What to feed diabetic Yorkie ?
 

My soon to be 11 yr old Miah was recently diagnosed with diabetes. (You can follow her health check ups in sick and injured). She is still on her normal food with the addition of puppy food to help her gain weight but I assume she will have to switch to something more appropriate for a diabetic.

<<<<<< Looking for suggestions on what brand of food. >>>>>

Did you vet want her to gain weight? I know for humans if their diabetes is really bad for a long time they will lose weight, but overweight is more common in the development and makes managing the symptoms even more difficult. Once you get her insulin under control, I think her weight will come back on even if she doesn't overeat and some think being a little underweight is better.

Regarding diet, you might want to become familiar with the glycemic index that ranks carbohydrates based on their rate of glycemic response (i.e. their conversion to glucose within the human body. Read More For example, choosing green beans over carrots might be a good idea. Glycemic Index &ndash; NutritionData.com Also, eating too much at once time throws blood sugar off, so smaller more frequent mills might be advisable. Has the vet said anything about the kidneys? If diabetes has been untreated for a long time, it can damage the kidneys, that information is important when selecting a food too.
.

My little fox terrier has diabetes and my vet put her on Science Diet WD dry food and ID wet food. As far as treats , she gets very few and usually only what I make her.

She should probably be on a prescription food.

Hi Nancy, thank you for the link. I'll read it asap. Yes the bet does want her to gain weight, she not obese she' is now only 9.4 lbs. She has lost 6 lbs in the past 6 weeks.

We had our visit on Tues and the vet upped her insulin to 2 units. She want her to eat more since she lost another lb in a weeks time, not good. Yes once we get her sugar level down the vet said she will start to gain weight that she would never be heavy like she once was. But at this time with her being so small and frail she cant' really afford to lose much more. Her kidney are good, and she has her antibiotic for the UTI.

It's so hard seeing her this way and it scares the crap out of me. I've already lost one pup due to complications with diabetes and lupus. Not sure I can handle loosing another. I am doing my best and following my vets every suggestion and plan of care.

I am very sorry Miah has been diagnosed with diabetes. My brother's cocker spaniel had it and she was put on a prescription food. I do not recall which one.

Sending best wishes and prayers for Miah.

Wow, that's a lot of weight for a small dog, I agree with the others a prescription food is probably the best way to go, especially since you are going through so much right now.. Sending prayers for you and your family.

Thank you Kristin . .

Thank you Nancy . . Miah is a toy breed but is not a small dog. You have to remember she's one of my "Porky Yorkies" well "she was". :( She's not within Yorkie standards in any way. I assume that once we get her sugar levels regulated her diet will be the next thing that we tackle.

Taking it one step and one day at a time !

I am so sorry with this diagnosis, at this stage of your life....all the OTHER events playing out at the same time......it is enough to make you want to run, screaming and crying, off into the sunset........

With all you seem to have on your plate right now, I would keep it as uncomplicated as possible in as many areas as possible, while addressing/solving all the issues you are being globsmacked with at the same time.

Royal Canin has a prescription diet specifically designed to address this issue. I would suggest you fall on their expertise in the area of prescription dog food.....if your pup does not like it or will not eat it, go from there. I personally do not think this is the opportune time for you to have to concoct some in depth hand made and complicated home made diet to address this issue, when it can be addressed very well with Rx diets.....after you can get on an even keel with your husband and his issues, THEN you can expend all the emotional and mental effort needed to concoct an exclusive, detailed, complicated diet for Miah.

I am sorry everything is coming unraveled for you at the same time.....take it "one bite at a time".....get Miah on a diet that you can easily, without great detail/concentration in preparing, that will address HER immediate needs.

My thought Exactly !! :) Thanks so much for all of your advise and your support. It is very much appreciated.

Even though you all have been so great and offer me sound advice its hard for me. I can feel my anxiety level rising every time I come to YT and discuss everything we have going on. I know that it is nothing in comparison to what my baby Miah & husband are experiencing but some times it just feels like my heart is going to beat right out of my chest.

Which is why I need a break . . . Please don't anyone feel offended if I don't return to for a few days at a time. I just feel like I need to eliminate the cause of my anxiety which sadly is any discussion. I will be back with update as they are available.