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.
The key to a healthy diet for diabetic dogs is controlling fat and carb intake and increasing fiber content to help moderate blood sugar levels.
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
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 |
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 the 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 a dog food with 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 To 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.
Editor’s Note
To choose the best dog food for diabetic dogs, start with your dog’s basic nutritional needs. All dogs need a blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diet and these nutrients should come from digestible, high-quality sources – preferably animal-based. Your dog needs at least 18% crude protein and 5% crude fat in its diet, with vitamins and minerals for balance.
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-indexed 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.
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 low to moderate fat content, a low glycemic index, and rich in 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 Dry Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 5.0% Min
- 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.
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.
Editor’s Note
Check the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s size, age, and weight then adjust your dog’s intake accordingly. Keep an eye on your dog’s body weight as well, weighing it every few weeks, to make sure it isn’t gaining or losing weight.
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 sensitives 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 or allergic to grains. A limited ingredient diet may also be a good choice.
Final Remarks
The ideal diet for a diabetic dog is rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low glycemic-indexed 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.
