Question
My diabetic dog grazes all day. Should meals be twice a day?
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
If your dog has always grazed, moving to set meals can feel like a big job. Most diabetic dogs eat two meals about twelve hours apart, timed with the insulin plan your vet gave you. Food and insulin work together, so make this change with your vet. Don't just take the bowl away one morning. Write down how he eats now and ask.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might see at home
The bowl is down all day and he nibbles. Then insulin time comes and you can't say how much he's really eaten. That's what makes grazing tricky for a diabetic dog.
Most vets suggest splitting the day's food into two meals, timed with insulin. Some vets are more relaxed about exact times. Go with what your own vet wrote down.
What to write down for the vet
- When food is out now, with times.
- Whether he eats it all, and roughly when.
- Treats, table scraps, and other dogs' bowls.
- The insulin times already on your plan.
What to take with you
Take your notes from a normal day, so your vet can see how he eats now. Once you've agreed the times, you can write them on the blank schedule.
Can I feed three or more smaller meals a day?
If your dog seems hungry between meals, feeding more often can seem kinder. Some dogs do need a different feeding plan because of another illness or practical reasons, but don't split or combine meals yourself to follow a general rule. Meal times and insulin have to be planned together, because the insulin is timed to work with the food.
Tell your vet what the actual problem is: hunger between meals, not finishing a big meal, another illness, or your work hours. Ask how meals and any snacks fit the plan and what to note down. Let your vet set the number of meals.
Sources
- How many hours apart should the two meals be?How far apart the meals should be
- Daily routine for a diabetic dog: meals, insulin and walksA routine built around twelve hours
- Do I feed my diabetic dog before the insulin?Feeding before the insulin
- Can I give a snack between the two meals?Snacks between meals
- Blank insulin scheduleWriting down the times you agree
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
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.
Q&A
Do I feed my diabetic dog before the insulin?
Most vets say feed first, then give insulin. Follow the order your own vet wrote down.
Q&A
How do I measure my diabetic dog's meals?
Use the same scale or the same cup every time, and stick to the amount your vet gave you.
Printable
Blank insulin schedule
The amount lines are left empty. Copy this from your vet's plan.