Comparison of moderate (7% on dry matter basis) and high (15% on dry matter basis) fiber diets on glycemic control in dogs with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of a moderate fiber (MF, 7 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis, 1.9 g/100 kcal) versus a high fiber (HF, 15 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis, 4.4 g/100 kcal) diet on glycemic control in dogs with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus. Eight adult dogs with stable spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus receiving intermediate-action insulin administered subcutaneously every 12 h completed the study. Dogs were fed MF and HF diets for 12 weeks in a crossover study design. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, 24-hour blood glucose curve, mean 24-hour blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percent were evaluated throughout the study as used to compare the MF and HF diets against the individual dogs' base diet. A significant difference was not observed in HbA1c percent and mean 24-hour blood glucose concentrations in dogs consuming either MF or HF diets. HbA1c percent and mean 24-hour blood glucose were significantly lower in dogs consuming these MF and HF diets compared to their individual base diets. Based on these data it would be recommended to provide a dog with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus a diet containing at least 7 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis (1.9 g/100 kcal) in addition to their injectable insulin requirements to improve their glycemic control.