Should I Give Enzymes To My Diabetic Dog?

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Diabetes in dogs can lead to mild liver cell damage due to decreased blood flow from dehydration. Treatment with insulin is the starting point, and dogs may need hospitalization and rapid-acting treatment. Blood testing and urinalysis may be necessary to monitor for signs of weakness, poor appetite, confusion, tremors, or even hypoglycemia. A blood glucose gluconeosynthesis (BGC) should be performed after the first dose of a new type of insulin, 7-14 days after an insulin dose change, and at least three months even in well dogs.

Digestive enzymes can be used for pancreatic and GI issues, as well as healthy patients eating heat-processed pet foods. Dogs with pancreatitis have an increased risk of diabetes, and digestive enzyme supplements can improve digestion and reduce stress on the pancreas. Adding digestive enzymes to a dog’s diet can help absorb more nutrition from food and help their compromised pancreas.

Dogs with diabetes mellitus generally require two insulin injections daily, and nutrition is an important component of disease management. Diabetes does not necessarily cause a gradual decline in health, as long as necessary treatments are in place and infections are avoided. Digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease are commonly used in pets to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
When To Give Your Dog Digestive EnzymesDigestive enzymes are beneficial for patients with pancreatic and gastrointestinal issues, as well as for healthy individuals consuming heat-processed pet foods.www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com
All About Digestive Enzymes for DogsFor the majority of canines, pancreatic enzyme supplementation is neither a necessary nor a beneficial intervention. Initially, the supplemented enzymes will be excreted.www.petmd.com
Benefits of Added Digestive Enzymes for Dogs Part 2The addition of digestive enzymes to a diabetic dog’s diet can facilitate the absorption of nutrients, thereby ensuring that the animal derives the maximum possible nutritional value from its food.www.wellytails.com

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What are the best things for diabetic dog?

Certain vegetables including carrots, snap peas, and canned pumpkin make a tasty, diabetes-safe treat on their own. There are some fruits and berries that are good sources of fiber but use sparingly because of the high levels of glucose. Certain veggies can be appropriate, but a majority convert to sugar once digested, causing potential issues when trying to regulate glucose. Feel free to mix in a bit of their favorite meat if they don’t like veggies or just need a more enticing reward.

Just like in humans, dog diabetes is best managed by portion control. Your dog may beg for more but check with your vet on how much you should be feeding them (depends on size, age, activity level, and breed).

You want to prevent your dog from having huge glucose spikes and dips. By feeding them at the same time each day and appropriate treats between meals, you’re stabilizing their blood sugar levels.

Can digestive enzymes have negative effects?
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Can digestive enzymes have negative effects?

Diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramps, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This medication contains digestive enzymes, which are natural substances needed by the body to help break down and digest food. It is used when the pancreas cannot make or does not release enough digestive enzymes into the gut to digest the food. Depending on the amount of enzymes in your product, it may be used for indigestion, as a supplement, or as replacement therapy (such as in chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer of the pancreas, after surgery on the pancreas or gut). Some supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Take this medication by mouth with meals and snacks as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, and response to treatment.

Is there a downside to taking digestive enzymes?
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Is there a downside to taking digestive enzymes?

Diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramps, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

This medication contains digestive enzymes, which are natural substances needed by the body to help break down and digest food. It is used when the pancreas cannot make or does not release enough digestive enzymes into the gut to digest the food. Depending on the amount of enzymes in your product, it may be used for indigestion, as a supplement, or as replacement therapy (such as in chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer of the pancreas, after surgery on the pancreas or gut). Some supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Take this medication by mouth with meals and snacks as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, and response to treatment.

Can liver enzymes affect diabetes?
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Can liver enzymes affect diabetes?

When your blood sugar is high over a long time, it can damage your internal organs, including your liver. Similarly, NAFLD and NASH increase the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. A buildup of fat and damage in your liver can increase your blood sugar levels.

NAFLD and type 2 diabetes share many of the same risk factors. These include overweight or obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Researchers are seeing increasing numbers of people with both type 2 diabetes and liver disease. In fact, up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes also have NAFLD.

Getting screened. NAFLD and NASH usually don’t have any signs or symptoms and can develop over many years unnoticed. Some people may experience symptoms like:

Most people don’t notice any changes during the early stages of liver disease. Because of this, screening and early diagnosis are crucial, even if you don’t think anything is wrong. If you have diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about your liver health at your next visit.

