colon, the increased risk of gastrointestinal problems.


5. Increased Hunger: Grains and complex carbohydrates cause a release of insulin in the body. If the dog is not getting enough exercise and is eating too many carbohydrates, an increase in hunger is likely to occur.


6. Large Intestine Problems: The slow process by which grains are digested may cause irritation and spasms to occur in the large intestine.


7. Inefficient Use of Energy: While carbohydrates provide energy through its breakdown of sugars, fat and protein offer better energy for stamina, endurance and satiety.


8. Improper Mineral Absorption: Grains and starches contain substances called phytates, which can prevent the absorption of key minerals like, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and iodine.


9. Kidney Problems: Because grains are gradually digested, they may also tax the kidneys which over time, can result in kidney problems.


10. Weight Gain: Carbohydrates like grains and starches metabolize into glucose, which is another name for sugar. If the sugar, which is needed for immediate energy needs is not utilized, the extra glucose will get stored as fat, which leads to weight gain.

Instead, a healthy diet for dogs includes nutrient-rich unprocessed fruits and vegetables. These natural and low glycemic foods promote proper digestion and a healthy immune system. Protein, with its high amounts of amino acids, is necessary for cellular repair, muscle development and maintenance as well as a strong immune system. A protein-rich diet is therefore integral for dogs who are sick or are battling illness.

The only exception to high protein diet for dogs is in the case of puppies that while being nursed, require the carbohydrates in their mother’s milk for proper growth. But once the puppy is weaned, he too can also follow a nutrient- and protein-rich diet.