Feeding Diabetic Pets

As with the advent of fast foods for humans so the same has applied to feeding pets. Processed and dried foods have fillers comprised largely of carbohydrates and sugars. Pets like humans can become addicted to sweet and salty foods to their detriment.

Diabetes in both cats and dogs is on the increase. A more natural diet will prevent this modern day disease.

Treatment:

Before commencing any alternative treatment it is essential that you seek professional advice and diagnosis from your vet who must be informed of some of the following measures.

The treatment suggested may offer relief and possibly some nutritive benefit however a cure for the condition can in no way be guaranteed.

Aims of Treatment:

• To reduce discomfort and excessive thirst
• To reduce damage to blood capillaries and vessels.
• To protect the kidneys and bladder
• To prevent ulceration of the stomach lining by using demulcent herbs.(slippery elm, mallow leaves)
• To provide easily assimilated nutrients.(gruels, soups etc.)
• To stabilise blood sugar

Alternative Preventative and Herbal Treatment.

• Take your pet off all dried and feeds containing preservatives, fillers  and food colouring.
• Make a chicken broth by boiling chicken and bones for 2 hours with the following herbs and spices. Leg of chicken cut up, 2cups of water, ¼ tsp. turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seed ground, a few dandelion, yarrow flowers and nettle leaves. If cooked long enough will form a jelly.
• Add half a teaspoon of Omega Oil Complex
• Fenugreek will lower blood glucose, stabilise insulin levels and lower triglycerides. The seed also slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach which in turn delays absorption of glucose from the small intestine.
• Bilberry is a rich source of bluish pigments called anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins well known for their beneficial effects on the capillaries.
• Yarrow tincture 2drops per kg will help improve the integrity of blood vessels.
• Gymnema stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and to enhance the activity of insulin. A few drops of gymnema tincture (Gymnema sylvestre)
• Herbal tincture drops diluted in water containing saw palmetto to sooth the bladder and kidneys
• Feverfew, dandelion and stinging nettle  leaves which have a tonic effect  may be dried slowly in oven for a few hours and then sprinkled on food.
• The powdered herbs may be rolled into balls of butter and gently pushed into the mouth or alternatively a small ball of slippery elm, honey and herbs may be given.

DISCLAIMER: Hira Laboratories will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of any products listed. We recommend that either a qualified herbalist or your animal professional carry out diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Herbal remedies must not be given not be taken in conjunction with other medication with out consulting a medical professional.

Pet Health

We will be adding articles on pet health here, in particular topics like kidney health in dogs and arthritis in older pets. Contact us for our pet diet.