Supplements for Diabetic Dogs: Part 1
In our quest to help our diabetic dogs be as healthy as possible, many members in our group Diabetic Dog Owners ask about supplements for a multitude of things. From eye health to diabetic neuropathy there are supplements we can give our dogs. Let’s talk about several supplements that are healthy for our diabetic dogs.
Eye health is a valid concern with diabetic dogs because 80% of our dogs get diabetic cataracts. I touched on this subject in an earlier blog and you can read that here, but here is a quick refresher. The lens of the eyes has enzymes in them, these enzymes convert glucose into sorbitol. Sorbitol affects proteins and cells in the eyes, causing diabetic cataracts.
To help with overall eye health there are a couple supplements that you can give your dog. Please note that these will not get rid of diabetic cataracts, but aid in the overall health of the eyes.
- OcuGlo – this comes in either liquid gel capsules or powder. If you have a dog that does not like to take pills get the powder form.
- Dr. Mercola’s Eye Supplement for Pets – this product comes in powder form.
Diabetic neuropathy is common with diabetic dogs and affects their hind legs and causes weakness, limping and muscle atrophy. Methyl B12 may help with diabetic neuropathy, it is given at larger doses and it really helped Lucy with her hind end weakness. We have also seen it help many diabetic dogs in our group with no ill effects. Dosage suggested is 67 mcg. per lb. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin so any excess is urinated out.
- A Squared Nutrition Methyl B12 5,000 mcg – tablet form that can be broken in half.
- A Squared Nutrition Methyl B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops - 5000 mcg – One dropperful is 5,000 mcg., so each drop is 166.66 mcg.
Omega-3 fatty acids – this is an all-around great supplement to give dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain, the heart, the kidneys, liver and skin/coat.
- Dr. Harvey’s Health and Shine – liquid that you pump into food. They offer the Omega-3 Blend and the Salmon + Krill Blend.
- Grizzly Salmon Oil Plus – pump liquid.
- Grizzly Pollock Oil – Omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids supplement in pump form.
UTI prevention - Any time blood glucose levels are over 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) the kidneys dump glucose into the bladder, glucose breeds bacteria and can cause urinary tract infections (UTI’s). D-Mannose helps prevent UTI’s by coating the bladder. It should be given shortly before bed so that it can sit in the bladder overnight. Studies show that the combination of cranberry extract and D-Mannose is more effective for UTI prevention than D-Mannose alone.
- PetTest D-Mannose – gel caps combination of cranberry extract and D-Mannose.
Digestive enzymes help digest food, adding digestive enzymes help take the load off the pancreas and are beneficial for dogs with EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) as well.
- Dr. Mercola Digestive Enzymes for Pets – this is powder form and is mixed into food.
- Nusentia Enzyme Miracle – powder for that is mixed into food.
PLEASE NOTE: ALWAYS READ INGREDIENTS AND INACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN ANY HUMAN SUPPLEMENTS BEFORE PURCHASING FOR YOUR DOG. LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS MAY CONTAIN XYLITOL WHICH IS EXTREMELY TOXIC TO DOGS.
I hope that this blog helps you and your sweet pup, all the supplements listed in this blog have been reviewed and used by myself and group members. Please come back for my next blog where we will look at supplements for the liver, kidneys and more!
If you are looking for a Facebook community to join for support, I have been an admin in Diabetic Dog Owners for over four years. You can also join Canine Diabetes Support and Information on Facebook as well.
For more conversations, photos, and giveaways check out PetTest on Facebook and Instagram.