Question
Can I give a snack between the two meals?
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 natural to want to give him something when the gap between meals feels long. Some owners do give a small planned snack, often around a walk. Many vets would rather you stick to two meals and offer play and attention instead. Vets don't all agree on this. If your vet has already okayed a snack, keep it the same. If not, ask first.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might see at home
The gap between breakfast and dinner feels long, and he keeps asking. If you're worried about his sugar on a walk, you might take a bite along. Some people split the day's food into three or four small bowls.
Plenty of owners give a planned snack. Some vets suggest fuss and play instead of treats, and others want the day's food split into two equal meals. Your own vet's plan is the one to follow.
What to write down for the vet
- Every bite outside the two main meals, and what time.
- Whether the snack is around a walk.
- What the snack is.
- How he seems for the next few hours.
What to take with you
Take the list. If he's been getting a snack for a month, that's part of his diet now, agreed or not. Your vet needs to know about it to make sense of his readings.
Sources
- My diabetic dog grazes all day. Should meals be twice a day?Why two set meals
- What treats can my diabetic dog have?Which treats are suitable
- Are green beans and plain vegetables all right as treats?Plain vegetables as treats
- How should walks work for a diabetic dog?How walks should work
- We're planning a long hike or a busy day out. What should I think about?Snacks around a long walk or busy day
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My diabetic dog grazes all day. Should meals be twice a day?
Most diabetic dogs end up on two meals a day. Your vet can help you move a grazer onto set meals.
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
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
How many hours apart should the two meals be?
Usually about twelve hours apart. If your vet gave you different times, use theirs.