Diet is very important in canine diabetes. Paying attention to what your dog eats will have a profound affect on the control of the diabetes.

The current recommendation for the dietary management of diabetic dogs is to provide a diet high in complex carbohydrates (starch and fiber), low fat, and no simple sugars. Dietary fiber slows the rate of digestion in the small intestine resulting in a slower release of nutrients into the dog’s circulation. In this way, dietary fiber helps moderate the increase in blood glucose after meals in a diabetic dog.

Semi-moist foods should be avoided as they contain simple sugars. Unlike cats, dogs are omnivores and appear to have no difficulty with dry diets.

Most dog foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber although higher percentages of insoluble fiber are desirable in the diabetic canine. Sources of insoluble fiber include vegetables, fruit and vegetable skins, whole wheat products, corn bran, and seeds and nuts. Note that seeds and nuts are often high in fat and are not good sources of insoluble fiber for the diabetic dog.

There are prescription foods for diabetic dogs that may be obtained only through veterinarians or through outlets that require a veterinarian's prescription. These foods include Royal Canine Veterinary Diet canine DIABETIC HF, Hill's canine W/D .

Overweight diabetic dogs may initially be prescribed a reduced calorie, low fat, high fiber diet such as Hill's R/D. Portion control, exercise, and regulation of the diabetes are more important factors in normalizing the weight of a heavy dog.

References:

Kimmel SE, Michel KE, Hess RS, Ward CR. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000 Apr ;216(7):1076-81. Effects of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Graham PA, Maskell E, Rawlings JM, Nash AS, Markwell PJ. J Small Anim Pract. 2002 Feb;43(2):67-73. Influence of a high fibre diet on glycaemic control and quality of life in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Kavmme JL, Phillips TD, eds. Petfood Technology. 1st edition, 2003.