How to lower a dog's blood sugar naturally?
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How to lower a dog’s blood sugar naturally?

Before attempting to lower your dog’s blood sugar, it is essential to monitor their glucose levels to determine if additional intervention is necessary. Dogs with diabetes can have high or low glucose levels, and your vet may recommend a daily blood glucose test. If you notice abnormally high or low glucose levels, contact your vet for further at-home treatments.

Building exercise into your dog’s routine is crucial for weight management and reversing insulin resistance. Talk to your vet about ways to gradually and safely help your dog lose weight. Choose an activity that fits your dog’s energy level and build it into their daily routine.

Feed protein, fiber, and complex carbs as the main energy sources for all dogs, especially those with high blood sugar. Opt for low-fat, lean animal proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, and trimmed beef, while adding whole grains to fulfill their need for complex carbs. Divide their daily caloric intake into smaller, frequent meals to keep blood sugar stable and under control.

Supplement with essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, can speed up the rate at which body cells absorb glucose. Consult your vet before administering a daily fatty acid supplement, as it can interact with insulin injections.

Add antioxidants to their diet to strengthen their immune system and improve their ability to metabolize blood glucose. A daily multivitamin provides dogs with various antioxidants essential for counteracting oxidative stress on the body.

High blood sugar can become serious but is easily manageable. Consult your vet before incorporating natural remedies into your dog’s routine to ensure you are not doing more harm than good. Follow their instructions for administering conventional medicine first, then ask about how holistic methods fit into your dog’s treatment plan. Together, you and your vet can bring your dog’s blood sugar back to normal.

Can too much sugar raise liver enzymes?
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Can too much sugar raise liver enzymes?

The study found that among healthy women, higher levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), added sugar, and total fructose consumption were significantly associated with increased serum liver enzyme concentrations. This suggests that habitual consumption of even moderate added sugar levels may elicit hepatic lipogenesis. The consumption of added sugars is decreasing in the United States, but their intake can still impact cardiovascular health. Dietary fructose and glucose differentially affect lipid and glucose homeostasis, and dietary fructose is a key player in the development of fatty liver disease.

Fructose consumption is also linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as demonstrated by the BioCycle study, which designed a longitudinal study of the oxidative stress and hormone variation during the menstrual cycle. The study also found that fructose-rich beverages and the risk of gout in women are linked to fructose-rich beverages. The University of Minnesota Nutrition Data System for Research, Nutrition Coordinating System, and other studies have also shown that adherence to a Mediterranean diet and plasma concentrations of lipid peroxidation in premenopausal women may be associated with increased lipid peroxidation.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a nutrient database in a changing marketplace to keep pace with changing food products. Consuming high levels of added sugars, including SSB, added sugar, and total fructose, can lead to increased serum liver enzyme concentrations, suggesting that habitual consumption of even moderate added sugar levels may elicit hepatic lipogenesis.

The article discusses various studies on the role of diet and nutritional management in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It highlights the importance of consuming a balanced diet, including avoiding sugary drinks, reducing saturated fat consumption, and limiting saturated fat intake. The article also discusses the role of fructose in the metabolic syndrome, which is associated with increased fibrosis severity in patients with NAFLD.

The article also discusses the consumption of added sugars among U. S. adults from 2005 to 2010, and the unexplained elevations in alanine aminotransferase in individuals with the metabolic syndrome. The article also discusses the effects of short-term overfeeding with fructose, fat, and fructose plus fat on plasma and hepatic lipids in healthy men.

The article also discusses the use of intake bio-markers to evaluate the extent of dietary misreporting in a large sample of adults. The article also discusses the relationship between serum transaminase activities and fatty liver in children with simple obesity.

The article concludes by discussing the clinical aspects of fatty liver disease and the use of intake bio-markers to evaluate the extent of dietary misreporting in a large sample of adults.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of diet and nutritional management in the development and progression of NAFLD. It highlights the importance of a balanced diet, avoiding sugary drinks, and limiting saturated fat consumption to improve overall health and well-being.

How do I know if my dog has an enzyme deficiency?
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How do I know if my dog has an enzyme deficiency?

The symptoms of enzyme deficiency are quite evident. Flatulence, gas, bloating, undigested food in the stools are some of them. In some cases, the pets might even vomit the food immediately after consumption. The overall well-being of your pet is affected. The symptoms are quite similar to the ones you would see if a lactose intolerant person consumed dairy.

