Feeding the Diabetic Dog
Diabetes in Canines:
It is well known that diet is one of the most critical issues in the control of canine diabetes. The food you feed, both in the content and the amount, is vital to the dog's body's ability to best utilize the insulin necessary for regulation and well being. Unfortunately, diet can also be one of the most difficult things for owners to manage, especially soon after diagnosis when the dog is ill and whose body is so unbalanced. Many times, a complete change in food content is indicated.
Canine Diabetes is not that much different than the condition that afflicts humans and dogs can develop the disease for any number of reasons, again, just like humans. However, unlike human diabetics, all dogs are Type I diabetics and thus, insulin dependent.
Diabetes results when the production of insulin in the body is hindered or stopped.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps to relocate nutrients and especially glucose, taken in by food and deliver them to the cells. This ensures that the nutrients are used sufficiently, and energy for the body is created. Lack of insulin creates a multitude of symptoms which include, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. Ultimately, neglect of proper medical attention can result in death. Obese animals have a greater tendency to develop diabetes but pancreatitis, either acute or chronic, and long term use of some medications, such as steriods, can also result in long term damage to the pancreas, ultimately inhibiting the ability for the body to produce insulin.
The diagnosis of diabetes usually comes when the dog presents to the veterinarian's office on an urgent basis. Simple urine and blood testing should give vet a pretty clear picture of the disease. High blood glucose levels and sometimes high glucose content in the urine is a positive indicator of diabetes. Once diagnosed, your Veterinarian will equip you with a food and insulin schedule based on your dogs weight, age, and lifestyle. You'll want to learn how to use a glucose meter, and how to watch for signs of hypoglycemia, and treat it properly. Most importantly you'll want to have confidence that your Vet has experience in treating diabetic dogs. Read and educate yourself on the specifics of diabetes in canines. You are your dogs best advocate, and can make the adjustment in his or her lifestyle an easy transition. With proper treatment (insulin) and food management, your canine can live a long and reasonably healthy life.
Dog Food for the Diabetic:
All diabetic animals needs to be on a diet that delivers optimal nutrient requirements. If you choose a store bought 'ready to serve' kibble, be sure to pick one that provides your pet with essential nutrients meant to meet the specific needs of your diabetic dog. Most moist (canned) dog foods (except for prescription brands such as those manufactured by Science Diet or Iams) tend to contain more sugar, aggravating the condition further. Any food you pick needs to be low fat and low carb, high in proteins and vitamins. Picking a food that is sufficient in fiber is also an important aspect when considering food.
Some people choose to prepare their animal's meals at home. Not only can this help save you money, but also help in meeting specific nutritional needs of a diabetic pet. A diabetic diet should include the following:
Dog biscuits can be given, if specifically designed for diabetic dogs, but if possible, it's best to avoid the use of dog treats on a regular basis since dogs afflicted with diabetes require a strict adherence to their diet. It is necessary to change your regular feeding schedule to be on target with the twice feedings and insulin shots required with the new diagnosis.
Don't despair, there are many food options available, and many ways of 'treating' your dog without having to use the sugary treats currently sold in most stores. Talk to your Vet about any changes you might decide to make in your dogs diet. Before long you'll be fully confident in tweaking your dogs diet to meet the specific needs of your pet.
Diabetes in Canines:
It is well known that diet is one of the most critical issues in the control of canine diabetes. The food you feed, both in the content and the amount, is vital to the dog's body's ability to best utilize the insulin necessary for regulation and well being. Unfortunately, diet can also be one of the most difficult things for owners to manage, especially soon after diagnosis when the dog is ill and whose body is so unbalanced. Many times, a complete change in food content is indicated.
Canine Diabetes is not that much different than the condition that afflicts humans and dogs can develop the disease for any number of reasons, again, just like humans. However, unlike human diabetics, all dogs are Type I diabetics and thus, insulin dependent.
Diabetes results when the production of insulin in the body is hindered or stopped.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps to relocate nutrients and especially glucose, taken in by food and deliver them to the cells. This ensures that the nutrients are used sufficiently, and energy for the body is created. Lack of insulin creates a multitude of symptoms which include, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. Ultimately, neglect of proper medical attention can result in death. Obese animals have a greater tendency to develop diabetes but pancreatitis, either acute or chronic, and long term use of some medications, such as steriods, can also result in long term damage to the pancreas, ultimately inhibiting the ability for the body to produce insulin.
The diagnosis of diabetes usually comes when the dog presents to the veterinarian's office on an urgent basis. Simple urine and blood testing should give vet a pretty clear picture of the disease. High blood glucose levels and sometimes high glucose content in the urine is a positive indicator of diabetes. Once diagnosed, your Veterinarian will equip you with a food and insulin schedule based on your dogs weight, age, and lifestyle. You'll want to learn how to use a glucose meter, and how to watch for signs of hypoglycemia, and treat it properly. Most importantly you'll want to have confidence that your Vet has experience in treating diabetic dogs. Read and educate yourself on the specifics of diabetes in canines. You are your dogs best advocate, and can make the adjustment in his or her lifestyle an easy transition. With proper treatment (insulin) and food management, your canine can live a long and reasonably healthy life.
Dog Food for the Diabetic:
All diabetic animals needs to be on a diet that delivers optimal nutrient requirements. If you choose a store bought 'ready to serve' kibble, be sure to pick one that provides your pet with essential nutrients meant to meet the specific needs of your diabetic dog. Most moist (canned) dog foods (except for prescription brands such as those manufactured by Science Diet or Iams) tend to contain more sugar, aggravating the condition further. Any food you pick needs to be low fat and low carb, high in proteins and vitamins. Picking a food that is sufficient in fiber is also an important aspect when considering food.
Some people choose to prepare their animal's meals at home. Not only can this help save you money, but also help in meeting specific nutritional needs of a diabetic pet. A diabetic diet should include the following:
- Lean meats (skinless, deboned and cooked)
- Boiled rice (brown or white)
- Potatoes (skin intact, but cleaned)
- Mixed vegetables (emulsified)
- Eggs (cooked)
Dog biscuits can be given, if specifically designed for diabetic dogs, but if possible, it's best to avoid the use of dog treats on a regular basis since dogs afflicted with diabetes require a strict adherence to their diet. It is necessary to change your regular feeding schedule to be on target with the twice feedings and insulin shots required with the new diagnosis.
Don't despair, there are many food options available, and many ways of 'treating' your dog without having to use the sugary treats currently sold in most stores. Talk to your Vet about any changes you might decide to make in your dogs diet. Before long you'll be fully confident in tweaking your dogs diet to meet the specific needs of your pet.
