WHAT TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED DAIBETIC DOGS OR CATS
What is canine diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects dogs just as much as humans. The most common kind of diabetes in dogs is diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects their ability to transport the glucose, or sugar, in their bloodstream to other parts of their body. Glucose, produced when the body breaks down the nutrients in food, fuels the body’s organs and cells. A hormone known as insulin is in charge of delivering that fuel from the bloodstream to the cells.
Canine diabetes is a rising health issue affecting as many as 1 in 300 dogs, an 80% jump since 2006. While diabetes isn’t curable, it is manageable with the appropriate steps. This starts with understanding the nutrition, exercise, and medical care diabetic dogs need to lead healthy lives.
Dietary therapy is the key to proper management of the diabetic cat and dog. Cats develop type II diabetes mellitus; therefore, feeding a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is essential for optimizing and utilizing the gluconeogenic capacity and obligate carnivore aspect of this species. In fact, cats fed low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are more than twice as likely to go into remission and discontinue insulin injections compared with cats fed low-glycemic index, high-fiber diets. On the other hand, dogs develop type I diabetes mellitus which requires continuous insulin therapy. Dogs are more omnivorous than cats, and feeding a low-glycemic index, high-fiber diet is the key to good diabetic regulation. Dogs are susceptible to exocrine pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis and pancreatic insufficiency, therefore, fat content of the diet is important as well.
Feline diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common feline endocrine diseases, affecting one in every 200 to 300 cats, or roughly 240,000 diagnosed cases per year. Despite the increasing frequency of the disease in the cat population, treatment of diabetic cats is frustrating and often associated with serious complications.
While insulin therapy and high-fiber diets have been mainstays of diabetes treatment, many diabetic cats experience complications associated with this therapy, such as hypoglycemia and progressive neuropathy. In a recent study, 10 percent of diabetic cats had documented hypoglycemia caused by an insulin overdose. Obese cats (>6 kg) were more likely to become hypoglycemic and lack autonomic warning signs of hypoglycemia. Because of the difficulty in achieving adequate glycemic control with insulin therapy in cats, diabetic neuropathy is a common finding in diabetic cats. In one study, all diabetic cats suffered from subclinical forms of diabetic neuropathy as evidenced by impaired motor and sensory peripheral nerve conduction. In summary, current dietary and insulin therapy is associated with increased risk of severe hypoglycemia and often results in poorly-controlled diabetes and progressive neuropathy in cats with type II diabetes.
The latest clinical and histologic evidence suggests that type II diabetes is the most frequently occurring form of diabetes in cats and people. Type II diabetes in cats is characterized by an impaired ability to secrete insulin following a glucose stimulus and is caused by both a defect in pancreatic beta cells and by peripheral insulin resistance.The etiology of type II diabetes is undoubtedly multifactorial; obesity, genetics, diet, and islet amyloidosis are involved in the development of this form of diabetes in humans and cats. It is now recognized that the classic metabolic abnormalities found in type II diabetes—decreased insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance—may be consequences of abnormal amyloid production by pancreatic cells. Despite the prevalence of type II diabetes in cats, the advanced nature of their disease (amyloid deposition, glucose toxicity) often requires that insulin therapy be instituted.
Unique mammal
The cat is an obligate carnivore and, as such, is unique among mammals in its insulin response to dietary carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The feline liver exhibits normal hexokinase activity, but glucokinase activity is virtually absent. Glucokinase converts glucose to glycogen for storage in the liver and is important in decreasing postprandial glucose. Normal cats are similar to people in that glucokinase levels drop precipitously with persistent hyperglycemia in people with type II diabeties. Amino acids, rather than glucose, are the signal for insulin release in cats.In fact, a recent publication demonstrated more effective assessment of insulin reserve in cats using the arginine response test rather than a glucose tolerance test.Another unusual aspect of feline metabolism is the increase in hepatic gluconeogenesis seen after a meal. Normal cats maintain essential glucose requirements from gluconeogenic precursors (e.g., amino acids) rather than from dietary carbohydrates. As a result, cats can maintain normal blood glucose concentrations even when deprived of food for more than 72 hours.Furthermore, feeding has very little effect on blood glucose concentrations in normal cats. In summary, the cat is uniquely adapted to a carnivorous diet and is not metabolically adapted to ingestion of excess carbohydrates.
Low protein and excess carbohydrates in the diet equal catabolism
When type II diabetes occurs in cats, the metabolic adaptations to a carnivorous diet become even more deleterious, leading to severe protein catabolism; feeding a diet rich in carbohydrates may exacerbate hyperglycemia and protein wasting in these diabetic cats. In fact, in people with type II diabetes, the first recommendation is to restrict excess dietary carbohydrates such as potatoes and bread and to control obesity by caloric restriction. Furthermore, people with type II diabetes have improved glycemic control and nitrogen turnover during weight loss when a low-energy, highprotein diet is combined with oral hypoglycemic therapy.
