Effect of different carbohydrate sources on glycemic index, starch fractions and cognition in dogs and cats

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The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of different carbohydrate sources on glucose and insulinmetabolism in dogs and cats and whether these metabolic changes affect cognition. The types of carbohydrate present in pet foods and their association with glycemic index as well as the digestibility of the foods will also be examined. Low glycemic index foods have been shown in humans to offer health benefits, such as keeping blood sugar and insulin levels low and promoting weight management. For dogs and cats, who evolved to consume lower carbohydrate, higher protein diets, development of low glycemic index diets could have important health effects, including cognitive impairments. Due to the convenience, safety and relatively low cost, the majority of dogs and cats are fed dry extruded kibble. Carbohydrate is a key component in kibble for maintaining shape and structure. Commercial pet foods typically contain a mixture of carbohydrate sources, which fall into three main categories: traditional grains (wheat, corn); novel whole grains (barley, oatmeal, rye), and non-grain carbohydrates (peas, lentils, chickpeas, tapioca, potato, sweet potato). The high temperature,high pressure extrusion process used to make kibble could have significant effects on the glycemic and insulinemic properties of the carbohydrate sources. Pet food companies often market their products based on these carbohydrate categories, with the grain-free category currently showing the greatest growth. However, the health consequences of these carbohydrate sources is an area of great debate, with carbohydrate sources that are known to be low glycemic index in humans, such as peas and lentils, touted as being beneficial for pets, though limited scientific data is available to back up these claims. Thus, this research will provide valuable information for pet food manufacturers as well as pet owners who want to achieve optimal health and brain function for their pets.