Best Food for Diabetic Dogs: Top Recommendations for Managing Your Pet’s Health

Diabetes is a common health condition in dogs that can be managed with the right diet. A diabetic dog requires a specialized diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. In this article, we will be discussing the best food for diabetic dogs.

The primary goal of a diabetic dog food is to regulate blood sugar levels. A diabetic dog’s body cannot produce enough insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Diabetic dog food is formulated to help regulate blood sugar levels and provide the necessary nutrients for your dog’s health.

When choosing the best food for your diabetic dog, it is essential to look for a high-quality dog food that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. The food should also be rich in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

One critical thing to consider when choosing the best food for your diabetic dog is the type of carbohydrates used in the food. Some carbohydrates, such as corn and wheat, have a high glycemic index, which means they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. It is best to choose a dog food that uses low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or brown rice.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various diabetic dog foods to identify the ones that are the best for your furry friend.

Best Food for Diabetic Dogs

As pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. When it comes to diabetic dogs, finding the right food can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best food options for diabetic dogs. Our top picks are based on extensive research and consultation with veterinarians. We believe that these products can help manage your dog’s blood sugar levels and improve their overall health.

Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food for dog owners looking for a low-carb, high-protein, grain-free diet for their diabetic dogs.

Pros

• With only 5% carbs, Ketona is one of the lowest carb dog foods on the market, making it ideal for diabetic dogs.
• Made with non-GMO, antibiotic-free chicken raised by American ranchers using sustainable practices, ensuring high-quality protein for your dog.
• Created by Daniel Schulof, the author of “Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma,” who is known for his groundbreaking research on canine nutrition.

Cons

• Ketona is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods, which may not be feasible for some dog owners.
• Some customers have reported finding pieces of another brand’s kibble in their Ketona bag, which may be a quality control issue.
• While Ketona has received mostly positive reviews, some diabetic dog owners have reported that their dog’s blood sugar did not decrease after switching to Ketona.

Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for dog owners who want to provide their diabetic dog with a low-carb, high-protein diet. Our dog has been on Ketona for a few months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his blood sugar levels. The high-quality protein in Ketona has also helped our dog maintain his muscle mass, which is important for his overall health.

We appreciate that Ketona is made with natural ingredients and is 100% made in the USA. However, the price can be a bit steep, especially if you have a larger dog. Additionally, we have heard some concerns about quality control, so be sure to check your bag for any foreign pieces before feeding it to your dog.

Overall, we highly recommend Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food for diabetic dogs who need a low-carb, high-protein diet. It may be a bit pricey, but the benefits for your dog’s health are worth it.

Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a dog food that can help manage your diabetic dog’s weight, glucose, digestive issues, and urinary health, Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• The optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories, helps maintain healthy weight.
• Controlled levels of magnesium and sodium promote urinary tract health.
• Therapeutic L-carnitine levels help metabolize fat and maintain lean muscle.

Cons

• The cost may be a concern for some pet owners.
• Some dogs may develop dry skin issues.
• The bag size may not be sufficient for larger dogs.

We have been using Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food for our diabetic dog, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her health. The food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage multiple conditions that respond to fiber, weight -amp; glucose management, digestive issues, and urinary health.

The optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories, helps maintain healthy weight, which is essential for diabetic dogs. The controlled levels of magnesium and sodium promote urinary tract health, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. The therapeutic L-carnitine levels help metabolize fat and maintain lean muscle, which is crucial for diabetic dogs who need to manage their weight.

While the cost may be a concern for some pet owners, we believe that the benefits of this dog food outweigh the cost. However, some dogs may develop dry skin issues, and the bag size may not be sufficient for larger dogs.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a dog food that can help manage your diabetic dog’s weight, glucose, digestive issues, and urinary health, Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management with Chicken Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for a food that can benefit your diabetic dog in multiple ways, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit.

