Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs

Dog Food Nutrition December 29, 2023
Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs

Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs

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Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs

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

OVERALL BEST
Nutrisca Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Food

1. Nutrisca Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Food

BEST AFFORDABLE
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Food

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Food

BEST FOR SMALL BREED
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small-Breed Recipe

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small-Breed Recipe

BEST FOR LARGE BREED
Nature’s Recipe Large-Breed Grain-Free Recipe

4. Nature’s Recipe Large-Breed Grain-Free Recipe

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Duck Recipe

5. Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Duck Recipe

BEST WET DOG FOOD
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Canned Food

6. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Canned Food

Protein
32% Min
Protein
26.0% Min
Protein
36% Min
Protein
27.0% Min
Protein
38% Min
Protein
9.5% Min
Fat
18% Min
Fat
14.0% Min
Fat
15% Min
Fat
12.0% Min
Fat
18% Min
Fat
6% Min
Fiber
7.0% Min
Fiber
5.0% Min
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

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put out a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables such as potatoes.

These are the alternative ingredients that are often used in grain-free dog foods. An unusually high number of dogs eating grain-free foods have been reported to have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart problem.

Many of these dogs have also been found to have low levels of the amino acid taurine. DCM is a genetic condition in a few breeds, but it is now being identified as a possibly diet-related problem.

The FDA is working with veterinary cardiologists and dog owners to research this problem.

In the meantime, it is recommended that owners steer clear of foods that contain these ingredients in large amounts.

Large amounts can be identified when one of the problematic ingredients appears as one of the first five on the product’s ingredient list. We have used this criteria in choosing foods for Labrador Retrievers.

Other criteria we have used to select dog food for labs are:

  • The food has research to back up its claimed formulas.
  • The company has qualified veterinary nutritionists formulating their foods.
  • The company has rigorous quality control.
  • The food avoids the use of exotic ingredients because they can be hard to work with and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

The Top 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:

OVERALL BEST
1.

Nutrisca Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 32% Min
  • Fat: 18% Min
  • Fiber: 7.0% Min
  • Calories: 405 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Rich in lean animal proteins (32% crude protein)
  • Grain-free and low-carbohydrate
  • Very rich in dietary fiber (7% crude fiber)
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • May be too high in fat for dogs with pancreas problems
If your dog suffers from diabetes, you should consider a grain-free and low-carbohydrate recipe like this Nutrisca Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dry Food.

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.
BEST AFFORDABLE
2.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 26.0% Min
  • Fat: 14.0% Min
  • Fiber: 5.0% Min
  • Calories: 313 kcal/cup
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients (chicken meal)
If you’re looking for a diabetic-friendly dog food that won’t break the bank, try this Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Food.

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.
BEST FOR SMALL BREED
3.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small-Breed Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 36% Min
  • Fat: 15% Min
  • Fiber: 5.0% Min
  • Calories: 396 kcal/cup
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • May be a little too high in fat for some dogs
Small-breed dogs have higher energy requirements per pound of body weight than larger dogs which is what makes this Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small-Breed Recipe a great choice.

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.
BEST FOR LARGE BREED
4.

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
Pros
  • Rich in lean proteins like chicken (27% crude protein)
  • Grain-free and made with complex carbohydrates
  • Easy to digest formula
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • Contains an unnamed fat (poultry fat vs chicken fat)
If you’re looking for a diabetic-friendly dog food for your large-breed dog, this Nature’s Recipe Large-Breed Grain-Free Recipe is a good choice.

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.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
5.

Solid Gold Barking at the Moon Duck Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 38% Min
  • Fat: 18% Min
  • Fiber: 4.0% Min
  • Calories: 535 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Rich in premium animal proteins (41% protein)
  • Grain-free and low in carbohydrates to control blood sugar
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • Fairly expensive compared to other brands
If your dog suffers from food allergies as well as diabetes, a grain-free and low-carbohydrate recipe might be the best choice.

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.
BEST WET DOG FOOD
6.

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Canned Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 9.5% Min
  • Fat: 6% Min
  • Fiber: 1.4% Min
  • Calories: 428 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Real meat is always the first ingredient
  • Grain-free digestible carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
Cons
  • Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
  • No probiotic supplements
If you want to feed your dog wet food but you’re worried about the cost, Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Canned Food is an excellent option. This brand is made by Merrick, so you can rest easy knowing it is high in quality. Choose from several recipes including adult and puppy recipes as well as multiple protein options – you can also choose between traditional and grain-free recipes.

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 usually triggered by high blood sugar, low insulin production, or both.

When your dog eats food, its body breaks it down into glucose, which enters the blood stream so it can be utilized by cells as energy.

This triggers the production of insulin, which enables the cells to absorb that glucose, helping reduce blood sugar levels back to normal.

If your dog has diabetes, it may not produce enough insulin or utilize it well enough to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range, and this can lead to a whole host of problems. A specialized diet paired with insulin injections is the best treatment plan for diabetes in dogs.

Here are some things to look for in a dog food for diabetic dogs:

  • Quality Protein. Protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass, which helps your dog maintain a healthy body weight. Look for a recipe with about 30% protein or more.
  • Moderate Fat. High-fat diets can contribute to obesity in diabetic dogs and cause problems with the pancreas (where insulin is produced) as well. Look for dog food with a low to moderate fat content from healthy sources.
  • Low glycemic index. Refined carbohydrates will cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike, so look for low-glycemic, complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.
  • Dietary Fiber. A fiber-rich diet is healthy for your dog’s digestion, but it will also help minimize blood sugar spikes after eating. It also helps your dog maintain a healthy body weight.

Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best dog food for diabetic dogs. Here’s what you need to know:

How Do You Choose the Best Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs?

When it comes to keeping your diabetic dog healthy, keeping its blood sugar levels stable is the highest priority. While insulin injections can help, a high-quality diet is important as well.

Start with a protein-rich recipe made with premium poultry, meat, or fish that provides about 30% protein. Next, check for 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 also be beneficial to ensure a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

For carbohydrates, look for low-glycemic-index options that won’t cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike. Whole grains are great for dogs that can digest them, or if your dog is allergic or sensitive to grains, try something like legumes, sweet potatoes, or peas.

Fresh fruits and veggies are great sources of complex carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals, though you may still need synthetic supplements to make sure the recipe is complete and balanced.

Keep reading to see our top 6 recommendations for the best dog food for diabetic dogs.

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 is rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low glycemic index to prevent spikes in blood sugar.

As long as you stick to those guidelines, you can choose whatever dog food you think is best. To help you get started, consider one of our top 6 picks for the best dog food for diabetic dogs reviewed above.

Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate holds a certificate in fitness nutrition and enjoys writing about health and wellness trends — she also enjoys crafting original recipes. In addition to her work as a ghostwriter and author, Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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