Diets for Diabetic Dogs
Now that your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with diabetes, it's time to take control of his nutrition to help him lead a healthier life and reduce the possibility of debilitating side effects, such as heart disease, circulatory-system damage and blindness. Make sure your diabetic dog gets his insulin and plenty of exercise, and loses excess weight. Diets for diabetic dogs eliminate sweeteners, reduce simple carbohydrates and increase complex carbohydrates and high-quality protein. When preparing food for your diabetic dog, consult with your veterinarian for expert advice on balanced recipes.
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Sweeteners
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Eliminate sweeteners. According to "Natural Health for Dogs and Cat" by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, commercial food is loaded with additives, such as sweeteners, salt, fungicide and preservatives. Sweeteners, such as corn syrup, sugar and propylene glycol, metabolize rapidly in your diabetic dog's bloodstream and can destabilize blood sugar. By blending your own recipes, you can eliminate sweeteners and improve your diabetic dog's blood sugar.
Simple Carbohydrates
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Reduce simple carbohydrates. Commercial dog foods include ingredients such as corn gluten meal, which is the residue left behind after the germ, bran and starch have been removed. It has little nutritional value and is rapidly metabolized into sugar in your diabetic dog's bloodstream. By preparing food with whole grains, blood sugar fluctuates less and your dog will get more nutrients from his food.
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Complex Carbohydrates
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Increase complex carbohydrates. Whole grains and fresh vegetables act as a digestive aid by adding fiber. The fiber also assures that food is digested more slowly, helping to keep blood sugar steady. Whole grains are rich in B vitamins and omega fatty acids that will keep your diabetic dog's coat shiny and calm nervous or stressed animals. Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. They eat just about anything, and they enjoy vegetables and grains. Avoid vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and peas. They convert to sugar in the blood stream much faster than vegetables such as green beans.
Protein
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Increase high-quality protein. You'll find ingredients such as "meat meal" and "meat byproducts" listed on commercial dog food labels. These blanket terms can cover ingredients such as feathers, gristle, horse and cattle hair, and fecal matter from chickens and other animals. Much of it is indigestible and offers little nutrition. By preparing your diabetic dog's food with high-quality protein, such as beef, chicken and eggs, you are ensuring your dog's blood sugar will be stable and that he is getting enough protein, vitamins and minerals to sustain good health.
Supplements
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Don't assume that herbs and supplements are safe for your diabetic dog. Many of them are not safe for humans, much less for animals. Supplement only as directed by your veterinarian. Safe supplements include bone meal for added calcium and omega fatty acids in the form of pressed oils.
Timing
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Most veterinarians recommend feeding your diabetic dog twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with insulin after every meal.
Warning
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Consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your diabetic dog's diet, supplements or insulin doses.
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Resources
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