Uncooked food stocks a lot of enzymes however it might not always be safe to feed your pets raw food. There are innumerable enzyme supplements available in the market for your pet. It’s always a good idea to consult a vet before making a decision so as to rule out any further complications.

Enzymes come from three sources: Plants, fungi, and animals. The most preferred enzyme is the one that comes from animals as it closely characterizes the one found naturally in your pet’s digestive tract. It’s essential to keep in mind that you must consult our vet and choose a source that you truly trust when it comes to your furry friend. Next time you find something off about your pet’s diet, consider getting his/her enzyme levels checked.

What not to give diabetic dogs?
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What not to give diabetic dogs?

Treats between meals are OK, but not necessary; it may be best to just stick with meals and no treats. Avoid snacks that list syrup, molasses, fructose, dextrose, or maltose on the ingredients label. Homemade dehydrated meats, carrots, snap peas, and even canned pumpkin are good options.

Balancing insulin and food is like a relay race. The body constantly processes food and insulin between meals and injections.

Most dogs do best on a regular schedule of 2-3 meals a day. As a general rule, injections should be given every 12 hours. Talk to your vet about getting your dog on the right schedule.

Can diabetic dogs have high liver enzymes?
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Can diabetic dogs have high liver enzymes?

The liver-related enzymes ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) may be slightly increased in diabetic dogs and may reflect mild liver cell damage related to decreased blood flow from dehydration.

What might a urinalysis indicate if my dog has diabetes mellitus?. (if gte vml 1)

A urinalysis is necessary for the diagnosis of canine diabetes mellitus. Urine from healthy dogs typically does not contain any glucose (sugar). Glucose in the urine (called glucosuria), as well as persistently increased blood glucose levels (called hyperglycemia), in a dog with appropriate clinical signs is diagnostic for diabetes mellitus.

Do diabetics need digestive enzymes?
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Do diabetics need digestive enzymes?

People with type 3c diabetes, a rare form of diabetes that involves both the endocrine (insulin-producing) and digestive function of the pancreas, also require enzyme replacement therapy.

Digestive enzymes can also be found naturally in foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, lean proteins and citrus fruits.

If you have EPI, your provider may suggest a protocol that includes taking digestive enzymes in the form of prescription medication.

You might have seen digestive enzymes on the shelf at the pharmacy or health food store since they are also sold as supplements. Unlike prescription medications, the FDA does not regulate supplements and makers don’t have to prove their efficacy. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Should I give my dog digestive enzymes?
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Should I give my dog digestive enzymes?

The pet dietary supplement market is valued at over USD $3 billion, and gastrointestinal supplements are a top seller. Digestive enzymes are a popular product for companies that manufacturer pet supplements; they are often promoted required for optimal utilisation of nutrients.

However, for healthy dogs and cats with a normal pancreas, there is no evidence that supplementing digestive enzymes provides any benefits.

A study by Villaverde et al. supplemented healthy adult dogs with either plant- or animal-sourced digestive enzyme supplements and measured the effect of the supplements on the digestibility of their food. The study found that the digestibility of the calories in the diet – as well as protein, fat, and carbohydrate – was not different between the two supplements, or when the dogs did not receive a supplement, meaning that there was no benefit seen of either supplement.

So – if your pet is healthy, we recommend giving the digestive enzymes a miss.


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Should I Give Enzymes To My Diabetic Dog?
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Elle Pierson

Hi, I’m Elle Pierson, RN, MBA—a passionate Healthcare Consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve better health outcomes. As a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Mentor, I bring my expertise in medicine and healthcare management to help others navigate complex systems with confidence. My mission is to inspire change and create meaningful solutions in the world of healthcare. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Executive MBA from Texas Woman’s University.
Email: [email protected]

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13 comments

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  • My challenge lies in my dogs Vet working alongside me to help him transition from insulin to a natural product. She doesnt care for the fact that I am feeding him a raw diet and would like very much to have him on a prescription dog food, which I respectfully declined because I honestly feel thats what helped to bring him to where he is today. Bottom line, I feel that anything that I want to do naturally with my dog is something I must do alone with my own research as I have no holistic Vets near me. Its very frustrating for me at times. Thank you for your article!

