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Question

My diabetic dog needs to lose weight

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

Many diabetic dogs carry extra weight. Losing extra weight does help, but a crash diet is a big food change for a diabetic dog. Your vet can work out how much he should eat and how to split his meals. Until then, keep his walks the same as usual, and write down his weight when you can.

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I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.

What you might notice at home

The clinic used the word overweight on the same day as the word diabetes. The fridge is full of the old treats. Everyone in the house still shares a bite.

Sometimes vets suggest a higher-fibre food for a hungry dog who needs to slim down. That's for your vet to decide, so ask before you add pumpkin or beans.

What to write down for the vet

  • Current food and treats, honestly.
  • Who else feeds him.
  • A recent weight.
  • How far the usual walk goes.

What to take with you

The weight tracker, with only weights you actually measured. Ask your vet to give you the meal size in a way you can write straight onto his schedule.

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Sources

Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.

Related

Q&A

My diabetic dog is losing weight

Write down his weight and what he eats. If he keeps losing, see your vet before you feed him more.

Q&A

Do green beans, pumpkin, or extra fibre help a diabetic dog?

Vets don't all agree on this one. Ask before you start adding pumpkin.

Q&A

How should walks work for a diabetic dog?

The same walk every day is best. A much harder day can drop his glucose, so ask first.

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.