Diabetic Dog Food Recipes
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition where the body cannot regulate the levels of blood sugar. Approximately one in 400-500 dogs develop DM, and most when they are between 7 and 9 years old, with unspayed females more susceptible.If your pet exhibits signs such as excessive urination, excessive thirsts, weight loss or lethargy, it could mean that it has developed DM, and a visit to your veterinarian is warranted.
Most dogs with DM will require insulin injections, but research into management through diet is continuing. Most vets recommend that diabetic dog food contains a higher soluble fiber content that commercially available dog food. It is generally believed that soluble fiber affects the digestive system by slowing the absorption rate of glucose.
If the diabetic dog is obese, it will require a diet even more specialized because it is important for the diabetic dog to lose excess weight gradually. Veterinarians will be best equipped to advise on the best diabetic dog food for individual pets as this will vary according to age, breed, size, and other health issues that may be present.
Often home cooking is not recommended for diabetic pets, but in consultation with your vet, it is possible to prepare meals at home for dogs with this condition. The main thing is to keep the food well balanced, healthy and consistent at each meal to maintain a stable glucose level.
For those contemplating home cooking for their diabetic dog, the basic recipe is 50% complex carbohydrates, 25% vegetables, and 25% protein (chicken, lean beef or fish). For a large dog, a sample recipe would be:
6 pounds of chicken
4 cups of uncooked brown rice
3 cups of carrots
2 cups of chopped celery
10 ounces of fresh spinach
3 cloves of crushed garlic
3 cups of rye
80 ounces of chicken stock
80 ounces of water
Simmer the chicken and garlic in the stock for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken and add the rye to the liquid and simmer for 40 minutes before adding the rice and simmering for a further 15 minutes. Combine the rye and rice mixture with the rest of the ingredients and mix well. You do not need to cook the vegetables as the heat from the rye/rice mixture will soften them enough.
Follow your vets directions as to how much to give your dog at each serve, but 3 feeds per day is best for diabetic dogs.
Many of the commercially available high-quality dog foods are able to be consumed by diabetic dogs. Maintaining the consistency of timing of meals and serving size is the key. As well, several manufacturer’s of premium dog foods, for instance Purina and Eukanuba make prescription diets.
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