A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, which is similar to a cat’s natural diet (mice), may ameliorate some of the abnormalities associated with feline diabetes. In initial studies using a canned highprotein, low-carbohydrate diet and the starch blocker acarbose, insulin injections were discontinued in 58 percent of cats, and those with continued insulin requirements were regulated on a much lower dosage (1 U twice daily).Comparison of canned high-fiber vs. low-carbohydrate diets in 63 client-owned diabetic cats showed that those fed low-carbohydrate diets were three times more likely to discontinue insulin injections.
The diet formulation is critical in that most dry cat food formulations contain excessive carbohydrates; therefore, canned cat foods and preferably high-protein formulations should be used for initial treatment of diabetic cats. Because weight reduction also decreases insulin resistance, cats should be fed no more than 30 kcal/lb of ideal body weight in two equal meals per day. Initially, caution should be used when changing from dry to canned foods, as insulin requirements may decrease dramatically, and a reduction in insulin dosage may be required. Feeding either dry or canned highprotein, low-carbohydrate diets can improve glycemic control; however, cats fed canned high-protein, low-carbohydrate (less than 10 percent on a dry matter basis) diets are two to three times more likely to no longer require exogenous insulin injections.
Dietary tips for managing canine diabetes
When it comes to the diet of a dog with diabetes, simple changes are key. Below are some vet-approved tips to try:
Adopt a new feeding schedule — Most insulin treatments are administered twice a day, so meals should be just as often. Both meals and insulin injections need to be given at the same time each day, so pick times you can stick to daily.
Substitute high-fiber food — Talk to your vet about switching your pup to a prescription food, one high in fiber. High-fiber foods can assist with diabetes management because the body is unable to absorb and break down fiber, preventing it from spiking blood sugar the way other carbohydrates can.
Nutrients to look for in diabetic dog food
Once a dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, proper weight management and a healthy diet become critical. The following nutrients are essential components of your diabetic dog’s new diet:
- While calorie intake will vary depending on your dog’s weight and breed, you’ll need to monitor your pup’s daily calories to ensure they don’t gain or lose too much weight, which can affect their insulin requirements.
- Complex carbohydrates. Look for a diet that’s high in complex carbohydrates like barley and soy to help stabilize your dog’s blood glucose.
- As we mentioned earlier, a high-fiber diet can help.
Foods diabetic dogs should avoid
What to feed a diabetic dog to help manage their condition is as important as what you should avoid feeding them. Below are some foods to make sure to avoid:
- Semi-moist dog food. This food typically contains sucrose, fructose, and other simple carbohydrates that increase blood sugar levels. Read labels carefully and stay away from corn syrup and honey.
- High-fat foods. It’s best to avoid foods like peanut butter and Milk-Bones that are high in fat and carbohydrates. If your dog is overweight, you might also have to cut out treats for a while, even if you’re careful to feed them high-quality treats.
- It should go without saying that refined sugar is a no-no for a diabetic dog. Sweetened dog treats can lead to spikes in glucose levels, followed by a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
🚨Research shows a link between diabetes in pets and their owners — if your dog has diabetes, studies say, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition, too.
The best diabetic dog foods
Quality diabetic dog formulas have a low glycemic index. The lower a food’s glycemic index, the less it’ll affect your dog’s blood sugar level when they eat it. While there’s no single recommended diet for treating diabetes, these commercial dog foods are high in fiber, low in sugar, and specially formulated to help diabetic dogs thrive.
When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, you should be prepared for a few big lifestyle changes–daily insulin shots, a new exercise routine, and a more balanced diet. Though scientists are still divided on whether or not weight contributes to diabetes in dogs, it’s best to make sure your dog is exercising as regularly as possible and eating food that won’t disrupt their blood glucose levels.
Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index (GI), measures how a food containing carbohydrates raises blood glucose levels. Foods with a low Glycemic Index are better assimilated in the body and result in healthier blood sugar and insulin control, disease prevention, increased energy, and improved mood. High glycemic index foods containing cereals rich in starch can cause health issues such as obesity and diabetes, both in humans and animals.
Feeding cats and dogs food that have low glycemic index is important because their metabolism has evolved to gain energy from animal proteins and fats, not carbohydrates. Carbohydrates traditionally found in cat and dog food formulas provide a quick energy burst as postprandial glycemic levels peak which negatively affect insulin and blood sugar controls, provide unwanted calories, and can cause health issues such as obesity and diabetes since their anatomy isn’t designed to process them in abundance. Nevertheless, most industrial pet foods on the market contain 40% to 60% cereals which are rich in easily digestible carbohydrates. Some brand like N&D food lines contain 0% (grain-free) to 20% (low ancestral grain) cereals.
