Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My diabetic dog isn't eating. How can I encourage her to eat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 16.5 lbs

how can I get my diabetic dog to eat

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2016

As I'm sure you are aware, it's very important for diabetic dogs to eat. If May is just eating dry dog food, you can try to get her to eat by mixing in canned dog food with her dry food. Make sure that her dry food is completely coated with the canned food. You can also put some boiled and shredded white meat chicken (no bones) or scrambled eggs (no seasoning, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, just the eggs) in with her food. You can also add a tablespoon of low sodium chicken broth in with her dry food and mix it together. If she still refuses to eat, you will need to take her into the vet as there may be a diabetic related complication causing her to not eat.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2020
The diabetic foods for pets are best. Royal Canin makes one called Glycobalance that a lot of diabetics seem to like.
If she will not eat any of the diabetic foods and will only eat home cooked meals, I recommend to work with a veterinary nutritionist who will formulate a diet for her (97% of diets found online where unbalanced so it's very important to work with a professional so that you know Abby is getting the correct nutrition):
https://acvn.org/nutrition-consults/

I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 3rd, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Joey. I am sorry to hear that he is not feeling well. It is challenging when a diabetic dog does not eat as they then cannot recieve their insulin properly. This will lead to high blood sugar levels making them feel worse. He will need to see his veterinarian to determine if the cause of his decreased appetite is related to his diabetes or another disease. You can offer canned dog food or warm water to try kibble to entice him to eat. However, if he is accustomed to human food, he likely will not eat it. In that case, try healthy human good options such as boiled chicken, steamed vegetables, cottage cheese or tuna. I hope you are able to have him seen soon. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is sick, won't eat, and needs insulin. What should I feed?

Oh no, poor Mollie! I would try to tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken and white rice in small amounts. You can also try giving her a little bit of cheese. If she still refuses to eat this, then I would take her into a vet right away. You are correct she does need to eats and she may need veterinary treatment to help.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My diabetic dog is picky. What food or homemade options can I offer?

While it is beneficial when a dog eats the diet for diabetic dogs, it is more important that the dog regularly eats his food so she can be given her insulin on time. That said , if you look for feed with low carbohydrate content (go to a petfood store and compare labels, or do it on the internet) you can pick a food that may be suitable, You can also take the ingredients of the wd food down and then compare ingredients with other foods and pick the closest to the wd. If you cannot find anything at all you can also cook your own, however that is a lot of work and not cheap. If you intend to try cooking your own check with this site: https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/ez2/index.php?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My diabetic cat won't eat after diagnosis. What can I do for her?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about Sweet Pea's diagnosis! I would call your Vet today. A diabetic that won't eat is a big deal. They may want to see her today to check her for the presence of ketones. Ketones are formed when a diabetic breaks down muscles and fat to feed the body. But ketones cause the animal to feel sick and perpetuates the cycle of not eating and not feeling well. If ketones are present, usually hospitalization is required to get rid of the ketones. Another cause of a diabetic not eating is pancreatitis. Some cats become diabetics from chronic pancreatitis. The treatment for that is supportive care. Even if you can't bring her to your Vet today, I still recommend that you talk to them over the phone. Maybe they can prescribe an appetite stimulant, but a minimum they can guide you on how much insulin to give Sweet pea while she isn't eating well. Giving insulin at normal doses when animals aren't eating well can cause the blood sugar to drop too low, which is serious as well. I wish you and Sweet Pea the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My diabetic dog won't eat and drinks a lot. Why is this happening?

I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues with Matilda. These clinical signs, inappetance and increased water consumption are unfortunately very common for diabetic dogs. Because Matilda's body cannot handle the Sivan she eats in her food in a normal way, an excess amount is passed through her urine. The sugar drags water with it, meaning that Matilda will urinate more of her water intake and reserves then a normal dog will. Keeping her insulin medication and feed intake carefull monitored will help slow this diuretic effect and keep her more hydrated. The same issues with handling sugar inside her body can affect her appetite. If you are noticing that these problems are becoming worse, I suggest a recheck with your vet to make sure that the medications are at an appropriate dosage, and that there aren't any complicating factors present, such as a yeinary tract infection, which are common in diabetic dogs. I hope this answer was helpful, and more Importantly that Matilda feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My diabetic cat won't eat her special food. Can she have Fancy Feast?

It is very important for diabetics to eat a consistent diet each day in order to match insulin prescription to energy intake and demand. You should discuss your concerns with your vet as a new diet may require adjustment of her insulin requirement but if they will not eat the diabetic food then an acceptable, tasty alternative (preferably high protein and low carbohydrate) should be found as soon as possible!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog is diabetic. What food can she eat and where do I give insulin?

The best things for diabetic dogs to eat are food items low in carbohydrates. Aim for food with higher protein and fat. As far as insulting goes, anywhere under the skin is okay but I aim for a loose area of skin such as between the shoulders. Most importantly, if the dog doesn't eat, don't give the insulin . Hope that helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog won't eat prescription diet, only meat. How can I entice her?

You may try adding a scoop of canned weight loss dog food. This would likely have less calories than chicken or hamburger. You must also remember that dogs try to train us. As long as she is healthy, she will eat when she is hungry. It is OK for most dogs to miss a meal here and there as long as they don’t have a metabolic health concerns (like diabetes). You may also try mixing the canned food with water to create a gruel and pour this over the kibble and mix well. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share