Reversing Diabetes in Dogs and Cats Through Dietary Changes

Diabetes in pets is becoming increasingly common, particularly in overweight dogs and cats. While managing diabetes traditionally involves insulin injections, an often-overlooked aspect of diabetes management is diet! In fact, studies have shown that proper nutrition can help control blood sugar and, in some cases, may even reduce a pet’s dependence on insulin altogether. If you're a pet owner concerned about your diabetic pet's health, dietary changes—especially transitioning to a low-carb, high-protein diet—can make a significant difference in their quality of life. In this post, we’ll cover why kibble is harmful for diabetic pets, the best dietary changes to make, and how you can help your pet on their journey to better health.

Why Kibble is Harmful for Diabetic Pets

Many commercial pet foods, especially kibble, are high in carbohydrates and low in moisture, both of which can exacerbate diabetes in pets. Here’s a breakdown of why kibble is problematic for diabetic dogs and cats:

1. High Carbohydrate Content

Most kibble is made from grains and starchy vegetables, which are high in carbohydrates. These carbs cause blood sugar to spike rapidly after eating, triggering the need for more insulin. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. Most kibbles are roughly 48 to 52% carbs – which translates into sugars your pet needs to try to process!

2. Glycemic Index and Insulin Resistance

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly food raises blood glucose levels. Many kibbles have a high GI, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and fall rapidly. This puts additional stress on the pancreas, which may already be struggling to produce enough insulin in diabetic pets. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes.

3. Low Moisture Content

Kibble contains very little moisture (often around 10%), while fresh food can be up to 80% moisture. A low-moisture diet can contribute to dehydration, which is particularly concerning for diabetic pets. Dehydration can worsen kidney function, which is already at risk due to diabetes. Additionally, moisture helps digestion, making fresh foods a more natural option for pets.

4. Fillers and Artificial Additives

Many kibble brands use fillers like corn, soy, sorghum, chickpea and by-products that provide little nutritional value. These fillers can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance. Artificial additives and preservatives also reduce the overall quality of the food, making it harder for pets to absorb vital nutrients that support overall health.

5. Physiological Impact on Metabolism

High-carb diets can lead to chronic hyperglycaemia (elevated blood sugar). When blood sugar levels remain high, the body starts to store excess glucose as fat, which can lead to obesity—another risk factor for diabetes. This cycle of hyperglycaemia and fat storage further complicates insulin regulation.

Effective Diets for Diabetic Pets

To manage diabetes in pets, a diet that stabilizes blood sugar is essential. Here’s how you can help your pet with the right diet:

1. Low-Carb, Fresh Food Diets

A low-carb diet is ideal for diabetic pets. The key benefits include:

  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Low-carb diets prevent insulin spikes by limiting glucose from entering the bloodstream quickly. Proteins and fats, which are metabolized more slowly than carbohydrates, help provide a steady source of energy and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar.
  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity: By reducing the demand on the pancreas, a low-carb diet can help improve insulin sensitivity over time.
  • Maintaining Muscle Mass: High-protein diets support lean muscle mass, which can prevent obesity and improve insulin response.

2. Balanced Meals

Ensure your pet’s diet is balanced with:

  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and other lean meats are excellent sources of high-quality protein.
  • Non-Starchy Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and broccoli are low in carbs and high in fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporating healthy fats like coconut oil, fish oil from fresh or frozen fish, and olive oil can support energy levels and help control inflammation.

How a Low-Carb Fresh Food Diet Reduces Insulin Resistance

Understanding the physiological benefits of a low-carb, fresh food diet is crucial to appreciating how it helps manage diabetes:

  • Insulin Sensitivity: When a pet is fed a low-carb diet, the pancreas doesn’t have to produce large amounts of insulin to process food. Over time, this can help the body become more sensitive to the insulin it does produce.
  • Stabilizing Blood Sugar: Proteins and fats are absorbed more slowly than carbohydrates, resulting in a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This prevents blood sugar from spiking and ensures a steady, sustainable energy level.
  • Reduced Glycemic Spikes: Low-carb, high-protein foods have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause large fluctuations in blood sugar. By reducing glycemic spikes, this diet can help prevent the worsening of insulin resistance.

