If your dog has blood sugar problems such as diabetes mellitus (or diabetes to you and me), you want to make sure that he is getting the right kind of food in their diet. The right food can make all the difference when it comes to keeping his blood glucose levels under control after all. However, you need to put a little bit of effort into the process and make sure that you find something that your dog will like and that provides the high-quality ingredients that they need. If your dog is diabetic, one of the first steps should be talking with your vet, but you can find great diabetic dog food products just about anywhere.
Quick List
While some of the foods presented will fit better for some dogs, depending on their habits, their size, but also their taste, all of the ones listed will help your four-legged friend deal with their high blood sugar levels and have a happy and fulfilling life as much as possible. Every dog food, as well as everything in general, has some pros and some cons, and you should be aware of these as to make an informed purchase. While none of the foods will have the main dealbreaker, being bad for canine blood sugar levels, you can realize that some choices may be higher in protein or contain something that your dog might be allergic to. Thankfully, there are eight very good options that you can choose from, meaning that you can mix and match until you find the best possible snack for your puppy.
- Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
- Royal Canin Glycobalance Dry Dog Food
- Acana Heritage Meats Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Orijen Regional Red
- Solid Gold High Protein
- Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpea Recipe
Why Some Dogs Have High Blood Sugar?
There are multiple reasons why your canine can gain surplus sugars in their bloodstream, and those range from very mild and mundane reasons like stress or anxiety, but can also be caused by very serious illnesses like pancreatitis or diabetes mellitus. If you notice any symptoms that can be related to high blood sugar or diabetes, you need to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible, and to get them tested. Specialized dog food and similar auxiliary remedies should be used regardless of the cause of the problem, but knowing that the issue is stress and not something worse will give you some peace of mind and will inform you if you need to do some additional steps.
Stress is the most common reason for high blood pressure in dogs, and this issue is easily alleviated by a few nice walks and lots of belly rubs. More serious problems like diabetes mellitus must be treated with specialized medicine and regular insulin shots, and unlike stress, it will not go away. Thankfully, same as with people, diabetes is a problem that is not only survivable, but it is quite possible to live a full and fulfilling life despite the issue, provided that you are willing to give the canine regular shots and feed them only with proper diets appropriate to their condition.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
The most common symptom of high blood sugar is the increased intake and excretion of fluids. If your doggy asks to be taken out only an hour after you have returned from a long walk, this might already be a sign of an increase in sugar levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, depression is known to follow this condition, which can be seen in the change of the dog’s habits, increased seclusion, and changed biorhythm. If your dog suddenly starts sleeping under the bed, stops eating, and starts waking up in the middle of the night, this might all be signs that they have a high blood sugar and that you should go and see a vet as fast as you can.
Finally, one of the symptoms can be a rapid change in body weight, either gaining or losing a significant number of pounds. This change doesn’t need to be drastic, but if it is accompanied by the formerly mentioned issues you should seek professional help as to assist your pet in any way possible.
What to Look for?
In general, most canine breeds prefer diets based on protein, and even if your dog doesn’t show any signs of elevated blood sugar you should consider giving them both wet and dry dog food that is mostly protein. Dog food that specializes in diabetic or just dogs with high blood sugar additionally needs to have a high dose of dietary fiber. This fiber can come from all sorts of plants and formulae usually differ in this part, but regardless of the source, fiber will help your furry friend retain more water and thus process more sugars, reducing their levels in the bloodstream.
Additionally, there are some foods that would make the whole situation worse, either by emphasizing the symptoms or by adding even more sugar to the mix. These ingredients include soy, corn, and wheat, which used to be regular fillers both in dry kibble and in wet dog food and which were later found out to be indigestible for dogs. As this kind of dog food requires some carbs, the usual source has turned to oatmeal and other whole grain sources.
Finally, a good dog food for canines with high blood sugar must contain minerals, vitamins, as well as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, as to help the general well-being of your dog for the period while they have high blood sugar.
Best Dog Food to Fight High Blood Sugar
These are specialized diets that will help your canine companion reduce the impact of the symptoms and even reduce the actual level of sugar in their system. Aside from the difference in brand and cited content, some of the products listed are made specifically for certain types of dogs. Your choice might be different depending on if you have a senior dog or a puppy, and you should focus on the formula that is as close to your dog’s exact needs as possible.
1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
This pet food is great for dogs that need better dietary balance or have diabetes and high blood sugar because it provides plenty of protein as well as all of the other vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog. Actually, 38% of the food is protein, which is great for dogs that are diabetic. It’s got the right amount and type of carbs, which are only 20% of the total product. You also won’t get any grains, which is great if you’re trying to keep your dog in tip-top condition.
