Your diabetic dog’s health and the management of their condition and its symptoms will be greatly impacted by what you feed them. You want to take every step possible to manage the disease, maintain your dog’s health, and keep their blood sugar levels stable. The diet, which includes special delights, has a significant impact on that.
But are specialty dog treats really necessary for a dog with diabetes? What precisely should you search for?
In a nutshell, sure. Specially designed diabetic dog treats are made with your dog’s blood sugar levels in mind. and, as a result, are packed with everything your dog needs to feel their best.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Canine Dog Treats
These low-calorie sweets are suitable for diabetics and, as an extra benefit, enhance digestive health with only 4.5 calories per treat.
What treats is a diabetic dog allowed to eat?
Based on their weight and level of exercise, your veterinarian will calculate how many calories your dog requires each day. As soon as you have that figure, it’s critical to pay close attention to what and how much they eat.
The ideal diet for diabetic dogs is constantly being researched. A high-fiber, low-fat diet is advised by the majority of vets. Fiber makes your dog feel full and delays the absorption of glucose into the blood. Foods with less fat have fewer calories. Your dog may eat less and lose weight if you follow the diet in its entirety.
However, make sure your dog gets enough water. Fiber dehydrates the body, which can lead to constipation and other issues.
With store-bought food, the majority of dogs thrive. However, your veterinarian might suggest homemade diets created by veterinary nutritionists or prescription dog food. The ideal method for modifying your dog’s diet will be recommended by your veterinarian.
Although you can’t administer insulin to a dog on an empty stomach, even the best diet won’t help if your dog doesn’t eat it. They could get really sick from it.
It’s possible that your dog doesn’t enjoy the food if they aren’t eating as much. They can possibly be experiencing difficulties from their diabetes or another issue. Consult your vet.
Even if the food isn’t optimal, make sure your dog consumes something. However, stay away from soft, semi-moist dog foods in packages because they frequently contain a lot of sugar.
Here are some ways to get your dog to eat with your vet’s approval:
- Their usual food is mixed with a tablespoon of canned food.
- Sprinkle egg scrambles or chopped chicken over the kibble.
- To dry food, add a spoonful of low-sodium chicken broth.
- (Check to make sure the broths don’t include harmful onions.)
Treats in between meals are OK but not necessary; it might be wise to limit yourself to meals only. Avoid snacks with ingredients labels that include syrup, molasses, fructose, dextrose, or maltose. Carrots, snap peas, homemade dehydrated meats, and even canned pumpkin are all excellent choices.
What Treats Can I Give My Diabetic Dog?
You should select snacks for diabetic dogs that won’t result in a surge in their blood sugar levels.
That indicates anything that is preferably high in protein and fiber and low in carbohydrates, sugars, and fats.
Avoid simple sugars at all costs, especially in human diets, which tend to have significantly higher glycemic indexes than dog foods.
What Human Food Can I Feed My Diabetic Dog?
In general, you should refrain from feeding human foods to your dog. They frequently have a lot of tiny components that are safe for humans but could be hazardous for your dog.
There are numerous vegetables that are suitable as a reward if you wish to give them fresh food. Your dog can consume them uncooked, cooked, or frozen.
While some of the seasonings we are used to, like onion and garlic powders, are poisonous to dogs, if they are cooked, make sure they aren’t seasoned.
Pick low-glycemic veggies including pumpkin, string beans, cucumber, and broccoli.
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Dogs, even those with diabetes, may get enough of protein from eggs. Additionally, they should be consumed cooked rather than raw, unlike many other proteins.
Eggs can be boiled or scrambled, but avoid adding salt. The extra sodium in your dog’s diet is not necessary, and they do not enjoy the flavor of salt as much as you do.
Can Diabetic Dogs Have Peanut Butter?
Some dogs adore peanut butter, and your diabetic dog shouldn’t be at risk if you use good quality peanut butter in moderation. However, you must exercise extreme caution while selecting a brand.
Numerous peanut butters have a lot of added sugar and fat, which might cause your dog’s blood sugar levels to become unstable.
