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ACVN NUTRITION NOTES
NUTRITION
NOTES
Diabetic Diets for Dogs and Cats:
Assessing the Evidence
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
ACVN NUTRITION NOTES
Nutritional management can be an important
adjunct to medical management of canine and
feline diabetes. Once a pet has been stabilized on
an insulin regimen, a change in diet may provide
benefits to disease management. Consideration of
essential nutrients of concern can help to optimize
diabetic control and obtain ideal body condition.
There is no "one-diet-fits-all" approach to diabetes.
Species, body condition, pet preferences, and
comorbid diseases guide the optimal diet choice.
Although controversy exists and approaches for
optimal nutrition in pets differ, this article reviews the
evidence behind various approaches to diabetic diets.
NUTRIENTS OF CONCERN
Before selecting a "diabetic diet," consider the
nutrients of concern that will guide the optimal
nutrient profile. Common nutrients of concern
in dogs and cats are shown in Box 1 .
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The American College of Veterinary Nutrition ( acvn.org ) and
Today's Veterinary Practice are delighted to bring you the
Nutrition Notes column, which provides the highest-quality,
cutting-edge information on companion animal nutrition,
written by the ACVN's foremost nutrition specialists.
The primary objectives of the ACVN are to:
• Advance the specialty area of veterinary nutrition
• Increase the competence of those practicing in this field
• Establish requirements for
certification in veterinary nutrition
• Encourage continuing
education for both specialists
and general practitioners
• Promote evidence-based research
• Enhance dissemination of the latest
veterinary nutrition knowledge
The ACVN achieves these objectives in many ways, including
designating specialists in animal nutrition, providing continuing
education through several media, supporting veterinary
nutrition residency programs, and offering a wide array of
resources related to veterinary nutrition, such as this column.
BOX 1. Nutrients of Concern in Diabetes
a
Depends on patient and comorbidities.
• Water
• Calorie density
• Fiber
• Carbohydrates
• Protein
a
• Fat
a