Introduction
When dogs are diagnosed with diabetes, it means their bodies are unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to dangerous spikes and crashes in between meals if their snacks are not carefully regulated. For diabetic dogs, it is especially important to avoid highly processed treats with simple sugars that are absorbed too quickly. The key is to provide snacks that are low glycemic and will not cause major fluctuations in blood sugar. Snacks should be given in moderation under veterinary guidance to keep blood sugar stable. This article provides an overview of the best snack options for diabetic dogs, tips on portion sizes and frequency, and how to monitor your dog after treats to prevent problems.
What is Canine Diabetes?
Diabetes in dogs is a chronic condition where their bodies cannot properly produce or utilize the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. When insulin is not working effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream while the body’s cells are deprived of energy. Some key facts about canine diabetes:
- Most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older dogs.
- Certain breeds are predisposed, like Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Poodles.
- Key clinical signs include increased thirst/urination, weight loss, and lethargy.
- Requires twice-daily insulin injections and close monitoring of blood glucose.
- Diet and exercise modifications are crucial for management.
Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to severe complications. So regulating blood sugar levels between meals with smart snacking is very important for diabetic dogs.
What is Canine Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in dogs caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body not properly using insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. In healthy dogs, insulin helps move sugar from the blood into cells to be used for energy. With diabetes, blood sugar levels become abnormally high (hyperglycemia) since glucose is not able to be absorbed by cells properly.[1]
There are two main types of diabetes that can occur in dogs:[2]
- Type 1 diabetes – The pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
- Type 2 diabetes – The body cannot properly use the insulin that is produced. This is rarer in dogs.
In both cases, the end result is hyperglycemia, which can lead to several health complications if left untreated. That’s why regulating blood sugar levels through insulin injections, diet, exercise and monitoring is critical for diabetic dogs.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-in-dogs-overview
[2] https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets
Importance of Avoiding Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes
It’s critical for diabetic dogs to maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid major spikes or crashes. According to The Sugar Crash: Understanding Pet Diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications like cataracts, kidney disease, neuropathy, and ketoacidosis.
High blood sugar or hyperglycemia stresses the body. Over time it can damage blood vessels and nerves. Prolonged hyperglycemia puts dogs at risk for diabetic cataracts which can lead to blindness. It also makes dogs prone to urinary tract and kidney infections [1].
On the other hand, severely low blood sugar or hypoglycemia deprives the body and brain of fuel. This can cause lethargy, confusion, weakness, seizures, and even coma or death if left untreated. According to the AKC, moderate hypoglycemia may mimic an insulin overdose [2].
Therefore, maintaining optimal blood glucose levels through proper diet, insulin therapy, and exercise is critical. Snacks for diabetic dogs must be chosen carefully to prevent dangerous spikes and crashes.
Vet Recommendations for Diabetic Dog Snacks
Veterinarians generally recommend choosing low-carb, high-protein snacks for diabetic dogs. These types of snacks help keep blood sugar levels steady and avoid spikes or crashes that can be dangerous.
According to the ASPCA, vets typically suggest avoiding sugary treats and instead opting for snacks like:https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/diabetes-dogs
- Raw or cooked non-fatty meats like chicken breast or 93% lean ground turkey
- Low-glycemic vegetables like green beans, carrots, or pumpkin
- Low-fat dairy like plain yogurt or cottage cheese
- Unsalted nuts like peanuts, almonds, or cashews
Vets caution against giving any snacks with added sugars, syrups, or carbohydrate fillers. It’s best to stick with simple, whole food ingredients.
Moderation and portion control are also key when giving diabetic dogs snacks between meals according to vets. Be sure to follow your vet’s specific recommendations for your dog’s needs.
Best Snack Options for Diabetic Dogs
When choosing snacks for diabetic dogs, it’s important to focus on options that are low in sugar and carbohydrates. Here are some of the best snacks to consider:
Fresh vegetables make excellent diabetic dog treats. Options like green beans, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli are nutritious, low calorie, and low glycemic. Green beans in particular are a favorite for diabetic dogs.
Cheeses are a good protein source for diabetic dogs. Try small cubes of low-fat cottage cheese or a small slice of cheddar cheese. Just be sure to limit the quantity to 1-2 tablespoons due to the fat content.
Eggs are an excellent high protein snack. Scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs, or freeze dried egg treats are good options. Eggs are low carb and filling.
Lean meats are another smart choice. A few bites of baked chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef contain protein while being low glycemic. Be sure to avoid deli meats or sausages which tend to be high in fat and salt.
When choosing snacks for a diabetic dog, focus on whole foods that are high in protein but low in carbohydrates and sugar. Portion control is also key, so speak to your vet about appropriate snack sizes for your dog.