Even worse than this, some peanut butters include xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener that is safe for people but harmful to dogs even in little amounts.
This meal isn’t always expressly noted under ingredients because it’s not harmful to people. However, anything that claims to contain natural sweeteners should be avoided as xylitol may be present.
Can dogs with diabetes eat rawhide?
I provide my clients with daily answers to these questions. A dog’s drive to chew is satisfied by appropriately directed chewing, which also provides enrichment and can help maintain good oral health. It can be difficult to decide what to give your dog to chew on. There are dozens of selections in every pet store, and there are just as many opinions as there are choices. I follow the following principles for my own dog and while giving advice to clients:
1) Be careful with what your dog chews because whatever they chew on has the potential to clog their esophagus or intestines. Your dog is most likely one of three types: a responsible chewer, an irresponsible chewer (one who bites off chunks the size of their heads and tries to swallow them), or a non-chewer. If your dog falls under this third category, you should stop reading this post right away because you’ve already wasted enough time. Given that your dog is at a high risk for obstruction, you should definitely steer clear of chew toys and treats altogether. Certain chew toys or treats don’t have any special powers to make your dog want to try to ingest them whole and choke. Either your dog is a careless chewer or not. Beware of clever marketing that promotes “safer chew toys” or “indestructible chew toys.” All of them could be dangerous. You do, however, have options if your dog fits into the first category. For my own dog and my clients, I prefer giving them flat rawhide chews or large rawhide bones. They have a very low chance of becoming obstructed because they are designed to be chewed up and ingested. Small portions of these chews will even be swallowed by responsible chewers, so I want to pick something that should pass through unnoticed. Even if only a small portion is taken, synthetic chews—anything made of different plastics or other indigestible materials—pose a high risk of obstruction. Real bones, antlers, and hooves from livestock can all accidentally fall into the mouth and become too difficult to pass through the intestines. I have had to remove several objects from dogs’ intestinal tracts throughout my 8 and a half years of practice, including numerous chew toys, but I have never had to remove a rawhide.
2) Stick to chews without flavors. When chew flavour is wet by your dog’s saliva, it might become messy. Additionally, flavorings include added calories that may cause weight gain in dogs who are trying to lose weight. Your dog can be allergic to some allergens included in flavorings.
3) Only buy chews that are MADE IN AMERICA. This is more about quality control than it is about patriotism. Chews produced abroad in recent years have been tainted with poisons that might harm your dog. As of yet, no changes have been made to treats created in the United States. Be aware that certain products may indicate “packed in the USA,” yet they may have been produced elsewhere.
4) Prior to beginning any new goodies, ALWAYS ASK YOUR VETERNARIAN. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you advice on what could or might not be suitable for your dog. Dogs with a beef allergy should not chew on rawhides because they are typically composed of beef. Dogs with diabetes shouldn’t chew on anything that could cause an increase in blood sugar during the day. Breeds predisposed to particular GI disorders will be limited in the kinds of chews they can use. Never give your dog a chew without first discussing it with your veterinarian.
What should dogs with diabetes avoid?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that the regularity of the diet be prioritized above the type of food given to a dog with diabetes. Your diabetic dog will be healthy on the food as long as it is a comprehensive, balanced diet of good quality. Consult your veterinarian for advice on a balanced diet if you haven’t been paying much attention to your pet’s nutrition.
Simple sugars in meals are one thing to stay away from. These will increase the blood sugar level in your dog. Avoid offering sweets or table scraps that are sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners like corn syrup, as well as foods with a high glycemic index that spike blood sugar quickly, including white rice and bread. Have a chat with the entire family about why it is not a good idea to offer your dog treats or leftovers, even how persistently they beg for them.
Increasing soluble and insoluble fiber can aid with weight management if your dog is overweight. This is how certain dog food is made, and it can aid in both weight loss and better blood sugar regulation. In contrast, your dog will require a high-quality maintenance diet if it is underweight.
Some diabetic dogs can experience pancreatitis, which is best treated by avoiding diets high in fat. However, it’s crucial that the decrease in fat doesn’t result in an increase in carbohydrates.
