Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs
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Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects millions of people, but did you know that dogs can get it too? In fact, a dog’s risk for diabetes increases as it ages.
Though diabetes is considered a chronic illness for dogs, it is entirely manageable with a healthy diet and insulin injections.
Keep reading to learn more about diabetes in dogs and the special dietary needs of diabetic dogs. You’ll also receive our top picks for the best dog food for diabetic dogs.
Compare Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs
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BEST AFFORDABLE
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |
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Protein
32% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
27.0% Min |
Protein
38% Min |
Protein
9.5% Min |
|
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
12.0% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
6% Min |
|
Fiber
7.0% Min |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
5.0% Min |
Fiber
4.0% Min |
Fiber
4.0% Min |
Fiber
1.4% Min |
|
Calories
405 kcal/cup |
Calories
313 kcal/cup |
Calories
396 kcal/cup |
Calories
337 kcal/cup |
Calories
535 kcal/cup |
Calories
428 kcal/cup |
Our criteria
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables. Many dogs eating grain-free foods have been found to have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart problem, and low levels of taurine.
The FDA is working with veterinary cardiologists and dog owners to research this issue. Owners are advised to avoid foods containing these ingredients in large amounts. Other criteria for selecting dog food for labs include research backing claims, qualified veterinary nutritionists, rigorous quality control, and avoiding exotic ingredients to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
6 Best Dog Foods For Diabetic Dogs Reviewed
The best dog food for diabetic dogs will be nutritionally balanced and made from high-quality ingredients. It should be rich in lean protein with a low to moderate fat content, a low glycemic index, and dietary fiber from digestible carbohydrates.
Here are our top 6 picks for the best dog food for diabetic dogs that you should consider:
Nutrisca Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 7.0% Min
- Calories: 405 kcal/cup
- Rich in lean animal proteins (32% crude protein)
- Grain-free and low-carbohydrate
- Very rich in dietary fiber (7% crude fiber)
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- May be too high in fat for dogs with pancreas problems
Rich in lean protein, this formula is completely free from grains as well as high-glycemic carbohydrates like potatoes.
It features digestible carbohydrates like peas and chickpeas with supplementary fiber and other beneficial nutrients.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 313 kcal/cup
- Grain-free and made with complex carbohydrates
- Rich in lean animal protein (salmon is the main ingredient)
- Plenty of dietary fiber for blood sugar control
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients (chicken meal)
Not only is this recipe grain-free, but it features digestible, complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes which help with blood sugar control.
It is also protein-rich with plenty of fiber for healthy digestion and glucose control. This recipe also contains chelated minerals for nutritional balance.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small-Breed Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 5.0% Min
- Calories: 396 kcal/cup
- Plenty of animal protein for lean muscle mass (36% crude protein)
- Moderate fat content (15%) for energy
- Grain-free and low-glycemic for blood sugar control
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- May be a little too high in fat for some dogs
It contains plenty of protein to support your dog’s lean muscle mass with 15% fat for energy.
It is also rich in fiber which helps slow glucose absorption and, as a grain-free recipe, it is also low glycemic.
Nature’s Recipe Large-Breed Grain-Free Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 27.0% Min
- Fat: 12.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Min
- Calories: 337 kcal/cup
- Rich in lean proteins like chicken (27% crude protein)
- Grain-free and made with complex carbohydrates
- Easy to digest formula
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Contains an unnamed fat (poultry fat vs chicken fat)
Not only is it grain-free, but it also contains complex carbohydrates like garbanzo beans and sweet potatoes for blood sugar control. This recipe is rich in lean proteins like chicken and it is formulated to be easy to digest.
Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Duck Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 38% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Min
- Calories: 535 kcal/cup
- Rich in premium animal proteins (41% protein)
- Grain-free and low in carbohydrates to control blood sugar
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Fairly expensive compared to other brands
This Solid Gold Barking at the Moon formula is a great option. With 41% crude protein, this recipe will help your dog maintain lean muscle mass but it is low in carbohydrates to prevent blood sugar spikes.
It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Canned Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9.5% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 1.4% Min
- Calories: 428 kcal/cup
- Real meat is always the first ingredient
- Grain-free digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes
- Supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- No probiotic supplements
Each formula contains real meat as the first ingredient with digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and chelated minerals. Plus, it is free from artificial additives and low-quality fillers.
Special Dietary Needs Of Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes is a metabolic condition triggered by high blood sugar, low insulin production, or both. When a dog eats food, its body breaks it down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream for energy use by cells. This triggers the production of insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose and reduce blood sugar levels.
If a dog has diabetes, it may not produce or utilize insulin well enough to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, leading to various problems. A specialized diet paired with insulin injections is the best treatment plan for diabetes in dogs.
When choosing dog food for diabetic dogs, look for recipes with high protein content, moderate fat content, low glycemic index, and dietary fiber. Protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass and a healthy body weight, while low-fat, complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables help prevent blood sugar spikes and maintain a healthy body weight.
How Do You Choose the Best Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs?
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for a diabetic dog’s health. Insulin injections can help, but a high-quality diet is also essential. Start with a protein-rich recipe with premium poultry, meat, or fish, providing about 30% protein. Choose healthy animal fats like chicken fat or salmon oil, but no more than 10% crude fat.
Plant-based fats like canola oil and flaxseed can balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. For carbohydrates, choose low-glycemic-index options like whole grains or legumes, sweet potatoes, or peas for dogs with digestive issues. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Synthetic supplements may be needed for a balanced diet.
How Much Should You Feed Diabetic Dogs?
When it comes to feeding a diabetic dog, how much you feed it is just as important as what you feed it.
The goal is to keep your dog’s blood sugar stable all day, so you may want to feed several small meals spaced out evenly instead of going for two large meals.
Control your dog’s portion as well, because obesity is a significant risk for diabetic dogs, and you want to avoid that.
In terms of how much you should actually be feeding your dog, it depends on the calorie content of the recipe.
What About Food Allergies and Sensitivities?
Many dogs have food allergies and sensitivities, which may add an additional challenge to finding the best dog food for diabetic dogs.
Allergies and sensitivities to grains are particularly common. Fortunately, because refined carbohydrates like wheat and corn are also high-glycemic, most of the best dog foods for diabetic dogs don’t contain these ingredients anyway.
Still, you may want to try a grain-free recipe if your dog is sensitive to or allergic to grains. A limited-ingredient diet may also be a good choice.
Final Thoughts
The ideal diet for a diabetic dog should be high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in glycemic index to prevent blood sugar spikes. To choose the best dog food, consider one of the top 6 picks reviewed above.
