How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Pet Food for Dogs and Cats in Australia
- chica+co
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Understanding pet food nutrition is key to keeping your dog or cat healthy, especially when it comes to carbohydrates in pet food. In Australia, pet food labels don’t list carbs, but calculating them helps you choose diets that align with your pet’s carnivorous biology.
This guide explains why carbs matter, how to calculate them using the guaranteed analysis (GA), and what to look for in ingredient lists, backed by research. Whether you’re feeding raw or commercial food, you’ll learn to make informed choices for your furry friend.
Why Carbohydrates Matter for Pet Health
Carbohydrates in pet food can impact your dog or cat’s health, especially since both are carnivores by nature. Cats, as obligate carnivores, have minimal amylase (a starch-digesting enzyme), making high-carb diets hard to process.
Dogs have more amylase but thrive on low-carb, meat-based diets, mimicking the 1–5% carbs their wild ancestors ate from prey guts (undigested plant matter). Excess carbs can lead to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. A Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine study (DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12139) found low-carb diets cut insulin needs by over 50% in diabetic cats, while a British Journal of Nutrition study (DOI: 10.1017/S0007114511001887) linked high-starch diets to elevated glucose and insulin levels, increasing health risks.
High-carb diets may also affect behaviour, with some studies suggesting excess carbs contribute to lethargy or hyperactivity in dogs due to blood sugar spikes. For Australian pet parents, understanding carb content in pet food ensures you’re feeding a diet that honours your pet’s biology.
How to Calculate Carbs in Pet Food
In Australia, pet food labels follow the Australian Standard for Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food, not FSANZ (which governs human food). The GA lists protein, fat, fibre, and moisture percentages, but carbs must be calculated:
Carbs (%) = 100% - (Protein% + Fat% + Fiber% + Moisture%)
This formula, endorsed accounts for minor nutrients like ash in the remaining percentage. Here’s how it works in practice.
Examples: Dry Dog Food vs. Canned Cat Food
Example 1: Dry Dog Food
Consider a typical dry dog food label:
Protein: 28%
Fat: 12%
Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 10%
Calculation:
Sum: 28% + 12% + 5% + 10% = 55%
Carbs: 100% - 55% = 45% carbs
At 45% carbs, this kibble is high in fillers like rice or corn, which can stress a dog’s pancreas (Furchild). For a 10kg dog eating 300g daily, that’s ~135g carbs—far above the 1–5% in wild diets.
Example 2: Canned Cat Food
Now, a canned cat food label:
Protein: 12%
Fat: 5%
Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 80%
Calculation:
Sum: 12% + 5% + 1% + 80% = 98%
Carbs: 100% - 98% = 2% carbs
With just 2% carbs, this wet food aligns with a cat’s low-carb needs, mimicking prey’s moisture-rich profile. For a 5kg cat eating 200g daily, that’s ~4g carbs—closer to the ideal for their carnivore biology.
Decoding Ingredient Lists
Ingredient lists, ordered by weight, reveal carb sources. If rice, corn, or wheat appear near the top, the food is likely carb-heavy. Examples:
High-Carb Kibble: “Chicken, Corn, Wheat Flour…”
Low-Carb Wet Food: “Chicken, Chicken Broth, Liver…”
Cross-check the GA with the ingredient list to confirm carb content. High-carb foods often skimp on meat, which isn’t ideal for carnivores.
Are Carbs Always Bad? The Debate
Some experts argue carbs aren’t harmful in moderation, especially for active dogs. Many studies note that fibre (a carb) supports gut health, and quality carbs may provide some energy. However, for cats or pets with diabetes or obesity, low-carb (preferably zero) diets are critical.
Tips for Choosing Low-Carb Pet Food
Use the GA: Calculate carbs to ensure they’re below 10% for cats and 20% for dogs.
Check Ingredients: Prioritise meat-based foods with minimal grains or starches.
Choose Wet Food: Wet foods typically have lower carbs than kibble.
Learn More: Explore our online self-paced courses to learn more!
Key Resources
By calculating carbohydrates in pet food, you can choose diets that support your dog or cat’s health in Australia. Make informed choices to keep your furry friends thriving!
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