We believe that dietary supplements have helped us manage Brady’s diabetes and resolve his chronic pancreatitis.
Diabetes in dogs is similar to the condition in humans. It involves the inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Insulin therapy and a consistent, high-quality diet remain the primary treatments for diabetes in dogs. However, certain supplements can support optimal help. Brady has been on a prescription low-fat diet since his pancreatitis episode in 2020. Over the last several years we’ve added a few supplements. In this post, we will describe the types of dietary supplements available for canine diabetes and their potential benefits. We will also tell you which ones we use. Many supplements can be used preventatively for healthy dogs who may be at risk. We wish we were as conscientious from the beginning of Brady’s life with us as we are now.
10 Reasons for Supplements for Your Diabetic Dog
- Do not do add or change anything in your dogs diet without first checking with your veterinarian. Getting the right balance between insulin, diet and exercise takes time, consistency, and careful monitoring. Once it is achieved, you don’t want to make changes that could set you back or harm your dogs health. It’s crucial to emphasize that dietary supplements for canine diabetes should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Diabetes management is highly individualized, and supplements should complement, not replace, prescribed insulin therapy and a specialized diet. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s specific needs, recommend appropriate supplements, and be sure they do not interfere with other medications or health concerns.
- Balancing Blood Sugar: One of the primary goals in managing diabetes in dogs is to regulate blood sugar levels.
Chromium is a mineral thought to help the body break down and absorb carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant used to break down carbohydrates and make energy. Chromium and alpha-lipoic acid, have been studied for their potential to enhance insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes and improve glucose metabolism in type 1. Supplements with these ingredients may help stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs. - Antioxidant Support: Canine diabetes can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens because the balance between free radicals and anti-oxidants gets off kilter. Free radicals help fight pathogens when they are in balance. Antioxidants keep the free radicals from taking over. When the antioxidants are not keeping up, the extra free radicals cause damage to organs like the pancreas and to blood vessels. This damage makes dogs more vulnerable to the effects of aging as well as diabetes and heart disease. Supplements like vitamin E and vitamin C can help mitigate oxidative damage and potentially protect these vital organs. Antioxidants are only a complement to the overall health of your dog. Insulin, diet, and exercise are the most important features of managing canine diabetes. However, we believe adding a supplement with these ingredients has helped us manage Brady’s diabetes and keep him healthy and happy at 12 years old.
- Joint Health: Diabetic dogs face an increased risk of developing joint problems. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, are commonly used for joint health. Our apartment in Bangkok is two stories, with a set of wooden stairs. They are pretty steep and early into our first year here, we learned they were too much for Brady. He spent a couple of weeks with back pain after one step too many, so we started adding a glucosamine tablet to his food in the mornings. His ability to stay active is important for managing his blood sugar so now, we give him glucosamine…and we carry him up and down the stairs.
- Heart and Immune System Health: Heart disease is a common complication of diabetes. Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help reduce the risk for your dog. These supplements are derived from sources like fish oil. They have benefits for heart health and brain function. They also bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat. . However, be sure to consult you veterinarian on this one. The wrong dosage can do more harm than good.
- Digestive System and Gut Health: Probiotic supplements may aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are healthy microbes that help break down food and balance the internal environment in the gut to prevent disease and promote health. A balanced gut can support digestion, and nutrient absorption, which is important for overall well-being, especially in dogs with diabetes.
- Liver Function Support: Silymarin is derived from the milk thistle plant. It is recognized for its strong antioxidant properties and its ability to support liver function. In dogs, silymarin is often used to help treat liver diseases, such as hepatitis or toxin exposure. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, silymarin can help protect liver cells, promote regeneration, and support overall liver health. Milk thistle may slightly reduce the amount of insulin your dog needs. It may also be beneficial for treating pancreatitis to protect the liver when the pancreas is inflamed. Brady started taking it when he came home from his bout with pancreatitis, and we have continued to give it to him, even now that his chronic pancreatitis has resolved.
- Nutritional Support: Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet, ensuring they receive essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for overall health. They are like your dog’s multivitamin.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Weight affects joint health, heart health, and the immune system. Supplements aid in weight management by helping your dog feel full and boosting metabolism.
- Stress Reduction: Certain supplements, like L-tryptophan which helps produce serotonin, or chamomile which acts as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant, have calming effects that can help dogs manage stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
We truly believe if Brady had been receiving silymarin and his supplement with probiotics and antioxidants for his whole life we might have avoided his pancreatitis and diabetes altogether. Toddy has long been a giant advocate of Silymarin (milk thistle) for liver health. He had never thought about its application for dogs. We now realize that attention to your dog’s diet is crucial to their overall health. Supplements can make the difference between a dog who is doing OK and a dog who is thriving.
We just had Brady at the vet to have his teeth cleaned. The vet commented on how strong and healthy Brady is at this point in his life. Supplements give Brady that extra edge that he needs to stay active and healthy despite his age and diabetes.
Thanks for reading. If you have and comments, questions or suggestions please leave them in the comments below. Or email me directly at julie@carefordiabeticdog.com.