Just like us, dogs can end up suffering from diabetes, and just like us, they can feel better if they eat properly. However, choosing the right diabetic dog food can be a real challenge. You may wonder if you need to buy a prescription food from your vet, or if you can choose a food from the pet store. Here's a look at the mechanisms by which dogs get this condition, and what kind of food will help them be the healthiest.
There are a lot more fat dogs and cats around these days, as well as a lot more fat people. We've all heard that overweight humans are at a higher risk for diabetes, but is the case the same for our pets? It depends on the pet. Cats do develop Type 2 diabetes - late onset disease caused by lifestyle factors. Dogs, on the other hand, mostly have Type 1 diabetes - early onset disease caused by congenital factors. That means that your fat dog isn't particularly at risk for diabetes.
What do the studies say? Most research on diabetic dog food have focused on caloric density and nutrition ratios. Some have also looked at fiber type and amount, as well as the use of dietary supplements. What all these studies tell us is that the biggest dietary factor affecting the health of diabetic dogs is carbohydrates. Higher carbohydrate content raises blood sugar levels and causes an insulin imbalance.
The type of carbohydrate can also affect the health of your pet. White rice has a high glycemic index in dogs, and a huge effect on blood sugar levels. Even sweet grains like sorghum and corn have a lower effect on glycemic levels than rice, which should be avoided in diabetic dog foods. We used to think we needed to feed our diabetic pets high levels of fiber, but it looks like that might not be true. Diabetic dogs should definitely get moderate levels of fiber, but they don't need really high fiber diets.
So, what makes a good diabetic dog food for your situation? The studies appear to say that high protein dog foods are best, and that dogs should eat few carbohydrates. Fat should be present in diabetic dog foods in moderate levels, to help provide calories. These types of foods will help your dog manage his or her glucose levels without the need for as much medication, and may help you avoid it entirely. Just remember to talk to your vet before you pick a food. After all, diabetes is a serious matter, and finding out all you can about it is a smart choice. It'll help you be the best dog owner you can, and keep your pet in good health.
There are a lot more fat dogs and cats around these days, as well as a lot more fat people. We've all heard that overweight humans are at a higher risk for diabetes, but is the case the same for our pets? It depends on the pet. Cats do develop Type 2 diabetes - late onset disease caused by lifestyle factors. Dogs, on the other hand, mostly have Type 1 diabetes - early onset disease caused by congenital factors. That means that your fat dog isn't particularly at risk for diabetes.
What do the studies say? Most research on diabetic dog food have focused on caloric density and nutrition ratios. Some have also looked at fiber type and amount, as well as the use of dietary supplements. What all these studies tell us is that the biggest dietary factor affecting the health of diabetic dogs is carbohydrates. Higher carbohydrate content raises blood sugar levels and causes an insulin imbalance.
The type of carbohydrate can also affect the health of your pet. White rice has a high glycemic index in dogs, and a huge effect on blood sugar levels. Even sweet grains like sorghum and corn have a lower effect on glycemic levels than rice, which should be avoided in diabetic dog foods. We used to think we needed to feed our diabetic pets high levels of fiber, but it looks like that might not be true. Diabetic dogs should definitely get moderate levels of fiber, but they don't need really high fiber diets.
So, what makes a good diabetic dog food for your situation? The studies appear to say that high protein dog foods are best, and that dogs should eat few carbohydrates. Fat should be present in diabetic dog foods in moderate levels, to help provide calories. These types of foods will help your dog manage his or her glucose levels without the need for as much medication, and may help you avoid it entirely. Just remember to talk to your vet before you pick a food. After all, diabetes is a serious matter, and finding out all you can about it is a smart choice. It'll help you be the best dog owner you can, and keep your pet in good health.
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