| As you know, the diagnosis of diabetes means there | | | | BAD FOR YOUR DOG |
| are going to be some lifestyle changes, the major | | | | - SUGAR. Do not feed your dog 'people food' or dog |
| changes being diet and weight management. This is | | | | food that has sugar in it. Be sure to check that sugar |
| the same with people and with dogs. If a veterinarian | | | | or its other forms (sucrose, fructose, syrup, etc.) is |
| has diagnosed your dog with diabetes, your vet | | | | not on the list of ingredients. |
| probably has already started advising you on which | | | | - Baked goods. Eliminate this from your dog diet, |
| foods and brands of diabetic dog foods that your | | | | including most dog biscuits. |
| pup can eat. Here are some further dos and don'ts, a | | | | - Most fats. For instance, while turkey and chicken |
| general rule of thumb, to go by when diabetic dog | | | | are OK, you should remove any skin and fat before |
| food is not available per se. | | | | giving it to your dog. Generally, you should not be |
| GOOD FOR YOUR DOG | | | | giving your dog any foods that have been prepared |
| - A natural diet of homemade and raw foods. This | | | | in fats. A touch of fat is healthy and is already found |
| does not mean table scraps--a natural diet is planned | | | | naturally in meat. Other OK fats are quality fish oils. |
| and on purpose. This way you know exactly what | | | | - An all meat diet. Over time, this type of diet is |
| your dog is eating. A natural diet doesn't have to be | | | | harmful because of mineral and other imbalances. |
| expensive or hard work and there are many | | | | Dogs need balance found in grains and vegetables as |
| Websites with recipes that make it easy. | | | | well. |
| - Low fat meats. Choose high-quality meats with little | | | | - Fatty meats. Meats with highly saturated fats like |
| fat like chicken, turkey, fish and eggs. | | | | beef, ground beef, and pork should not be given. |
| - A few fresh vegetables and raw fruits. Fresh | | | | - Most dry dog foods. Most dry dog foods are mainly |
| veggies and fruits in moderation (but never grapes or | | | | made up of simple carbohydrates--not what a |
| raisins) are high in nutrients and vitamins, and have | | | | diabetic dog needs. However, dry diabetic dog foods |
| natural sugars, which are not bad for diabetics like | | | | are generally safe, but you still want make sure it is |
| processed and refined sugars are. | | | | high in protein and vegetables. You still want to be |
| - Some grains. Certain grains like oats, brown rice and | | | | sure to supplement dry food with quality wet food. |
| millet are beneficial for diabetic dogs. Used sparingly, | | | | - Cornmeal. Some nutritionists also advise cornmeal, |
| these provide fiber which helps control insulin levels. | | | | but sometimes dogs have allergic reactions to wheat |
| - Brewer's yeast. This contains a substance known as | | | | and corn. |
| 'glucose tolerance factor' which helps the body to use | | | | Just as with people, a dog with diabetes can have a |
| blood sugar more efficiently. | | | | high quality of life with a balanced lifestyle that |
| - Vitamin E. This aids in reducing the requirement for | | | | includes a good diet, medication if necessary and |
| insulin. | | | | regular exercise. |