Food Requirements for Diabetic Dogs

Proper diet is essential to diabetes management. Feeding your dog a diabetes specific proportion of the major food groups at every meal, together with daily insulin treatment as prescribed by your veterinarian, keeps your dog's blood glucose at safe levels. Keep in mind that the more severe diabetes cases require strict dietary regulation.

General Points

The traditional approach to diabetes management includes strict control of sugar intake and daily insulin injections. One of the cardinal rules of diabetes management is to avoid those soft-moist foods prepackaged in cellophane as they contain high levels of carbohydrates (such as sugar), artificial colors and preservatives. These substances, together with foods containing a high level of fat, stress the pancreas; reduction of such stress is key to maintaining good health in the diabetic dog.

Raw/Fresh Food Benefits

A raw and fresh natural food diet fed as two or three meals per day rather than one large daily meal better stabilizes blood glucose levels throughout the course of the day. Uncooked foods stimulate the pancreas much more than do cooked foods; it also stands to reason that foods containing additives and preservatives will place undue stress on that organ. Meat, dairy products, fruits and certain vegetables are best fed raw. Your veterinarian can best advise you on the appropriate number of daily meals for your particular dog.

Good Things About Vegetables

Green beans are an excellent addition to any diabetes diet as their pods contain hormonal substances related to insulin. Other beneficial vegetables include winter squash, dandelion greens, alfalfa sprouts, corn, parsley, onions and garlic. Garlic is especially helpful as it has the effect of reducing your dog's blood sugar levels. It also supports digestive function.

Fruits

Fruit in season is a good addition to a diabetic dog's diet as its body can utilize the natural sugar contained in the fruit. If your dog will eat it, that is.

Dietary Supplements

Brewer's yeast contains glucose tolerance factor, which is a natural chromium-containing substance contained in yeast. Its major benefit to diabetic dogs is that it helps the body to more effectively use blood glucose. Vitamin E reduces the body's need for insulin. Your veterinarian can best advise you on the proper dosage for each.

References

• Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats; Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn (Rev.Ed.); 1995