Diabetic dog treats have been an anomaly in the market until recently. When a dog has diabetes, his diet will need to be strict, which means many regular dog treats cannot be given to him.
Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes most often affects dogs that are ages 5 to 9. This condition is a hormonal disorder that mostly affects un-spayed female dogs that are overweight or obese. When a dog has diabetes, it means the body does not produce enough insulin on its own, or the body does not respond to insulin correctly. Insulin, which is made by a dog's pancreas, helps regulate glucose levels.
A dog with diabetes will present with an increase in appetite and water consumption and weight loss. As a result of drinking so much water, a diabetic dog will also urinate a lot. Even though the dog may be eating more, he may lack energy. Serious ailments can affect a diabetic dog such as blindness, dehydration and an increase in infections.
After a dog is diagnosed with diabetes, he may be prescribed with insulin shots that will need to be administered 1 or 2 times per day. Special test strips will also be recommended, so an owner can test their dog's urine to see if his level of glucose is in the ideal range.
Helping a Dog with Diabetes through Diet and Treats
A dog that is diabetic cannot only depend upon insulin shots to help him keep his diabetes at bay. Diet plays a big role, too. A dog with diabetes will need to have a strictly healthy diet that consists of whole foods that are high in fiber and protein, but low in fat, sugar and non-complex carbohydrates. Essentially, the dog will be placed on a low-fat, low-carb diet, and a veterinarian will advise on when and how much to feed the affected dog. A vet can also let a dog owner know what types of food are good for canines with diabetes, that have a good mix of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Every good dog deserves a reward, but the reward should not cause a dog to fall ill. Diabetic dog treats are becoming more available in pet stores, but may cost more money to purchase than regular treats. As a result, many pet owners caring for a diabetic dog opt to make their own treats at home. Homemade treats can be made to come out crunchy or soft and chewy. They don't take any longer to make than homemade cookies for humans.
Common ingredients in diabetic dog treats, homemade or commercial, are whole wheat flour, eggs and a protein source like liver. Recipes to make diabetic dog treats can be easily found on the Internet. Other ingredients dog owners use to make diabetes-friendly treats include oatmeal, chicken broth, ground meats (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.), parsley and garlic. More interesting ingredients one can use are rye flour, corn meal, buttermilk and even raw seeds.
Managing diabetes in a dog can be tricky, but does not be overwhelming. The positive change in a canine's diet that comes as a result of a diabetes diagnosis may even inspire a dog owner to also have a healthier lifestyle.