Diabetes in dogs: tips for managing their diet

Canine diabetes can be challenging, but it is important to understand how to manage the condition to ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life. One of the most important components of caring for a diabetic dog is diet. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for dogs with diabetes: the animal's physical condition, preferences, and other illnesses or conditions determine the best diet for a dog with diabetes. While there are different approaches to optimal nutrition for dogs with diabetes, the strategy most agree on is to keep the diet stable. In this blog post, we will give you helpful tips on how to adjust your dog's diet to improve his health and control diabetes symptoms.

Diet for Diabetic Dogs: What is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes mellitus or just diabetes in dogs is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the dog's body cannot utilize glucose as it should. The dog's pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to convert food into energy, or the cells in the body cannot use the insulin properly. The first stage in humans is called type 1 diabetes, the only type of diabetes that also affects dogs. Timely diagnosis of diabetes in dogs is crucial for successful management. If you notice that your dog is excessively thirsty or urinating excessively, to name just a few of the symptoms of diabetes, you should take him to the vet. Your veterinarian will help you create a diet plan for a diabetic dog and explain what you should feed a diabetic dog to relieve symptoms. Although the exact cause of canine diabetes is not known, there are some factors that can lead to diabetes in dogs: genetics, autoimmune diseases, obesity and chronic pancreatitis.

Female dogs are at greater risk in later stages of life. Some dog breeds have a higher risk of diabetes, such as Australian terriers, schnauzers, poodles and dachshunds. What can you feed a diabetic dog to cure the disease? Unfortunately, diabetes in dogs cannot be cured. However, studies have shown that with proper management and a well-thought-out diabetic diet, the animals can still lead a healthy everyday life.

How do I recognize diabetes in my dog?

There are several signs that may indicate that your dog has diabetes. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

1. Frequent urination: If your dog is urinating more frequently than normal, it could be a sign of diabetes. You should also watch for signs of incontinence.

2. Excessive thirst: Increased thirst can also be a symptom of diabetes. If your dog drinks more water than usual, this may be an indication of the illness.

3. Weight loss: If your dog loses weight despite a normal appetite, this could be a sign of diabetes.

4. Appetite changes: Dogs with diabetes may also have a change in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual.

5. Fatigue and Weakness: If your dog seems tired, weak, and is moving less than usual, this could be a sign of diabetes.

If you notice some of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet for an accurate diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?

Your dog's increase in blood sugar levels may manifest as some of these symptoms:

• Lack of energy
• Change in appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent urination
• The breath (and urine) smells sweet

Before you determine that your dog has diabetes, you should have a test with your veterinarian. This way, you know what to do and can buy the best dog food for diabetic dogs.

The basics of your dog's diet

Your veterinarian should always be the first point of contact because dogs with diabetes require daily insulin injections. This helps them regulate their blood sugar levels. Your vet will also explain how not to feed a diabetic dog and how a diabetic diet is structured as part of the management plan.

Dietary guidelines

Dogs with diabetes need to stay in shape. Make sure that your animal does not become overweight. If your pet is already overweight, he needs to lose those extra pounds because this will improve his condition and help his cells use insulin better. This should be achieved through a combination of daily exercise, calorie restriction and a healthy diet. You or your veterinarian can determine the exact number of calories your dog needs each day based on activity, age and weight. The timing of meals is also important.

In most cases, it is optimal to feed your dog 2-3 times a day at the same time. Your dog's diet must be consistent in terms of the number of carbohydrates and the ratio of protein to fat and carbohydrates. Otherwise, dramatic changes in blood sugar levels can occur. Commercial dog food for diabetes is fine in most cases. Prescription dog food purchased from veterinary clinics can be very expensive. But fortunately, there are many over-the-counter brands that have similar or even identical calorie and macronutrient composition and are much cheaper. You can also make homemade diabetic food at home. What is important for all types of food is a low glycemic index and a low total sugar content.

Your dog needs to eat regularly because of his insulin injections. If he doesn't eat much, it could be that he doesn't like the food or there is a health reason. It can even be a sign of complications related to diabetes. You can always try to get your dog to eat:

• Mix a tablespoon of canned dog food into his regular meals.
• Using low-carb and low-calorie dog food blends.
• Add some bone broth to your dog's dry food.