  • thank you for the helpful article ! my dog is 13 she’s a shih tzu . she just got diagnosed with diabetes. Im giving her two shots a day 12 hours apart. She’s very picky and never liked dog food. I feed her ground turkey, sometimes brown rice, some egg white here and there. for veggies I’ve been feeding her cauliflower. Any more recommendations on food would be greatly appreciated. thank you

  • Hi Dan, I love your articles, thank you so much for the information. My 6 year old lab was just diagnosed with diabetes and he is currently in the hospital with ketoacidosis. I’m scared and want to do my best so he gets better. Now my first concern is his diet. I was prescribe royal canine diet food but I prefer making homemade food for him and just a little confused when you said avoid the prescription diet and give homemade food instead. Please advice what is best to feed my dog. Thank you so much and hope to hear back

  • Hey Mr.Scott..Got my bottles of Primalex today..I used one dosage of it, in combination with 3 units of insulin as suggested by my Vet..What I would like to know now is, how long do I have to wait til I noticed when the results of the Primalex.??..Her Glucose hasn’t dropped today as it does usually with insulin injections.

  • Hello my 8 year dog been diagnosed on Thursday . We payed almost 2K for her ‘ & now the vet is saying they want her hospitalize for another 2-3 days . Because her level was up 700 . But even then doesn’t know if they can get her better . Suggested euthanasia. But I can’t let go . I have no idea what to do, she won’t eat anymore .

  • Dan, just read your book. My 10 year old dog has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I want to try the raw meat diet and Primalix supplements before turning to insulin. What is the best feed schedule since we have not started insulin. Considering once a day since bone requires longer to digest. Also, what are your thoughts on “Blood Sugar Gold” supplement

  • i love your article Dan, but my 9 year old Collie/lurcher cross was brought up on a high protein low carb diet. mostly raw and all high human quality sometimes organic., she started sleeping and not eating. shes ok now but on insulin. i want to feed her as well as i can and keep her with me for a long time xx

  • Hi. My dog was diagnosed a week ago and I’m struggling with it all – she hates the needles. I haven’t managed to check her blood glucose yet – she hates her ears being played with. I would love to do something more natural. We have our own very very lean beef from our own cows which I add to Chappie kibble. Please please help me understand how to get her off the insulin!!!

  • I know, as humans, if we want to replenish our gut with bacteria we need enteric coated caps so they pass thru the stomach and are released into the gut. I have purchased the greens you suggested. Awesome!!!! they will be going into my smoothie too. However, what portion of the probiotics actually make it to the intestines? Does a dog need the enteric coated caps also?

  • Hi, i hope this comment finds you soon, i came home from the military a few days ago, my dog is a 10 year old jack Russell terrier mix who My grandparents were taking care of since I was gone in July. Now as i came back I see she has lost tremendous weight, is extremely bony, has gotten cataracts in both eyes & just seems to be in really bad shape. My grandparents didnt have funds to take her to a vet at first but she was diagnosed as diabetic. They have been given her 5 units of novolin twice a day. Anything i can do to make ehr gain a little more weight? Breaks my heart seeing my bestfriend like this now that I am back. A good diet & more units perhaps? Sorry for my ignorance as i am still trying to read up on this subject thank you.

  • My she dog has been suffering from diabetic since November 2023 .now her weight is 36 kg before start insulin her weight was 49 kg .i have given daily 14 unit insulin in the morning before meal .bur shes sugar level so many times fluctuate when ever i read 30 in the evening.i have faced problems when i was outside in my city then she gave one tablet glycomat gp instead of insulin but no affect the tablet to her body and blood sugar levels reading got vert High when i was back to home and read kindly give proper suggestions and diet plan for my dog

  • I am so glad to have chanced upon your website. I have a 11 year old poodle who has been diabetic for about 6 years now. Already had cataract in both his eyes. He recently suffered 3 back to back seizures In a day and had to be hospitalized. He is back home now and I am monitoring his blood glucose every 2 hours with Freestyle Libre. For the past 24 hrs now his levels read HI which means it’s way higher than the machine can even record. He is on Hills I/D diet to which I add some fresh organic chicken. I was giving him 3.5 unit of Canninsulin but the vet asked to bring it down to 2.5 which doesn’t make sense as his levels are way too high now. Unfortunately, most of the products you have recommended are not available in Hong Kong where we live. Is there any alternatives I can adopt ? Thank you very much for your guidance. 🙏

  • My dog Casey, passed from diabetes last year and my dog Medallion was only a puppy so, she knew Casey passed 🙁 we took a urine test of her (Medallion) today because she wasn’t gaining weight, or growing fur, we took it and I’m pretty sure the test results meant that she had diabetes we’re going to take her to the vet to see. I hope she’s okay she’s only 1 year and 11 months old and don’t want her to pass

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