How to choose the best food for diabetic dogs
Choosing a diabetic dog food is based on choosing a food that helps maintain blood glucose levels at an appropriate level. Diabetes affects dogs with an insulin deficiency, which results in hyperglycemia. This means that blood glucose levels rise, which can cause serious health problems ranging from loss of appetite and vomiting to epileptic seizures, the development of cataracts, and extreme weakness. The best way to prevent all these symptoms and keep your pet from getting sick is to monitor the diabetic dog's diet and choose a food specifically tailored to their condition.
In this article, we want to tell you what the best food for diabetic dogs should be like , what ingredients it should contain, and other things to keep in mind to prevent the disease from worsening. Keep reading this article for more information!
Diabetic dog food: the ingredients
Diabetes in dogs, just like in people, can be of two types. These are type 1 diabetes—or diabetes mellitus, when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin—and type 2 diabetes—when the body isn't able to use insulin properly. In dogs, type 1 diabetes is the most common , and although all breeds are prone to it, some are more likely, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, and Beagles, among others.
Therefore, diabetic dog food must contain specific ingredients and carefully controlled proportions to minimize blood glucose fluctuations. Generally, it is recommended that they contain high concentrations of fiber and slow-absorbing carbohydrates . Although other factors must also be taken into account, we will address this in a specific way.
Diabetes in Dogs: High-Quality Protein
Food for diabetic dogs, and dogs in general, should contain high-quality proteins. These are the foundation of a dog's diet, as well as a cat's. In either case, it is preferable for the proteins to be of animal origin; these are better adapted to the dog's body and easier to assimilate. Premium, or top-quality, foods also typically do not contain grains; they are known as grain-free . These foods have very limited amounts of carbohydrates, and the fats they include are suitable for formulating a natural diet—preventing overweight. However, it is important to ensure that the amount of the latter is not too high, especially when the dog is obese.
Diabetes in dogs: Sugars
Of course, diabetic dog food should be sugar-free or contain minimal amounts. Keep in mind that diabetes is directly related to the synthesis of glucose (sugars), and sugar cannot be assimilated by the pancreas, resulting in a buildup in the blood and urine. This means it doesn't reach the cells as energy, resulting in a listless dog with a high risk of illness. Make sure the amount of sugar in the dog's food is minimal.
Diabetes in dogs: Fiber
Fiber is essential in diabetic dog diets because it helps slow down glucose spikes . It acts as a buffer, preventing sudden increases in blood sugar by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates your pet ingests, thereby delaying the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, you should opt for foods with high amounts of fiber. Keep in mind that low-cost foods often use large amounts of grains, such as wheat and corn, and contain little fiber. However, remember that fiber in a dog's diet can cause weight loss and decreased appetite, as well as diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, it's best to make the change gradually.
Diabetes in dogs: Cereals
Most grains are generally dispensable in a dog's diet. However, if diabetic dog food includes them, make sure—at the very least—that they are rice or oat grains . Other grains are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can suddenly raise blood glucose levels. These contain a high amount of fiber, which is why they will be balanced with the amount of carbohydrates your pet can ingest.
Diabetes in dogs: Carbohydrates and fats
As we mentioned at the beginning of this section, carbohydrates for a dog with diabetes should be slow-absorbing . This way, they don't accumulate in your furry friend's body and sharply increase blood glucose levels. Avoid, in any case, foods such as potatoes, wheat, corn, or soy. When it comes to fats, keep in mind that they store energy and are converted into sugars when reserves are low. Therefore, monitor the amount of fat and opt for foods low in fat.
Diabetes in Dogs: Vitamins
The most suitable vitamins for dogs with diabetes are E, C, and B6 . These help reduce blood glucose buildup. Special dog food for diabetics often includes these vitamins.
Other things to consider when buying diabetic dog food
The diet for diabetic dogs or food for diabetic dogs must, in any case, consider the specific needs and health of each pet . To do this, we must consider their weight and the severity of the condition. Based on this, we will choose one dog food or another. The best food for diabetic dogs, apart from what is described above, should prevent hyperglycemia —such as foods with high concentrations of fiber and slow-absorbing carbohydrates. However, if the dog also has obesity problems, then a food that helps them regain their ideal weight should be chosen. In this case, the veterinarian will determine the appropriate amount of calories they should consume per day and will also prepare the insulin injection schedule that must be strictly followed.
To improve the health of a pet with diabetes, exercise is essential. Exercise is vital for dogs to burn energy and reduce the risk of hyperglycemia. Exercise also improves insulin absorption due to increased blood flow throughout the body.
