Do Dogs Get a Carb High?

Many dog owners report seeing their pets experience sudden bursts of energy after eating, followed by a period of fatigue. This is often referred to as a “carb high,” leading to questions about how carbohydrates impact canine metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.

While dogs can digest and metabolize carbohydrates, their bodies are primarily designed to use protein and fat as energy sources. This article clarifies the science behind canine carbohydrate metabolism, debunks myths about energy crashes, and explains why protein quality matters more than carbohydrate content when determining a balanced diet.

Are Carbohydrates Necessary for Dogs?

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can digest carbohydrates but do not require them for survival. Unlike obligate carnivores like cats, dogs produce amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starches, allowing them to utilize carbohydrates as an energy source. However, their metabolism is optimized for deriving energy from protein and fat.

Carbohydrates and Energy Levels

Carbohydrates provide glucose, which is used for quick energy. However, different types of carbohydrates impact blood sugar levels differently:

• High-glycemic carbohydrates (such as white rice, refined grains, and potatoes) break down quickly, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin release, followed by a potential energy drop.
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates (such as pumpkin, leafy greens, and lentils) break down slowly, providing sustained energy without blood sugar fluctuations.

Scientific Evidence on Carbohydrates in Canine Diets

According to the National Research Council (2006), dogs can metabolize carbohydrates efficiently, but they do not require them if their diet provides adequate protein and fat.

A study in the Journal of Animal Science found that while dogs can utilize dietary starches, excessive intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and energy instability.

A separate study in Veterinary Sciences confirmed that fiber-rich, low-glycemic carbohydrates do not cause the same blood sugar spikes as refined starches, emphasizing that carbohydrate quality is more important than quantity.

Do Dogs Experience a “Carb High”?

The idea of a “carb high” comes from the human experience of consuming sugar, where a rapid intake of refined carbohydrates leads to hyperactivity followed by a crash. However, in dogs, this effect is not scientifically proven in the same way.

What is well-documented is that high-glycemic carbohydrates lead to blood sugar spikes, which are followed by insulin regulation. This can result in:

• A temporary increase in energy due to a glucose surge.
• A compensatory drop in energy as insulin lowers blood sugar.
• Increased hunger cues if blood sugar levels drop too quickly.

A study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs on high-carb diets exhibited post-meal energy increases compared to those on protein-rich diets, but the effect was temporary and did not significantly impact overall activity levels.

Thus, while some dogs may appear more energetic after consuming high-glycemic foods, this is due to normal metabolic processing rather than a true “carb high.”

Preventing Energy Fluctuations in Dogs

✔ Choose complex, low-glycemic carbs like pumpkin, leafy greens, and lentils instead of refined starches.
✔ Ensure meals contain high-quality protein and fat to slow digestion and provide steady energy.
✔ Monitor your dog’s energy levels and behavior after meals, adjusting their diet if needed.

Why Protein Quality Matters More Than Carbohydrate Content

While carbohydrates can be part of a dog’s diet, the quality of protein is far more important for long-term health. Dogs require protein to build muscle, support immune function, and regulate metabolism.

1. Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein

• Animal proteins (such as chicken, beef, fish, and eggs) provide a complete amino acid profile and are highly digestible.
• Plant proteins (such as soy, peas, and lentils) lack some essential amino acids and are less bioavailable, meaning dogs must consume more to meet their protein needs.

A study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that dogs fed animal-based proteins retained more muscle mass and had better nitrogen balance than those on plant-based proteins.

2. Digestibility and Bioavailability of Proteins

The biological value (BV) of protein measures how efficiently it can be used by the body. Animal proteins generally have a higher BV, meaning dogs need less to meet their nutritional requirements.

• Eggs: 100 (highest bioavailability)
• Fish meal: 92
• Chicken: 79
• Beef: 78
• Soy protein: 67
• Pea protein: 55

A diet relying too heavily on plant proteins can lead to nutritional deficiencies and digestive strain due to lower absorption rates.

3. The Problem with Anti-Nutrients in Plant Proteins

Many plant-based proteins contain anti-nutrients such as phytates and lectins, which reduce the absorption of important minerals like zinc, calcium, and iron. A study published in Food Chemistry confirmed that phytates in legumes interfere with mineral absorption, which can impact bone health and immune function in dogs.

Best Practices for a Balanced Canine Diet

✔ Prioritize high-quality animal proteins – Real meat, fish, and eggs should be primary protein sources.
✔ Limit high-glycemic carbohydrates – Minimize white rice, potatoes, and processed grains.
✔ Include low-glycemic, fiber-rich carbohydrates – Vegetables and berries provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔ Monitor your dog’s energy levels – If your dog experiences noticeable post-meal hyperactivity followed by fatigue, consider adjusting their diet.

Final Thoughts: The Right Balance for Canine Nutrition

Dogs can metabolize carbohydrates, but they do not require them in high amounts. The quality of carbohydrates, protein sources, and overall nutrient balance plays a more significant role in a dog’s long-term health than carbohydrate intake alone.

For optimal nutrition, pet owners should focus on species-appropriate diets rich in high-quality animal proteins and healthy fats while minimizing excessive carbohydrates and plant-based fillers. This ensures better digestion, stable energy levels, and overall well-being for dogs.

References

1. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press.
2. Kawauchi, I.M., Sakomura, N.K., Vasconcellos, R.S., & de Oliveira, L.D. (2011). Glycemic index of different carbohydrate sources in dog diets. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 95(1), 117-122.
3. Laflamme, D.P., & Xu, H. (2020). Effect of diet composition and palatability on voluntary food intake in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 7(3), 97.
4. Dozier, W.A., Gehring, C.K., & Hess, J.B. (2018). Comparative protein quality in animal-based versus plant-based dog foods. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 79(4), 369-378.