Best Low Glycemic Dog Food For Seniors
Nulo Senior Grain Free Dog Food With Glucosamine And Chondroitin
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This high meat and low carb formulation is also grain free. Its made in the USA and promises to have no filler ingredients. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, tapioca, plus artificial colors and flavors.
Pros and Cons
- This product is a particularly good option for weight loss in older pets. Seniors being overweight can come with severe health implications.
- The kibble size is designed to be easier on older teeth.
- The fresh ingredients of this product have caused many buyers to complain about the scent. This can be mitigated by keeping the bag sealed at all times.
Glucose Monitor Lancets And Testing Strips
There are a number of different glucose monitors on the market, and they vary significantly in terms of price.
There are cheap models available for around $20, while some of the most expensive cost about $150 or so. You dont want to skimp where your dogs health is concerned, so you should probably expect to spend about $50 in most cases.
Lancets and test strips are disposable supplies that youll need to use with most glucose monitors.
Like syringes, they arent terribly expensive, but you will need to set aside money for them on a monthly basis. Typically, dog owners spend about $5 to $20 a month on these supplies.
If you are currently in the market for a glucose monitor, be sure to check out the AlphaTrak 2 Monitoring System Kit.
Designed specifically for cats and dogs, this kit comes with everything you need to get started, including the monitor, lancing device, 30 lancets, 25 testing strips, a carrying case, and two user guides.
Most owners whove tried it found it easy to use and effective. However, some owners complained about the cost of the test strips and lancets sold by the manufacturer of the AlphaTrak 2 kit.
Fortunately, there are more affordable alternatives available, such as this Test Strip and Lancet Kit, sold by Care Touch. These lancets and test strips will work with AlphaTrak and AlphaTrack 2 monitoring kits.
Homemade Dog Food For Diabetes Control
Just like humans, even dogs are at increased risk of aggravating their condition if proper attention is not paid to their diet. Processed foods with refined sugar and high fat foods can worsen your dogs diabetes. Hence, as soon as your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, you should alter his diet to his control sugar levels. Carbs 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 foods should be avoided. Some vets may recommend commercial dog foods that are specifically formulated for diabetic dogs, while a few may have their own products for sale.
Nonetheless, you can manage to lower your dogs blood sugar levels by making appropriate changes to his diet by resorting to homemade food alone. Here is what you can do about your dogs diet.
- While it is alright to give raw meat, make sure it is lean and hygienic. Chicken, lean turkey, and lean pork can be served. Stay away from ground beef and any other types of red meat.
- Incorporate lots of dairy products, like low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, etc., in their diet. 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, like pearl barley, brown rice, etc., in their diet.
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Understanding Diabetes Mellitus In Dogs
Diabetes mellitus is a very common condition in humans, especially considering the obesity epidemic that is running rampant through the Western world. Canine diabetes, as it is often called, may not be quite so common but it is still a major concern. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when a dogs body is unable to produce or adequately utilize the hormone insulin. Heres what happens with diabetes:
- When your dog eats food, his digestive system begins to digest it, breaking it down into various components such as glucose for energy.
- As the food is broken down, the glucose enters your dogs bloodstream which will transport it throughout the body for storage or to be used for energy.
- When glucose enters your dogs bloodstream, it triggers the pancreas to start producing insulin the purpose of insulin is to help regulate the dogs blood sugar level, keeping it from skyrocketing too high or dropping too low.
- If the dogs body doesnt produce enough insulin, or if his cells become resistant to its effects, it can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
In addition to diabetic ketoacidosis, there are some other complications which can result from uncontrolled diabetes in dogs. Some of these complications include the following:
Though Type I and Type II Diabetes are caused by different underlying factors, they present with a similar set of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of canine diabetes include the following:
Best Low Glycemic Index Dog Food:
I searched the internet and used our chewy products database to come up with a list of quality dog food with a low glycemic index ideal for preventing hypoglycemia. I also got a helpful list on the PetFlow site.
Below is a list of the best low-glycemic index dog food or the best dog food for hypoglycemia in the market today:
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Do Diabetic Dogs Need Special Food
Dogs fed diets containing more starch may need more insulin or a different type of insulin than dogs fed a low-carb diet. Most diabetic dogs can eat a typical moderate-fiber maintenance diet. They don’t need a high-fiber prescription food. It is fine to feed a high-protein diet, but that is not a requirement.
Instinct Raw Boost Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Peas, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Freeze Dried Chicken, 5. Freeze Dried Chicken Liver
A combined diet of raw bites and kibble is the highlight feature of Instinct Raw Boost Dry Food. But what makes this formula even more special is its low carbohydrate count. If you consider the guaranteed analysis, carbs make around 30% or roughly 1/3 of the dog food. And as for the source, most carbs are derived from tapioca and pumpkin seeds.
