The Best Food For Diabetic Dogs in 2022

With so many different types of dog food out there, it can feel like something of a challenge to pick the one which is going to be best for your four-legged friend. So, here are a few of the top considerations when it comes to choosing what to feed a diabetic dog.

• Type of food

There are various types of food out there which can be given to diabetic dogs. Dry dog food is one of the most common, but it needs to be of the type which contains higher protein levels and fewer carbohydrates. Canned foods usually contain protein, but are often of lower quality. 

Some dog owners decide to give their hounds raw, meat-based diets which don’t contain additives and preservatives and a few of the brands above emulate these qualities, based on the fact that ancestral dogs did not tend to suffer from conditions like diabetes. There are also prescription diabetic dog foods out there, but they tend to be rarer, and non-prescription diabetic dog foods are usually fine.

• High fiber content

Diabetic dog food often contains high levels of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers include items like oat bran, seed, lentils, and some fruit and vegetables. They help to slow down digestion and the breakdown of carbohydrates in food, as well as reducing the absorption of glucose from the small intestines into the blood. Insoluble fibers, like those found in vegetables, wheat bran, and whole grain can also be beneficial as they are gut-expanders which can help dogs to feel full. For a wider selection of choices, check out our high fiber dog food guide.

• Low glycaemic index

Low-glycemic foods release glucose in a slower and steadier manner. Essentially, this helps to reduce sudden spiking in blood glucose levels. Just a few examples of low-glycemic foods include some whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and legumes. In contrast, you should be making sure that your dog steers clear of high-glycaemic foods such as wheat, potatoes, and white rice.

• Place of manufacture

Some countries have more rigorous safety protocols than others and choosing one of them can help to put your mind at ease that the dog food has been manufactured in a good environment. To improve the chances of the food being made in safe, adulterant-free facility, choose countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, and Germany.

• Avoid primarily carbohydrate-listing foods

Dogs are carnivores and require heavily meat-based diets to stay healthy, look great, and feel at their best. While carbohydrates are obviously an important part of any dog food, they should appear farther down the list of ingredients. Instead, you should be looking at whole protein as the primary ingredient from sources such as deboned chicken or fish. You should also bear in mind that not all carbohydrates are equal. Complex carbohydrates are better than simple carbs which tend to cause sudden spiking in blood sugar levels. For example, corn is generally not as good as brown rice and bran.

• Steer clear of food containing unidentified meat and by-products

While meats and by-products are often listed in dog foods, you should avoid ones in which the meat is unspecified. As we just discussed, you ideally want a whole protein as the first listed ingredient. Some badly identified meat meals contain protein from sources which you cannot be certain of, and this could be potentially dangerous. While chicken by-products are a fairly standard ingredient, the same cannot be said for generic and unidentified ‘meat by-products’, which should be on the ‘what not to feed a diabetic dog’ list.

• Choose food containing many nutrients and supplements

Many modern dog foods are specially formulated to contain a full mix of vitamins and minerals. This is a good starting point, but your hound also needs other things to stay healthy. As an example, antioxidant-rich ingredients help to keep your dog’s immune system in tip-top condition. Foods containing probiotic supplements play a role in regulating your dog’s digestive system and improve his or her ability to burn calories. Ultimately, it is worth looking into the different nutrients and what they can do for your dog.

When you initially get that diagnosis that your dog has diabetes, there is bound to be an initial sense of shock before you start taking action. Obviously, you will want to consult with your vet to adjust your dog’s diet, but here are a few general tips which you can put into practice.

First of all, you need to keep a close eye on your dog’s calorie intake. Feeding them low-fat foods is the obvious route to go down as these are lower in calories and tend to offer a greater level of bulk and protein with each and every bite.

High-fiber foods are often recommended as they reduce how quickly glucose is released into the bloodstream, as well as taking up room in the digestive tract, leaving your dog feel fuller for longer. Another factor to look out for is foods which have a low glycaemic index as these will not cause a sharp spike in blood glucose levels. For more options head over to our guide on glucose monitors for dogs.

