I have been getting quite a few questions about diabetes in dogs, even though it is a fairly rare occurrence (not like cats, where type 2 diabetes is at epidemic levels).

I turned for assistance in answering this question thoroughly to my newest professional colleague on the website and on my radio shows — Dr. Donna Spector from Chicago has graciously agreed to be both my new Official Veterinary Nutrition Consultant and the Official 2nd Opinion Vet on the show since she has it all: she is a board certified Internist, a member of the veterinary holistic doctors organization (AVHMA) and has a broad range of knowledge and talents.

Click over to my original blog on “Diabetes in Dogs: Why they Get It, How to Manage it” for the whole story!

Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible, guest blogs here every Thursday on healthy, natural choices for pets.

The US FDA has issued a warning about Vetsulin, an insulin commonly used in the treatment of diabetes for dogs and cats. There have been varying amounts of insulin found in the product which could cause unpredictable and possibly dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If your pet uses Vetsulin, monitor them carefully for unusual signs of high or low blood sugar. Vetsulin supplies will be limited until the problem has been fully resolved and the FDA recommends possibly changing patients to other forms of insulin.

Contact your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet with diabetes. Read articles for more information on treatment options for feline or canine diabetes, Feline Diabetes: A New Look at an Old Disease, and Diabetes in Dogs.

Q: I have a 12 year old poodle who weighs 22 pounds and is diabetic. He gets 16 units of insulin 2x daily. He is on science diet W/D and does not eat it well. What food would you recommend?

A: The picky appetite you are experiencing with your Poodle is not uncommon on some of the diabetic dog food diets. The best diet for a diabetic dog IS indeed a high fiber diet as the fiber helps to best control the fluctuations of their blood sugar levels.

Most commercially available high fiber diets contain high levels of a fiber that is called “insoluble” fiber (e.g. lignins and cellulose). We actually find better palatability and better blood sugar control when more “soluble” fiber sources (e.g. gums and pectins) are the main source of fiber in the food.

Most regular adult dog foods only have about 2-3% fiber in them so my recommendations would be to select a high quality natural pet food (not too high in fat!) and then add soluble fiber to that diet. Good natural sources of soluble fiber include psyllium husk and canned pumpkin. The goal for best blood sugar control is a diet with approximately 8% fiber (combination of insoluble and soluble fiber).

Ask your veterinarian for advice on what natural dog food might be best for your dog–and then you can work on adjusting the fiber from there!

Good Luck!
Dr. Donna Spector

Now it’s not just the dogs and cats who say that Liv-a-Littlesare the best tasting treats. A presitgious panel of chefs from American Masters of Taste named Liv-a-Littles chicken protein treats the best tasting in the world!

Of course, those of us who have treated our pets to Liv-a-Littles already know this. In fact, I just visited Buzzillions to check out the most recent reviews, and it was also #1 ranked for long-time pet owners.

Our boxer boy Bert gets two injections a day, during which he drools waiting for his Liv-a-Littles reward. But the amazing thing is our cat Sterling now joins Bert in the kitchen at medicine time, and he’ll literally stand on two legs to get one! We’ve never had a cat enjoy treats before.

We’re honored to be recognized with this award from renowned chefs!

To learn more about these gourmet treats, click here. You can also use this $2 coupon code for your order: ChefsChoice. Or to find a Halo retailer (which is usually a better deal, because you won’t have to pay shipping), click here.  To read our full press release, click here.

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Although it is likely to rock your world when you hear that your dog has diabetes….hold steady. Canine diabetes is a very common dog health problem and your veterinarian can help you get your dog started on a regimen to manage his diabetes symptoms and keep him feeling great. Your dog should be eating a high quality natural dog food and engaging in routine exercise to stay strong and healthy. When combined with the addition of twice daily insulin injections, your dog can continue to thrive for years to come!

Click here to read more about the diagnosis and treatment of canine diabetes.

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