The rest of the food provides dogs with a high-protein, holistic diet. It uses chicken meat as the primary protein choice and contains freeze-dried raw bites that give your dog the pleasure of both food forms. Aside from that, the recipe is also enriched with probiotics to boost digestive health and various vitamins and omega fatty acids for good skin and coat health.
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Lets Talk Dog Nutrition Six Essential Nutrients Dogs Need
Here is a link to an article regarding Dog nutrition, originally published in Dogster Magazine in 2017. You can also link to the article by clicking on the picture below.
Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S., is a canine nutritionist and co-author, with M. Jean Dodds, D.V.M., of two books including Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health. Their online course, Complete Canine Nutrition can be found at myhealthydog.dog.
How Ruby Was Diagnosed With Diabetes
Ruby became sick in August of 2008. He was urinating a lot, had increased water consumption, and looked thinner than normal. He ended up in a veterinary hospital where he was diagnosed with diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, and pancreatitis. Ketoacidosis can be a life-threatening complication for those suffering from diabetes. It occurs due to a lack of insulin which the body responds to by burning fat for fuel and producing ketones. High levels of ketones can poison the body. Simply put, Ruby was quite ill. In an attempt to comfort Ruby, I would crawl into his hospital kennel, hold him, and sing to him. You Are My Sunshine was on regular rotation. Perhaps I did less singing and more pleading and praying. Either way, after a week in the hospital I was able to take my sunshine home.
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Vitamins And Nutrients For Dogs
Humans dont get all of the vitamins and nutrients they need from a one-stop-shop kind of a diet and neither do our dogs! Whether your dog is eating a diet that consists of kibble or you are dishing up a homemade dog food recipe like this one, your pup needs vitamins and minerals just like you do! We really like and use the brand Dog Greens every single day! It is a plant based vitamin and mineral powder that we sprinkle over the dogs food with each meal. They love the flavor and we love knowing that all of their nutritional needs have been met each day!
How Is Diabetes In Dogs Treated
Most often, diabetic dogs will require regular blood testing and insulin injections to remain healthy. This will ensure that your dogs blood contains enough insulin to properly process the glucose present.
Dont worry: These procedures are easier than they sound, and your vet will help teach you how to do them safely.
Some dogs can get by with oral medications, which are obviously easier to administer.
Your vet will probably also encourage you to ensure your pup remains active, as exercise can provide important benefits for diabetic dogs.
The amount of exercise youll need to provide your pet with will vary from one dog to the next. Some may only need regular walks around the neighborhood, while others will require more intense exercise to remain healthy.
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Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Bison Meal, 2. Peas, 3. Canola Oil, 4. Pacific Whiting Meal, 5. Flaxseed
As we head into the low-budget category, dog foods like Earthborn Holistic Great Plains start to shine. The formula is enriched with bison meal and egg protein to encourage muscle growth and nourishment. It also features multiple fruits and vegetables in the recipe list, which act as a natural source of vitamins and minerals.
On the carbohydrate side, the formula uses tapioca and peas to increase the nutritional value of the food. While these arent the ideal carbohydrate sources, theyre still better than what other manufacturers sell in the name of low-carb diets. And for the price, you really cant go wrong considering that Earthborn is offering a super-diverse and relatively low-carb food for your dog.
Ingredients To Usewhen Making Diy Diabetic Dog Treats
The best ingredients are those with zero or low glycemic indexes because they tend to be slowly digested, absorbed, and metabolized by your dogs body, which results in the slow buildup of blood glucose levels.
Treats that fit this description are whole grains, meat-based treats, and vegetable treats.
Fruits are also recommended by they should be given in moderation because they have high starch content.
For clearerinsight, lets now analyze each.
1.Vegetables
Generally, vegetables have high fiber content and low in calories, which makes them an excellent choice for your treats.
However, different vegetables come with varying benefits, so be sure to make the best choice for your dog.
Here are some good vegetable choices for your dog.
- Carrots: Carrots contain carotenoids, which may prevent diabetes according to Prevention.
- Cucumbers:They have high water content, low in calorie and excellent for weight loss.
- GreenBeans: Are full of fiber, are low in calories, and rich inimportant vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamins, A, C,B6, and K.
- Broccoli: Theseare delicious and contain vitamins B & C as well as nutrients likemagnesium and Iron.
- Lettuce:Contain beta-carotene and are potent sources of fiber.
