Best Diabetic Dog Treats: Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, Meat-Free
It takes a lot to be a dog owner with Diabetes. It would help if you worked hard to find the right diet, mealtimes and insulin schedule. Balancing treats and a puppy’s limited feeding schedule can be difficult. All good boys and gals deserve a reward now and then, no matter their health condition. We’ve discovered some of the best treats for diabetic dogs to help keep their glucose levels under control. You’ll also find tips on how to feed treats to your dog safely.
The Best Dog Treats for Diabetic Dogs
| Overall | Freeze-Dried | Meat-Free |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Old Dog Cookie Co. | PureBites Chicken Breast | DogaBetix Ella’s |
What treats can I give my diabetic dog?
Some dogs with Diabetes need special food, but to manage this chronic condition, every dog must maintain a strict schedule of insulin injections and feeding throughout the day. Does this mean that your diabetic dog can’t have treats? It’s unnecessary to stop giving treats, but you should be careful in choosing them, use them sparingly and time their administration with the insulin injection.
Follow these guidelines to find the best treats for diabetic pets. No matter what treats you select for your pup, it is always best to consult your vet first to ensure they suit their diet. Your vet can also tell you when to give your dog a treat and what times are off-limits.
What we look for in the best diabetic dog treat:
- No fillers, only natural ingredients
- Lean animal protein is high in this product (avoid beef or pork).
- Low or no carbohydrates, grain, and starch
- Fibers of moderate to high content (fiber helps regulate blood glucose)
- Low calorie and fat content
- Avoid products that contain corn syrup, honey, and sugar
Diabetic dog treats
Factors, including customer feedback, price, quality, and diabetic-friendly products, determine the top choices.
Old Dog Cookie Co. Diabetic cookies are the winner of Best Overall.
These baked treats are specially formulated for diabetic dogs and contain ingredients approved by vets that reduce glucose levels. High fiber (7%) and low fat (1%) combined with carefully selected herbs slow down the rate of food digestion and do not spike blood sugar. These treats also contain vitamins that are good for your dog’s health.
For more than 20 years, the Maine-based Old Dog Cookie Co. has made these treats in small batches to the delight and satisfaction of pup parents. They’re hard for some owners, but Tiny Treats are available using the same recipe.
Ingredients Stone-ground whole wheat flour with rolled oats and apples, squashes, alfalfas, kelp brewers’ yeast, garlic dandelion roots, cider vinegar water
All Natural Diabetic Dog Treats
Open Farm Dehydrated cod skins review: Best 100% protein Dehydrated product
These healthy dog treats are perfect for people with Diabetes. They contain only eight calories and 2 percent fat. These treats are also a great choice for dogs with food allergies to wheat, chicken or other common allergens. Cod is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes skin health and wellness.
These chews were made in the U.S. using wild-caught fish caught by responsible fisheries that follow Ocean Wise-approved sustainable fishing practices. The minimal fishy smell is a favorite of pup parents and dogs alike. Open Farm pet food is expensive, but it’s a great brand committed to eco-friendly and humane practices.
PureBites Chicken Breast Treats Review: Best Freeze-Dried 100% protein
PureBites Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Bites are another great option for high-protein, single-ingredient treats. They are made in the U.S. and contain 74% protein. Each bite contains only three calories.
PureBites Freeze Dried RAW Chicken Breast Treats for Dogs
DogaBetix’s Ella’s Diabetic chicken dog treats review: Best meat-free
These meatless treats for dogs with Diabetes are made from low glycemic index ingredients. These cookies have a crunchy texture and are baked in the oven. They are popular with both dogs and their owners. These cookies are free of sugars, syrups and gluten. They also do not contain preservatives or artificial additives. The majority of ingredients are organic. Ella’s treats come in pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients: Organic rolled oats with coconut oil, organic pureed pumpkin, and organic Chia seeds
Ella’s Diabetic Dog Treats New Triple Pack
What about Ketona Darford and Hank & Harley treats?
These three treats may have yet to make our top choices, but you can find one that suits your dog’s diet and tastes.