Pros:
- High fiber from kale, spinach, and pumpkin
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrates (right kind of carbs)
Cons:
- High in eggs
2. Royal Canin Glycobalance Dry Dog Food
With this dry dog food, you’re getting just the right mix of complex carbs to make sure that your dog’s blood sugar levels stay right where you want them to be. It also has a low amount of fat to keep your dog lean and healthy at all times. Even more important, is the fact that it has plenty of protein from chicken and just the right amount of fatty acids and fiber to help with digestion and glucose conversion.
Pros:
- High dietary fiber
- Improves digestion
- Complex carbohydrates
Cons:
- Not ideal for all dogs
3. Acana Heritage Meats Dog Food
If you want plenty of protein but low carbs, then you’re definitely going to want this high-quality dog food. It has 60% protein total, which is far more than most similar dog foods. In total, your dog is getting beef, pork, and grass-fed lamb in a range of different versions including organs, cartilage, and the meat itself. There are also peas and pinto beans and even plenty of vegetables to help provide even more fiber.
Pros:
- High protein
- High dietary fiber
- Variety of animal products
Cons:
- Price can be high
4. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Here, you’re getting no grains whatsoever, but you are getting a whole lot of turkey and chicken, which is designed to help your dog feel full and get healthier. It has absolutely no fillers, which are an even bigger problem for dogs with diabetes and high blood sugar. You’ll get just the right quantity of antioxidants, nutrients, and probiotics as well as the fiber that diabetic dogs especially need.
Pros:
- High in fiber
- No fillers like corn, soy, or wheat
- No harmful carbs
Cons:
- Can increase gas
5. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
With this food, you’re getting buffalo and sweet potato, which is great for your dog in more ways than one. They’re definitely going to love it and they’re going to have plenty of protein without the grain. You’ll get plenty of quality, complex carbs from the different vegetables and you’re going to get omega fatty acids and glucosamine that your dog needs. You’ll also have the protein and the fiber that they’re looking for to help moderate their blood sugar.
Pros:
- High in protein
- High in complex carbs
- Low in simple carbs
Cons:
- Also includes other meat products
6. Orijen Regional Red
If you really want to get a whole lot of protein and other ingredients, this is the way to go because it has a whole lot of protein sources included—the first 18 ingredients, in fact. You’re also going to get plenty of probiotics to help with digestion and you get low glycemic index carbs. All of this means that your dog is getting the healthy ingredients that they need and they’re going to feel a whole lot better (so will you). There’s no need for your dog to suffer in any way with this product and because it has so many healthy vegetables and fruits as well as the protein they’re getting a balanced diet.
Pros:
- Top 18 ingredients are from protein
- 70% of calories from protein
- Low glycemic index
Cons:
- High price tag
7. Solid Gold High Protein
Here you’re not going to get any grain or gluten but you are getting plenty of cold water salmon that can be great for dogs that are struggling with diabetes. It has no fillers that can cause digestive issues and cut down on the nutrients that your dog needs. Plus, it has plenty of great quality added ingredients like fruits and vegetables. Not only that but you’re getting at least 38% protein and a lot of healthy fats and low carbs at the same time. There are none of the common allergens for dogs and there’s the right amount of fiber to keep their sugar in check.
Pros:
- High in protein
- 16 superfoods included
- Cold water salmon
Cons:
- Can be too much protein
8. Nutrisca Grain Free Salmon Dry Dog Food
If you want something a little more unique this is a great way to go because it provides you with plenty of chicken as the first ingredient and it’s great for dogs who have random glucose levels. The low-glycemic index food means that it helps to balance out those numbers a little better. Made in the USA, it’s full of chickpeas as well to help add some other great ingredients and make sure there are plenty of nutrients and vitamins as well as minerals included here.
Pros:
- High in protein
- High in fiber
- Low-glycemic index
Cons:
- Can cause upset stomach
Conclusion
There’s no reason that your dog should have to eat pet food that doesn’t taste great just because they have high blood sugar or other dietary restrictions. Rather, they should be able to have diabetic dog food that tastes amazing and get the weight loss they may need. With any of these great products, they’re definitely going to have a better experience and they’re going to have all of the ingredients that you’re looking for. They get the vitamins and minerals and other nutrients and they don’t get the fillers and added by-products that you definitely don’t want them to have. What could be better than that?
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