Has your dog’s doctor lately informed you that it has diabetes? Even though your dog may have had a diagnosis for a long, you may still not have discovered the right food. You’re currently looking for the most fantastic dog food for diabetic dogs, anyway that may be.
Along with a tonne of materials, we’ve gathered five of the best non-prescription dry foods for diabetic dogs.
Best Dog Food for Dogs with Diabetes
 | Purina Beyond High Protein, Grain Free, Natural Pate Wet Dog Food, WILD Turkey, Liver & Duck Recipe – (12) 13 oz. Cans Product details Brand Beyond Flavor Turkey, Liver & Duck Age Range Description Adult Target Species Dog Item Form Wet Specific Uses for Product Stomach, Active, Coat | View on Amazon Read reviews |
 | Wellness CORE Grain Free Wet Dog Food, Smooth Pate, Natural, Adult, Added Vitamins & Minerals, No Meat by-Products, Wheat, Corn, Soy, Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives Product details Brand Wellness Natural Pet Food Flavor Turkey Age Range Description Adult Target Species Dog Item Form Wet Specific Uses for Product Coat | View on Amazon Read Reviews |
 | Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food, 35% Protein, No Added Grains (Beef, Salmon, Turkey, Lamb, Chicken) Product details Brand WAG Flavor Beef Age Range Description Adult Target Species Dog Item Form Pellet Specific Uses for Product Grain-free | View on Amazon Read Reviews |
 | Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food, Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management, Pack of 12 Product details Brand Hill’s Science Diet Flavor Vegetable & Chicken | Stew Age Range Description Adult Target Species Dog Item Form Stew Specific Uses for Product Weight | View on Amazon Read Reviews |
Diabetes: What Is It and How Does It Affect Dogs?
Diabetes is frequently thought to exclusively affect humans, however, it can also harm canines. In fact, dogs may be diagnosed with diabetes as often as once every 100.
What exactly is diabetes?
The body converts the food you or your dog eats into protein, fat, and sugar (glucose). Insulin, which is made by the pancreas, aids in the digestion of glucose.
Two distinct forms of diabetes make it difficult for glucose to be effectively metabolized.
Dogs are more likely to get type I diabetes than other animals. The pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to metabolize glucose in people with Type I diabetes.
Because of the body’s excessive insulin production in type II diabetes, the cells are no longer affected by the hormone.
Both types of diabetes prevent the body from adequately metabolizing and using glucose. That can result in a variety of other health issues. Diabetes requires lifetime treatment and care; there is no known cure.
Diet and Diabetes in Dogs
Let’s talk about how your dog’s food can affect diabetes now that you have a better understanding of what it is.
With diabetes, the body’s ability to metabolize glucose, which is formed from carbohydrates, is compromised. Due to this, your veterinarian may advise feeding your dog a diet that is low in carbohydrates.
Only 20–25% of calories should come from carbohydrates in a low-glycemic diet to avoid harmful blood sugar increases. According to reports, this kind of dog food has a low glycemic index.
Additionally, many veterinarians advise feeding a diet rich in fiber. Fiber prolongs the feeling of fullness in your dog and reduces the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream.
Our suggestions for the best dog food for diabetes shouldn’t be used in place of those from your veterinarian.
determining the percentage of carbohydrates in dog food for diabetic dogs
The percentage of protein and fat in commercial diabetic dog foods is frequently listed on the label. The carbohydrate content, though, might not be specified. That implies that you must solve the problem on your own.
The remaining percentages must be added (fat, protein, moisture, etc.). To calculate the percentage of carbohydrates, subtract that figure from 100.
It can also be feasible to get in touch with the food producer to learn the proportion of carbohydrates.
Dog Treats for Diabetes
Can you still give goodies to your diabetic dog? Yes, but you need to use caution. The majority of biscuit-like sweets and many other popular treat varieties are carb-heavy. As a result, blood sugar levels may increase.
Vegetables and freeze-dried meat are the two finest treats for diabetic dogs.
Dogs can eat the majority of vegetables (apart from onions and garlic). However, avoid feeding your dog vegetables with a lot of carbohydrates. That includes sweet potatoes, corn, and potatoes in general.
Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats are excellent treats for diabetic dogs because they don’t include any carbs. Here are a few examples of typical freeze-dried snacks you might encounter:
Rabbit ears, cow liver, chicken, lamb, and other foods.
No matter what kind of treat you give your dog, it’s still crucial to keep the quantity under check. Obesity can aggravate diabetes and be brought on by eating too many dog treats. Treats must be considered when recommending calorie-reduced diets for many diabetic dogs.
Things to Take into Account When Choosing Diabetic Dog Food
When choosing the ideal food for your diabetic dog, there are several things to take into account. Here are some factors to take into account while selecting diabetic dog food.
Made in a Nation with Strict Quality and Safety Standards
The high requirements for safety and quality are not shared by all nations. It’s crucial to choose dog food produced in:
USA
Canada
In New Zealand
Australia
Germany
England
France
Given their unique needs and health concerns, diabetic dogs need to be especially aware of this.