Pros

• This food is specially formulated to help manage multiple conditions that respond to fiber, weight and glucose management, digestive issues, and urinary health.
• The optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories, helps maintain healthy weight and support healthy digestion.
• The controlled levels of magnesium and sodium promote urinary tract health.

Cons

• This food is quite expensive compared to other dog foods.
• Some customers have reported that the cans arrived dented.
• The directions say that dogs should eat 3.5 cans a day, which can be expensive for some pet owners.

We’ve been feeding this food to our diabetic dog for a few months now, and we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in her overall health. She’s maintained a healthy weight, her digestion has improved, and her urinary health has been better than ever. The L-carnitine levels in this food help metabolize fat and maintain lean muscle, which is important for diabetic dogs.

The fiber content in this food is also impressive. It’s the optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps maintain healthy weight and support healthy digestion. The controlled levels of magnesium and sodium promote urinary tract health, which is important for diabetic dogs.

While this food is quite expensive compared to other dog foods, we believe that it’s worth the investment for the health benefits it provides. We highly recommend consulting with your vet to make sure that Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is the right food for your diabetic dog.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you’re in search of a simple, high-quality, and delicious dog food topper that’s perfect for diabetic dogs, then Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

Cons

• A bit expensive compared to other options.
• Some customers report that the food can clump together weirdly.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a high-quality dog food topper that is made with only seven natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck. This makes it an excellent option for diabetic dogs who require a special diet that is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Additionally, Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a great way to mix up your dog’s dry food and add some extra flavor to their meals.

One of the best things about Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is that it is crafted with real, recognizable ingredients that you can feel good about feeding to your furry friend. The food is also free from grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy, making it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

While Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a bit more expensive than some other options, many customers report that it is well worth the price. Some customers do report that the food can clump together weirdly, but this seems to be a minor issue. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste, but this is true of any dog food product.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food as a delicious, high-quality, and healthy dog food topper that is perfect for diabetic dogs.

CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula with Chicken, Turkey and Lamb Meals

If you’re looking for a premium dry dog food that is perfect for less active dogs of all ages and sizes, then the CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula with Chicken, Turkey and Lamb Meals is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Nutritionally dense kibble that nourishes in every bite, crafted with chicken, turkey and lamb along with wholesome grains and made without corn, wheat or soy
• Complete and balanced goodness for less active dogs of all ages and sizes with less fat and protein. One bag to feed them all, perfect for multi-dog homes
• Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other options
• The size of the kibble may be too large for some dogs

We recently tried this formula with our less active dog and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The kibble is nutritionally dense, so we knew we were giving our dog the best possible nutrition. We also appreciated that it was complete and balanced, so we didn’t have to worry about supplementing with other foods.

The antioxidants and probiotics in the formula also helped support our dog’s digestive and immune system, which is important for overall health. Plus, the blend of vitamins and minerals helped keep our dog’s joints, skin, and coat healthy.

While our dog enjoyed the taste of the food, we have heard that some dogs may not like it as much. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other options on the market. However, we think the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of having one bag to feed all of our dogs makes it worth the investment.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Formula with Chicken, Turkey and Lamb Meals to anyone looking for a high-quality dry dog food for their less active dog.

Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re searching for a healthy and nutritious food option for your diabetic dog, Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, organic chicken and brown rice for easy digestion
• Contains natural probiotics, flaxseed, and pure coconut oil for a shiny coat and supple skin
• Grain and gluten-free, making it perfect for small-breed dogs with sensitivities

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble
• A bit more expensive compared to other dog food brands

We’ve been using Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for our diabetic dog for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health. The kibble size is perfect for small dogs and puppies, and the natural probiotics have helped with his digestion. We also love that it’s made with high-quality ingredients, and it’s free from artificial preservatives.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it’s best to start with a small bag to see if your dog enjoys it. Additionally, if your dog has a poultry allergy, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, if you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious food option for your diabetic dog, Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is definitely worth trying. It’s a bit more expensive compared to other dog food brands, but the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Canidae Pure Petite Freeze-Dried raw coated Recipe with Real Salmon Dog Dry 4 lbs. Salmon 10.67 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)

We highly recommend the Canidae Pure Petite Salmon Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for diabetic dogs.