Studies do not yet agree on which nutrient profile is best and what to feed a diabetic dog. However, based on current evidence, veterinarians recommend a low-fat, low/medium-carb, high-protein/medium, and high-fiber diet for your diabetic dogs. This healthy diet helps your dog stay fit and slows the entry of glucose into the bloodstream. Finally, you should make sure that your dog drinks plenty of water on a high-fiber diet.

Important nutrients

The amount of fiber or carbohydrates depends on many factors, especially your dog's weight and exercise routine. Below is an overview of the macronutrients you should feed a diabetic dog to manage his disease.

protein

As with most other medical conditions, high-quality protein sources are a crucial factor when making homemade diabetic dog food or choosing commercial dog food for diabetes. Beef, chicken, turkey and fish are excellent sources of protein. Opt for low-fat recipes that contain lean meat, such as: B. red meat or chicken breast. L-carnitine, an essential amino acid found in meat sources such as beef and lamb, can significantly help control diabetes in dogs. It can improve fat metabolism, protect muscles and help maintain lean body mass. To ensure effective absorption, dogs should consume the amino acid through a healthy diet and not through a supplement.

carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are responsible for the largest changes in blood sugar levels after eating because they are digested more quickly than fats and proteins and cause blood sugar spikes. Carbohydrate consumption is directly related to the timing of your dog's meals and his insulin dosage. The source and type of carbohydrates are not as important (because most of them cause blood sugar spikes anyway) as the timing and amount of carbohydrates in your diabetic dog's diet. You should avoid simple carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (GI) as they quickly spike blood sugar levels; stick to healthy foods and low GI carbohydrates. When putting together a diabetic diet for dogs, it is important to pay attention to the glycemic index of foods. Here's how you can determine the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. You can also estimate how much each gram of carbohydrate (excluding fiber) in a particular food increases your dog's blood sugar level after consumption.

Low-glycemic foods cause a steady and slow release of glucose in the dog's body. High-glycemic foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more quickly. Some low-glycemic foods you can include in your meals include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Foods with an average glycemic index include brown rice and sweet potatoes. High-glycemic foods include white bread, white rice, and most unhealthy high-carb foods that you shouldn't feed a dog.

fiber

Scientific evidence shows that fiber is the most important factor in a diabetic dog's diet. Fiber is found in many fruits and vegetables; they also help with digestion. Fiber slows gastric emptying and the digestion of carbohydrates, which in turn slows the release of glucose and prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly. In most cases, moderate amounts of fiber are sufficient for dogs with diabetes.

Fats

When it comes to fats, the safest way is to feed your diabetic dog a low-fat diet, according to recent research. Choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids or add fish oil supplements to your home-cooked meals. They can help lower blood lipid levels and inflammation. They can also help regulate the immune system. Fish and fish oil are the best sources of these acids.

Homemade Diabetic Dog Food Meals

While commercial dog food for diabetics is more convenient, prescription diets can also be very expensive. Discuss this with your veterinarian and inquire about your diabetic dog's needs. You can create an excellent diabetic diet for dogs by cooking yourself.

Here is an example of an excellent homemade diabetic dog food recipe to get you started.

Basic recipe for homemade diabetic dog food

This recipe is good because it is low in fat and contains lots of green, leafy vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2700 grams of lean beef
• 1 broccoli, fresh
• 1 pack of fresh spinach (200g)
• 200 grams chopped celery
• 300 grams of rye
• 800 grams of brown rice
• 5l of liquid (1/2 broth and 1/2 water)

preparation

1. Let the lean beef simmer in the liquid for 20-30 minutes and then remove it. Mix all other ingredients in a pot and place on the stove until the liquid is absorbed.
2. Mix the beef and vegetables, add the hot rice and rye over the mixture, then mix everything together.
3. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. You can also use any other protein source instead of beef, such as: E.g. chicken or turkey, and you can also use any other green vegetables.

