Collaborative approach to nutritional management of an overweight dog with diabetes

Abstract This case report describes the nutritional intervention for a 7‐year‐old, male, neutered West Highland terrier with diabetes and overweight. The patient shows frequent hyperglycaemia, accompanied by persistent polyuria and polydipsia, despite being managed with insulin. The diet was adapted to match the dietary recommendations for diabetic patients, as described in the literature. The diet was also fed to achieve a gradual weight loss. Treats were added to the meal plan at the enthusiastic request of the owner. Client communication, as shown in this case, is important to increase compliance and success of a clinical meal plan. The patient managed to lose weight at a gradual rate, with decreasing clinical symptoms and an eventual reduction of the daily insulin dose was required.