Researchers and veterinarians have debated for years about the classification of dogs. Are they carnivores or are they omnivores? Recent studies prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a dog is a carnivore.
This conclusion was drawn upon gaining a better understanding of a canine's anatomy. A summary of why they are carnivores includes the fact that their mouth and teeth are consistent with that of other carnivores. They also have similar digestive capability, plus they lack digestive enzymes in their saliva which would help them to break down complex carbohydrates. With this in mind, let's review what diets are best for dogs.
Dog Food
As carnivores, dogs have a lot of difficulty digesting carbohydrates. Therefore, an ideal diet would mirror that which would be obtained in nature. A diet that matches the natural balance of meat foods that dogs would find by hunting in the wild. The solution as to what diet would be best is an easy one: an assortment of minimally processed meat proteins and fats, with no grains and few carbohydrates.
The reason carbohydrates are not necessary is because of the lack of digestive enzymes in the mouth. What this means is that carbs are not predigested and therefore take much longer to break down in the stomach. Too much leads to much larger stools and can contribute to hypoglycemia.
The conclusion to be drawn from this is that most of us have been feeding our dogs the wrong foods. Most all commercial brands and some premium brands don't take into account a dog's natural needs - that our canine friends need a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates - a simple concept of providing them what they would normally eat if they were in the wild. One brand that does take this into consideration is called Orijen.
Dogs Are Carnivores - The Case Against Carbohydrates in Dog Food Dog Food
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