Snacks to Avoid for Diabetic Dogs
It’s important to be careful about snacks for diabetic dogs to avoid blood sugar spikes. Here are some unhealthy snacks that should be avoided:
Biscuits and Cookies
Most store-bought biscuits, cookies, and crackers contain sugar, white flour, and other refined carbs that can quickly raise blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs. Homemade treats without these ingredients are a safer option (cite: https://shoppettest.com/blog/what-should-you-not-feed-a-diabetic-dog/)
Fruits
While fruits are healthy for humans, they contain natural sugars like fructose that can spike blood sugar in diabetic dogs. Bananas, grapes, mangos and dried fruits are especially high in sugar and best avoided (cite: https://yumwoof.com/blogs/nutrition/5-ingredients-to-avoid-in-diabetic-dog-food)
Starchy Vegetables
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and peas are high in carbohydrates that break down into sugars. It’s best to limit starchy veggies and focus on low-glycemic options like green beans, carrots or broccoli instead (cite: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/01/whats-the-best-diet-for-my-dog-with-diabetes/)
By being mindful of ingredients, diabetic dog owners can still give snacks, just in healthier moderation.
Tips for Snack Portion Sizes
Determining the appropriate snack size for diabetic dogs depends on the dog’s weight. According to veterinarians, the general guideline is to give diabetic dogs a snack that contains no more than 10 calories per pound of body weight.
For example, if your diabetic dog weighs 20 pounds, their snack portion should contain no more than 200 calories. For a 50 pound diabetic dog, snack portions should stick to 500 calories or less. Going over 10 calories per pound can lead to blood sugar spikes.
When first transitioning to scheduled diabetic dog snacks, start on the lower end of the calorie range. Monitor your dog’s blood glucose levels and adjust portion sizes up if needed. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine the optimal snack calorie amounts for your specific dog.
Also pay attention to the carb content in snacks. Some specific carb guidelines per snack for diabetic dogs by weight are (source):
- Under 10 lbs: 2-5 grams of carbs
- 10-25 lbs: 5-10 grams of carbs
- 25-50 lbs: 10-15 grams of carbs
- Over 50 lbs: 15-20 grams of carbs
Following portion size and carb content recommendations for snacks helps keep your diabetic dog’s blood sugar steady.
Snack Frequency Recommendations
Most experts advise giving diabetic dogs snacks no more than 1-2 times per day between meals. The key is to avoid large spikes or drops in blood sugar levels. Snacks should be given in moderation and consistency is key.
PetMD recommends scheduling snacks at the same time each day, such as mid-morning and late afternoon or evening. The Pet Diabetes website suggests offering one snack midway between breakfast and dinner, and another before bedtime.[1]
WebMD cautions against free-feeding snacks throughout the day, as this can lead to unstable blood sugar. Instead, limit snacks to the recommended 1-2 times daily at consistent intervals.[2]
The frequency and timing of snacks may vary based on your individual dog and the type of insulin prescribed by your vet. Monitoring blood sugar levels will help determine if adjustments need to be made.
Overall, most diabetic dogs do best with no more than 1-2 scheduled snack times per day between main meals.
[1] http://www.petdiabetes.com/timingmeals.html
[2] https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/diabetes-dog-diet
Monitoring Your Dog After Snacks
After giving your diabetic dog a snack, it’s important to monitor their blood sugar levels to watch for potential spikes or crashes [1]. Use a glucose meter designed for pets to check your dog’s blood sugar about 2 hours after snacks. Look for levels staying within your dog’s target range as recommended by your vet.
Signs of a blood sugar spike after a snack include increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, and weakness. Signs of a blood sugar crash include lethargy, unsteadiness, and loss of appetite [2]. Contact your vet promptly if you notice these signs.
Stick closely to your vet’s recommendations for snack amounts and timing between snacks and meals. This will help avoid extreme fluctuations in blood sugar. Monitoring levels routinely after snacks allows you to adjust portions or timing if needed to keep your diabetic dog’s blood sugar stable.
Conclusion
Managing canine diabetes requires thoughtful care and attention. For diabetic dogs, snacks between meals can be part of a healthy routine as long as they are the right snacks in the right portions. The main takeaways are:
- Avoid snacks that spike blood sugar like high-fat or high-carb treats.
- Choose snacks like non-fat yogurt, green beans, or carrots that provide fiber and protein without blood sugar spikes.
- Follow your vet’s recommended snack guidelines for frequency and size of portions.
- Always monitor your dog after giving snacks to ensure their blood sugar remains stable.
Snacking smart will help your diabetic dog better regulate blood sugar for happier and healthier living. With the right care and love, dogs with diabetes can thrive.