Managing Canine Diabetes: Why Diet Matters (and What to Ask Your Vet)

Canine diabetes management combines insulin (in most cases), a consistent therapeutic diet, weight control, and monitoring. Prescription diets designed for glycemic support slow glucose absorption through higher fiber and controlled carbohydrates, helping stabilize blood sugar and simplify insulin dosing. Newer tools like continuous glucose monitors give better insight into daily glucose patterns. Always work closely with your veterinarian before changing diet or insulin.

Dogs can get diabetes - and diet matters

Diabetes in dogs is a common endocrine disorder. Treatment usually combines insulin therapy, consistent feeding, weight management, and regular veterinary monitoring. A therapeutic or "diabetic" dog food is one tool your veterinarian may recommend to help keep blood glucose stable.

What diabetic dog food does

Veterinary diabetic diets aim to blunt rapid rises in blood glucose and support a healthy body weight. Many do this with higher soluble and insoluble fiber, controlled carbohydrate sources, and calorie management. Slower carbohydrate absorption helps avoid large blood glucose spikes after meals, which simplifies insulin dosing and reduces complications.

Brands and examples

One widely used veterinary option is Hill's Prescription Diet w/d, formulated for weight and glycemic management. Some other prescription diets are also marketed for glycemic support. (Note: product names and formulations change over time - always confirm with your clinic.)

Diet is part of a plan, not a cure

Most dogs with diabetes require insulin injections. Diet can improve glucose stability and help with weight control, but it rarely replaces insulin in dogs the way it sometimes does in cats. Work with your veterinarian to match the feeding schedule and portion sizes to the insulin protocol.

Monitoring: from glucose curves to continuous monitoring

Traditionally, vets used 12-24 hour blood glucose curves (periodic blood samples) to assess control. In recent years, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices that measure interstitial glucose have become common in veterinary practice and can provide a much clearer picture of glucose patterns with fewer clinic visits.

Practical tips for owners

• Keep meals and insulin timing consistent day-to-day.

• Avoid free-feeding; use measured meals to match insulin action.

• Monitor weight and body condition; obesity worsens insulin resistance.

• Never change food or insulin dose without talking to your vet.

• Ask your vet about home glucose monitoring or a CGM to reduce clinic visits and improve dosing decisions.

Follow-up is essential

Regular rechecks and glucose assessments let your veterinarian adjust insulin, diet, or both. With the right plan, many diabetic dogs live comfortable, active lives for years.

If you suspect your dog has diabetes (increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, lethargy), see your veterinarian for diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

1. Confirm current product name, manufacturer, and availability for "MediCal Fibre" (spelling and intended species use).
2. Verify which veterinary therapeutic diets for glycemic control are currently marketed and recommended (brands and formulations may have changed).