5 Healthy Foods for Pets with Diabetes
Our pet dog or cat’s diet can improve or worsen their diabetes. Since we’re largely responsible for what they eat, we should monitor their meals and include nutritious foods that can improve their health. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas function ineffectively and blood sugar levels spike. To combat these two conditions, the healthy foods on this list can be included in a pet’s diet so that they stay healthy and active.
- Low-fat meat and fish
A healthy food item that your pet may enjoy and find delicious is their favorite protein in a low-fat variation. Ground turkey, dehydrated chicken, or beef jerky can make excellent treats for a diabetic dog. They are rich in proteins, are super tasty, and won’t aggravate diabetes. If you have a cat at home, you can try feeding it treats made of dried salmon or sardines as they have omega-3 and healthy vitamins which can boost their health. - Bone broth
Protein-rich and extremely yummy, a bone broth can keep your pet happy and active. It can boost gut function, improve their appetite, and needless to say, can boost bone health. They are also excellent for hydration if your dog or cat is often fussy about drinking water. While preparing a meat or fish bone broth, remember to keep it seasoning-free. Adding salt, or the like, will increase the sodium content. - High-fiber foods
Diabetes can drain the body of energy due to lack of glucose absorption by the cells in the body. A solution to this problem may be to include fiber in one’s diet, as it is able to absorb glucose. Whether the fiber is soluble or insoluble, it can help in regulating blood glucose. Try adding high-fiber ingredients like kelp, flaxseed, and oats, to your pet’s meals to boost their digestive system and also their energy. - Whole-grain flours
Unlike refined flour that is not easy to digest and can disrupt blood sugar levels, whole-grain flour is easy on the stomach and is extremely nutritious. So if your diabetic pet is used to eating food items made of refined flour, it may be wise to make the big switch as soon as possible. Consider using barley flour, as it is a fantastic source of soluble fiber. It can help in regulating blood sugar levels by active glucose absorption. - Vegetables
Vegetables usually have a good deal of fiber which makes them a favorable component to include in your pet’s meals. They are also super low in calories which can help in shedding some pounds for overweight dogs, as obesity and diabetes can be detrimental together. Try including vegetables like fresh broccoli, spinach, and green beans in your pet’s diet, as they have vitamins A, C, and K and are rich in antioxidants. They can reduce oxidative stress and boost the immune system of your pet.