An ideal diet for diabetic dogs involves finding the proper balance between insulin and food intake. Sugary and high-glycemic index carbs that quickly cause glucose spikes should be avoided as well as soft moist dog food that contains preservatives containing sugar.
Keep your pet on a well-tested, veterinarian therapeutic diet that’s simple for them to manage – this will improve glycemic control while aiding weight loss if necessary.
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Fiber-rich foods
Diabetic dogs’ bodies must balance insulin injections with adequate dietary nutrients. An ideal food will contain proteins, fiber and carbs in every meal with low starch/sugar content and high levels of soluble fiber for best results. Furthermore, tasty and reliable pet foods must also be served on time – it is vital that diabetic pets receive their meals each day at the same time! To keep the pet on an appropriate schedule.
Avoid foods containing sugar, corn syrup, honey, molasses or dextrose in their ingredients list; try low-sugar canned food such as Nulo Grain-Free wet dog food or low-sugar kibbles instead.
Proteins help the body build and maintain muscle. They also can reduce postprandial spikes in glucose and insulin levels after meals. Homecooked meals such as skinned chicken breast or pan browned minced beef with very low fat can be an ideal way to incorporate proteins into your diet, though make sure not to include additional sources of sugar, salt or oil which could interfere with glycemic control.
Low-glycemic index foods
Diabetic dogs must consume low-glycemic foods to manage their blood glucose levels and to protect their pancreas from fat build-up that could potentially lead to pancreatitis. Fatty meats should be avoided because of their high caloric intake and slow digestive process – potentially leading to pancreatitis in severe cases.
Foods with a low glycemic index feature complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars, and cannot be broken down by our bodies into sugars to spike our blood glucose. Instead, they will slowly be released into our bodies as energy.
Speak to your veterinarian about choosing an ideal diet for your diabetic dog. They can guide you in selecting food with high protein content and balanced carbs percentages as well as providing optimal nutrient requirements. They will also evaluate your pup’s weight and body condition score to see whether he is overweight or underweight as obesity can have detrimental effects on diabetes management.
Protein-rich foods
Foods designed specifically to address diabetic canines should contain high protein content and limited carbs, helping control their blood sugar levels without experiencing sudden spikes right after meals. Furthermore, fiber should also be included to further manage glycemic control while making the pet feel satisfied and full.
Diets of diabetic dogs must also avoid foods high in fat such as steak, pork, chicken skin and sausages as these fatty substances can contribute to pancreatitis which is potentially life-threatening and inhibit digestion as well as interfere with insulin absorption.
Diets for dogs should consist of whole grains, vegetables and fruits that provide essential nutrition, with limited fillers such as corn, wheat or soy that have minimal nutritional value. Furthermore, food without artificial additives which could potentially harm their health over time. You can find suitable products online or by speaking to your vet – and provide meals at regular times each day that coincide with insulin injections.
Home-made recipes
Diabetic dogs require food with plenty of insoluble fiber to avoid sudden spikes in glucose levels after meals. Fiber binds starches and slows digestion and absorption of sugar, helping prevent sudden increases in their glucose levels post-meal.
As well as adhering to their diet restrictions, diabetic dogs must also be carefully observed for symptoms like increased urination and thirst. Your veterinarian may suggest performing either a urine or blood glucose curve test in order to diagnose diabetes and select an effective course of treatment.
Diabetic dogs cannot produce or use insulin, the hormone which typically moves glucose from their bloodstream into cells for energy production. Without adequate treatment, blood sugar levels remain elevated, potentially damaging their eyes and kidneys over time.
