Carbohydrates can be an excellent source of nutrients. Unfortunately, in many soft-moist dog food products, they usually come from empty-calorie sources like sugar (sucrose), propylene glycol, and corn syrup. Sometimes, in low-range products, leftovers from the fast-food industry have been used as carbohydrates in pet food. Other carbohydrate sources are finely-powdered rice flour, usually the end process of milling and of very little nutritional value, or corn gluten meal or the dried residue from corn after the removal of starch, germ, and bran. It is low in nutritional value, too. Some carbohydrates, like soy and beet pulp, are used as fillers to bulk up the food, but they may not be easily digestible or provide much nutritional benefit. Rapidly digestible starches like corn and wheat can cause blood sugar to rise quickly, which is problematic for dogs prone to diabetes or weight gain. Studies have also shown that processed carbs have an inflammatory effect in dogs and act to increase markers of oxidative and metabolic stress. Read labels carefully and also do your research before choosing a food product for your pet.
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