(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) Commercial pet food can contain a lot of carbohydrates, especially dry food. However, the amount varies by product. Dogs and cats do not require carbs in their diet but they can digest and use them as a source of energy.

Carbohydrates provide energy and can raise blood sugar after a meal. However, the effect depends on the type and amount of carbs and the other ingredients (protein, fats, etc.). Foods with quickly digested carbohydrates may cause a faster rise in blood sugar, while low-glycemic foods are digested and absorbed more slowly. 

Low-glycemic food can help keep blood sugar levels more stable after meals and may support healthy weight and metabolic health in some pets.

What Is Low-Glycemic Pet Food? 

Before discussing low-glycemic pet food, let’s look at what the glycemic index actually is. The glycemic index is a numerical scale, usually from 0 to 100, that indicates how quickly blood sugar levels rise after consuming a diet that contains carbs. The higher the glycemic index value, the faster and more significantly blood sugar levels rise.

Low-glycemic pet food is formulated to produce a slow, gradual rise in blood sugar. The carbohydrates in these foods are digested and absorbed more slowly, which helps keep blood sugar levels more stable. On the other hand, high-glycemic diets are digested and absorbed more quickly, which can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar. 

Choosing a low-glycemic diet for your pet can help with:

• Avoiding rapid post-meal blood sugar spikes

• Maintaining better long-term blood sugar control

• Supporting diabetes management alongside your pet’s treatment

How Carbohydrates Affect Blood Glucose 

Carbohydrates are converted into glucose during digestion. Glucose enters the bloodstream and can raise blood sugar levels (glycemia). In pets with diabetes, the body has difficulty keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range. The speed and extent of the rise in blood sugar depend on the type and quantity of carbs, as well as the other foods consumed. Therefore, choosing proper carbohydrate sources can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels.

Main Benefits of Low-Glycemic Pet Food

• More stable blood sugar levels and better diabetes management

Since foods with a low glycemic index are digested and absorbed more slowly, postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose rises more gradually which helps maintain stable blood sugar. 

For pets with diabetes, a low-glycemic diet can be used alongside the prescribed treatment. However, keep in mind that such a diet does not replace medical treatment, and portion sizes and types of food must be tailored to each pets’ needs.

• Weight management 

A healthy weight is important for overall well-being and can help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. Diets that contain appropriate amounts of protein and fiber can help pets feel full for longer, which may support weight loss or weight maintenance.

Metabolic health depends on several factors, including the pet's weight, activity level, and diet. A low-glycemic diet can be part of a balanced nutritional plan. As previously mentioned, it may help maintain more stable blood sugar levels after meals, which can support normal energy metabolism.

• More consistent energy 

Foods with a low glycemic index are digested and absorbed more slowly, which can lead to a more gradual release of energy. In contrast, foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, followed by a drop. A diet that provides energy more consistently can help pets maintain their energy levels throughout the day. However, energy levels also depend on the total amount of food, physical activity, age, and the pet's health status.

• Better overall diet quality 

A balanced diet must provide proper amounts of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Choosing a low-glycemic diet does not mean eliminating all carbohydrates from your pet's diet. Therefore, it is important to consider the composition of the diet as a whole, rather than just a single ingredient.

A balanced diet must meet your pet’s needs based on their age, weight, activity level, and health status. The glycemic index is just one of the factors to consider when selecting the right diet.

Choosing a Low-Glycemic Pet Food

When choosing food for our dogs or cats, carb sources matter because some are digested more quickly than others. However, this does not mean that all grains or all types of carbohydrates should be avoided.

Here are some carbohydrate sources that generally have a lower glycemic response:

• Barley

• Oats

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Peas

On the other hand, corn and white rice are rich sources of easily digestible starch, which can lead to a higher glycemic response. This does not mean these ingredients are automatically unhealthy or must be eliminated from every pet's diet. Rather, the amount included in your pet’s diet should be taken into account.

Proteins, fats, and fiber are also crucial components of your pet's diet. Fiber can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping your dog or cat feel full for longer. Proteins are essential for maintaining muscle mass, while fats serve as a key source of energy.

Quality food should provide the right balance of all these elements.

It is also important to check the information on the product label. Caloric content must be taken into account, especially when your pet needs to maintain or lose weight. Furthermore, the food should be complete and balanced, tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

For pets with diabetes, any change in diet should be made carefully, since diet can affect blood sugar control and insulin requirements. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

Low-Glycemic Does Not Mean Low-Carbohydrate

In short, "low-carb" refers to the quantity of carbohydrates in the food. A low-carb diet contains few carbohydrates.

"Low-glycemic," on the other hand, refers to how carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, rather than the total amount consumed. As previously mentioned, carbs with a lower glycemic response are digested and absorbed more slowly, which can lead to a more gradual rise in blood sugar after a meal.

A food can be low-carb without necessarily being low-glycemic, and vice versa. A food might contain a moderate amount of carbs, yet those carbohydrates may come from sources that produce a lower glycemic response.

When it comes to pets, it is important not to focus solely on the carbohydrate content. The type and amount of carbohydrates, as well as the levels of protein, fat, fiber, and calories in the diet, all influence how it affects your pet.

For pets with diabetes, dietary choices should be tailored to their individual needs. A low-carb diet may be appropriate in some cases, but any significant change in diet should be discussed with your vet, as it can affect blood glucose control and insulin requirements.

Bottom Line

If your dog or cat needs better blood sugar control, a low-glycemic diet may be worth considering. However, low-glycemic does not necessarily mean low-carb. When choosing a diet, look at the overall nutritional profile rather than focusing on a single ingredient or nutrient. For pets with diabetes or other health conditions, the diet should be tailored to their individual needs and chosen with guidance from a veterinarian.

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.