Can dogs with diabetes eat cheese?
Although initially structuring a diet for a dog with diabetes is challenging, there are some broad guidelines you may follow.
It becomes a routine and shouldn’t feel as difficult as it does at first as you get used to using the same foods, understand what to feed a diabetic dog and what not to feed a diabetic dog, and are accustomed to the schedule.
What to Feed a Diabetic Dog
Include fish and lean meats in your dog’s diet to provide high-quality protein. A variety of meats, including lamb, cattle, chicken, turkey, and fish, are good sources of protein.
Additionally, eggs and some dairy items, including low-fat cottage cheese, can be included in your pet’s diet.
Because they are high in antioxidants and fiber, several fruits and berries are beneficial in very small amounts.
Use moderation because they are high in natural sugars (and have a high GI) and will raise your blood sugar levels.
By include some plain yogurt in your diabetic dog’s normal meal, you can help with digestion and nutritional absorption while maintaining your dog’s healthy gut flora.
You can also utilize probiotic supplements, which have a higher concentration of good bacteria and are likely to produce better benefits than yogurt, in place of yogurt or other probiotic foods.
Due to their high fiber content and low fat and calorie content, green leafy vegetables are perfect for dogs that have diabetes.
A diabetic dog’s diet might include veggies including broccoli, celery, kale, and asparagus. Additionally beneficial to your dog’s digestion are carrots and sweet potatoes, but only in moderation because of their increased sugar content (high GI).
There isn’t any data to support the claim that adding grapefruit juice to a diabetic dog’s diet can aid with weight management.
You can mix it with food or add a small amount to your dog’s water. The same is true of cinnamon, which may or may not act as the body’s natural insulin replacement.
Treats in between meals are OK if they are low in sugar and carbohydrates. Avoiding commercial snacks that list syrup, fructose, maltose, or dextrose as components would be beneficial.
Homemade dehydrated meats are healthful dog treats that are suitable for diabetic canines (recipe). Pumpkin in a can is another nice choice. Simply maintain it at a moderate to low level.
What Not to Feed a Diabetic Dog
The majority of human foods, table leftovers, and baked items, which are heavy in sugar and have high GI carbohydrates, should be absolutely avoided.
Make your own baked goods if you want to give your dog some. If created without using foods with a high glycemic index, homemade diabetic dog treats are OK.
Remember to stay away from foods like cereal, white bread, crackers, and other similar items if you typically let your dog graze on human foods because they will raise blood sugar levels.
Avoid corn and everything produced from it. White rice should also be restricted or avoided altogether. Although it has a lower GI than white rice, brown rice is nevertheless quite high in calories.
Depending on the type, most canned foods can be either poor or average. This is due to the fact that dry kibble typically has less carbs than canned dog food. On a dog diabetic diet, it is therefore advisable to completely avoid it.
Avoid buying canned goods, especially those that contain maize, wheat, or corn gluten.
Can dogs with diabetes eat chicken?
Diabetes-affected dogs require a diet that is compatible with regular insulin injections. Before giving insulin, a diabetic dog should ideally be fed the same meal twice a day at the same time, separated by 12 hours. Free feeding should no longer be an option throughout the day. Your dog will quickly grow adjusted to the 12-hour feeding schedule, and after insulin is administered, any hunger brought on by high blood sugar levels will start to subside.
There are numerous foods designed especially for diabetic dogs, including Hills w/d Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Canine Diabetic, and Royal Canin Satiety. The Royal Canin diabetic wet food is quite heavy in fat on a dry matter basis and should be avoided, especially if your dog has a history of pancreatitis. These dog diets are available in both wet and dry formats. There are other viable options that will perform just as well in managing proper glucose control, including Chappie original wet and dry, which is an economical alternative to other high-cost foods, if your dog won’t eat it or you find it too expensive. Many dogs do quite well on these diets. White potato and white rice-containing foods will raise blood sugar levels.
