Pet Digest

Oats Over Rice: Why an Oat-Based Diet Might Be Better for Your Dog When it comes to choosing a carbohydrate source in your dog’s food, rice has long been the standard. But as we learn more about canine nutrition, oats are stepping into the spotlight — and for good reason. From digestive health to energy balance and weight control, an oat-based diet can offer your dog more than just filler. Let’s break down why oats may be the better option over rice. 1. Oats Digest Slower Than Rice – A Win for Energy and Blood Sugar Oats are a low-glycemic carbohydrate , which means they break down more slowly in the body than rice. This slower digestion leads to: More stable blood sugar levels Sustained energy , especially important for active dogs or those prone to crashes Less insulin spike, which can reduce risk of insulin resistance or weight gain 👉 Scientific Backing: A 2005 study in The British Journal of Nutrition concluded that low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates like oats le...