Diet and Diabetes in Pets

Question:

Dear Dr. Smith,
Having just found out that my dog has diabetes, I have been searching nonstop for information on feeding, exercise, insulin, etc. I came across something that was written on your website and I am curious about it. Here is what you said:
 "Along with exercise and natural therapies, Dr. Colleen Smith suggests changing your pet's diet to a high protein, moderate fat and low carbohydrate diet. Innova, Solid Gold, and California Naturals....."

I'm confused, because most of what I have researched has said to feed a complex carbohydrate, low protein diet. Or does this depend on what type of insulin that you are using? I feel very conflicted on what Im supposed to do for my dog. There is so much info out there and I want to do the best that i can do for her. I plan on going with a home cooked natural meal for her. She has already stopped eating the commercial stuff and I don't blame her. I just want to make sure that I'm doing this the right way.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Thanks,  Heather C.

Response:

Hello Heather,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Many alternative dietary strategies question the advisability of high-carbohydrate diets for managing diabetic patients (especially cats.) A diet containing grains that have lower glycemic indices such as barley and sorghum may be tried though. Lower carbohydrate diets sometimes improve weight loss in resistant obese pets. These diets can be formulated with approximately 50% meat in variety, splitting the rest between a grain (avoiding corn) and vegetables in variety.

Dietary fiber has been shown to reduce glucose absorption in the gut, which increases glycemic control. In a randomized study, a high insoluble fiber diet resulted in significantly lower blood glucose concentrations compared with a low fiber or high soluble fiber diets. As long as there is no kidney issues present a high protein diet will help decrease extreme glucose swings as seen with high carbohydrates. If the animal also has pancreatitis with the diabetes, the fat content does need to be decreased as well. As long as her diet is well balanced, she should thrive on a home cooked plan. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA