Question
My diabetic dog is always hungry
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's hard to watch your dog beg and stare at you after every meal. Some diabetic dogs seem starving all the time, even on prescription food. Sometimes it's the new diet, and sometimes it means his diabetes isn't well controlled. If the hunger is new or frantic, call your vet. Mention any weight loss or extra drinking too. Don't add extra meals without asking.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might see at home
He finishes his meal and stares at you. He steals food and barks at the cupboard. For some dogs this starts the week the diabetic diet starts. For others it's a sign the diabetes isn't well controlled.
Some dogs stay hungry on prescription food, and some owners have gone back to home-cooked food because of it. If you're tempted to do the same, talk it through with your vet first, because a new diet can change how his insulin works.
What to write down for the vet
- What he's fed, and whether he finishes it straight away.
- Begging, scavenging, or waking you for food.
- Whether his weight is going up or down, if you have a recent weight.
- How much he's drinking and peeing, his energy, and his poo.
What to take with you
Your food notes and his weight, even just the last one from the clinic. A hungry dog who's losing weight is a different worry from a hungry dog who's putting it on.
Sources
- Can I judge control by thirst and energy?Hunger and thirst as signs of control
- Can I give a snack between the two meals?Snacks between the two meals
- My diabetic dog is losing weightWeight loss in a diabetic dog
- Glucose stays high even on insulin. Why?Why glucose can stay high
- Can I cook for my diabetic dog?Talking to your vet before cooking for him
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
Can I give a snack between the two meals?
Some owners give a small snack between meals. Many vets prefer just two meals, so ask yours first.
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
Why is my diabetic dog drinking so much?
Note how much he's drinking compared with a normal week. Your vet will work out why.