Hills Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs: Does It Really Work for Diabetic Pups?

Okay, so, my dog got hit with a diabetes diagnosis a while back. You know, the usual – older lab, about 13 years old, and the vet was like, “yep, she’s got the ‘betes.” At first, they put her on this Hills Prescription wet food, which, let me tell you, did not sit well with my wallet or my nose. It was expensive, and it smelled, well, let’s just say it wasn’t pleasant.

I started looking around, doing some research because, obviously, I wanted the best for my furry friend. I was looking for something that wouldn’t break the bank but would still help manage her blood sugar. I read somewhere that some folks use lean meats, like chicken or turkey, or even some veggies like carrots and green beans. Some even mentioned cooked eggs. Sounded simple enough, right?

So, the FDA had put out some alerts about Hill’s dog food, something about vitamin D toxicity in some of their canned food. But, lots of brands like Royal Canin and Purina also have special foods for diabetic dogs. My vet had mentioned these, but man, the price tag was something else.

Switching Things Up

I decided to try something different. I started mixing in some boiled hamburger with the Hills w/d canned food, just to make it a bit more palatable for her. She seemed to like it better, which was a relief. It was a bit of a hassle, boiling meat all the time, but seeing her enjoy her food made it worth it.

Also, my neighbor, she’s got a dog too, and she was asking if her dog, Elle, could eat the diabetic food as well. I mean, it’s supposed to be balanced, right? So, in theory, it should be okay, but it’s not like I’m a vet or anything.

Finding What Works

In the end, it’s all about finding what works for your dog and your lifestyle. Diabetes is a pain to manage, for sure. You gotta keep an eye on their blood sugar, give them insulin shots, and watch what they eat. It’s a whole thing. But you do what you gotta do for your pets, right? They’re family.

It took some trial and error, a few vet visits, and a lot of reading, but we finally found a routine that works for us. She’s happy, I’m not totally broke, and we’re managing the diabetes as best as we can. And that’s what matters, right?

• Started with Hills Prescription wet food, but it was pricey and smelly.
• Heard about other diabetic-friendly brands, but they were expensive too.
• Tried mixing boiled hamburger with the w/d canned food, and she liked it.
• Wondered if my other dog could eat the diabetic food too.
• It’s all about finding a routine that works for both of us.