Nutrition for DogsWith Diabetes

Diabetes in Dogs

Healthy Food Choices

Prescription Diets – These are specially formulated for the management of dogs with diabetes. Diets that contain higher fiber can be particularly useful for helping with weight loss and improving blood sugar control. Ask your veterinarian about the best choices for your dog.

Nonprescription Diets – Diabetes can be managed on a carefully controlled program using their normal diet. It is much easier to manage these plans if a canned food with complete nutrition is used. This method may prove better for fussy eaters, but one should try to avoid diets with high fat content.

Water Consumption – Clean drinking water should be available at all times. A reduction in excessive water consumption is an indicator of successful management of diabetes.

Tips for a Healthy Diet

Consistently feed your dog the same amount of food at the same times each day to avoid unnecessary fluctuations in blood glucose.

Time consistent feedings and insulin treatments so that glucose absorption coincides with peak action of given insulin. (see section below)

Foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber help glucose to be released evenly in your dog’s body. (High fiber diets are not recommended for underweight dogs. Always ask your veterinarian what is best for your dog.)

Work with your veterinarian to find the correct caloric value to help your dog achieve optimal weight.

Restrict fat in their diet to avoid additional complications.

“I was a little worried about getting injections at home, but now that I’ve felt like my fun-loving self again it’s all worth it.”

-SPIKE

Importance of an Ideal Body Weight

Achieving your dog’s ideal body weight is best for diabetes management. Underweight dogs should avoid high carbohydrates and fiber to best manage diabetes.

For overweight or obese dogs, the goal is controlled weight loss. Overweight dogs can have insulin resistance, which may lead to higher doses being required.

Weight loss should be gradual. Overweight dogs may be fed two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance of a suitable diet until they have reached their ideal body weight. Your veterinarian is the best resource to calculate the ideal body weight and food requirements for your dog with diabetes.

Tracking Results

Recording your dog’s results is important to properly manage care. Keep track using the Pet Diabetes Tracker app or download a copy of the management monitoring sheet

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Tracking Tools & Resources

Pet Diabetes Tracker app
Review and keep important information to manage care.
Blood Glucose Curve Tool
Easily record blood glucose readings to generate a blood glucose curve.
Helpful Downloads
Additional resources to understand and manage canine diabetes.

Next article: Emergencies and Dogs with Diabetes

VETSULIN® and VETPEN® are for use in animals only. Dogs and cats known to have an allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with VETSULIN®. VETSULIN® is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Animals with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy before use. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided. The safety and effectiveness of VETSULIN® in puppies, kittens, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs and cats has not been evaluated. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to the product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.