Diabetes in dogs can be a tricky thing. While proper care is essential, it’s also a costly endeavor. While I generally advocate to follow every stitch of advice your vet gives you, I realize that diabetes in dogs is highly expensive. To that end – and because I’ve seen dogs be put to sleep for this condition – I’ve decided to offer some advice to owners who can’t necessarily afford all the treatment that goes along with diabetes, specifically diabetic food.
Related:Effects of Sugar in Dogs – A Long Term Disaster
Diabetes in DogsCan be Heartbreaking
Like I said, I’ve seen dogs put to sleep over this condition. In one case, the owner was a total monster, however in all the other cases, the owners were sobbing and broken because they had to decide between putting food on the table for their kids and treating their pet. It’s a hard position to be in. That’s why I decided to address one of the biggest expenses associated with diabetes in dogs – food.
Food is one of the most important aspects of treating a diabetic dog. Proper diet is the foundation of every other aspect of treating diabetes in dogs. Without it, nothing else works properly. That’s why it’s key to do as much as possible to give a dog suffering from diabetes a diet that promotes diabetic wellness.
Related: When to put a diabetic dog down
Feeding a Diabetic Dog When Rx Food Isn’t an Option
While the best diet for a diabetic dog is prescription food, that isn’t always options. Sometimes the cost is too great. Sometimes, the dog just won’t eat it. When that happens, you have to start looking at foods that might not be for diabetic dogs but still have a better glycemic profile that runs of the mill foods.
Carbohydrates
To begin with, we need to address carbs. Carbs aren’t the enemy. The wrong carbs and the wrong amount of carbs are the enemy. Diabetes in dogs can explode without the proper diet. A diabetic dog needs complex carbs that digest slowly, and they need less than other dogs without diabetes.
A diabetic dog needs food that has no more than 30% carbs. Those carbs need to be complex. So you’ll want to look for a dog food with a carb source like oats and barley. You might think sweet potato would be a good choice, but where boiled sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, baked sweet potatoes have a high glycemic index. Since dog foods aren’t boiled, sweet potato is a bad choice.
Protein
Next up is protein. Don’t be alarmed at the higher protein content in a dog food that addresses the needs of diabetes in dogs. When you cut carbs, you cut calories. Those carbs need to be replaced, and protein is considered an ideal replacement. While fats are good for your dog’s body, too much fat will cause weight gain. That’s counterproductive to diabetic treatment.
Fats
Fats are important to your dog’s health, but you don’t want too much. Generally speaking, look for a dog food that has no more than a total of 30% fat AND carbs.
How Often to Feed a Diabetic Dog
Diabetes in dogs is about more than finding the right food. It’s about feeding that food the right way. After you’ve found a dog food with low glycemic carbs and the right amount of them, you’ll still need to feed your diabetic dog in a way that promotes good health.
It’s best to break up your dog’s total food into three equal sized meals throughout the day if you can. This keeps your dog’s blood sugar from dropping too low. It’s also important to know that you SHOULD NOT give your dog normal treats. Treats only serve to spike blood sugar and add calories. If you must feed treats, give your dog green beans. They are full of fiber and have a low glycemic index.
Diabetes in Dogs – Feeding is Key
When approaching diabetes in dogs, it’s always best to use a prescription food if you can. However, that’s not always an option. If you look for food with the proper protein, fat, and carb ratio, diabetes in dogs can be reasonably well controlled on the diet end.
As always, if you have any questions, you should contact your vet immediately. While I may have worked with a vet for several years, I am NOT a veterinarian. Always consult your vet on any decisions you make regarding your dogs health, but especially diabetes in dogs.
Have you ever dealt with diabetes in any of your dogs? What advice can you offer to other pet parents going through the same thing?
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A former Veterinary Assistant at Southwest Animal Care Hospital, Ben is an animal lover, blogger, and all-around geek. Along with writing for DogVills, Ben runs his own virtual assistant company, BizzyBim.
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FAQs
Select foods with a low glycemic index (GI). These foods release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Foods such as whole grains, legumes, and certain vegetables have a lower GI and can be beneficial for diabetic dogs.
