diabetic dog food suggestions

[betty]

Hi, Taz soon to be 8, 22 lbs .My diabetic boy is a mix, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Boston terrier. Diagnosed May 2015.
We live in Ontario Canada.

I feed him 1 cup am & pm. Prescription WD Digestive Weight Glucose Management Dry Food. Vet suggested. Expensive.

Insulin dose Caninsulin 40, 11 units 2 x a day.
Vet wants his levels between 10 - 13
Glucose levels very. 6.9 low 11- 17- 15 -21- 12 - 25 - 10. Not regulated.

Any suggestions on different food choices ?

Thxs Betty

[Auddog]

Hi Betty,
Taz sounds like he's a very handsome boy. When it comes to food, I think the general concensus is that they should eat. There have been a number of picky eating dogs on the forum that don't like the prescription food, so they boycott it. If you're looking to switch foods, I'd try to find one that is low in fat and high in fiber as it tends to work with insulin the best (for most dogs). Of course, every dog is different, so what may work for one person may not work for someone else.
Unfortunately, I can't suggest any particular brand of food because my dog, Bazzle, is a 60 lb boy and loves the WD formula. True it's a bit expensive, but I don't have to worry about him refusing to eat. The other thing to keep in mind is that changing his food may change his insulin needs.

I know you mentioned that he's not very well regulated right now, but that's the other thing we like to say on the forum: diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. Do one change, give his body at least a week to adjust to the change, then run a curve to see where he's at. By the way, are you feeding at the exact same time (12 hours apart) every day (like 6am and 6pm every day)? Is he getting any snacks or exercise? Often time variations likes snacks and walks can contribute to wide swings like that.

Hopefully others will come along and share some suggestions too! Hope to hear from you soon,

Audrey & Bazzle

[amydunn19]

Re: diabetic dog food suggestions

Betty,

That is a pretty big dose for 22 lbs. Sometimes, it just takes what it takes and he is not near resistant. How did you get to that point? Where was he started and how often was he increased?

Everyone here tends to feed something different. My dog refused all prescription and some premium brands as well. So, for me just finding something she would eat reliably was the most important. Some dogs do great on WD, others do not. Diabetes is very individual.

Do you test levels at home?

Have you ever had triglycerides checked or thyroid levels checked? Many times, a problem such as those might be impacting the ability to regulate.

[betty]

Re: diabetic dog food suggestions

Hey guys.
Thanks for the input.
Diagnosed May 2015

Taz was over weight 26lbs. Drinking way too much water, about 20 cups a day so I knew he was diabetic
.
Amydunn19,
Taz readings started high 20-37. Insulin start .1ml once a day, increased to 2x day. Gradual increase slowly. Last one was about 3months ago. Readings / tests at home on a regular basis. Vet updates constantly.
Blood work checked for other abnormalities. All good.
He was 10.1 AM yesterday. 9.7 PM. Today 17.1 am.

Auddog,
Taz looks like a Hyena, funny character / personality, smart
Taz is not a picky eater thank god. I put warm water in his AM food, makes like a gravy idea. He loves it. Dry PM

When changes are made I do, do the week adjustment period.
I try to be on point with the feed times. Walks depends on weather. Snacks unfortunately yes. Carrots once in a while. Problem, My hubby doesn't get it. Yes Frustrating as Hell !!!

I am finding when Taz glucose is low he whines non stop. Usually 2 hrs before PM feeding. Sure enough I check it is.. below suggested 10.-13. I give him a carrot as I found this raises his level a bit or I give him a 1/4 cup of his Pm food.

I must say he is better regulated now.

[peony]

Re: diabetic dog food suggestions

I'm fairly new to the site and treating my dog's diabetes. I will share what seems to be working for us. Kirby eats Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Dry Food. It took a long time to find a dog food he would eat consistently. He was also a grazer when we started this process and he has had to adapt to the 12 hour feeding schedule.

He would act like he was starving so on recommendations from the vet and from this site I give him small treats. Frozen green beans are a great one and he loves them. I also boil chicken and chop it up and put in baggies. I freeze the extra and take it out as needed. I also give him pieces of rice cakes. My vet recommended this (brown rice, no salt or other additives.) A number of people on this site have questioned the rice cakes but Kirby likes them and they help hold him off until dinner time. Kirby weighs 21 pounds - at his highest he weighed 31 pounds and lowest was 17 pounds.