Tips on Diabetes Diet for Dogs

If your dog has canine diabetes, your veterinarian has discussed with you the treatment your dog needs. A diabetes diet - dog-friendly of course! - is part of treatment to help make sure your dog gets proper nutrition and keeps him at an optimal weight (or helps him lose weight, if need be).

Some of the things to consider with a diabetes diet for dogs include:

• Prescription foods can help your dog get more complex carbohydrates and fiber in his diet. Both complex carbs and increased dietary fiber allows for a slower release of nutrients so that your dog's blood sugar levels don't rise quite so high after eating. Lower-calorie foods can also help overweight dogs shed some weight.

  It is possible to add a fiber supplement instead to your dog's regular diet. You can also feed less if you're trying to cut down on the calories your dog consumes, although it's sometimes easier to feed the dog the same amount he's used to but of a lower-calorie food. This way he doesn't feel deprived because he's consuming a smaller volume of food. Ask your vet for suggestions.

  Likewise, if your dog is underweight it's probably not appropriate to feed a higher-fiber diet. Your vet may recommend that your dog be placed on a special diet until he is at a healthy weight once again.

• Will your dog eat it? Some dogs are fussy eaters and will refuse to eat other foods. If this is the case with your dog, bring it to the vet's attention. A dog that doesn't eat a meal (or eats less than usual) and yet still gets his regular insulin injection is at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

• Meals and insulin injections must be regimented. A regular feeding schedule is best so that you can more easily monitor your dog's blood sugar (your vet can show you how to use a glucometer to measure blood glucose levels).

  The goal is to balance the largest increase in blood sugar (which occurs right after the dog has eaten), with the insulin dosage (which works to lower blood sugar). This will help to avoid big fluctuations in your dog's blood sugar levels.

  Most dogs with diabetes are fed several smaller meals throughout the day.

A diabetes diet for dogs is an important part of the treatment regimen for a diabetic dog. It may take some time at first to figure out what works best, but be patient. Together you and your vet can figure it out and your dog can continue to lead a happy life.