Rowan Sanderson sits down with Dr. Conor Brady, Founder and Independent Canine Nutritionist at Dogs First. Fresh off the publication of his book Feeding Dogs Dry Or Raw? The Science Behind The Debate, Dr. Conor answers the question: “Can dogs eat carbohydrates?”

The quick answer: no. Although dogs can digest carbohydrates, they “are happy enough to work away on protein and fat.” They make their own blood sugar and glycogen. In fact, feeding carbohydrate-derived products have been seen to increase the risk of pancreatitis, diabesity (diabetes and obesity), arthritis, and other related diseases. It has even been observed that sled dogs have a higher risk of injury from inflammation caused by a high-carbohydrate diet.

Until more studies demonstrate evidence of the benefits of feeding your dogs carbohydrates, it is best to stick to protein and fats.