Upon being diagnosed with diabetes, most dogs must undergo some significant diet changes. Knowing what a diabetic dog should be encouraged to eat and what should be avoided is key to proper management of the disease. There are several options for owners of diabetic dogs when it comes to food, but the best practice is to consult with a veterinarian first for the most appropriate diet.
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Considerations
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Obesity may lead to insulin resistance. Obesity in dogs may cause insulin resistance; the dog's body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, making it more difficult to manage the disease. The ideal body weight should be calculated with the veterinarian and a weight-loss program initiated if necessary. A high-fiber diet and regular exercise are recommended to keep diabetes under control, says Leah Cohn, a professor of Veterinary Medicine in an article for PetPlace.
Types
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Dogs with diabetes should be fed a dog food with high fiber and high protein content. If the dog is overweight, the fat content should be restricted. There is a variety of prescription diet foods specifically formulated for diabetic dogs. Some of the most popular are Hills Prescription W/D, Purina DCO or Royal Canin IVD. These prescription foods are sold in most veterinarian hospitals and contain an increased amount of soluble fiber content while restricting fat and calories, according to Vetinfo.com.
Expert Insight
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While a diet with restricted fat and calories may be suitable for a dog suffering from diabetes, some dogs may find these diets far from palatable. If this is the case with your dog, do not add foods with a high fat content in order to improve the palatability of diabetic dog food. Instead, add warm low-fat chicken or beef broth, says Deborah S. Greco, a veterinarian and senior research scientist with Nestle Purina Petcare in an article for DVM360.
Warning
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Treats often contain sugar or ingredients high in sugar. A number of foods should be avoided by diabetic dogs. For instance, baked treats often contain sugar or ingredients high in sugar. Canned foods often add ingredients high in sugar and carbohydrates. Foods containing corn gluten, cornmeal, wheat gluten and white rice should be avoided. When it comes to dry kibble, premium, high-quality foods are preferable to cheap foods sold at the supermarket. Pure protein options, such as beef, chicken, fish or lamb with no byproducts, are ideal. Chicken or meat byproducts are often sources of abundant fatty organ meat or skin that will definitely not benefit a dog suffering from diabetes, according to Vetinfo.
Time Frame
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In order to manage the disease, diabetic dogs should ideally be fed twice a day. These servings should be given prior to the insulin injection. While the insulin injections do not have to be given precisely at the same time each day, it helps to follow a schedule as closely as possible when it comes to feeding and given insulin to diabetic dogs, further explains Leah Cohn.
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