What is the Glycemic Index?
- Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks the carbohydrates in food by how much they raise the blood glucose levels compared to sugar
- Carbohydrates break down to form sugar which gives your pet energy. After eating, blood-glucose levels rise. Low GI foods provide more consistent energy levels throughout the day
- Low GI foods are generally lower in calories and fat, higher in fiber, nutrients and antioxidants
- Low GI foods increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
- In general, the lower the GI rating of a food, the better the quality of carbohydrate
Related Problems
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Behavioral problems
- Epilepsy
These conditions can be controlled and often prevented with high quality, low GI pet health foods.
Food Comparisons
| Food | Glycemic Index |
|---|---|
| Pearled Barley | 25 |
| Rye | 34 |
| Rice | 128 |
| Corn* | 59-70 |
| White Table Sugar | 92 |
| Average Chocolate Bar | 65 |
| Cassava/Tapioca | 100+ |
| Potato | 90 |
| Peas | 30 |
*depending on preparation and variety
Did you know …
corn has the same Glycemic index as an average chocolate bar and is suspected to be the primary culprit in the development of feline diabetes?
Did you know …
glucose is the brain’s fuel? A healthy brain will derive almost all its required energy from glucose. Low GI foods provide a more consistent level of glucose to your pet’s system, improving brain function and making training easier.