The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three diets with varying macronutrient and fiber contents on postprandial plasma glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin concentrations over a 12-hour period in 12 healthy, neutered, lean dogs. Each diet was fed to each dog for three weeks in a three-period cross-over study. Plasma analyte concentrations were measured prior to and after a meal at the end of the third week of each period.
Postprandial glucose concentrations for the moderate carbohydrate and fiber diet were 0.4–0.7 mmol/L (8–12 mg/dL) lower than for both higher carbohydrate diets. Postprandial glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations in some dogs did not return to baseline by 12 hours after feeding of each of the three diets.
These results indicate the moderate carbohydrate and fiber diet warrants evaluation in diabetic dogs. Variables should be measured over at least 12 hours after feeding to fully evaluate postprandial dietary effects on these analytes.
Source : K.F. Elliott et al., 2011. A diet lower in digestible carbohydrate results in lower postprandial glucose concentrations compared with a traditional canine diabetes diet and an adult maintenance diet in healthy dogs. Res. Vet. Sci. online September 2011. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.07.032