Particularly Chinese food seems to be more likely to be recalled, which could be dangerous for your diabetic dog.
Avoid consuming unidentified meat products or meals
Any kind of byproducts shouldn’t be included in your dog’s diet. What do byproducts mean? They consist of animal parts like hooves, beaks, and horns that people don’t want to consume. It is best to stay away from these ingredients because they have little nutritional value.
Meat dishes often contain minced bones, tendons, and ligaments. These ingredients are still somewhat nutritious. But the food should clearly state which animal the meat meal is made from.
For instance, choose products that list “chicken meal” or “turkey meal” rather than ones that list “meat meal” or “poultry meal.”
The best nutrition is typically found in whole meat ingredients, even though they are frequently more expensive (such as deboned chicken).
Check for Ingredients High in Fiber
Fiber serves two key purposes that are essential for diabetic pets.
First, fiber causes your dog’s intestines to expand, which prolongs its feeling of fullness. Additionally, it reduces the rate at which glucose is released into your dog’s blood. In doing so, sugar surges are avoided.
Among the ingredients with a lot of fiber are:
A low carbohydrate diet
Upon digestion, carbohydrates produce glucose. The insulin that your diabetic dog produces is insufficient to metabolize glucose. Therefore, the fewer carbohydrates there are in your dog’s food, the better.
There are two distinct categories of carbs.
Complex carbs provide essential nutrients and are more difficult to digest. Peas, sweet potatoes, and brown rice are examples of food items that contain complex carbs.
Simple carbs contain a lot of sugar and decompose quickly. Spikes in blood sugar are caused by this extra sugar. Soy and corn are examples of filler materials that are simple carbohydrates.
Put Portion Control First
In the United States, almost 50% of all pet dogs are obese. Dogs who are obese experience many of the same health issues as obese people. Diabetes may make several medical conditions worse or more challenging.
Your dog’s ribs ought to be palpable, but not visible. If your dog is already overweight, you should discuss weight loss options with your veterinarian. If your diabetic dog isn’t overweight currently, you should concentrate on portion control to keep him at a healthy weight.
When figuring out how much to feed your dog, don’t forget to account for goodies. Many people give their dogs the recommended quantity of food, but they supplement it with too many treats that are high in calories.
Steer clear of artificial additives
It is possible to improve the taste of inexpensive food by adding artificial colors, tastes, or preservatives. However, these components are superfluous and could result in food allergies. To get your dog to consume them, look for high-quality foods that don’t contain any artificial additives.
Locate foods that are nutritious for your dog.
The most fundamental nutrients your dog requires are found in most commercial dry dog meals. However, you generally don’t want to feed a meal with the bare minimum of nourishment to your diabetic dog.
You should search for labels that include at least some of the following:
Ingredients high in antioxidants to support immune health
For healthy joints, take glucosamine and chondroitin.
Probiotics for healthy digestion
Additionally, search for foods that contain vitamins and minerals from natural sources. Some pet food manufacturers just spray a vitamin solution over the kibble rather than using nutritious components that naturally contain vitamins.
Look for low-glycemic-index and low-fat foods.
A low glycemic index diet is necessary for diabetic dogs. Which is that? The glycemic index measures how rapidly glucose is produced from food. This occurs more quickly the larger the number.
You want a meal that converts carbohydrates to glucose gradually since diabetic dogs have difficulty processing glucose. In search of low glycemic index foods.
There are two reasons why you shouldn’t feed your diabetic dog a diet high in fat.
First, compared to protein, fat has higher quantities of glucose. You don’t want your diabetic dog to have to deal with too much glucose, as we’ve already explained.
Second, a high-fat diet gives your dog calories that don’t make them feel satisfied. Nobody wants to watch their dog behave as though they are about to die of starvation. Obesity can also be brought on by eating a diet with too much fat.
Diabetes Symptoms in Dogs
Uncertain whether your dog has diabetes? Here are a few typical signs:
increased urination and thirst
Unexpected decrease in weight
alteration in appetite
sour breath
Fatigue
infections of the urinary tract
Cataracts
Depression
chronic yeast infections or skin rashes
If you see any signs in your dog, you should call your veterinarian right soon because dogs sometimes conceal their illnesses.
Diabetes in Dogs Treatment
Diabetes in dogs is managed in a manner similar to that of humans. Usually, you have to provide insulin injections and test your blood sugar frequently. Additionally, you should carefully monitor your dog’s nutrition to prevent blood sugar increases.
Your veterinarian might advise you to exercise your diabetic dog frequently in order to maintain its health.
Diabetes complications in dogs
Numerous issues might result from canine diabetes, particularly if it goes untreated. Diabetes can cause certain major side effects, such as:
Cataracts can result in blindness.
urinary tract infections brought on by high urine sugar levels
A further disorder that can lead to blindness is diabetic retinopathy.
a surplus of insulin. Giving your dog too much insulin can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. Seizures, brain damage, or even death may result from that.
