Diabetes in Pets - Managing It Through Nutrition
By Darlene Rudnick
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first things I look at is the diet. What your pet eats every day can have a big effect on blood sugar, weight, energy, and overall health.
I do not believe feeding a diabetic pet simply means choosing a food with the word “diabetic” on the label. I want to know what is actually in the food and whether it is appropriate for that particular pet.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is not able to use it properly. Your pet may be eating plenty of food, but the cells are not getting the energy they need.
This is one reason pets with diabetes can lose weight even though they are eating more.
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first things I look at is the diet. What your pet eats every day can have a big effect on blood sugar, weight, energy, and overall health.
I do not believe feeding a diabetic pet simply means choosing a food with the word “diabetic” on the label. I want to know what is actually in the food and whether it is appropriate for that particular pet.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is not able to use it properly. Your pet may be eating plenty of food, but the cells are not getting the energy they need.
This is one reason pets with diabetes can lose weight even though they are eating more.
Common Signs of Diabetes:
Is your pet drinking more, losing weight, or eating more than usual?
A conversation about your pet is a good place to start.
Why I Pay So Much Attention to the Diet
Every meal can affect blood sugar, which is why I pay close attention to what a diabetic pet is eating.
Many commercial foods contain large amounts of corn, rice, wheat, potatoes, peas, or other starchy ingredients. Treats can also be high in carbohydrates and may contain molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners.
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Low energy
- Recurring infections
- Cloudy eyes or cataracts in dogs
- If you notice these changes, have your pet checked by your veterinarian. A simple blood test can help determine if diabetes is the cause.
Is your pet drinking more, losing weight, or eating more than usual?
A conversation about your pet is a good place to start.
Why I Pay So Much Attention to the Diet
Every meal can affect blood sugar, which is why I pay close attention to what a diabetic pet is eating.
Many commercial foods contain large amounts of corn, rice, wheat, potatoes, peas, or other starchy ingredients. Treats can also be high in carbohydrates and may contain molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners.
I prefer a diet containing high-quality animal protein, carefully chosen carbohydrates, and as few unnecessary ingredients as possible.
Foods I Recommend Avoiding
For most diabetic pets, I recommend avoiding:
Foods high in sugar and starch
Treats containing molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners
Foods with large amounts of corn, wheat, white rice, or other starchy ingredients
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Foods containing large amounts of fillers rather than low-quality animal protein
Other health problems also need to be considered. A pet with pancreatitis, kidney disease, digestive problems, or food allergies may need a very different diet.
Foods I Recommend Avoiding
For most diabetic pets, I recommend avoiding:
Foods high in sugar and starch
Treats containing molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners
Foods with large amounts of corn, wheat, white rice, or other starchy ingredients
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Foods containing large amounts of fillers rather than low-quality animal protein
Other health problems also need to be considered. A pet with pancreatitis, kidney disease, digestive problems, or food allergies may need a very different diet.
Supporting a Diabetic Pet Naturally
Start With Good-Quality Protein
I prefer clearly named animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, lean beef, fish, and eggs. Protein provides important nutrients and helps maintain muscle, which can be especially important for a pet that has been losing weight.
When choosing a commercial food, I want to see high-quality animal proteins near the top of the ingredient list rather than a food made primarily from inexpensive carbohydrates and plant proteins.
Here is an example of the type of ingredient list I look for:
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Eggs, Salmon Oil, Green Beans, Broccoli…
Choose Carbohydrates Carefully
I do not believe all carbohydrates need to be eliminated, but I do believe they need to be chosen carefully.
Start With Good-Quality Protein
I prefer clearly named animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, lean beef, fish, and eggs. Protein provides important nutrients and helps maintain muscle, which can be especially important for a pet that has been losing weight.
When choosing a commercial food, I want to see high-quality animal proteins near the top of the ingredient list rather than a food made primarily from inexpensive carbohydrates and plant proteins.
Here is an example of the type of ingredient list I look for:
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Eggs, Salmon Oil, Green Beans, Broccoli…
Choose Carbohydrates Carefully
I do not believe all carbohydrates need to be eliminated, but I do believe they need to be chosen carefully.
Some of the foods I may use include:
Green beans
Broccoli
Zucchini
Cauliflower
Pumpkin when appropriate
Small amounts of sweet potato when appropriate
How much I recommend depends on the pet, the rest of the diet, weight, and blood sugar.
Not sure what to look for in your pet’s food? Use my Pet Food Label Reading Checklist: Ingredients to Look For and Avoid.
Choose Treats Carefully
For a diabetic pet, I prefer simple treats with no added sugar or unnecessary fillers, such as freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish.
Green beans
Broccoli
Zucchini
Cauliflower
Pumpkin when appropriate
Small amounts of sweet potato when appropriate
How much I recommend depends on the pet, the rest of the diet, weight, and blood sugar.
Not sure what to look for in your pet’s food? Use my Pet Food Label Reading Checklist: Ingredients to Look For and Avoid.
Choose Treats Carefully
For a diabetic pet, I prefer simple treats with no added sugar or unnecessary fillers, such as freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish.
Keep Meals Consistent
Meal times are especially important when a pet receives insulin. I recommend feeding similar amounts at consistent times each day.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Some diabetic pets are overweight, while others have lost too much weight and muscle. If your pet needs to lose weight, it should be done gradually while still providing enough protein and nutrition. If your pet is too thin, I focus on helping your pet gain weight while maintaining good blood sugar control.
Keep Exercise Consistent
Regular exercise is important for diabetic pets. It can help with weight control and blood sugar, but the amount of exercise should stay fairly consistent from day to day.
Add Supplements to the Diet
I do not recommend the same supplements for every pet with diabetes. I look at the diet, medications, blood work, age, and other health problems before deciding which ones are appropriate. The goal is to choose the supplements that best fit your pet’s individual needs.
There are many things to consider when caring for a pet with diabetes, and it can be difficult to know what is right for your pet. This is where a consultation can help.
Meal times are especially important when a pet receives insulin. I recommend feeding similar amounts at consistent times each day.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Some diabetic pets are overweight, while others have lost too much weight and muscle. If your pet needs to lose weight, it should be done gradually while still providing enough protein and nutrition. If your pet is too thin, I focus on helping your pet gain weight while maintaining good blood sugar control.
Keep Exercise Consistent
Regular exercise is important for diabetic pets. It can help with weight control and blood sugar, but the amount of exercise should stay fairly consistent from day to day.
Add Supplements to the Diet
I do not recommend the same supplements for every pet with diabetes. I look at the diet, medications, blood work, age, and other health problems before deciding which ones are appropriate. The goal is to choose the supplements that best fit your pet’s individual needs.
There are many things to consider when caring for a pet with diabetes, and it can be difficult to know what is right for your pet. This is where a consultation can help.
To speak with Darlene, click here to schedule a consultation.
