Braucht mein Hund Kohlenhydrate in seiner Nahrung?

Nicht als essentiellen Nährstoff — der Körper kann Glucose aus Protein und Fett herstellen. Aber gut aufgeschlossene Kohlenhydrate sind eine effiziente Energiequelle ohne Nachteile für gesunde Hunde.

Ist getreidefreies Futter besser für Hunde?

Nicht per se. Getreidefreie Diäten sind nutritiv gleichwertig wenn ausgewogen formuliert. Hülsenfrucht-intensive Varianten (viel Erbsen, Linsen) stehen in Zusammenhang mit DCM-Verdachtsfällen — Vorsicht bei sehr hohem Hülsenfruchtanteil.

Kann mein Hund Getreide verdauen?

Ja — besser als Wölfe. Hunde haben durch Domestikation erhöhte Amylase-Gen-Kopienzahl (AMY2B) für effizientere Stärkeverdauung. Gekochtes Getreide ist für Hunde gut verdaulich; rohes Getreide nicht.

Nutrition & Nutrients

Carbohydrates for Dogs: Do They Really Need Them?

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient group that includes sugars, starches, and fiber. As an energy source for cells and the brain, they are essential for humans — but for dogs, the role of carbohydrates is more nuanced and often misunderstood.

Auf einen Blick

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient group that includes sugars, starches, and fiber. As an energy source for cells and the brain, they are essential for humans — but for dogs, the role of carbohydrates is more nuanced and often misunderstood.
Risiko-Hinweis: low-moderate: Consider context and individual differences
Wissenschaftliche Einordnung: The NRC (2006, Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, National Academies Press) comprehensively describes the nutrient requirements of dogs: There is no defined minimum requirement for carbohydrates for dogs — the organism covers its glucose needs through gluconeogenesis from protein and fat. At the same time, carbohydrates, as an easily utilized energy source, are fully processed by the dog's organism if they are sufficiently broken down (cooked starch).Axelsson et al. (2013, Nature, PubMed 23354050) identified genomic signatures of dog domestication: Compared to wolves, dogs have a significantly increased copy number of the amylase gene (AMY2B) and improved maltase activity — genetic adaptations that enable more efficient starch digestion. These findings demonstrate that dogs have evolutionarily adapted to a starch-rich diet. The blanket statement that "dogs don't need grain / carbohydrates" ignores this genomic evidence.Buff et al. (2014, Journal of Animal Science, PubMed 25136011) analyzed natural and grain-free diets for dogs and cats: Grain-free diets are nutritionally valuable if they are formulated to meet requirements. However: replacement of grains with other carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, lentils, peas) results in altered glycemic profiles. The connection between legume-rich, grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been under investigation by the FDA since 2018 — causality is not definitively clarified, but legume-intensive diets are common in affected dogs.

Carbohydrates for Dogs: Do They Really Need Them?

What are carbohydrates in dogs?

Carbohydrates are a group of macronutrients that includes sugars, starches, and dietary fiber. As a source of energy for cells and the brain, they are essential for humans—but in dogs, the role of carbohydrates is more nuanced and often misunderstood.

Important distinction: Dogs do not have a defined minimum requirement for carbohydrates in their diet—glucose can be produced from amino acids and glycerol (gluconeogenesis). However, this does not mean that carbohydrates are harmful: Dogs can effectively digest starch and have evolved to adapt to it.

Background + Scientific Context

The NRC (2006, *Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats*, National Academies Press) provides a comprehensive description of a dog’s nutritional needs: There is no defined minimum requirement for carbohydrates in dogs—the body meets its glucose needs through gluconeogenesis from protein and fat. At the same time, carbohydrates are fully utilized by the dog’s body as an easily digestible energy source when they are sufficiently broken down (cooked starch).

Axelsson et al. (2013, Nature, PubMed 23354050) identified genomic signatures of canine domestication: Compared to wolves, dogs have a significantly higher copy number of the amylase gene (AMY2B) and enhanced maltase activity—genetic adaptations that enable more efficient starch digestion. These findings demonstrate that dogs have evolved to adapt to a starch-rich diet. The blanket statement that “dogs do not need grains or carbohydrates” ignores this genomic evidence.

Buff et al. (2014, Journal of Animal Science, PubMed 25136011) analyzed natural and grain-free diets for dogs and cats: Grain-free diets are nutritionally valuable when formulated to meet the animals’ needs. However, replacing grains with other carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, lentils, peas) results in altered glycemic profiles. The link between legume-rich, grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been under investigation by the FDA since 2018—causality has not been conclusively established, but legume-rich diets are common in affected dogs.

Vitomalia-Position

Carbohydrates are not the enemy when it comes to dogs. Dogs are evolutionarily well-adapted to digesting starch. Well-digested grains (rice, oats, barley) are not just filler—they are usable energy. Grain-free diets are legitimate dietary options, but they are not scientifically necessary—and recipes high in legumes should be viewed with caution.