While there are some types of prescription food out there which are specifically created for diabetic dogs, most are fine with high-quality meals on a regular basis. Again, you should always consult with your vet if you are ever feeling unsure.

Beyond adjusting their diet, there are a few other ways that you can help to manage your dog’s diabetes to help with his or her health. Below are just some of the ways that you can gain a greater sense of control over their condition.

• Create and follow a health plan with your vet

Swift treatment is usually required for your diabetic dog, and you should listen to your vet when it comes to coming up with a treatment plan. Insulin is usually required, and you are likely to need to know how to give your dog regular injections, as well as measuring the correct dosage, and making sure that there are no air bubbles in the syringes. Make sure that you ask your vet any and all the questions that come to mind. Follow-up tests and regular check-ups will be part of the plan, along with some lifestyle changes for your pooch.

• Portion control

When you have a diabetic dog, you have to keep a much closer handle on how much food they are consuming on a regular basis in comparison to other dogs. And this is particularly important if your dog is suffering from type two diabetes which is often caused by obesity. Monitoring your dog’s calorie intake is one of the central ways that you can prevent extra weight gain. You should also aim to correlate their daily activity with the number of calories that they are eating every day.

• Alter your dog’s lifestyle

As well as adjusting your dog’s diet, there are other lifestyle changes which can prove to be beneficial. Regular exercise is certainly a part of this as it can promote weight loss and generally improve your dog’s health. You should be walking and playing with your dog on a regular basis to get their heart rate up. Changing up their exercise routine with different activities keeps things interesting for both you and your four-legged friend. The exact amount of physical activity needed varies based on your dog’s size and breed.

• Monitor your dog’s condition

Another important action to take is to monitor your dog’s condition to catch any complications quickly. Your vet may give you a device to monitor their blood glucose levels. You can help to bring levels down with glucose management dog food. You should also make a special effort to check their weight, as well as watching out for other worrying signs such as excessive hunger, thirst or urination. Any changes which you notice should all be reported back to your vet.

Take a look at our review of Pet Scales for more options

Providing your dog with homemade diabetic dog food can present something of a challenge as you are trying to offer food which is consistent in calories and sugar release, while still keeping his or her diet balanced. If you are thinking of providing a home diet, there are a few rules which are worth taking into account.

Firstly, you need to use a consistent recipe. Avoid sweetening foods or feeding sugar-rich items to your dog as this can negatively impact their blood sugar levels. Always checking the label is a good habit to get into when looking for ingredients. Starchy foods that are rich in fiber, such as whole grain rice, oats or vegetables are important as these offer a more sustained release of sugar into the bloodstream. The food also needs to be low in fat and should also include good-quality meat if possible.

Treats should also form a part of your diabetic dog’s diet, but you should avoid snacks which are high in carbohydrates and sugars, as well as those which use propylene glycol or similar ingredients. Dehydrated meats and poultry are good options, but these can often be expensive. Some pet owners decide to make their own by cutting meat into thin slices for drying in a food dehydrator or baking in a slow oven. Head over to our review of dehydrated dog food for more choices.

Some other healthy snacks include vegetables like green beans, crunchy snap peas, and carrot sticks. Otherwise, you have options like dried salmon, hard-boiled eggs, dried salmon or tuna packed in water. Consult with your vet if you are looking for more inspiration about what diabetic dog treats you could offer them.

We have selected Orijen’s Six Fish Dry Dog Food as our favorite diabetic dog food currently on the market. Six wild and sustainably caught fish are used as the central ingredients – 85% of it – offering a good source of protein to your furry friend. The other 15% is made up of vegetables, fruit, and botanicals. You can rest assured that it contains zero grain, potato or tapioca, and it is suitable for dogs at all stages of life.

Made in the USA, the quality of the conditions which this food is manufactured in are carefully monitored. And as well as being nutrient-dense, it is also a tasty treat for your canine friend which they will enjoy.

All of this adds up to make this our top pick in our diabetic dog food list.

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