Homemade Diabetic Dog Food

Diabetes mellitus not only affects human beings, but it has also become a leading cause of disease in canines. This metabolic disorder affects the function of many organs in the body. In this disease, the body fails to produce sufficient insulin for synthesis of glucose. As insulin serves many vital functions in the body such as controlling production of glucose by liver, storing energy etc., your dog may show signs of illness due to lack of insulin. While this condition can be controlled with medications and insulin injections, diabetic dog food has proved particularly effective in controlling this disease.

Homemade Dog Food for Diabetes Control

Just like humans, dogs are also at increased risk of aggravating their condition if they are not given proper diet. Processed foods with refined sugar, high fat foods can worsen your dog's diabetes and may even result in his death. Hence, as soon as your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, take immediate steps to alter his diet to control sugar levels. Carbohydrate intake should be reduced, as they directly get converted into glucose or sugar. Your vet should be able to guide you regarding what foods are permissible for your dog and what should be avoided. Some vets may recommend good commercial diabetic dog foods while a few may have their own products especially formulated for diabetic dogs.

Nonetheless, if you decide to feed your dog only homemade food, you can still manage to lower his blood sugar levels by making appropriate changes to his diet. Here is what you can do about your dog's diet.

• Feed him lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Raw foods stimulate pancreas to produce insulin better than processed foods. Vegetables such as alpha sprouts, parsley, carrots, green beans, broccoli cauliflower can be given raw. Some others like winter squash, dandelion greens, potatoes can be cooked. These vegetables are really good for diabetic dogs. While giving fruits, one must make sure that you do not combine main meals such as meats, grains with fruits. They can best serve as mid-meal snacks.
• Give your dog lots of garlic, either fresh or in capsule form. Garlic is a great remedy for high sugar levels. Besides, it also regulates digestive function in dogs.
• While it is alright to give raw meat, make sure it is lean and hygienic. Chicken, lean turkey, lean pork can be fed. Stay away from ground beef and any other types of red meat.
• Incorporate lots of dairy products such as low fat cottage cheese, yogurt etc. Milk products and vegetables reduce acid levels due to their alkaline properties.
• Fish and eggs can be given raw. Again make sure it is hygienic.
• Also include whole grains such as pearl barley, brown rice etc.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Diabetic Dogs

As mentioned above, you should feed raw foods to your dog. However, certain foods like meats are best fed when cooked. Boil 1 cup lean meat and cook 1 cup whole grain such as brown rice or pearl barley. Chop 1 cup raw vegetables (you can choose any of the above mentioned veggies). Mince meat and mix it with whole grain. Add veggies and a serving of cottage cheese (around ¼ cup). You can make alterations to this diabetic dog diet recipe as per your choice. Just make sure you have one part vegetables, one part meat, one part whole grain and a quarter part of milk product.

Homemade diabetic dog food is easier to make and also safe for your pet. But you also have a choice of going for commercial dog foods that are formulated for diabetic dogs. However, while choosing the diabetic dog food, make sure you stay away from moist, soft foods as they are rich in carbs. Opt for dry, canned variety instead. Check the labels to know sugar content in the food.