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Treats For Diabetic Dogs: Find the Best Homemade Treats for Your Diabetic Dog!

Managing a diabetic dog's diet is paramount to their overall well-being and quality of life. Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs demands careful attention to dietary choices. The right diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is very important in preventing complications and ensuring stable energy levels for your furry friend.

 

Selecting the right treats for diabetic dogs is equally significant because treats are often overlooked sources of hidden sugars. The wrong treats can cause blood sugar spikes, disrupt insulin balance, and jeopardise your dog's health. By carefully choosing treats that align with their dietary needs, you can provide tasty rewards without compromising their health. It's a crucial aspect of diabetic dog care, and in this article, we'll explore how to make the best treat choices for your four-legged companion.

What is diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes in dogs, known as canine diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disorder that affects a dog's ability to regulate its blood sugar levels properly. This condition is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans. Dogs with diabetes have either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or their body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, which is necessary for glucose uptake.

 

Common symptoms of diabetes in dogs include:

● Drinking a lot

● Urinary accidents

● Urinating large amounts

● Weight loss

● Lack of energy

● A dull coat

 

Managing diabetes in dogs typically involves insulin therapy, a carefully controlled diet, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. It's essential to work closely with a veterinarian to develop a tailored treatment plan for your diabetic dog.

Understanding the dietary needs of diabetic dogs

Diet is incredibly important for diabetic dogs and plays a central role in managing their condition effectively. Here's why diet is crucial:

Blood sugar regulation

The primary goal in managing diabetes in dogs is to regulate their blood sugar levels. The right diet can help achieve this goal. Specialised diabetic dog foods are designed to provide consistent carbohydrate levels, making it easier to control glucose levels.

Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for diabetic dogs. Excess weight can make insulin resistance worse and increase the risk of complications. A carefully controlled diet can help manage your dog's weight and prevent obesity.

Consistency

Consistency in feeding times and portion sizes is key for diabetic dogs. A stable routine helps regulate insulin doses and blood sugar levels. Feeding the same amount of food at the same times each day is critical.

Monitoring Blood Glucose

It is important to observe your dog’s appetite and behaviour each day. By regularly checking their blood sugar levels, you can work with your veterinarian to adjust your dog’s diet and insulin dose as needed.

Health and quality of life

A well-balanced diet tailored to a diabetic dog's needs can contribute to their overall health and quality of life. It can help prevent complications and ensure they lead a happy and active life.

Tips for incorporating treats into a diabetic dog's diet plan

Yes, you can give treats to your diabetic dog, but it must be done carefully and thoughtfully. Here are some important guidelines to consider when giving treats to a diabetic dog:

Choose diabetic-friendly treats

Opt for treats specifically designed for diabetic dogs. These treats are usually low in carbohydrates and sugars, making them a safer option.

Portion control

Limit the quantity of treats and incorporate them into your dog's daily calorie and carbohydrate allowance. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the appropriate treat portion size based on your dog's specific needs.

Avoid high-sugar treats

Steer clear of treats high in sugar, such as regular commercial dog biscuits or sweet snacks. Sugary treats can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to diabetic dogs.

Monitor blood sugar

Pay attention to your dog's blood sugar levels, especially when introducing new treats or changing their diet. Regular blood glucose monitoring will help you assess how treats affect their glucose levels.

Timing matters

It may be best to give treats as part of your dog's regular meal plan or immediately after insulin administration to help balance blood sugar levels. Ask your veterinarian what timing is best for your dog.

 

NOTE: For dogs who have issues with low blood glucose, some vets will recommend treats at 4-8 hours after the insulin dose, so treats at meal time is not a universal recommendation.

Homemade treats

Consider making homemade treats using recipes specifically designed for diabetic dogs. This allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they are diabetes-friendly.

Consult your veterinarian

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats or making significant changes to your dog's diet. They can provide personalised guidance based on your dog's health and individual needs.

 

Remember that the key to treating a diabetic dog is consistency and careful management of their diet. While treats can be part of their routine, they should be chosen and given with great care to avoid blood sugar fluctuations and maintain your dog's health.

What kinds of treats are ideal for diabetic dogs?

Finding suitable treats for diabetic dogs can be a challenge, but there are many options available that are both safe and tasty for your furry friend. While numerous treats are marketed for diabetic dogs, it's important to choose those explicitly labelled for diabetics, ensuring their suitability and preventing secondary health issues. Engage in a conversation with your veterinarian about prescription dog treats, which are often formulated with a diabetic dog's unique needs in mind.