Pros

• Crafted with real salmon as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like lentils and peas, then coated with freeze-dried raw salmon for amazing taste.
• Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat.
• Made using 8 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for sensitive dogs.

Cons

• Kibble size may be too small for larger dogs.
• Some dogs may not prefer the taste.
• Higher in price compared to other dog foods.

The Canidae Pure Petite Salmon Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for diabetic dogs as it is made with real food ingredients and formulated to provide complete and balanced goodness for smaller dogs. The small kibble size is ideal for finicky small breed dogs and the limited number of wholesome ingredients makes it perfect for sensitive stomachs.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it is made with high quality, wholesome ingredients like farm-grown veggies and premium proteins rich in essential amino acids and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This means you’re giving your pet the goodness they deserve with no corn, wheat, soy or other fillers.

We also love that Canidae pet foods are nutritionally dense, nourishing your dog in every bite. Canidae was founded in 1996 with the belief that pet food needed to be better, better for pets and better for us all. That belief lives on today in their mission to create a world of sustainable goodness for pets and our planet.

In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your diabetic dog, we highly recommend the Canidae Pure Petite Salmon Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. It’s made with real food ingredients, formulated to support a healthy digestive and immune system, and provides complete and balanced goodness for smaller dogs.

Solid Gold Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters

We highly recommend Solid Gold Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters to anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dog food topper.

Pros

• The high protein content in this dog food topping supports muscle growth and canine digestive health.
• The nutrient-boost formula helps in nutrient absorption and immune system function.
• The air-dried recipe is easy to use and serves as a great alternative to kibble.

Cons

• The dog food toppings are small in size, which may not be suitable for large dog breeds.
• The price of the product is slightly higher than other dog food toppers.
• The texture of the food may be too hard for some dogs to chew.

We recently tried Solid Gold Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters and were impressed with its quality and taste. The beef protein content is 91% from animal sources, making it a healthy source of premium beef for small, medium, and large-sized dogs.

We found the air-dried recipe to be a great alternative to kibble and a perfect solution for picky eaters. The nutrient-boost formula is designed to support canine digestive health, immune system function, and nutrient absorption for your pet.

The dog food toppings are easy to use and can be added to their favorite wet or dry food. However, the small size of the toppings may not be suitable for larger dog breeds. Additionally, the price of the product is slightly higher than other dog food toppers.

Overall, Solid Gold Air Dried Dog Food Toppers for Picky Eaters is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dog food topper. The product is made in the USA, and the company is highly reputable. We highly recommend this product to anyone who wants to give their dog a nutritious and tasty food topper.

Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Green Superfood Dog Food

If you’re looking for a low-carb, ketogenic diet for your diabetic dog, Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Green Superfood Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• The green food pre-mix makes it easy to add your choice of protein and oil to create a fresh, wholesome meal for your dog in just a few minutes.
• This grain-free, holistic blend of six nutritious dehydrated vegetables contains no fillers, wheat, corn, soy, nor preservatives.
• The low glycemic vegetables in the mix digest slowly, preventing glucose spike levels and making it an ideal choice for dogs with diabetes.

Cons

• Some pet owners may find the price to be higher than other dog food options.
• The product requires additional ingredients (protein and oil) to make a complete meal.
• The trial size bag may not last very long for larger dogs.

We recently tried Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Green Superfood Dog Food for our diabetic dog and were pleased with the results. The pre-mix made it easy to add our choice of protein and oil to create a fresh, wholesome meal for our furry friend in just a few minutes. The mix contains a variety of nutritious dehydrated vegetables and is 100% grain-free, which we appreciated. The low glycemic vegetables in the mix digest slowly, preventing glucose spike levels and making it an ideal choice for dogs with diabetes.

