By: DOGeNEWS
Like humans, dogs too get diabetes. When a dog has diabetes,
the best way to keep it in control is by giving it diabetic dog
food, which is low in sugar and carbohydrates. Apart from
controlling the amount of sugar in a diabetic dog's food, the
amount of food and the frequency in which they are fed also
needs to be monitored. The general recommendation is that your
diabetic dog should be fed smaller meals twice or thrice a day
instead of a single large meal. This is because blood sugar
levels can be stabilized by smaller meals, whereas a single
large meal results in a high insulin spike, and then for it to
drop down in 12 hours. When blood sugar plummets too low, it
results in hypoglycemia, which is a series condition.
So what diabetic dog food should you give your dog? Here are a
few recommendations that will assist in controlling the diabetic
condition of your dog:
Shun Foods That Have Sugar
Most dog owners have very little idea about the amounts of
carbohydrates and sugar contained in commercial dog food.
Carbohydrates are considered a form of sugar because they are
metabolized into glucose by the body. Both soft-moist dog food
and dry dog food are considered culprits. If you must feed your
dog commercially manufactured dog food, it is better to give
them a good quality canned food. It is important to check the
ingredients, which are printed on the label.
Homemade Diabetic Dog Food
The best solution is to feed your dog homemade dog foods and
raw foods. By doing this, you will be able to keep track of
exactly how much carbohydrates and sugar they are getting.
Putting your dog on a homemade diabetic dog food diet need not
be expensive or hard work. There are plenty of websites on the
Internet that have lots of advice and recipes that are
nutritious and tasty.
Cut Down On The Fat
Apart from regulating blood sugar and insulin levels in the
body, the pancreas also produces enzymes that break down fats.
Since it is essential not to put too much stress on the pancreas
of a diabetic dog, it is important to choose low-fat meats.
Ground beef should not be given, and the extra fat in turkey and
chicken should be removed. While some fat is required for good
health, according to nutritionists, it is best to minimize the
amount as much as possible.
Some Grains Are Good
While you do have to be careful about the quantity of grain you
feed your dog, since animals cannot digest grains as easily as
humans because their digestive track is shorter, certain grains
are beneficial for diabetic dogs. Millet, oats and brown rice
provide fiber and also help to control the levels of insulin.
Some nutritionists also advise cornmeal, but sometimes dogs have
allergic reactions to wheat and corn. But it is best to use
grains sparingly, because being carbohydrates they are turned
into glucose by the body.
Adding fresh vegetables and raw fruits, which are high in
nutrients and vitamins, and have natural sugars (which do not
have the detrimental effects on insulin levels that processed
sugar does), brewer's yeast which contains a substance known as
`glucose tolerance factor' which helps the body to use blood
sugar more efficaciously, and Vitamin E which aids in reducing
the requirement for insulin, are some of the other
recommendations.
Before making any changes to your dog's diet, it is important
to consult a vet about the diabetic dog food diet your pet
needs, and give those foods that your dog tolerates well. But,
as a thumb rule, avoid giving baked foods that contain sugar and
flour.
About The Author: You can learn how to make your own dog food
and help your dog become a healthy and happier dog. Just follow
a few guide lines while you make a healthy dog food recipe and
you'll be on your way. Seek more advice on my page at
http://www.squidoo. com/make- your-own- dog-food
