Question
What can a dog with diabetes and kidney disease 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
A dog with diabetes and kidney disease needs one feeding plan that covers both, and the food for his kidneys may matter more than a usual diabetic food. Don't mix two prescription foods yourself. Ask your vet or a vet nutritionist what matters most right now, and how they'll check how he's doing. Tell them if he goes off his food.
What to know at home
A food sold for diabetes isn't always the best choice when another illness changes what he needs. An odd urine result on its own doesn't tell you which kidney food he should be on either. That's for your vet to work out.
What to write down
- Confirmed diagnoses and recent results
- Current food and what is actually eaten
- Appetite, weight and any vomiting
What to ask next
Ask why this food suits both problems, what you can give if he won't eat it, and how they'll keep an eye on things after a change. If he won't eat, call the vet rather than trying new foods at home.
Sources
- My diabetic dog has kidney problems or protein in the urine.What kidney results can and cannot mean
- Feeding a diabetic dog: food and routineFeeding when he has another illness
- My diabetic dog won't eat the prescription foodIf he turns down the prescription food
- Can I mix the prescription food with the food he will eat?Why mixes need your vet first
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?What to do when he will not eat
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.