Dietary carbohydrate provides pet dogs with a source of energy and assists in proper gastrointestinal tract functioning. However, only a limited amount of carbs can be stored in the body as glycogen, so when your pet eats dietary carbs in excess of the body’s energy needs, most is metabolised to body fat for energy storage, leading to obesity. So, mind the portions – they should not be too much or too little. Healthy carb sources for dogs include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and barley, as well as vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. You can also give them fruits like apples and bananas. In addition to its function in supplying energy to the body, digestible carbs also have a protein-sparing effect. If the pet gets enough carbs in their diet, protein will be spared from being used for energy and can then be used for tissue repair and growth.