These are just a few of the potentially harmful problems that can result from dog diabetes. Because of this, it’s crucial to carefully control your pet’s diabetes. Giving them the proper diabetic dog food is part of that.
Diabetes Prone Dog Breeds
While diabetes can affect any animal, certain dog breeds are more likely than others to get it. The following dog breeds are more likely to develop diabetes:
Beagle \sBichon Frise
Spaniel Cocker
Dachshund
Doberman Pinscher
Terrier Fox
English Shepherd
Golden Doodle
Keeshond
Canine Labrador
Pomeranian \sPoodle
Puli
Samoyed \sSchnauzer
In general, female dogs are more likely to develop diabetes than male dogs, especially slim ones. This is especially true if the female dog is overweight and/or intact.
The Costs Associated with Dog Diabetes
Although diabetes may be managed, it is a chronic condition, and managing it can be expensive. The following are some expenses related to the condition’s treatment:
Typically administered twice daily, insulin injections might cost $30 to $150 per month.
Injection syringes are necessary and cost $10–$20 every month.
You can check the blood sugar levels in your dog using a glucose monitor. Only one should be required, and it should cost between $20 to $150.
The glucose monitor is used with disposable lancets and test strips to check your dog’s blood sugar. Budget between $5 and $20 per month.
Compared to conventional dog food, diabetic dog food may cost between 10% and 20% more.
Visits to the vet will probably become more frequent so they can keep an eye on your dog’s health. Depending on the veterinary practice, costs might run into hundreds of dollars annually.
Homemade Dog Foods for Dogs with Diabetes?
Them makes sense that you would choose to prepare meals for your diabetic dog rather than give it commercial dog chow. Even for healthy dogs, it can be challenging to make homemade diabetic dog food that is nutritionally adequate. It’s very challenging to determine a diabetic dog’s exact nutritional needs.
If you truly want to cook for your dog, ask your veterinarian for some recipes that will provide them with all the nourishment they require.
More Advice for Caring for Diabetic Dogs
We wanted to give you some additional advice on how to care for diabetic dogs.
In the beginning, you must feed your dog consistently and regularly. Take your veterinarian’s advice, but keep in mind that you should typically administer their insulin shots twice daily. To minimize blood sugar fluctuations, try feeding your dog at the same time each day.
Second, avoid making dietary changes for your dog. Try not to switch to a different diabetic dog food once you’ve found it. Your dog’s blood sugar levels may experience strange variations if you change diets.
Thirdly, remember to include goodies in your dog’s diet. Steer clear of sweets with a lot of carbohydrates. To avoid obesity, don’t forget to account for treat calories in your dog’s daily diet.
Blood glucose testing in dogs
Blood glucose monitoring on a regular basis for a diabetic dog may be one of the trickiest aspects of care. Maintaining the health of your diabetic dog requires careful attention to his blood glucose levels. Although the procedure is rather straightforward, your dog could make it difficult.
You will need to collect a sample of blood from your dog’s ear flap for testing unless your veterinarian instructs you differently.
Warm up the ear flap of your calm dog to promote blood flow. Then, make a little cut in your dog’s ear that is clean and hairless with a lancet. Use a glucose test strip to draw blood, and then place the strip into the monitor. To stop the bleeding, put a cotton ball on your dog’s ear.
Depending on your dog’s size, its blood sugar level should range from 100 to 250 mg/dL. Depending on your dog’s blood sugar levels, you might need to modify the amount of insulin you give them.
Diabetes FAQ
What should I feed my diabetic dog and how often?
You should feed your diabetic dog twice a day unless your veterinarian instructs you otherwise. Try your best to feed your dog every day at the same time. This will lessen changes in blood sugar levels.
What is dog food for diabetics?
A prescription food, a diet created especially for dogs with diabetes, or a premium dog food that satisfies particular criteria can all be considered diabetic dog foods.
Low in carbohydrates and fat, diabetic dog chow should be robust in protein and fiber.
Does Dry Dog Food Have a Relationship with Diabetes?
Dry dog food and diabetes have not been linked by any study. However, it’s believed that some dog meals’ high carbohydrate content contributes to the onset of diabetes. According to anecdotal evidence, dogs who consume an ancestral diet high in meat are less likely to develop diabetes.
You must conduct your own study to decide which diet is best for your dog in the absence of scientific studies. You should also talk to your dog’s veterinarian about its diet.
Why is my diabetic dog shedding pounds?
Dogs with diabetes don’t make enough insulin to turn glucose into a viable energy source. Thus, the fat and muscle in your dog must serve as sources of energy. It results in weight loss.
You should call your veterinarian if your diabetic dog is underweight and you haven’t modified its diet or activity routine. Diabetes in your dog could not be under good control.
However, if your dog is overweight, your veterinarian can advise that they reduce their weight. Similar to unintended weight loss, intentional weight loss is not a worry.
