Carbohydrates and Fats: Run, Jump, See, Fight Disease and more
This is our series on the ingredients in Wild Earth’s Clean Protein dog food called ‘Ingredients With A Purpose’. We understand there are A LOT of options when it comes to what you feed your dog. We also understand you want to feed them the best food possible and labels can be confusing. The goal of this series is to give you insight into the role each ingredient plays in our food and the components that make a complete dog diet. We’ve broken the articles down into the components that make a healthy dog diet: Protein, Fats & Carbohydrates, Fibers, Vitamins & Minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, Superfoods, Amino Acids, Prebiotics & Probiotics.
Carbohydrates and Fats
Carbohydrates and fats sometimes get a bum rap when referring to a healthy diet, but the right fats and carbohydrates - in the right amount - are key to a well balanced diet for adult dogs. These nutrients give dogs energy to run, jump and play, but are also good for eyesight, fighting disease and more. In our Clean Protein Dog Food, we’ve chosen healthy, sustainable plant-based options to make sure your dog is getting the optimal fat and carbohydrate content in every meal.
What Do Dogs Use Carbohydrates and Fats For?
Good, healthy fats in dog food are crucial to a dog’s diet. You’ve probably heard of these healthy fats - Omegas 3 and 6, and DHA - all present in our food. Unlike in humans, where we want to make sure not to have too much fat, dogs need to ensure they don’t have too little. This can lead to itchy skin, poor immunity and more. Healthy unsaturated fats, which are made up of fatty acids give dogs energy, are essential in their development, help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, brain cognition, and give your dog that shiny coat you love. Fats are also essential in preserving dog food.
Similar to human diets, dogs use carbohydrates in dog food for energy. We love to see our dogs running around, playing, and having fun. Healthy carbohydrates give them the energy to keep going (and going, and going, and going…). We’ve chosen a diverse selection of foods to provide carbohydrates, allowing the dog to break them down into simple sugars and give them a healthy source of energy. Also, we’ve chosen foods that benefit your pup beyond just carbohydrates.
Try Wild Earth Dog Food!Ingredients
Chickpeas (carbohydrates)
Chickpeas are an absolute superfood. They not only add carbohydrates, but also protein and beneficial nutrients like potassium, magnesium, folate (an important B vitamin) and vitamin A.
Oats (carbohydrates + fats)
Another food with a long list of benefits. Oats are a source of energy - but not all sources of energy (carbohydrates) are created equal. Oats have a low glycemic index - meaning they curb blood sugar spikes and promote heart health. Lastly, they’re an excellent source of healthy fats, and supply B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron, and selenium.
Sweet Potato (carbohydrates)
Containing the antioxidant beta-carotene, sweet potatoes offer more to your dog than just long lasting carbohydrates. Beta-carotene is not only associated with healthy vision, but supports a healthy immune system.
Peas (carbohydrates)
Peas are a plant-based source of energy, vitamins, and minerals. They contain iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium.
Canola Oil (fats)
Canola oil serves dual purposes in our dog food. It has both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, aiding in skin and coat, joint health and overall energy.
Canola oil (with mixed tocopherols) also provides a natural, plant-based preservative for the food. This helps to keep the food shelf stable as well as limiting the escape of free radicals, which can be dangerous.
Sunflower Oil (fats)
Sunflower oil is a key source of Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 helps with inflammation and immune response as well as blood clotting.
Marine Microalgae (fats)
A source of DHA (a type of Omega 3) which benefits cognition. This addition to the food supports healthy brain function as well as vision.
Flaxseed Meal (fats)
Flaxseeds contain ALA, another type of Omega 3, which is great for skin and coat health.
Dogs Love It!
We’ve made a nutritionally complete, high-protein adult protein dog food that dog’s love (read the reviews!). If you haven’t already, check out Wild Earth Clean Protein for your pup!
