Why are carbohydrates important?
In addition to supplying a vital source of energy, starchy foods –- root vegetables, bread, cereals, seeds and legumes –- provide fiber and other important nutrients, including protein, iron and vitamins B and E. A diet high in sucrose, however, provides many ‘empty calories’ with little nutritional value. In addition, sweet foods such as cakes, pastries, cookies and candies are frequently high in fat. So, while carbohydrates should make up a large proportion of your daily food, these should be in the form of nutritious starchy ‘whole foods’ that are high in fiber. Refined and processed foods should be kept to a minimum.
Carbohydrates are one of the 6 nutritional components of food. The others are: water or moisture, fat, protein, ash and fiber. The sum of all these components must equal 100%. Carbohydrates provide energy to your pet. There are fast burning sources of carbohydrates that provide quick energy (think sugar) or slow burning sources of carbohydrates that provide long lasting energy (think carb loading before the big race). Now, pets really do not have a requirement for carbohydrates in their diet except for pregnant or nursing dogs. However, if you do not have any carbohydrates in your food, this nutrient must be replaced by something else and it would be impossible to make a dry pet food without ANY carbohydrates.