When do carbohydrates become important for dogs?

When choosing food: Understanding carbohydrate content and sources
For dogs with diabetes: consider the glycemic index and carbohydrate content
If you have weight issues: Take into account the calories from carbohydrates
In cases of IBD or food intolerance: Check whether the carbohydrate source is a source of allergens
For grain-free diets: Keep an eye on the proportion of legumes (DCM discussion)

Practical application

Sources of Carbohydrates in Dog Food — An Overview:

Which	Digestibility	Note
Trip (purchased)	Very high	Mild, gentle on the skin
Corn (cooked, ground)	High	Commonly found in processed foods
Oats	Medium-high	Easy to digest, dietary fiber
Sweet potato	High	Grain-free alternative
Peas/Lentils	Variable	Under observation (DCM)
Whole grains	Low	Hard to digest — must be open-minded

Dietary fiber: A type of carbohydrate—indigestible, but beneficial for gut flora and stool consistency. Soluble fiber (pectin, inulin) ferments in the large intestine and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Common Mistakes & Myths

“Dogs don’t need carbohydrates because wolves don’t eat grains.” Dogs are not wolves—over thousands of years, they have adapted to a starch-rich diet alongside humans (amylase gene duplication). This evolutionary difference has been genetically proven.
“Grain-free food is automatically healthier.” Grain-free diets replace grains with other carbohydrates. The nutritional difference is minimal if the overall formulation is right—and legume-rich varieties are currently under scientific scrutiny.
“Carbohydrates make dogs fat.” It’s a calorie surplus that causes weight gain—not any single nutrient group. A balanced intake of carbohydrates as part of a calorie-appropriate diet is not a problem.

Current State of Research (2026)

The FDA investigation into grain-free diets and DCM is ongoing; causality has not yet been conclusively proven—but the consistency of the evidence has shifted the views of several cardiologists. Diets high in legumes remain a topic of concern. Genomic research on starch digestion in dogs (amylase copy number, AMY2B) has been robustly replicated and has fundamentally changed the scientific discourse. Fiber research in dogs is a growing field—intestinal health, the microbiome, and fiber types are being understood in greater detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog need carbohydrates in its diet?

Not an essential nutrient—the body can produce glucose from protein and fat. However, easily digestible carbohydrates are an efficient, readily available source of energy with no drawbacks for healthy dogs. A carbohydrate-free diet is possible, but it offers no nutritional benefits.

Is grain-free dog food better for dogs?

Not necessarily. Grain-free diets are nutritionally equivalent if they are formulated in a balanced way. Diets high in legumes (such as peas and lentils) have been linked to suspected cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)—currently, caution is advised with diets containing a very high proportion of legumes, especially for breeds with a predisposition to heart disease.

Can my dog digest grains?

Yes—significantly better than wolves. Through domestication, dogs have developed a higher number of copies of the amylase gene (AMY2B), which breaks down starch more efficiently. Cooked or pre-digested grains are easily digestible for dogs; raw grains are not.

Related terms

Sources & Further Reading

National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. ISBN 9780309086288.
Axelsson, E., Ratnakumar, A., Arendt, M. L., Maqbool, K., Webster, M. T., Perloski, M., Lindblad-Toh, K. (2013). The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature, 495(7441), 360–364. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23354050/
Buff, P. R., Carter, R. A., Bauer, J. E., & Kersey, J. H. (2014). Natural pet food: A review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology. Journal of Animal Science, 92(9), 3781–3791. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25136011/

Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

The NRC (2006, Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, National Academies Press) comprehensively describes the nutrient requirements of dogs: There is no defined minimum requirement for carbohydrates for dogs — the organism covers its glucose needs through gluconeogenesis from protein and fat. At the same time, carbohydrates, as an easily utilized energy source, are fully processed by the dog's organism if they are sufficiently broken down (cooked starch).

Axelsson et al. (2013, Nature, PubMed 23354050) identified genomic signatures of dog domestication: Compared to wolves, dogs have a significantly increased copy number of the amylase gene (AMY2B) and improved maltase activity — genetic adaptations that enable more efficient starch digestion. These findings demonstrate that dogs have evolutionarily adapted to a starch-rich diet. The blanket statement that "dogs don't need grain / carbohydrates" ignores this genomic evidence.

Buff et al. (2014, Journal of Animal Science, PubMed 25136011) analyzed natural and grain-free diets for dogs and cats: Grain-free diets are nutritionally valuable if they are formulated to meet requirements. However: replacement of grains with other carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, lentils, peas) results in altered glycemic profiles. The connection between legume-rich, grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been under investigation by the FDA since 2018 — causality is not definitively clarified, but legume-intensive diets are common in affected dogs.