How High Fiber Dog Foods Helps Diabetic Dogs

Most pet owners with diabetic dogs are struggling to learn how to manage their dog’s condition. Dogs with diabetes generally need more fiber in their diet than normal dogs. High fiber dog foods makes everything get digested a little slower in the dog's body. This slow digestion helps a nice steady stream of sugar and other nutrients in the blood stream and avoiding big glucose spikes.

Another beneficial effect of a high fiber diet is that fiber rich foods helps scrapes out the remaining food in the intestines so there are no extra food being digested unnecessarily. High fiber dog foods act as a magnet to clean your dog’s intestines of unwanted foods that may cause a sudden elevation of blood sugar. Sudden elevation of blood sugar can sometimes be fatal for your pets.

High fiber dog foods contain less simple carbohydrates. The great thing about these types of dog foods is that you can be sure that the least amount of sugar or starches are present in what you feed your diabetic dog. Diet plays a very important role to correctly managing your dog’s diabetes. It is always best to consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Here are some important things to look for when selecting a high fiber diet for your dog:

• Great examples of good fiber are whole grains, brown rice, oats, barley, alfalfa, rye, quinoa, dried beans, peas, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and carrots.
• Most dog food manufacturers list high fiber ingredients differently. Try to look for bran (wheat, corn, oat, etc.), millet, oatmeal, dry kelp, beet pulp, flax seed, fruit and vegetable skins on the label of high fiber dog foods.
• Remember, the closer these ingredients are to the top of the list, the more present they are in the food. High fiber ingredients towards the end of the list may indicate only a little fiber is present for commercial dog foods.
• Most canned dog foods contain less fiber compared to dry dog foods.

It is very important to remember that diets for diabetic dogs should be increasing fiber-rich foods intake gradually while keeping fat and simple carbohydrates low. Watch the ingredients in those brands that call themselves high fiber dog foods and make sure the fiber ingredients are listed near the top of the label so you can be sure that you are giving your pet a real high fiber dog food.