Question
Which foods should a diabetic dog avoid?
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
It helps to know what to keep out of his bowl. Most vets say avoid semi-moist foods and sugary things like biscuits and sweets, because they push his glucose up. Xylitol, a sweetener in some human foods, is dangerous for dogs, so if he eats any, call your vet right away. If he steals one crumb of biscuit, just note it.
What you might notice at home
The soft, semi-moist pouch looks handy. A guest offers him a biscuit. A supplement powder smells sweet. These are the easy ways sugar slips in.
Very tasty, easy-to-digest foods can also cause a quick spike and then a drop. That's a good reason to keep his food plain and the same. One stolen crumb is nothing to panic about, but if he's stealing food all the time, tell your vet.
What to write down for the vet
- Any human food that is a habit, not a one-off.
- The form of the dog food: dry, wet, or semi-moist.
- Supplements and toothpaste or peanut butter, if xylitol might be in them.
- Foods other pets can reach.
What to take with you
Take the labels of any extras, and ask your vet whether anything on them is a problem for him.
Are peanut butter, cheese, eggs and other people food OK?
People food covers a lot of different things, and what's in it, how it's made and your dog's other health issues all matter. Some peanut butter contains xylitol, and if your dog might have eaten xylitol, call the vet as an emergency. Read the actual label each time, because recipes change.
There's no blanket yes for cheese, eggs or other extras. Ask your vet what, if anything, fits with your dog's normal food. If people food is all your dog will eat, raise that with the vet as an appetite problem.
Sources
- My dog ate something he shouldn't. What now?What to do if he eats xylitol or stolen food
- What treats can my diabetic dog have?Treats that fit his day
- Family and guests keep giving him sweets and snacks. What can I do?When guests offer sweets and snacks
- Are roti, rice, curd, dal or eggs OK for a diabetic dog?Roti, rice, curd, dal and eggs
- Are green beans and plain vegetables all right as treats?Fruit and vegetables as treats
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
What treats can my diabetic dog have?
One small treat at the same time each day, if your vet's happy with it. Or use a bit of his measured meal.
Q&A
Should I add a supplement for my diabetic dog?
There's not much proof they help. Ask before adding anything, and watch for xylitol.
Q&A
Is grain-free or low-carb food better for a diabetic dog?
Most vets care more about fibre and a steady routine than cutting carbs. Ask before you switch.
Q&A
My diabetic dog's glucose looked higher after a food change
Write down the foods and the dates, and ask your vet before you switch back.