Foods and Supplements to Incorporate into a Diabetic Pet's Diet

Here are some foods and supplements that can be beneficial for diabetic pets:

1. Foods to Include

  • Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, fish (salmon, sardines), and other lean meats are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
  • Non-Starchy Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, kale, and broccoli are all excellent choices that are low in carbs and high in fiber.
  • Healthy Fats: Incorporate oils like coconut oil, fish oil from fresh or frozen fish, and olive oil to provide essential fatty acids and help with inflammation.

2. Supplements

  • Chromium: Known to help improve insulin sensitivity, chromium can be beneficial for diabetic pets.
  • Cinnamon: A natural blood sugar regulator, cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood glucose levels.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats can help reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar regulation in diabetic pets.
  • Olive Leaf Powder: The antioxidants in olive leaves can lower your blood sugar and help stabilize it to maintain healthy levels. 

Home-Cooked Meals and Fresh Food Diets

1. Home-Cooked Meals

Preparing home-cooked meals with the guidance of a holistic nutritionist can ensure your diabetic pet gets a tailored diet that addresses their specific needs. Customized meals can be adjusted over time as your pet’s health improves. PetGrocer.ca offers personalized meal plans to help pets transition to a fresh, balanced diet. You may also consider these well balanced pre-cooked manufacturers:

2. Raw Diets

Raw food diets are another excellent option for diabetic pets. Many raw food brands provide human-grade, minimally processed meals that are packed with nutrients and free from fillers and preservatives. Recommended raw food brands for diabetic pets include:

These brands focus on high-quality ingredients that can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide optimal nutrition for diabetic pets.

Transitioning to a Fresh Food Diet

Switching from high-carb kibble to a fresh food diet is a gradual process. Here’s how to do it safely:

  • Gradual Introduction: Start by mixing a small portion of fresh food with kibble and gradually increase the fresh food portion over 7-10 days.
  • Blood Sugar Monitoring: It’s important to monitor your pet’s blood sugar levels throughout the transition. Fresh food diets may affect insulin needs, so be prepared to adjust insulin doses under the supervision of your vet.

Monitoring Blood Sugar and Adjusting Insulin

As your pet adjusts to their new diet, you’ll need to monitor their blood sugar levels closely:

  • How to Monitor: Use a pet-specific glucometer to check your pet’s blood glucose levels at home. Regular testing will help you track progress and identify any need for insulin dose adjustments.
  • Adjusting Insulin: Since dietary changes can lead to lower blood sugar levels, your pet may require less insulin over time. Work closely with your veterinarian to adjust the insulin dosage as needed.

Symptoms to Watch for During Transition

Be vigilant for any signs of blood sugar imbalances during the transition:

  • Signs of Low Blood Sugar: Weakness, lethargy, shaking, confusion.
  • Signs of High Blood Sugar: Increased thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, weight loss despite a good appetite.

Veterinary Supervision

It is crucial to work with a veterinarian throughout the transition process. Your vet can help guide the changes to your pet’s insulin dosage and monitor progress, ensuring that the diet is suitable for your pet’s specific condition.

Client Success Story

Meet Bella, the Diabetic Cat

Bella, a 9-year-old cat, was diagnosed with diabetes and had been on insulin injections for over a year. Her owner, after learning about the benefits of a fresh food diet, decided to transition her from a high-carb kibble diet to a balanced, low-carb, high-protein raw food diet from Tollden Farms. After 6 months, Bella's blood sugar levels stabilized, and her insulin needs were reduced by 80%. Today, Bella is off insulin altogether, living a healthier, happier life thanks to the right dietary changes.

In Conclusion

With the right dietary changes, many diabetic pets can significantly improve their health, reduce their reliance on insulin, and even reverse the symptoms of diabetes. Transitioning from high-carb kibble to a low-carb, fresh food diet, alongside careful monitoring and veterinary guidance, can make a huge difference in your pet’s life. By providing fresh, high-quality foods and incorporating the right supplements, you can give your pet the best chance for a long, healthy life free from diabetes.

Footnotes/References:

  • "Impact of Diet on Insulin Sensitivity in Cats" (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)
  • "The Effect of Diet on Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs" (American Journal of Veterinary Research)
  • "Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance in Canine and Feline Diabetes" (Veterinary Clinics of North America)
  • "Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Blood Glucose and Insulin Secretion in Diabetic Dogs" (Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition)
  • "The Role of Protein in Insulin Sensitivity in Feline Diabetes" (Feline Medicine and Surgery)
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