Understanding Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes in dogs is a chronic condition where the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This can occur due to a deficiency in insulin production or resistance to the effects of insulin. Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss and fatigue.
A fresh food diet can help manage diabetes in dogs by providing them with nutrient-dense, low-carbohydrate meals that can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, or turkey, along with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower. Fresh food diets can also help dogs maintain a healthy weight, which can further aid in managing diabetes. It's important to consult with a veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your dog's diet, as they can help you create a plan that is tailored to your dog's specific needs and health condition.
The Role Kibble May Play In Diabetes:
Processed foods can contribute to the development of diabetes in several ways.
Most kibble comes in quite high in carbohydrates. The average amount of carbohydrates comes in between 30% and 60%. Too much by any calculation since your dog really requires 0. Healthy dog diets can tolerate up to about 15% non-starchy carbohydrates ~ maybe a bit more from time to time . Even in homemade dog food most people are adding in far too many starchy carbs & inflammatory grains & beans.
These starchy carbohydrates are equate to sugar.
Sugars can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
Kibble diets are often high in saturated fats and trans fats, which can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. Excess weight and insulin resistance are major risk factors for developing diabetes.
Processed Kibble may be low in quality fiber and include synthetic vitamins and minerals or minimal amounts which can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and poor overall health. Eating a diet that is high in processed foods and low in nutrient-dense foods can increase the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.
If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes and you haven’t changed to a fresh food diet — Why not!?
The Pancreas & Diabetes
The pancreas plays a crucial role in diabetes, as it produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. In individuals with diabetes, the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the body is resistant to the effects of insulin (Type 2 diabetes).
In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin because the cells that produce insulin (beta cells) have been destroyed by the immune system. As a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels.
In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body is resistant to its effects. This can occur due to a number of factors, including obesity and lack of physical activity. In the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may produce more insulin in an attempt to overcome the resistance, but over time it becomes unable to keep up with the demand and insulin production decreases.
Managing diabetes is essential to prevent the harmful long-term health effects like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. Pancreas play an important role in diabetes and it is important to manage the condition effectively in order to maintain the overall health of the pancreas.
Weight & Diabetes
Weight plays a significant role in the development and management of diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, as excess body fat can cause insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Carrying extra weight, particularly around the waist, can make it harder for the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which is needed to regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and symptoms of diabetes.
On the other hand, weight loss can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Losing even a small amount of weight (5-10% of body weight) can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of developing diabetes and managing blood sugar levels.
Additionally, weight loss can also improve overall health by reducing the risk of other related diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Keep your dog lean for longevity!
What to Feed A Dog With Diabetes
A balanced fresh food diet. Literally at the core of every wellness effort is a fresh food diet.
When it comes to feeding a dog with diabetes, it's important to focus on diets that support blood sugar regulation. A fresh raw dog food diet is the best way to do this, as it provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, and is low in starchy carbohydrates.
Here are some nutritional options that can support blood sugar regulation in dogs with diabetes:
Leaner protein sources: Chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef or pork can help regulate blood sugar levels. Don’t forget the organ meats. These sources of protein are also lower in fat, which can help with weight management. Note: you do not want a non-fat diet. Fats are essential to health. But high-fat diets may slow digestion and make it more difficult to control sugar levels if using insulin.
Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, and other non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Avoid grains (corn, wheat, rice, peas, etc) that can spike sugar levels. You may even wish to consider an Keto-diet.
Healthy fats: MCT, Coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados are good sources of healthy fats that can help regulate blood sugar levels. They can also help with weight management and provide essential nutrients for overall health.
Digestive Enzymes to help the pancreas not have to work quite so hard. There will be natural enzymes in fresh foods, but you most likely need increased support.
Probiotics - help the digestive system as much as you can.
Limited treats. Be mindful of the treats you give to your diabetic dog. Choose low-carbohydrate, sugar-free, and diabetic-friendly treats. Consider homemade so that you know exactly what you’re offering. A good dehydrator can be helpful! You can also use non-food rewards such as praise or playtime.
Other Considerations:
Get weight under control.
Control Scheduled Feedings
Work integratively with your vet!
It's important to work with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to develop a customized diet plan that meets your dog's individual needs and provides adequate nutrients and energy. Regular blood glucose monitoring is also important to ensure that the diet is effectively managing blood sugar levels.
See my post on Supportive Care With Herbs, Oils and Homeopathy for Dogs With Diabetes.