- Cabbage:Rich in anti-oxidants, aids digestion, and great for coat and skin.
- Spinach: Rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, & K.
- Zucchini: Delivers lots of fiber, minerals, and vitamins
2. Fruits
Some good fruits choices include
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Hills Prescription Diet W/d
The Hills Prescription Diet W/D is specifically designed for dogs who have weight issues, digestive problems, or blood-sugar problems.
Often recommended for dogs with diabetes, you will need a prescription from your vet in order to purchase this food.
Features
- It contains higher levels of L-carnitine
- High fiber count
The high fiber count will provide a sense of fullness and soothe your pups hunger pangs and it will also help stabilize the fluctuation of blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs. This food also supports urinary tract health and weight loss and has added antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
Pros
- Specially designed to stabilize blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs
- The high fiber count will provide a sense of fullness and improve digestion
- Reduces the risk of struvite and crystals in the urine
- L-carnitine increases energy and helps build lean muscle mass
Cons
- The protein count is a bit on the low side for diabetic dogs
- It is only available with a prescription from your vet
The Hills Prescription Diet W/D is specially designed to tackle several health issues in dogs, including abnormal blood glucose levels. You should consult with your vet to see if your pooch can benefit from eating this formula.
What Is Doggie Diabetes
For the most part, diabetes affects dogs and humans in similar ways.
When food is eaten, it is broken down by the body into its constituent parts primarily fats, proteins and sugars . A little while later, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin insulin helps the body process the glucose.
However, sometimes the pancreas stops producing insulin or the bodys cells fail to respond to it in the proper way. The former problem is referred to as Type I diabetes, while the latter is known as Type II diabetes. Both types are very serious and ultimately manifest in a relatively similar way: The body cannot process glucose properly.
Type I diabetes the most common form to occur in dogs is thought to occur when an autoimmune disease attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. No one knows exactly why this occurs, although there does appear to be a strong genetic link.
Type II diabetes, on the other hand, is often associated with obesity and other factors. Essentially, the body produces so much insulin that the cells become desensitized to the hormone.
In either case, the glucose in the body cannot be used effectively, which can lead to a litany of health problems. Accordingly, diabetes must be considered a very serious condition.
While treatments for both types of diabetes exist, there is no cure diabetes is a life-long condition.
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Fiber For A Diabetic Dog
Dietary fiber , as you probably know, is the indigestible part of food derived from plants. Dietary fibers can act by changing the nature of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and by changing how other nutrients and chemicals are absorbed.
Fiber slows the speed with which the gastrointestinal system empties and the digestion of carbohydrates. This also slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream. In turn, this means that the dogs blood sugar will rise more slowly after meals containing dietary fiber.
Diabetic dogs dont necessarily need more fiber than other dogs. In most cases they will do well with moderate amounts of fiber. If your dog has poor glycemic control, he may benefit from increased fiber in his diet but some diabetic dogs are better off with less fiber in their diet.
Glycemic control is a medical term referring to the typical levels of blood sugar in a person with diabetes mellitus. Perfect glycemic control would mean that glucose levels were always normal and indistinguishable from a dog without diabetes. A dog with poor glycemic control will have persistently elevated blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
There are two different kinds of fiber : soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber ferments in the colon and creates gases. Insoluble fiber does not produce gas in the intestines. It absorbs water as it moves through the digestive tract.
The Diabetic Dogs Food
Depending on whether your diabetic dog is overweight, underweight, or just right will determine how much fiber and carbohydrates he needs in his diet.
Your dog may not need a diet that is low in fat unless he also has pancreatitis, Cushings disease, raised triglyceride levels, elevated cholesterol, or another special issue. However, most diabetic dogs do have at least one of these concurrent health problems and pancreatitis is a common predisposing factor in diabetic dogs.
This means that a diet that is moderately low in fat is often advisable for diabetic dogs. At least you should avoid feeding dog foods that are high in fat.
For most diabetic dogs, the amount of protein in their diet should be normal for dogs today or increased. When fat is lowered in the diet, protein should be increased to avoid adding too many extra carbohydrates.
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How Glycemic Index Is Determined:
There are a few different methods that can be used to determine the glycemic index of a food. The most common method is the glucose tolerance test. In this test, a person eats food and then has their blood sugar levels checked at regular intervals over the next two to three hours.
The results of these tests are then used to create a curve that shows how the food affects blood sugar levels over time. From this curve, the glycemic index can be determined.
The other methods used to determine the glycemic index are the insulin response test and the glycemic load test. These tests are not as common as the glucose tolerance test, but they can provide additional information about how a food affects blood sugar levels.