What to feed your dog with diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes in dogs. Has your dog been diagnosed with diabetes? Now you need to change your dog's diet so that his metabolism won't get even more out of whack and the disease won't cause any long-term damage to his body. But what should the new diet look like and what can your dog eat? We'll show you how to spoil your dog with the right food and improve its health.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a disorder in the metabolism of the hormone insulin. Insulin is essential because it ensures that the body's cells are supplied with energy in the form of glucose. If this does not happen, the glucose remains in the blood and can be deposited in the blood vessels.

There are two different mechanisms behind the disease:

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. The organ responsible for producing insulin is the pancreas. The causes of type 1 diabetes are multifactorial, including inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition, as diabetes runs in families. Type 1 diabetes almost always requires lifelong treatment with insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the cells no longer respond to it. This happens, for example, as a result of obesity: if your pet eats too much sugar over a long period of time, the cells become insensitive to insulin. It takes a long time to regain sensitivity and requires weight loss and a balanced, low-carbohydrate diet. However, type 2 diabetes is very rare in dogs and is more of a 'cat disease'.

Diabetes and the right diet

Feeding dogs with diabetes is actually quite simple, but there are a few basic rules to follow. Particularly with type 1 diabetes, there should be no large fluctuations in nutrient intake, as this can lead to large fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This is why it is recommended to use a special formula, as the composition is always the same and the nutrients are in the right proportions. Manufacturers such as Hill's or Royal Canin offer special diets, which you can buy from your vet or in specialist shops. The food is called, for example, Hill's Prescription Diet w/d or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Diabetic. If you choose to prepare the food yourself, choose a balanced recipe and stick to it.

Another easy way to avoid large fluctuations in blood sugar is to feed at least three small meals a day, always at the same time. It is recommended to divide the total daily ration as follows: 25% in the morning, 50% at lunchtime and 25% in the evening. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is also essential, especially in type 1 diabetes, to check the success of the measures and to adjust the insulin dose if necessary. Insulin should always be administered after your dog has eaten to avoid dangerous hypoglycaemia if, contrary to expectations, your dog does not eat his ration.

Dogs with type 2 diabetes are often obese. You should also check if they have any other medical conditions. They often develop additional joint and cardiovascular diseases as a result of the extra kilos. The aim is long-term weight loss and treatment of the associated diseases.

What can my diabetic dog eat?

Choosing the right food or ingredients for homemade rations depends on the type of diabetes your dog has and whether he has any other health problems.In general, diabetes food should be composed as follows:

• Carbohydrates 45 - 55 %

• of which fibre: 7 - 18 %

• Fat: < 25 %

• Protein: 15 - 35 %

Type 1 diabetes

If your dog has type 1 diabetes, you should choose a food specially made for dogs with diabetes. This contains little sugar and high quality, easily digestible protein and a moderate amount of fat. The carbohydrates it contains are 'complex' and digested more slowly. As a result, the glucose produced when the carbohydrates are broken down is released gradually into the bloodstream, helping to prevent spikes and fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The same rules apply if you prepare your dog's food yourself. Look for recipes specifically tailored for diabetic dogs. Corn or tapioca starch and millet are not recommended as carbohydrate sources. The addition of fibres such as cellulose, wheat bran or guar is recommended and may reduce the absorption of glucose from the intestine.

Be especially careful with treats. Dog biscuits often contain a lot of sugar and this is harmful to your diabetic dog! In addition, treats are often given in between meals, which can disrupt your dog's insulin levels and, in the worst case, lead to a diabetic crisis. If your dog has type 1 diabetes, you should avoid giving him treats.

Type 2 diabetes

If your dog has type 2 diabetes, you have more choices and your dog may not need a special diet. However, you should talk to your vet about what is best for your dog, and the main focus is on treating the cause of the diabetes. Type 2 diabetes often develops as a result of obesity and can even be cured if your pet reaches and maintains his ideal weight, so suitable food should be low in calories and carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat than food for healthy dogs. You should also reduce the amount of food your dog is given, as he may be overfeeding, and increase exercise.

Although treats are not forbidden, they will not help with weight loss. As described above, they are often very high in calories. This also applies to 'natural' snacks such as dried pig's ears! The protein it contains is also high in calories and can quickly exceed your dog's energy needs. Why not use his dry food as a reward instead, and ideally set aside some of his daily ration in the morning. This will ensure that your dog sticks to his diet.

Which foods to avoid with diabetes?

Foods high in simple sugars like glucose are taboo. They are unsuitable for both type 1 and type 2 and do not support the therapeutic goal. In dogs treated with insulin, they can, in the worst case, cause a derailment of insulin levels and a diabetic crisis, which can lead to organ failure. If your dog has diabetes mellitus, all family members, friends and other contacts should be informed. They should not give your dog any treats, including leftovers. Even a small slice of apple or a piece of bread can upset the insulin balance and increase your pet's calorie intake. When walking your dog, be aware of other dog owners who might be tempted to give your dog something. If your dog is a 'sniffer' and likes to pick up things off the ground, a leash is now a must! 

