HEALTH CENTER
Diabetes in Dogs and Cats: Managing It Through Nutrition
What You Feed Matters
by Darleen Rudnick, B.S.W., M.H.N., Certified Holistic Nutritionist
There is no single diet that is right for every dog or cat with diabetes.
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first things I look at is the diet. What your pet eats every day can have a big effect on blood sugar, weight, energy, and overall health.
I do not believe feeding a diabetic pet simply means choosing a food with the word “diabetic” on the label. I want to know what is actually in the food and whether it is appropriate for that particular pet.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is not able to use it properly. Your pet may be eating plenty of food, but the cells are not getting the energy they need.
This is one reason pets with diabetes can lose weight even though they are eating more.
Common Signs of Diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Low energy
- Recurring infections
- Cloudy eyes or cataracts in dogs
If you notice these changes, have your pet checked by your veterinarian. A simple blood test can help determine if diabetes is the cause.
Is your pet drinking more, losing weight, or eating more than usual?
A conversation about your pet is a good place to start.
Book a Consultation
Why I Pay So Much Attention to the Diet
Every meal can affect blood sugar, which is why I pay close attention to what a diabetic pet is eating.
Many commercial foods contain large amounts of corn, rice, wheat, potatoes, peas, or other starchy ingredients. Treats can also be high in carbohydrates and may contain molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners.
I prefer a diet containing high-quality animal protein, carefully chosen carbohydrates, and as few unnecessary ingredients as possible.
Foods I Recommend Avoiding
For most diabetic pets, I recommend avoiding:
- Foods high in sugar and starch
- Treats containing molasses, corn syrup, or other sweeteners
- Foods with large amounts of corn, wheat, white rice, or other starchy ingredients
- Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Foods containing large amounts of fillers rather than low-quality animal protein
Other health problems also need to be considered. A pet with pancreatitis, kidney disease, digestive problems, or food allergies may need a very different diet.
Supporting a Diabetic Pet Naturally
Start With Good-Quality Protein
I prefer clearly named animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, lean beef, fish, and eggs. Protein provides important nutrients and helps maintain muscle, which can be especially important for a pet that has been losing weight.
When choosing a commercial food, I want to see high-quality animal proteins near the top of the ingredient list rather than a food made primarily from inexpensive carbohydrates and plant proteins.
Here is an example of the type of ingredient list I look for:
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Eggs, Salmon Oil, Green Beans, Broccoli…
Choose Carbohydrates Carefully
I do not believe all carbohydrates need to be eliminated, but I do believe they need to be chosen carefully.
Some of the foods I may use include:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Pumpkin when appropriate
- Small amounts of sweet potato when appropriate
How much I recommend depends on the pet, the rest of the diet, weight, and blood sugar.
Choose Treats Carefully
For a diabetic pet, I prefer simple treats with no added sugar or unnecessary fillers, such as freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish.
Keep Meals Consistent
Meal times are especially important when a pet receives insulin. I recommend feeding similar amounts at consistent times each day.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Some diabetic pets are overweight, while others have lost too much weight and muscle. If your pet needs to lose weight, it should be done gradually while still providing enough protein and nutrition. If your pet is too thin, I focus on helping your pet gain weight while maintaining good blood sugar control.
Keep Exercise Consistent
Regular exercise is important for diabetic pets. It can help with weight control and blood sugar, but the amount of exercise should stay fairly consistent from day to day.
Add Supplements to the Diet
I do not recommend the same supplements for every pet with diabetes. I look at the diet, medications, blood work, age, and other health problems before deciding which ones are appropriate. The goal is to choose the supplements that best fit your pet’s individual needs.
There are many things to consider when caring for a pet with diabetes, and it can be difficult to know what is right for your pet. This is where a consultation can help.
What to Expect From a Consultation
If your pet has diabetes and you are confused about what to feed, I can help you sort through the different recommendations and decide what makes sense for your pet.
A consultation starts before we actually meet. I review your pet’s health records, blood work, current food, treats, medications, supplements, weight, and the information you provide on the evaluation form. If your pet receives insulin, I also look at the feeding and insulin schedule.
I use this information along with my research to put together a nutritional and holistic program for your pet.
During the consultation, we go through the entire program together. I explain what to feed, how much to feed, which treats and supplements I recommend, and any other changes I feel are important. I also explain why I am recommending each change and answer your questions.
After the consultation, I will send you everything we discussed in a detailed written program. Depending on your pet’s needs, this may include commercial food recommendations, homemade recipes, supplements, treats, and feeding instructions.
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes and you would like help putting together a nutritional and holistic program for your pet, contact For Pet Health to schedule a holistic pet nutrition consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of diabetes in dogs and cats?
Increased thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite alongside weight loss, low energy, recurring infections, and cloudy eyes or cataracts in dogs are common signs. Symptoms tend to develop gradually.
Can diet help manage diabetes in pets?
Yes, significantly. While insulin and veterinary care are often necessary, food has a direct effect on blood sugar. Choosing high-quality protein and appropriate carbohydrates can help support more stable glucose levels.
What foods should I avoid feeding a diabetic dog?
Avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates or sugar, sweetened treats, and highly processed foods with artificial colors and preservatives. Large amounts of white rice, corn, or other refined starches can also make blood sugar harder to regulate.
What is the best diet for a diabetic cat or dog?
There's no single answer, since it depends on your pet's weight, insulin therapy, activity level, and overall health. Generally, a diet built around high-quality protein and carefully chosen carbohydrates, fed on a consistent schedule, tends to support better blood sugar control.
Does exercise help manage diabetes in pets?
Yes. Regular, moderate exercise supports muscle mass and more consistent blood sugar levels. Keeping activity levels steady from day to day is especially helpful for pets receiving insulin.
Important Note
The recommendations in this article are general suggestions for treating your pet naturally. It is important to look at each pet individually and determine what works best, and it is highly recommended that you consider a consultation.
A consultation includes a personalized diet and holistic program, all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. This is particularly imperative in pets with complicated health issues, or if you've done outside reading and have conflicting information.
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