 

Steer clear of treats laden with sugars and starches, notorious for causing sudden spikes in blood sugar. Instead, consider healthy alternatives like:

● lean meats

● carrots

● canned pumpkin

● green beans

 

If your dog is on a calorie-counted regimen, it's essential to monitor treat intake, adjusting their regular food portions accordingly. Anytime you contemplate introducing a new treat, prioritise a consultation with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on the treat's safety and the recommended quantity.

 

Keep in mind, frequent changes in treat types or their intended purpose might necessitate adjustments in your dog’s diabetes management plan by your vet.

What foods should I avoid giving my diabetic dog?

When managing diabetes in dogs, it's essential to avoid certain foods that can negatively affect their blood sugar levels. Here are foods to steer clear of:

● Sugary Treats: Any treats, foods, or snacks high in sugars should be strictly avoided. These can lead to dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels.

● High-Starch Foods: Foods rich in starches, like white bread, rice, and regular dog biscuits, should be limited or excluded from their diet. Starches can quickly convert to sugar in the body.

● Fatty Foods: High-fat foods, including fried items, fatty cuts of meat (including bacon), and some commercial dog treats, can contribute to obesity, which can worsen diabetes.

● Human Food: Refrain from giving your dog human food, especially those containing high amounts of sugars, fats, and starches. These can disrupt their dietary balance.

● Bones and Chews: Hard bones, antlers, or excessive rawhide chews can pose a choking hazard and may not be suitable for diabetic dogs, so use them with caution.

● Certain Fruits: While some fruits are okay in moderation, others like watermelon should be avoided due to their sugar content. Grapes, sultanas, and raisins should be avoided not only because they are high in sugar, but they can also cause kidney failure in dogs.

● High-Carbohydrate Vegetables: Some vegetables, like potatoes and corn, are high in carbohydrates and should be limited.

How important is blood glucose monitoring when managing my dog’s diet?

Blood glucose monitoring is of paramount importance when managing your dog's diet, especially if they have diabetes. Regularly checking your dog's blood glucose levels provides crucial insights into their condition and allows you to share this information with your veterinarian for precise adjustments to their diet and insulin regimen.

 

By closely monitoring these levels, you can ensure that your dog's blood sugar remains within a safe and stable range, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring their overall health and well-being. This data empowers you and your veterinarian to make informed decisions about their diet, insulin doses, and treatment plan, ultimately helping your furry companion lead a happier and healthier life despite their diabetes.

Where can I get the best quality blood glucose monitoring for my diabetic dog?

When it comes to efficiently monitoring your diabetic dog's blood glucose levels, PETRACKR's veterinary blood glucose monitoring system is the best choice.

 

PETRACKR's system simplifies data collection and management, and their smartphone app even allows for customisable pet profiles, making it easy to keep track of your dog's health. It stands out from the competition in all kinds of ways, including:

● Specialised, no-coding test strips that make the testing procedure more straightforward.

● Control testing not required.

● The ability to seamlessly switch between measuring blood glucose levels in cats and dogs without requiring any coding or control tests. This versatility makes it a convenient choice for pet owners with multiple furry companions.

● Easy to understand test results that provide a range indicator, clearly showing whether the blood glucose level is low, high, or within the acceptable range. This visual representation helps pet owners quickly assess the situation and take appropriate actions.

● Multiple user-friendly features, including a colour display and a safety eject button. The eject button allows for safe disposal of used test strips without the risk of coming into contact with the blood sample, ensuring a hygienic testing experience.

● Seamless interaction with a companion app via Bluetooth connectivity. This integration allows pet owners to effortlessly record and track their pet's blood glucose measurements, as well as log important factors such as insulin doses, meals, and exercise.

● The app is designed to provide flawless and simple reporting of the pet's results and associated factors, making it easier to share this information with veterinarians for comprehensive care.

 

With PETRACKR, managing your diabetic dog's diabetes becomes effortless, reliable, and conducive to their overall well-being.

Sources

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952921 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/managing-canine-diabetes https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-for-dogs-with-diabetes-mellitus https://www.ava.com.au/digest/from-around-the-ava/2021/february/1/nutritional-management-of-diabetic-dogs/ https://www.dutch.com/blogs/dogs/diabetic-dog-treats