Kibble for Diabetic Dogs

Choosing the right kibble to feed your dog is an important decision to make. It becomes even more important when your dog has diabetes. Just as is the case with humans, diet is a critical part of managing diabetes, and the wrong diet can cause serious problems no matter what the species. A good kibble can give your dog the nutrition he needs and can help in managing his blood sugar. Your best ally for controlling your pet̵7;s diabetes is your veterinarian, so always check with the vet before changing your dog̵7;s diet.

  1. Protein

    • Diabetic dogs can benefit from any type of high-quality protein in their kibble. Protein is low in carbohydrates as well as being a natural food for dogs. Canine nutritionists recommend that the first three ingredients in any diet for diabetic dogs should be high quality protein such as chicken, beef or lamb. The suggested protein level is 25 percent or greater, and the fat level should be in the range of 12 to 18 percent, for most diabetic dogs. Kibbles that are grain-free can be a very good source of protein.

    Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates can be a problem for a pet with diabetes, since consuming them triggers the release of insulin. Dog foods for diabetic dogs should contain only carbohydrates that have a low glycemic rating, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin. These are typically whole grains with the least amount of processing. Some kibble diets sold for diabetic dogs are very high in carbohydrates, so it is best to discuss your pet̵7;s specific needs with a veterinary nutritionist before choosing a food.

    Fiber

    • Fiber is important to help your dog feel full and to stabilize digestion, but it needs to be high-quality fiber that is low in carbohydrates. It can come from whole grains, but it can also come from other foods; it may be either part of the kibble or added to the kibble. Add vegetables and fruits such as berries, bananas, melons and apples in moderation, and only after checking with your dog̵7;s veterinarian. Try to be consistent with the dog's daily routine, and avoid adding a lot of extras one day and then nothing for a few days, since that can make blood sugar harder to control.

    Considerations

    • Once you have chosen a kibble for your dog, don̵7;t change from it unless you have to, and never change it abruptly. Sudden switching of a dog̵7;s diet can wreak havoc on his blood sugar and may cause him to become seriously ill. Also be very careful of what you add to the kibble. Many people like to use gravy or canned food to make dry food more palatable, but adding the wrong thing can result in your dog getting sick. Always check with your veterinarian before adding anything to your diabetic dog̵7;s diet, even if you don̵7;t plan on adding very much.