There are physiologic and pathological conditions where a low sugar level is crucial, and that’s why we developed low glycemic index formulas with GMO-free ancestral cereals (spelt and oats) such as Obesity, Neutered, Diabetic, and Joint. In these formulas, a low glycemic index is functional to a moderate postprandial glycemic response and modulation over time.
Understanding the Glycemic Index is important to figuring out which types of foods and treats are safe for your diabetic dog to consume. The Glycemic Index, or GI, indicates how quickly a type of food will be processed and release sugar into the blood stream. For example, pure table sugar (sucrose), has a GI of 100 since it can be absorbed directly and doesn’t require further breakdown by enzymes. Other foods, like whole wheat kernels, have a GI of ~41, and thus will take longer to digest and for sugar to be absorbed.
In addition to GI, many veterinarians recommend looking at Glycemic Load, which takes into account both GI but also portion size and raw amount of carbohydrates. For diabetic dogs, you’ll want to stick with foods that have a low GI (0-55) and a low GL (0-10). Occasionally, and in moderation, you can feed your dog foods in the Medium GI and GL range, but please confirm with your veterinarian first.
Here is the breakdown of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load:
GLYCEMIC INDEX is a measure of the relative rate of how fast and how high blood sugar levels rise after a specific carbohydrate is eaten relative to the rate of increase in blood sugar levels if the meal consisted of only the simple sugar glucose. The higher the glycemic index the faster the rise in blood sugar levels and the higher the concentration of sugar in the blood. In contrast the lower the glycemic index the slower the rise in blood sugar levels and the lower the concentration of sugar in the blood. Glycemic indices are rated as high >70, moderate 55-70 and low <55.
Diabetes is associated with high blood sugar levels so there is an inference that if the blood sugar levels are kept low it will help to manage diabetes and may help to prevent diabetes from occurring. The management of diabetes is aided by managing blood sugar levels but whether low glycemic index foods prevent diabetes in pets is still unknown.
Glycemic indices have been developed for many food ingredients. Foods high in carbohydrates often have high glycemic indices but not always. For example, potatoes can have either a high or low glycemic index depending on the type of potato (cultivar), the preparation method, cooking time and temperature, whether the potato is eaten hot or cold, how the potato is formulated with other ingredients and the size of the meal. Hot mashed potatoes can have a high glycemic index of 70 to 80, while cold cooked potatoes mixed with protein and fats can have a low glycemic index in the range of 30 to 40.
GLYCEMIC LOAD: To further complicate the understanding of the effect of various diets on blood sugar levels one also needs to consider glycemic load. It is a mathematical assessment which attempts to predict the actual blood sugar level that will result from a complete meal, not just the individual ingredients. Glycemic load sums the glycemic indices from all of the ingredients together taking into consideration, how they are prepared and how they are served. Glycemic load is a much better predictor of blood sugar levels than simply glycemic index.
This table illustrates that the exact same diet formulation can have very different glycemic loads depending on how the diet is formulated and how the diet is served. Glycemic Load is highly dependent on preparation and presentation. Both diets A and B have identical carbohydrate inclusions but diet A has a high glycemic load and diet B has a low glycemic load.
Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs
So, why are some foods easier to break down and absorb into the blood stream than others? Well, it all depends on whether or not the carbohydrates are “Simple” or “Complex.” All carbohydrates contain some type of sugar: either one-unit sugars (like glucose, fructose, and galactose) or two-unit sugars (like lactose, sucrose, and maltose).
Simple Carbohydrates (Sugar)
Simple carbs are made up of one-unit sugars (monosaccharides) and are therefore able to be directly absorbed into the blood stream without further breakdown by enzymes. This means that if your dog eats food or treats that contain lots of simple carbohydrates, you can expect to see quick increases in their insulin levels. Unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian, simple carbs should be largely avoided.
Some example of simple carbs are:
- Table Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Molasses
Complex Carbohydrates (Fibers & Starches)
Complex carbs, also called fibers and starches, are polysaccharides, which means they are made up of many units of sugar in “strings.” Given their construction, complex carbs take much longer to break down and thus do not result in dramatic increases in blood sugar.During digestion, starches are broken down into simple sugars and are then absorbed in the blood stream. Fibers are actually never fully broken down in the digestive track since dogs lack enzymes to break them down (just like humans). This is actually very beneficial for diabetic dogs since they still get the feeling of “being full” while not fully absorbing all of the sugar that they are eating.
Some examples of complex carbs are:
- Green Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa
- Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes (Starch)
- Sweet Potatoes (Starch)
- Beans, Lentils, Peas
Low GI & GL Foods
So, now that you know the difference between Simple and Complex sugars, you can see why some foods have a lower Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load than others.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