Dartford Zero/G Grain Free Roasted Duck Dog Treats Review
Although these treats are not specifically labeled for diabetic pups, many owners report that they don’t cause their dog’s blood sugar to spike, and their dogs love them. These treats are higher in calories and fat than other products we have reviewed but do not contain gluten, grains or GMOs. Duck is the only animal protein in these treats, making them perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.
They do, however, contain molasses and other ingredients which may not be suitable for your dog. It’s best to ask your veterinarian if these products are safe for your pet.
Ingredients: Duck, dried sweet potatoes (yellow peas), whole quinoa (preserved in sunflower oil with mixed tocopherols), molasses cane, cranberries and blueberries, chia seed, dried kelp extract, and rosemary
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Natural Crunchy Dog Treats Biscuits,
Hank & Harley Chicken Jerky Sticks review
Hank & Harley’s all-natural jerky stick contains real chicken as its first ingredient and pumpkin, an excellent fiber source for diabetic dogs. These U.S.-made soft bites contain vegetable glycerin, a sugar alcohol. However, it has a low glycemic index and is unlikely to cause glucose levels to rise (as can be attested by many dog parents). Only the higher fat content (15%) could be a downside. They are easy to break into smaller pieces.
Ingredients Chicken, pumpkin, vegetable Glycerin (Glycerine Vegetable), Salt, and Rosemary Extract
Hank & harley Chicken Jerky Sticks
Ketona Zero Carb Chicken Liver Dog Treats Reviews
Ketona 100% raw, freeze-dried chicken liver dog treats are expensive but may be the best option for diabetic dogs. These treats are free of dietary starch or sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives and fillers. These small, tasty treats are made and sourced in America. They can be great food toppings if your doggo’s regular diabetic dog food is too picky. Check with your vet first because they may contain too many calories for your dog’s dietary requirements.
Ketona Zero Carb Chicken Liver Dog Treats
Diabetic Dog Treats: Homemade Diabetic Dog Food
The best human food for diabetic dogs as treats includes:
- Lean proteins like turkey, fish, and scrambled eggs.
- Healthy diabetic treats include low-sugar vegetables with high fiber, like pumpkin, green beans and cauliflower. Sweet potatoes and other high-glycemic vegetables should be fed in moderation.
- Frozen Yogurt Treats: Be sure to use plain yogurt with no fat (add blueberries in moderation for a good fiber source).
- Salmon bites dehydrated: Cook thin slices of salmon and then dry them in your oven at the lowest temperature for a few days (works well with chicken breasts or livers).
- Bone broth for dogs: Use low-carb bone stock without added sugar
Can diabetic dogs have dental chews?
Many dental chews contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs with Diabetes. It’s vital to consult your vet before purchasing any dental chews and get specific instructions on how to give them to your dog with Diabetes safely. Many veterinary professionals believe dental chews can benefit dogs with Diabetes. However, others may not recommend it due to your dog’s dietary requirements.
The general rule is to give your dog a dental treat every day if your vet has approved it. This will help to regulate glucose levels in the body by minimizing daily variations. You’ll also need to reduce the amount of food you feed your dog for his meal when you use the dental chew.
What are the best chews for dogs with Diabetes? Our research shows Greenies Dog Dental treats are the most popular dental chew veterinarians recommend. They are low in fat and contain complex carbohydrates.
Best Diabetic Dog Food
If your dog doesn’t like his current food, getting him to eat regularly can be difficult. Browse our reviews on the top diabetic dog food and find a diet that is more suitable for your pup. This article covers both prescription and nonprescription options, as well as general nutritional and feeding guidelines for dogs with Diabetes.
Diabetes in Dogs: Costs and Management
You may be concerned about the cost of daily insulin, increased vet visits and tests, or prescription food. Pet insurance will cover many ongoing costs associated with Diabetes or other chronic conditions.
Most pet insurance companies will only pay for these costs if you have already insured your dog before the diagnosis. You should get pet health insurance when your dog is young and healthy to cover any unexpected accidents and illnesses.
