Pet Nutrition Mythbusters: Carbohydrate and Plant-Based Ingredients Edition

Few areas of pet nutrition generate as much debate as carbohydrates, with individual ingredients often evaluated in isolation rather than within the context of the complete formulation. From marketing trends to ingredient misconceptions, conversations about carbohydrates are often shaped by oversimplified narratives rather than the nutritional role these ingredients play.

No minimum dietary requirement for carbohydrate has been established for adult dogs or cats. However, they can provide valuable nutritional and functional benefits when appropriately incorporated into a formulation.

This article addresses some of the most common carbohydrate-related misconceptions and controversies influencing product development, marketing strategies, and consumer perception today.

Myth #1: Corn, Wheat, and Soy Are Bad for My Pet

Corn, wheat, and soy are frequently viewed as low-quality ingredients or “fillers” in pet food. In reality, these ingredients can be highly digestible sources of nutrients that can contribute to the overall balanced nutrition of a formula.

Concerns about corn, wheat, and soy often stem from the perception that they commonly cause food allergies in pets. However, true food allergies are relatively uncommon in dogs and cats, making allergies to these specific ingredients even rarer. These ingredients contribute important nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, essential fatty acids, and B vitamins, to complete and balanced diets.

Ingredient quality should be evaluated based on nutrient contribution, digestibility, sourcing, and formulation context—not whether an ingredient is familiar or frequently discussed online.

Myth #2: Brown Rice Is Always Better Than White Rice

Brown rice is often perceived as a superior carbohydrate source because it is less processed and contains more fiber. Neither brown nor white rice is inherently superior. especially in every formulation; their suitability depends on the desired nutrient profile, processing characteristics, digestibility, and intended animal population.

Both brown and white rice can be highly digestible carbohydrate sources commonly used in pet diets. Brown rice is rich in fiber, which can help a pet feel fuller, but also contains higher levels of phytic acid, which can bind minerals and reduce their bioavailability. However, this can be reduced when cooked appropriately, making it safe for humans and pets to consume. On the other hand, white rice has lower fiber content and can be digested quickly, which can be helpful for pets with sensitive stomach issues, but may also leave pets feeling hungry shortly after eating.

These considerations highlight why carbohydrate sources should be evaluated based on the needs of the formulation and the pet, rather than being vilified or favored based on a single characteristic.

Myth #3: Legumes and Pulses Are Harmful Ingredients in Pet Food

Legumes and pulses have received significant attention because of concerns about grain-free diets and diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. However, current evidence does not demonstrate a causality that legumes and/or pulses themselves cause DCM in dogs.

Legumes, such as peas and lentils, provide digestible protein and contribute essential nutrients when included in complete and balanced diets. In addition to protein, legumes and pulses are sources of soluble and fermentable fibers that support digestive health by providing substrates for beneficial gut bacteria.

As with any ingredient, the entire diet matrix and processing method must be considered to create nutritionally balanced meals for pets.

Myth #4: Potatoes, Tapioca, Cellulose, Brewer’s Rice, and Beet Pulp Are Just “Fillers”

While there is no legal definition, the term “filler” is sometimes used to describe ingredients perceived to have no nutritional value. However, “filler” has morphed to encompass carbohydrates, fibers, and starch ingredients, which is a large group of ingredients that indeed do provide nutritional value to a formula.

Potatoes, tapioca, and brewer’s rice an provide highly digestible carbohydrates and energy, while also contributing to the texture and structure of pet foods during processing. Functional fibers such as cellulose and beet pulp can contribute to stool quality and support gastrointestinal function.

The role of an ingredient should therefore be considered in the context of the overall formulation. Despite being grouped into a non-regulated category that is synonymous with no nutritional value, carbohydrates, fibers, and even starches provide nutritional and functional value to each formula.

Myth #5: Pumpkin Is the Best Fiber Source for Digestive Health

Pumpkin has become a popular recommendation for digestive issues, often viewed as a universal solution for stool quality concerns. While pumpkin can provide dietary fiber, there is no single fiber source that is universally “best” for every pet or digestive concern.

Pumpkin contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fiber contributes bulk to stool, while soluble fiber helps regulate water movement within the digestive tract. However, pumpkin has a high moisture content, so more is needed to get the same amount of fiber as from more fiber-dense ingredients. Canned pumpkin is approximately 90% moisture, which reduces its fiber density. Additionally, pumpkin’s fiber content can vary based on multiple factors such as plant variety, climate, and growing conditions.

Different fiber sources have distinctive characteristics, including their ability to influence stool bulk and water balance. Therefore, the appropriate fiber source and amount depend on the individual animal and the specific nutritional or physiological needs.

Furthermore, adding in extra calories can put a pet at unintended weight gain and can unbalance the diet. Pets experiencing persistent diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, pain, or other gastrointestinal signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian rather than managed through a generalized recommendation to add pumpkin.

What Matters Most in Pet Nutrition

Amid these carbohydrate misconceptions, several principles consistently define effective pet food formulation:

• Complete and balanced nutrition: Providing essential nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, while appropriately balancing dietary components such as carbohydrates, fiber, and energy density.
• Ingredient functionality and digestibility: Selecting ingredients based on their nutritional contribution, bioavailability, and role within the overall formulation.
• Ingredient interactions and formulation: Considering how ingredients work together within a diet matrix, as the nutritional and functional effects of an individual ingredient can depend on its inclusion level, interactions with other ingredients, and the overall formulation.
• Processing and manufacturing: Considering how processing methods affect ingredient functionality, nutrient availability, digestibility, texture, and the characteristics of the finished product.
• Science-backed nutrition: Evaluating ingredients and formulation decisions based on research and nutritional requirements rather than marketing trends or consumer perceptions.

At BSM Partners, we help brands navigate nutrition misconceptions and develop science-based formulations. By translating nutritional research into practical formulation strategies, our team creates products that are both scientifically supported and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.

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About the Author

Ada-Miette Thomas Holyfield is a senior analyst at BSM Partners. She received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science with an emphasis on nutrition. Ada-Miette conducted research with a focus on human nutrition and studied the effects of carbohydrate sources on markers of Metabolic Syndrome in adults.