Carbohydrates are often considered a harmless or even essential part of a dog’s diet—but when it comes to how much is too much, there’s a growing body of science suggesting we should tread carefully. While dogs can digest carbohydrates, excessive intake—particularly from processed, starchy fillers—can do more harm than good.

Let’s break down what carbohydrates do, why many commercial diets go overboard, and how this affects your dog’s health.

What Are Carbohydrates and Do Dogs Need Them?

Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients (along with protein and fat) and include sugars, starches, and fibre. Unlike obligate carnivores like cats, dogs are facultative carnivores—they can digest plant matter, but their bodies are still primarily adapted for meat-based diets.

According to the National Research Council (NRC), dogs have no dietary requirement for carbohydrates if adequate protein and fat are provided. This has been echoed by veterinary nutritionist Dr. Karen Becker, who notes:

“Dogs can generate the glucose they need from protein and fat. Feeding high levels of carbohydrates is simply unnecessary and can contribute to chronic health problems.”

The Problem With Excess Carbohydrates

Most dry dog food (kibble) contains 40–60% carbohydrates, mainly from corn, wheat, rice, or potato. These are cheap fillers that bulk out the product, extend shelf life, and improve manufacturing margins—but they’re not always kind to your dog’s body.

1. Obesity and Weight Gain

Too many carbs—especially fast-digesting starches—convert quickly to glucose, causing blood sugar spikes followed by fat storage. A 2019 study in Veterinary Sciences linked high-carbohydrate diets to increased rates of obesity in dogs. Overweight dogs face a greater risk of joint problems, diabetes, and reduced lifespan.

Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says:

“One of the biggest culprits of canine obesity is excessive carbohydrate intake. Most pet parents don’t realise how much sugar is hiding in kibble.”

2. Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Chronically elevated blood glucose from high-carb diets can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. According to research published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2020), long-term consumption of high-glycaemic carbohydrates may play a role in metabolic dysfunction in dogs.

3. Dental Problems

Simple carbohydrates stick to teeth, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. Contrary to the myth that dry food “cleans teeth,” studies such as Hale (2003) in The Journal of Veterinary Dentistry show that dental health is more closely linked to the quality of diet rather than texture alone.

4. Digestive Issues and Food Sensitivities

Highly processed grains can irritate the gut and contribute to inflammation or leaky gut syndrome. Many dogs show signs of food intolerance, which often improve when switched to a low-carb or raw diet.

So Why Are Carbohydrates Still So Common in Dog Food?

The answer lies in cost and convenience—not canine biology. Carbohydrates are cheap to source and help form uniform kibble shapes during extrusion. But what works for machines doesn’t always work for dogs.

A Better Way: Fresh, Low-Carb Feeding

At Poppy’s Picnic, our fresh raw meals are carefully formulated to reflect a dog’s natural dietary needs. Our Mighty Mince and Power Balls ranges are made with high-quality meat, bone, offal, and fresh vegetables—free from unnecessary fillers, grains or cheap starches.

Our meals are:

• FEDIAF-compliant, meaning they are nutritionally complete for dogs of all ages

• Naturally low in carbohydrates, with no hidden sugars or processed grains

• Free from artificial additives, colourings, and preservatives

Dr. Nick Thompson, holistic vet and founder of Raw Feeding Veterinary Society, advises:

“Dogs do far better on species-appropriate diets. Raw feeding mimics what dogs are evolved to eat: meat, bone, and offal, with only small amounts of plant matter. The fewer carbs, the better.”

Final Thoughts

While carbs aren’t inherently evil, excessive carbohydrates in a dog’s diet are unnecessary at best—and harmful at worst. With the rise of canine obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders, it’s time we questioned what’s in our dog’s bowl and opted for food that truly nourishes.

By choosing a low-carb, biologically appropriate raw food like Poppy’s Picnic, you’re not only feeding your dog and helping with their long-term health and vitality.