Which fish for diabetes?

Fish has a reputation as a generally healthy food. The omega-3 fatty acids it contains have a positive effect on the body, including an anti-inflammatory effect. But be careful! Different fish products have different levels of nutrients. Diabetic dogs should therefore avoid fish and seafood that contain carbohydrates and high levels of fat, especially if you prepare the food yourself. As these are relatively expensive foods, they are rarely used in commercial diets.

If you do choose to feed fish, use the following species:

• Cod

• Trout

• Pike

• Halibut

• Atlantic cod

• Anchovy

• Haddock

The following species are very high in fat and should be fed rarely:

• Herring

• Mackerel

• Salmon

• Tuna

Avoid the following types of seafood:

• Eel

• Oysters

• Crayfish

• Prawns

• Scallops

• Caviar

• Herring

• Mussels

• Squid

To reap the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, you can also add a little fish oil to each ration.

Which meat for dogs with diabetes?

If your dog has type 1 diabetes, you should buy him dietetic food rather than preparing his food yourself. This will prevent blood sugar levels getting out of control and your dog having a diabetic crisis.

With type 2 it is perfectly possible to cook the food for your dog yourself. You should always discuss the exact daily ration with a vet to determine the amount of calories required. As type 2 diabetics often need to lose weight, you can use low-fat meats such as chicken or turkey. You should avoid duck or goose, and beef and pork, as their muscle meat is higher in fat.

Meats suitable for diabetic dogs:

• Chicken

• Turkey

Unsuitable meats:

• Duck

• Goose

• Beef

• Pork

Which vegetables to feed a dog with diabetes?

There are differences in the nutrient content of different types of vegetables. Also, not all vegetables are suitable for feeding because they contain other components that affect the body. For example, cabbage can cause flatulence or constipation, while spinach can cause urinary stones due to its high oxalate content.

The following vegetables are suitable for diabetic dogs:

• Lettuce

• Courgettes

• Cucumber

• Carrots

• Sweet peppers

• Mushrooms

Vegetables also have the advantage of being high in fibre. This is satiating and can help your dog lose weight. Vegetables are also a source of phytonutrients, which are non-essential nutrients. However, they have been shown to have a positive effect on your pet's health by reducing inflammation, slowing down cell ageing and having an anti-cancer effect. An example of this group of nutrients is carotenoids, which give carrots and other vegetables their colour.

Treating diabetes naturally

There is currently no way to treat type 1 diabetes without medication. Dogs with this condition need daily injections of insulin or their lives are at risk. Herbal therapies cannot replace medication.

This is different with type 2 diabetes as these dogs usually have normal insulin production. The cells simply do not respond to the hormone. There is no real natural treatment, but by adjusting the diet as described above, you can do a lot of good for your dog.

What to do in a diabetes emergency?

Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus is a disease that can be associated with a number of complications. The most common are hypoglycaemia, when there is too little sugar in the blood, and diabetic ketoacidosis, when there is too much sugar in the blood. 

Hypoglycaemia can happen if you give your pet too much insulin or not enough food. As a result, too much glucose is released from the blood into the cells too quickly, causing the blood sugar level to drop sharply. Your dog will become weak, shaky or apathetic. If it does not get energy immediately in the form of glucose, its circulation can collapse. There are special pastes that can be applied directly to the mucous membranes of the mouth, or in an emergency, jam or honey. This will allow the glucose to be absorbed quickly through the mucosa without your dog having to actively eat. 

The opposite of hypoglycaemia is hyperglycaemia, which is an abnormally high level of glucose. It occurs when there is not enough insulin, for example, if you forget to give insulin or underdose, or if the food contains too many easily digestible carbohydrates. Dogs that frequently slip into this state will lose weight, suffer vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. In the worst cases, they can go into a coma. 

Both hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis are emergencies and need to be treated immediately in a veterinary practice or clinic! The symptoms are often so similar that it's hard to tell which is which. A blood glucose test can then provide information.

End stage - when should a dog with diabetes be put down?

In principle, diabetes mellitus is not a fatal disease. On the contrary, studies have shown that treated dogs can live almost as long as healthy dogs. With the right treatment, quality of life is high and your dog can be around for a long time.

Only you and your vet can decide together if and when a dog with diabetes should be put down. Every case is different and needs to be assessed individually. It is only when quality of life is severely compromised, your dog is suffering and there are no other treatment options available that it makes sense to consider euthanasia. Other coexisting conditions or a combination of problems are often the reason why euthanasia is justified.

Conclusion about diabetes in dogs

Depending on whether your dog has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the correct treatment and feeding will be different. For type 1 diabetics, a special diabetic diet given at the same time each day is best. No treats between meals! Dogs with type 2 diabetes can be given a more flexible diet. The emphasis here is on reducing calories and keeping the ration low in carbohydrates. Treats are not recommended, as they often prevent successful weight loss.

As a general rule, always consult a vet to discuss the best therapy and diet for your dog! Diabetes mellitus is a potentially life-threatening disease and should be monitored closely.

The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.