Canine diabetes can be a serious condition, much like it is in humans. When a dog has diabetes, its body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause many different health issues. A proper diet is crucial for managing this condition. Dogs with diabetes need food that helps regulate their blood sugar levels.
Specialized food for diabetic dogs is formulated to address their needs. These foods have a low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause spikes in blood sugar. They are also high in fiber, which helps manage blood sugar and support overall digestive health. Quality ingredients like real meats, whole grains, and vegetables are important because they provide the nutrients dogs need without unnecessary fillers. Avoid foods with additives, preservatives, or by-products, as they can be harmful over time.
Royal Canin Glycobalance Diabetic Formula
One top-rated brand is Royal Canin Glycobalance Diabetic Formula. It is specifically formulated for diabetic dogs, has a balanced fiber blend to help regulate blood sugar levels, and includes antioxidants to support the immune system. Many veterinarians recommend it. Reviews are generally positive, with reviewers seeing improvements in blood sugar control.
The negative reviews cite the cost, which is higher than regular dog foods. You will also need a prescription for this food in the United States. No question that having a diabetic dog hits you in the wallet as well as the heart.
Brady eats Royal Canin Low-fat Gastrointestinal food rather than Glycobalance because his diabetes is a result of pancreatitis. For the first couple of years after his diabetes diagnosis, he also had chronic pancreatitis. However, 2 years ago our vet told us that it was resolved. I credit this to the consistent, quality diet we feed him. We didn’t change to Glycobalance because what we are doing is working. We give him 1/3 cup of dry food with 3 tablespoons of the wet. We also add 2 tablespoons of chopped-up boiled, skinless chicken, his probiotic supplement, and a teaspoon of flaxseed. He loves it. He enthusiastically watches while we prepare his meals and goes back to lick his bowl several times just to be sure he’s gotten every morsel at the end. Many of the reviewers said their dogs also love the flavor of Glycobalance. Royal Canin has found a flavor profile that many dogs like.
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d
Another popular choice is Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d. This food is high in fiber to help regulate glucose metabolism and contains nutrients that promote weight loss and maintenance, which is crucial for diabetic dogs. It’s available in both dry and canned formulas and as is the case for all special diet pet foods, requires a prescription in the USA, making it less accessible and more expensive than regular dog food. There really is no way around it if you want to manage your dog’s diabetes properly. Reviewers report their dogs achieve weight loss and better glycemic control. However, the kibble size might be large for smaller breeds.
Brady tried Hill’s low-fat Digestive Care i/d the year we lived in the USA because it was easier to find in our area. He liked it prepared the same way as the description above. We discovered by accident that there are two versions of the canned food. One is called “original”. It is what you expect from wet dog food, a mono-chromatic can-shaped loaf of meat paste. That is what his canned food looks like now, but it does not look appetizing to my human eyes. The stew looks like a can of Campbell’s vegetable stew I’ve eaten. If the apocalypse hits, I would eat this. Maybe I’m projecting, but I think he liked the stew better.
According to vetsupply.com Royal Canin wins for flavor. However, Royal Canin may contain meat by-products. Hill’s only uses real meat. Hill’s is also usually less expensive, which may explain why it was more available in rural North Carolina.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM is designed specifically for diabetic dogs with a high-protein, low-carb formula. Available in both dry and wet options, it promotes lean muscle mass while keeping blood sugar in check. It does require a prescription.
I don’t have personal experience with this food. It gets good reviews and has veterinary endorsements. When I checked the prices on Amazon, it was about half the cost of Hill’s and Royal Canin. On Dogster.com they recommend Purina’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM as the best value. Royal Canin was their pick for best overall.
Choosing the right food for a diabetic dog is so important for their health. Always consult with a veterinarian before making a choice. Different dogs have different needs and preferences, and what works well for one dog might not be suitable for another. Taking the time to find the best food for your dog can make a big difference in managing their diabetes. Brady is healthy and happy nearly 5 years after his near-death pancreatitis experience and resulting diabetes. Aside from insulin, diet is the biggest reason continues to thrive.
What dog food did you choose for your diabetic dog? Please share your experiences in the comments below. We are all in this together.