Purple and Paws One of the hardest things about pet parenting is figuring out the right kind of food to feed your dog. With so many different brands and types of food available, choosing a diet plan can be overwhelming. Let’s break down the ketogenic diet for any curious dog parents out there.
What Does Ketogenic Mean?
Ketogenic diets include a high ratio of fat compared with protein and carbohydrates.
The high fat content of the diet results in the conversion of fat to ketones – short-chain fats produced by the liver – which the body uses as energy in place of carbohydrates.
Bodies burn ketones, as it’s primary fuel and not glucose. This state of ketosis regulates blood sugar and allows the cells to heal. Glucose is a “dirty” fuel, while fat burns much cleaner in a dog’s body. So by replacing carbs with healthy fats, your dog’s cells’ mitochondria, the insides of each cell, are less likely to suffer damage from free radicals and can heal.
Should I Switch My Dog to a Ketogenic Diet?
Maybe. Most studies of ketogenic diets have concluded that they can help dogs with health problems such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity. If your dog is happy and healthy eating the food you feed him right now, you probably don’t need to switch him to a ketogenic diet.
On the other hand, carbs, grains, certain high sugar content fruits, starches and starchy vegetables all turn to glucose in a dog’s blood stream, making these foods hard for your dog to digest. On a ketogenic diet, this isn’t an issue.
What Kind of Food Do Dogs on Ketogenic Diets Eat?
Ketogenic diets typically include real foods that are high in fat, low in carbohydrates. Other additions include fresh herbs and moderate amounts of fresh high-quality protein.
So there you have it, an explanation of the ketogenic diet. If you think this diet might help your dog, please speak to your vet first before making any changes.
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