Over the past few decades, there has been a striking increase in chronic diseases among dogs—conditions that, not long ago, were primarily considered “human” illnesses. Among these are type 2 diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, renal dysfunction, and even cognitive decline. These issues are no longer rare in the veterinary office. In fact, canine diabetes alone has tripled in prevalence over the past 30 years (Mattin et al.).

But why is this happening now? Dogs haven’t changed genetically in any major way. What has changed is their environment—most significantly, their diet.

The Shift Toward Processed, Pro-Inflammatory Foods

Most dogs today are fed either dry kibble or highly processed “fresh” food that includes large quantities of starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, and peas. These foods may be convenient, but they are not what a dog’s biology is designed to handle.

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they thrive on diets that are primarily made up of animal proteins and fats, with only a small amount of carbohydrate. Yet modern kibble often contains 30% to 60% carbohydrates to enable mass production and shelf stability (Zoran). These carbohydrates—especially when derived from grains and starchy vegetables—spike blood sugar and force the pancreas to produce large amounts of insulin, setting the stage for insulin resistance and eventually diabetes.

Worse still, most kibble is cooked at high temperatures through a process called extrusion. This cooking method creates advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—compounds that have been shown to promote oxidative stress and inflammation in both humans and animals (Uribarri et al.). In dogs, AGEs are believed to contribute to diabetes, kidney disease, joint inflammation, cataracts, and neurodegenerative conditions (Schoenfeld-Tacher and Kogan).

The Illusion of “Fresh” Food

Even many of the trendy fresh dog food brands—while less processed than kibble—are not immune from this issue. Many use ingredients like white rice, lentils, peas, and sweet potatoes as major caloric sources. While these ingredients sound wholesome, they are still high-glycemic, starch-heavy foods that generate blood sugar spikes and create a pro-inflammatory environment within the body.

A diet rich in starch and low in fat—while touted as “balanced” by some brands—does not support a dog’s evolutionary needs. Instead, it stresses the pancreas, taxes the immune system, and contributes to chronic low-grade inflammation.

Chronic Inflammation: The Root of Most Modern Disease

Inflammation isn’t always bad—it’s a natural response to injury or infection. But chronic, systemic inflammation—often caused by diet—underlies many of the diseases now plaguing modern dogs.

Studies show that dogs on high-carb, processed diets have elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). One study by Hielm-Björkman et al. revealed that dogs fed processed commercial kibble had higher levels of homocysteine—a compound linked to vascular damage, cognitive decline, and metabolic dysfunction.

In contrast, dogs that were fed whole-food diets had lower inflammation and better metabolic function. Their immune systems produced more anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), and fewer pro-inflammatory ones like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (Mondo et al.). These shifts in immune regulation may explain why dogs on biologically appropriate diets often show improved skin, digestion, mobility, and mental clarity.

The Microbiome Connection

Another important piece of the puzzle is the gut microbiome—the diverse community of bacteria living in a dog’s intestines. This microbiome plays a key role in digestion, immune function, and even behavior.

Highly processed, starchy diets can lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut flora that fosters inflammation. On the other hand, diets rich in raw meat, organ meat, and low-glycemic vegetables foster a more diverse and stable microbiome (Sandri et al.; Schmidt et al.). A healthier gut means better nutrient absorption, immune resilience, and even mental well-being.

Pancreatitis and Antioxidant Deficiency

Another disease closely tied to modern diets is pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas. While often blamed on dietary fat, pancreatitis is also associated with high-carbohydrate diets, particularly those that raise blood triglycerides. These diets can deplete levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant crucial for controlling inflammation (Xenoulis and Steiner).

Dogs suffering from pancreatitis often have diets rich in starchy kibble or fresh foods that prioritize low-fat, high-carb formulations. These foods lack the natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in diets that include nutrient-dense meats, oily fish, and superfoods like turmeric and blueberries.

What Can You Do?

Here are five things every dog owner can do to reduce disease risk and support optimal canine health:

1. Minimize carbohydrates in your dog’s diet—especially those from high-glycemic sources like rice, potatoes, or corn.

2. Avoid ultra-processed kibble, which is high in inflammatory compounds like AGEs and omega-6-rich seed oils.

3. Focus on animal-sourced protein and fat, which align with your dog’s biological needs.

4. Feed nutrient-rich, whole food ingredients that include natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds—like organ meats, salmon, turmeric, and low-glycemic vegetables.

5. Support gut health with prebiotic-rich foods and avoid ingredients that disrupt the microbiome.

At Lincoln Naturals, we formulate our freeze-dried recipes to reflect what dogs are biologically built to eat. Our recipes are rich in real muscle meat, organ meat, salmon, eggs, and antioxidant-rich vegetables and berries, without fillers, starches, or synthetic additives. Every bite is designed to support longevity, reduce inflammation, and promote true health from the inside out.

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Works Cited

Belshaw, Zoe, et al. “Deteriorating Health in Dogs and Cats: Canine and Feline Morbidity in the UK.” Veterinary Record, vol. 184, no. 17, 2019, pp. 526–533.

Hielm-Björkman, Anna, et al. “Feeding Dogs Processed and Non-Processed Meat-Based Diets—A Study of Health Outcomes.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 8, no. 5, 2021, p. 95.

Mattin, Michael J., et al. “Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs Attending UK Primary-Care Practices: Frequency, Risk Factors and Survival.” Journal of Small Animal Practice, vol. 55, no. 12, 2014, pp. 652–658.

Mondo, Erika, et al. “Gut Microbiome Structure and Adipose Gene Expression in Obese Dogs Treated with a High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet.” International Journal of Obesity, vol. 44, 2020, pp. 2361–2370.

Sandri, Matteo, et al. “Raw Meat Based Diet Influences Faecal Microbiome and End Products of Fermentation in Healthy Dogs.” BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 13, 2017, p. 65.

Schoenfeld-Tacher, Regina, and Lori R. Kogan. “Pet Food: Understanding the Science and Skepticism.” Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, vol. 36, 2019, pp. 84–90.

Schmidt, M., et al. “Comparison of Microbiota in the Gut of Dogs Fed Raw and Dry Diets.” Veterinary Record, vol. 182, 2018, pp. 96.

Uribarri, Jaime, et al. “Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 110, no. 6, 2010, pp. 911–916.e12.

Xenoulis, Panagiotis G., and Joerg M. Steiner. “Canine and Feline Pancreatitis.” Small Animal Practice, vol. 49, no. 6, 2019, pp. 967–984.

Zoran, Debra L. “Nutritional Management of Feline Gastrointestinal Diseases.” Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, vol. 25, no. 11, 2003, pp. 862–872.