It’s crucial to weigh the food while feeding your dog and to give exactly the same quantity at each meal. For glucose levels to be stabilized, consistency is essential. We must provide the precise number of calories needed to maintain a healthy weight. The “Waltham Nutrition Calculator” (second calculator down the page), which provides the finest figures for a diabetic dog that we have discovered, can be used to determine your dog’s calorie requirements. Choose your dog’s activity level and enter the recommended weight for him. Using the PMFA NRC 2006, you may determine how many calories each gram of various foods contains (4-step method).
You might want to feed your dog a homemade diet. It is important to use a minimal amount of ingredients if you decide to go with this choice. Each meal for your dog must contain a protein, a fiber, and a carbohydrate. Proteins like skinless chicken breast, extremely low fat minced beef that has been boiled or pan-browned, or white fish can all work nicely. Surprisingly, some chickens from supermarkets may include extra sugars, salt, or a combination of salt and corn oil. Your diabetic dog shouldn’t consume these fowl and you should steer clear of them. On the label, keep an eye out for substances like dextrose, salt, and oil. Ask your neighborhood butcher about their selection of chicken breast to be certain there are no additives. Only feed the breast meat because it is the chicken’s leanest component; make careful to remove all of the skin before feeding owing to the skin’s fat content. When cooking for your dog, avoid seasoning, oils, or fats. To achieve the finest results, cook the chicken. If you decide to feed minced beef, try to limit the fat level to no more than 5%. Once more, you can either pan-brown the beef and rinse it under boiling water to remove any extra fat before serving, or you can boil the meat and skim off any fat.
A daily amount of fiber must be consumed by diabetic dogs. Fiber lowers postprandial sugar increases and decreases the release of glucose into the blood. Additionally, fiber will make your dog feel fuller for longer. Avoid feeding your dog a high-fiber diet if they are underweight. Gaining weight may be challenging on a diet high in fiber. A higher dose of fiber will aid in the loss of extra weight if your dog is overweight. Getting your dog to a healthy weight is essential since an overweight dog’s insulin absorption is impaired. Use veggies like broccoli and green beans as sources of fiber. Before serving, vegetables should be thoroughly boiled and mashed or pureed since dogs cannot create the enzymes required to dissolve plant cell walls. Diarrhea can result from eating too much fiber. As you search for the ideal balance, cut back on the fiber if your dog’s stools start to get loose. Increased fiber can also aid dogs who are experiencing constipation. A little extra pure, organic pumpkin, like the canned variety from Baking Buddy, will help keep your dog’s blood sugar levels in check and increase fiber intake. Use any pumpkin that isn’t designated as pie filler.
Although carbs are necessary for the insulin to work effectively, consuming too many of them might result in excessive fasting glucose rises. Usually, little to moderate dosages are effective. Complex carbs include foods like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, and barley. To function with the insulin, they gradually release glucose into the bloodstream throughout the day. White rice and white pasta are examples of simple carbs that are immediate sources of energy due to their quick digestion. Dogs with diabetes should avoid simple carbs because they will result in glucose increases shortly after eating and won’t endure the full 12 hours between insulin doses.
You’ll need vitamin and mineral supplements if you eat a home-cooked diet. Find out what your dog will require to stay healthy by doing your research. Many supplements have sugars and flavors that are inappropriate for a diabetic dog, which makes picking a home-cooked diet even more challenging.
Due to the high fat content in the majority of complete raw foods now on the market and the challenge of providing a consistent, low-fat, balanced meal when feeding a DIY raw diet, raw diets may not be ideal for diabetic dogs.
Visit All About Dog Food to discover more about the ingredients and the dry matter fat content of commercial dog food.
A close eye on how the insulin is working with your selected diet is required because each dog differs in how they respond to various meals and insulin; what may work for one may not work for another.
Try toppings (no more than a tablespoon) such scrambled egg whites (no milk, butter, or oils added), tuna or tuna spring water, a tiny amount of low sodium chicken broth, nonfat, plain cottage cheese or yogurt, or a small bit of parmesan cheese if your dog won’t eat. Some dogs will also consume food that has been gently reheated.