One downside to the product is that it requires additional ingredients (protein and oil) to make a complete meal. While the trial size bag was perfect for our small dog, it may not last very long for larger dogs. Additionally, some pet owners may find the price to be higher than other dog food options. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price.

Overall, we would recommend Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Green Superfood Dog Food to pet owners looking for a low-carb, ketogenic diet for their diabetic dog. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and made with high-quality ingredients.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Meat, All Breeds, For Adult Dogs (Reduced Fat, 4-Pound Bag) Turkey Reduced Fat 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a healthy and natural grain-free dog food for your diabetic dog, the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat Weight Management Turkey -amp; Chicken Recipe is a great option.

Pros

• The premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with guaranteed levels of all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
• Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat, this dog food is made with 42% high-quality protein ingredients, supporting leaner body mass and muscle tone.
• The guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil support healthy skin and coat, glucosamine for strong joints, probiotics for digestive health, high fiber and reduced fat for weight management, and taurine for a healthy heart.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the smell or taste of the food.
• The bag may have some machine cuts, which can lead to a loss in the freshness of the food.
• The price may be higher than other dog foods on the market.

We have been using this product for our diabetic dog for a while now, and we have seen a significant improvement in his health. The reduced fat formula has helped him maintain a healthy weight, and the high-quality protein ingredients have supported his muscle tone. We also love that the food is made with all-natural ingredients and contains no meat by-products or fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the smell or taste of the food, but we have found that mixing it with a little bit of wet food can help. Additionally, we have had a few bags arrive with machine cuts, which can lead to a loss in the freshness of the food. However, we have not had any issues with the quality of the food itself.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat Weight Management Turkey -amp; Chicken Recipe for any diabetic dog in need of a healthy and natural diet.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best food for your diabetic dog, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Nutritional Content

First and foremost, you want to ensure that the food you choose is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your dog’s needs. Look for foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, as this can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, foods that are high in fiber can also be beneficial for diabetic dogs, as fiber can help slow the absorption of glucose.

Ingredient Quality

The quality of the ingredients used in your dog’s food can also have a big impact on their health. Look for foods that use high-quality, whole-food ingredients and avoid those that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI can cause blood sugar spikes, which can be particularly problematic for diabetic dogs. Look for foods with a low GI to help keep your dog’s blood sugar levels stable.

Feeding Schedule

In addition to choosing the right food, it’s also important to establish a regular feeding schedule for your diabetic dog. This can help regulate their blood sugar levels and make it easier to manage their condition. Talk to your veterinarian about the best feeding schedule for your dog based on their individual needs.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best food for your diabetic dog and help manage their condition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended dietary considerations for dogs with diabetes?

Dogs with diabetes require a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. The diet should also be rich in fiber to help regulate blood sugar levels. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your diabetic dog.

How can I prepare homemade food that is safe for a diabetic dog?

Homemade food for diabetic dogs should be prepared with the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. The food should be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, with a focus on lean meats and vegetables. It is important to avoid adding any sugar or high-carbohydrate ingredients to the food.

What are the best commercially available non-prescription foods for a diabetic dog?

There are several commercially available non-prescription foods that are suitable for diabetic dogs. Look for foods that are high in protein and fiber, and low in carbohydrates. Some examples include Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Wellness CORE, and Merrick Grain-Free.

Are there any cost-effective food options for dogs with diabetes?

There are several cost-effective food options for diabetic dogs. Look for foods that are high in protein and fiber, and low in carbohydrates. Some examples include chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as green beans, carrots, and broccoli.

How often should a diabetic dog be fed to manage their condition?

Diabetic dogs should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day to help regulate their blood sugar levels. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule for your diabetic dog.

Can diabetic dogs safely consume chicken and rice as part of their diet?

Chicken and rice can be a safe and nutritious part of a diabetic dog’s diet. However, it is important to ensure that the chicken is lean and cooked without any added fat or seasoning. The rice should be brown rice, which is higher in fiber and more nutritious than white rice. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes for your diabetic dog.