November is Pet Diabetes Month in the US and around the world. It’s a great time to shine a light on diabetes in pets and how we can set our beloved companions up to avoid this damaging condition. Preventing diabetes in dogs starts with everyday choices: what goes in the bowl, how much, and how often they move. Today, I’m sharing 5 ways to prevent diabetes in dogs with food, portion control, and exercise. I hope this helps Shoreline Happy Paws families support your dogs’ long-term health. Most of this applies to cats as well, so read along if your feline might benefit.
1. Choose Fresh, Real Food
Food is one of the most powerful tools you have to support your dog’s metabolism. Highly processed, carb-heavy diets (aka cheap kibble) can contribute to weight gain and make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar over time. Whenever possible, prioritize high-quality, whole-food-based diets that emphasize lean protein, healthy fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates. Today, brands like The Farmer’s Dog and similar concepts deliver fresh food to your door, allowing you to feed your pet a higher-quality diet with similar convenience to kibble because their portions are often pre-portioned for you.
If a full switch isn’t realistic due to budget constraints, etc., even small upgrades can help. Look for kibble options with clearly named animal proteins as the first ingredient, fewer fillers, and minimal added sugars. The AKC has some helpful tips on reading dog food labels to get you started. Remember to work with your veterinarian for any major diet changes, especially if your dog has other medical conditions.
2. Add Fresh Food Toppers
Another great option is to boost your dog’s bowl without completely ditching their current food. Fresh toppers add fiber, moisture, and natural nutrients that support a healthier blood sugar balance and weight. Great, dog-safe choices include:
- Steamed or lightly cooked green beans for low-calorie fiber
- Lean proteins such as boiled chicken, turkey, or low-fat beef
- Sardines in water (no added salt) for omega-3s that support overall metabolic and joint health
- Pureed leafy greens (like spinach or kale) in small amounts for extra antioxidants and fiber
Introduce new foods slowly, keep portions small, and always double-check with your vet if your dog has a sensitive stomach or chronic illness.
3. Ditch Free-Feeding and Measure Portions
Free-feeding (keeping the bowl full all day) makes it easy for dogs to take in more calories than they burn, which can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance over time. Instead, measure meals with a standard measuring cup or gram scale and feed at set times each day. Reading the food’s feeding instructions (usually on the bag or can) is the first step to proper measuring.
Your veterinarian can also help you determine the right calorie range based on age, size, body condition, and activity level. This is especially important if your pet has recently put on extra weight with minimal changes to their portion sizes. Feeding on a schedule and measuring meals support steadier blood sugar patterns. Measuring also makes it easier to spot changes in appetite, often an early sign that something is off, and to adjust portions if your dog starts to gain or lose weight. If you have a female dog, note that females are more likely to develop diabetes, making free-feeding more risky for them. Spaying may help, but portion management is key.
4. Prioritize Daily Exercise and Movement
Regular movement helps the body use insulin more efficiently, keeps muscles strong, and prevents excess weight from creeping on. Aim for a combination of:
- Brisk daily walks tailored to your dog’s age and breed.
- Play sessions (fetch, tug, scent games) that elevate heart rate safely.
- Mental enrichment, like food puzzles or sniff walks, which reduce stress—another factor that can influence overall health.
- Dog adventures like hiking, beach runs, and playdates.
Shoreline Happy Paws dog walks and adventures are a great way to keep your dog moving consistently, even on your busiest days or during long work stretches. We are also working on a doggie adventure bus to get dogs in the CT Shoreline access to even more exercise!
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight with Regular Check-Ins
A healthy weight is one of the biggest protectors against diabetes – for humans and pets! Get in the habit of feeling your dog’s ribs and waist weekly and scheduling regular vet checkups. The Dog Body Condition Score Chart is a great resource for between vet visits. Catching small weight changes early lets you tweak food portions or activity levels before they become a bigger problem.
Partnering with your veterinarian and your Shoreline Happy Paws team gives your dog the best chance at a long, vibrant, diabetes-free life—one walk, one measured meal, and one fresh-food topper at a time.
Dog Walking in the Connecticut Shoreline
Shoreline Happy Paws is currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services! We will start accepting sign-ups for The Doggie Adventure Bus once we have a clearer idea of the service and routes. Don’t forget to participate in our survey to voice your input!
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you and your family up for success. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.
We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