How much should a diabetic dog eat? ›
The ultimate goal is to feed your dog two similar meals a day, approximately 12 hours apart, with less than 10% of the total nutrients for the day coming from treats. Insulin is given within an hour of eating each meal and this schedule should be maintained with as much regularity as possible.
What can I feed my diabetic dog who won't eat? ›
Give them honey or Karo syrup if they won't eat or are unable to eat. This will reverse the low blood sugar. If your dog experiences hypoglycemia or is not eating consistently, contact your veterinarian.
How can I fatten up my diabetic dog? ›
Incorporating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day can also help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in weight gain. Additionally, adding healthy fats such as fish oil or coconut oil to their diet can provide extra calories. Originally Answered: What can I do so my diabetic dog eats?
Is peanut butter good for diabetic dogs? ›
High-quality peanut butter without added sugar is safe for diabetic dogs in moderation. However, peanut butter is relatively high in calories, so your vet may advise against it, depending on your dog's specific needs.
What are good carbs for diabetic dogs? ›
Some examples of complex carbs are:
- Green Vegetables.
- Whole Grains.
- Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa.
- Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes (Starch)
- Sweet Potatoes (Starch)
- Beans, Lentils, Peas.
A diabetic dog needs correctly timed meals, instead of free will feeding. Meals 10-12 hours apart work best for most dogs.
Can a diabetic dog eat scrambled eggs? ›
Diabetic dogs can eat eggs! They are an excellent source of protein for your dog. Eggs also have other nutrients that are important for your dog's health. And unlike many of the foods we just discussed, eggs aren't very high in sugar.
How much should a dog eat before insulin shot? ›
For Once-Daily Insulin Injections:
Calculate the total daily amount of food the dog should be fed. Give the first meal (two-thirds of the daily amount) prior to the morning Vetsulin injection. This allows the owner to confirm the dog is feeling well and eating normally before administering the insulin.
What is the final stage of diabetes in dogs? ›
The final stage of untreated or poorly treated diabetes is often a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which will be fatal unless the dog quickly receives aggressive veterinary treatment.
Certain vegetables including carrots, snap peas, and canned pumpkin make a tasty, diabetes-safe treat on their own. There are some fruits and berries that are good sources of fiber but use sparingly because of the high levels of glucose.
Is cheese OK for diabetic dogs? ›
High-fat content: Cheese has a high fat content, which isn't safe for some dogs, especially those with diabetes or pancreatitis. However, in moderation, the high fat content in cheese shouldn't cause adverse reactions in healthy, active dogs.
Is chicken good for diabetic dogs? ›
Proteins such as skinned chicken breast, very low fat boiled or pan browned minced beef or white fish can work well. Surprisingly, some supermarket chickens will contain added sugars, salt or a mix of salt and corn oil. These chickens are not suitable for your diabetic dog and should be avoided.
How can I reverse my dogs diabetes naturally? ›
For dogs with Type I diabetes, a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates is recommended to help support proper digestion and blood sugar levels. In most cases, for both dogs and cats, a raw diet is best, or at least home-cooked.
Can diabetic dogs have snacks? ›
Moderation is key when giving treats to diabetic dogs. For many if not most dogs, treats should take up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. But it's best to consult with your vet to determine treat portions and frequency.
Are eggs good for diabetic dogs? ›
Diabetic dogs can eat eggs! They are an excellent source of protein for your dog. Eggs also have other nutrients that are important for your dog's health. And unlike many of the foods we just discussed, eggs aren't very high in sugar.
Is Sweet Potato good for diabetic dogs? ›
For dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active, owners should proceed carefully and only give their dog a minimal amount of sweet potatoes. “They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index,” says Dr.
Are bananas good for dogs with diabetes? ›
“Too much of a good thing, even bananas, can lead to upset tummies and due to the high fiber content, diarrhea,” Hauser says. “Due to the high sugar content, bananas should be avoided for diabetic dogs.”
Is oatmeal good for diabetic dogs? ›
If your dog is diabetic, adding oats as a regular part of their diet may stabilize the blood sugar and result in insulin dose changes.
