Food choices
Prescription food, home cooking, treats, and the foods most vets say to avoid.
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
- Does my diabetic dog have to eat a prescription food?4 minNot always. Most vets say a steady, balanced food can work, but your vet makes the call.
- Hill's, Royal Canin, or Purina: what are people comparing?2 minAll three make diabetic diets. Most vets care more about whether he eats it than the brand.
- Can I cook for my diabetic dog?4 minYou can, but it's hard to get right. Ask your vet or a veterinary nutritionist first.
- Is grain-free or low-carb food better for a diabetic dog?2 minMost vets care more about fibre and a steady routine than cutting carbs. Ask before you switch.
- My diabetic dog's glucose looked higher after a food change2 minWrite down the foods and the dates, and ask your vet before you switch back.
- Should I keep my diabetic dog on the same food?3 minIf he's steady, most vets say stick with it. Another illness can still mean a change.
- Do green beans, pumpkin, or extra fibre help a diabetic dog?3 minVets don't all agree on this one. Ask before you start adding pumpkin.
- What treats can my diabetic dog have?3 minOne small treat at the same time each day, if your vet's happy with it. Or use a bit of his measured meal.
- Are green beans and plain vegetables all right as treats?3 minThey're still food. Ask your vet first, then keep it the same every day.
- Which foods should a diabetic dog avoid?3 minSoft semi-moist food and sugary things are the big ones. Your vet may add more.
- Should I add a supplement for my diabetic dog?3 minThere's not much proof they help. Ask before adding anything, and watch for xylitol.
- Is my dog's food recalled?3 minCheck the maker's website and official recall notices before you act on a rumour.
- Is a raw diet OK for a diabetic dog?3 minRaw food doesn't replace insulin, so ask your vet to check any raw diet before you switch.
- What can a dog with diabetes and kidney disease eat?3 minA dog with diabetes and kidney disease needs one feeding plan that covers both.
- Wet or dry food for a diabetic dog?3 minWet or dry on its own doesn't tell you whether a food suits a diabetic dog.
- Are roti, rice, curd, dal or eggs OK for a diabetic dog?3 minRoti, rice, curd, dal and eggs are ingredients. They aren't a complete diet on their own.
- What can a diabetic dog with allergies or a sensitive stomach eat?3 minDiabetes doesn't mean you ignore a food allergy or a stomach that keeps playing up.
- What can a senior diabetic dog with bad teeth eat?3 minAn older diabetic dog who struggles to chew needs his mouth checked, not just a softer menu.
- Are fresh-cooked subscription foods worth it?3 minFresh-cooked food isn't automatically better for diabetes, and nice packaging doesn't mean it suits your dog.
- How do I work out the carbs in a dog food?3 minWorking out carbs from a label won't tell you whether a food will help control diabetes. There's no carb number to aim for.