The best dog food for diabetic dogs

In addition to homemade dog food for diabetic dogs and prescription food brands, there are also some veterinarian-recommended brands for diabetic dogs that are available commercially. These foods contain a similar protein/fat/carbohydrate/fiber ratio as the more expensive brands sold in veterinary clinics. Below are some brands you can discuss with your vet.

Will losing weight help my overweight, diabetic dog?

While obesity is not a risk factor for developing diabetes in dogs, it can contribute to diabetes being difficult to control once it develops. Excess body fat can cause insulin resistance, meaning the same amount of insulin has less effect. All overweight diabetic pets should be encouraged to lose weight slowly once their diabetes is under control. It is important that your veterinarian monitor your dog closely during weight loss, as his diabetes control will likely change and insulin adjustments may be necessary to avoid an overdose.

Do I need a therapeutic or "veterinary" diet?

If you have diabetes in dogs, there are diets that you can get from your veterinarian or that have been developed with his approval specifically for the treatment of diabetic dogs. However, these diets are not ideal or necessary for every diabetic dog. Nutrient profiles with a high proportion of insoluble fiber can also be found in some over-the-counter foods. One advantage of therapeutic diets is that they can have better consistency due to more stringent processing protocols. Compared to over-the-counter foods, which can vary from batch to batch. Additionally, it is usually easier to obtain specific nutritional information from the manufacturer. You and your veterinarian may initially decide to maintain your pet's normal diet but switch to a therapeutic diet if you have problems with diabetes control after insulin initiation. Regardless of which food you choose, you should always be wary of swapping out flavors, textures, or even dry and canned versions of the same food. Each product may have a different effect on your dog's diabetes management. You should talk to your veterinarian before changing food and carefully monitor your dog's diabetes during and after the change.

Tips for dealing with a diabetic dog

Be sure to keep a food diary and tell your vet everything your dog is eating. This also includes treats, chews, leftover food and food that is used for medication.

If you consider a diet higher in insoluble fiber, the increased amount of feces will cause you to go to the bathroom more often. This may mean you need to schedule more daily walks to avoid accidents.

High-fiber dog food is, in most cases, a better source of fiber. They can be formulated to provide the dog with all the essential nutrients (additional fiber can make it more difficult to absorb nutrients from food). Canned pumpkin is very popular among customers as a fiber supplement. However, the amount needed to have an effect can unbalance the overall diet (i.e. the pumpkin would provide significantly more than 10% of the dog's total calories).

Avoid fiber supplements with added flavors or sweeteners like xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.

What not to feed a diabetic dog

If you have diabetes in a dog, most human foods and table scraps, such as junk food and baked goods, should be avoided as they are high in sugar and have a high glycemic index. If you want to give your dog some baked goods, do it yourself. Homemade diabetic treats can be good if they don't consist of foods with a high glycemic index. If you allow your dog to eat human foods, avoid cereal, white bread, crackers, etc. They cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket. Also avoid corn and anything made from corn. White rice should also be avoided or at least limited. Brown rice may be a little better because it's lower on the GI scale, but it's still relatively high. Depending on the variety, most canned foods are harmful or mediocre. This is because canned dog food usually contains more carbohydrates than dry food. Therefore, it is best to avoid it altogether in a canine diabetes diet. Above all, avoid canned products that contain corn gluten, corn and wheat gluten.

Tips for a healthy diabetic diet for dogs

Aside from following the right diabetic diet for dogs, you can also follow certain habits to control diabetes.

• Give diabetic dog food and insulin treatments on time
• Follow the diabetic diet for dogs instructions
• Talk to your veterinarian about the ideal nutrients to include in a dog's diabetic diet
• Minimize fat in the diet to avoid complications.

Diabetes in Dogs - Final Thoughts

Diabetes in dogs is a serious disease that is often only recognized late. It is important to recognize symptoms early and see a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis. An adjusted diet and regular exercise can help control the disease and improve the dog's quality of life. It is also important to regularly monitor the dog's blood sugar levels and watch for possible complications. With the right tips and advice, as a dog owner you can successfully deal with the disease and enable your dog to live a happy and healthy life.