Feeding
What to do when he won't eat or leaves half his meal, and whether a topper helps.
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?2 minCall your vet before the next injection is due, and tell them when your dog last ate.
- My diabetic dog only eats if I add a topper2 minPlenty of diabetic dogs only eat with a topper. That's usually fine, as long as your vet knows and you keep it the same every day.
- My diabetic dog won't eat the prescription food2 minIf he won't touch the food your vet prescribed, call your vet and tell them what he will eat.
- Can I mix the prescription food with the food he will eat?2 minMixing foods is very common. Tell your vet exactly what goes in the bowl, and keep the mix the same.
- My diabetic dog is always hungry2 minA dog who is always begging is hard to live with. Tell your vet before you add more food.
- Can I give a snack between the two meals?3 minSome owners give a small snack between meals. Many vets prefer just two meals, so ask yours first.
- My diabetic dog grazes all day. Should meals be twice a day?3 minMost diabetic dogs end up on two meals a day. Your vet can help you move a grazer onto set meals.
- My diabetic dog ate only part of the meal3 minIf he leaves part of his meal, note what's left. If you've already given insulin, call your vet.
- Is it all right to hand-feed a diabetic dog?2 minHand-feeding can get a meal into him on a bad day. If he's only just started needing it, call your vet.
- My dog ate something he shouldn't. What now?3 minCall your vet, tell them what he ate and how he seems, and keep the wrapper.
- Family and guests keep giving him sweets and snacks. What can I do?3 minIt's hard when relatives or guests slip him a biscuit, a sweet or festival food out of love.
- My diabetic dog is vomiting. Should I still give insulin?3 minCall the vet before the next injection. Insulin lowers blood sugar, and a dog who can't keep food down can drop too low.
- How much should I feed my diabetic dog?3 minHow much to feed depends on your dog's body condition, the food, appetite and any other illness. Your vet sets the amount, and you give exactly that every time.
- How do I switch my diabetic dog to a new food?3 minChanging food can feel risky when everything is finally settling. Before you switch, ask your vet how to change over and what to watch for.