Diabetes in Dog Controlled by Nature's Logic, but Not by Grain-free

Recently, we received an inquiry from a veterinarian. She reached out to us to let us know that she has a patient whose diabetes was well-controlled when on a diet of Nature's Logic, however, when the dog was switched to a grain-free formula of pet food, its diabetes was no longer kept under control. This particular veterinarian wrote to ask why that would be. You might be surprised by the answer.

Is Grain-free Really Best for your Diabetic Pet?

The reason the veterinarian saw better diabetic control with Nature’s Logic versus a grain-free food has to do with the subject of sugar content. "Why would there be sugar in my pet's food?" you ask. The sugar comes in the grain alternative.  Grain-free diets use other starches in place of the grain.  Some of these alternative starches have significant levels of sugar, as measured on a dry matter basis:  

• Potato – 4%
• Tapioca - 4%
• Sweet potato - 18%
• Chick peas - 12%
• Sweet peas - 20%

Nature's Logic doesn’t use these starches that are high in sugar. Instead, our foods contain millet, which has zero detectable sugar. Millet is gluten-free, hypo-allergenic, and lower in carbohydrates than the starches used in grain-free diets.

• Millet - 0% detectable sugars

Starches and Carbs in Pet Food

You may be wondering why it is even necessary for these starches and carbohydrates to be included in your pet's food.  Surprisingly, it is not because of their nutritional value.  In order for kibble to hold its form or shape, it needs a starch or carbohydrate to help it bind. While many companies have come up with several "new," grain-alternatives to get the attention of shoppers, Nature's Logic, has focused instead on your pet's health. By choosing millet as our carbohydrate source, rather than following the grain-free trend, our foods are naturally lower in sugar.

In addition, other important factors make Nature's Logic a superior choice for diabetic pets. Our formulas are high in animal protein, ranging from 31.5% to 51.69% in dry matter protein content, depending upon the specific product.  Further, they are good sources of fiber, with our dry diets ranging from 2 to 4.5% dry matter fiber. Finally, as always, Nature’s Logic provides your pet with essential and complete nutrition using only 100% natural ingredients - no chemically-synthesized ingredients.
For more information on sugar in pet foods, read our blog article: http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-much-sugar-is-hidden-in-your-pets.html.

Do you have experience with a diabetic pet?