Question
What can a senior diabetic dog with bad teeth eat?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
If your older dog is struggling to chew, get his mouth checked, because softer food alone won't fix a painful tooth. Ask your vet about pain relief and a complete food he can manage every day. Wet or softer food may help, but the amounts aren't the same as his old food. Ask how to keep his meals steady while his teeth are treated.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
You might see food dropping from his mouth, him avoiding chewing, or him keen on food but not finishing. Tell the vet what's changed, rather than putting it down to age.
What to write down
- Chewing difficulty and food left behind
- Mouth discomfort or changed breath
- Food, medicines and other illnesses
What to ask next
If he won't eat around insulin time, call the vet for what to do, and don't guess the insulin or force-feed him. Get the sore mouth treated first, before you go looking for special chews.
Sources
- Wet or dry food for a diabetic dog?What matters more than wet or dry
- Are pain and arthritis medicines safe for a diabetic dog?Pain relief that fits his diabetes
- How do surgery, dental cleaning and anaesthesia work for a diabetic dog?Dental work for a diabetic dog
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?What to do when he refuses meals
- My diabetic dog ate only part of the mealWhen he eats only part of a meal
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Is my dog's food recalled?
Check the maker's website and official recall notices before you act on a rumour.
Q&A
Does my diabetic dog have to eat a prescription food?
Not always. Most vets say a steady, balanced food can work, but your vet makes the call.
Q&A
Should I keep my diabetic dog on the same food?
If he's steady, most vets say stick with it. Another illness can still mean a change.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.