Diabetes is a common issue for dogs everywhere, and handling it might seem like climbing a mountain. One secret is that diet plays a huge role! Choosing the perfect food for a diabetic dog can really help keep their blood sugar in check and their tails wagging. Keeping glucose levels steady isn’t only about health—it’s also crucial to keeping them joyful!
In this article, we will be discussing the best dog food for diabetic dogs. We understand that choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, especially when your dog has a medical condition. That’s why we have researched and tested various dog foods to help you make an informed decision.
When looking for the best dog food for diabetic dogs, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients. The food should have a low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause a significant increase in your dog’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, the food should be high in protein and fiber to help your dog feel full and satisfied.
We spent hours researching and testing various dog foods to identify the ones that are best suited for diabetic dogs. In the following sections, we will be discussing our top picks and why we believe they are the best options for your furry friend.
Best Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs
As dog owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. 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 dog foods for diabetic dogs. These products have been carefully selected based on their nutritional value, ingredient quality, and customer reviews. We hope this list helps you find the perfect food for your diabetic dog.
1. Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein dog food for your diabetic dog, Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent option to consider.
Pros
- With only 5% carbs, this dog food is perfect for dogs with diabetes or those who need to lose weight.
- The high protein content (46%) ensures that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients for muscle growth and maintenance.
- Made with natural ingredients, this dog food is free from GMOs and antibiotics, making it a healthy choice for your furry friend.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some pet owners.
- The chunky texture of the food may not be suitable for all dogs.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
We’ve been using Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re happy with the results. Our dog, who has diabetes, has lost some weight and has more energy than before. The dog food is easy to digest, and we’ve noticed an improvement in our dog’s coat and overall health.
The low-carb, high-protein formula of Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is perfect for diabetic dogs. The dog food contains less than 6% starch and 0.5% sugars, making it an excellent choice for dogs with diabetes. The high protein content ensures that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients for muscle growth and maintenance.
One thing to keep in mind is that the price point of Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food may be a bit high for some pet owners. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price. The chunky texture of the food may not be suitable for all dogs, but our dog seems to enjoy it.
Overall, we highly recommend Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food for diabetic dogs. It’s a healthy, natural, and high-quality dog food that will help your furry friend stay healthy and happy.
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet
If you’re looking for a dog food that manages glucose and weight, improves digestion, and supports urinary health, then Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a great option for diabetic dogs.
Pros
- Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage multiple conditions that respond to fiber, weight & glucose management, digestive issues, and urinary health.
- This dog food helps manage glucose and weight, support urinary health and healthy digestion.
- The optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories helps maintain healthy weight.
Cons
- The price is on the higher side.
- It may not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies.
- Some dogs may not like the taste.
We have been using this dog food for our diabetic dog for a few months now, and we have seen a significant improvement in his overall health. The therapeutic L-carnitine levels help metabolize fat and maintain lean muscle, while the controlled levels of magnesium and sodium promote urinary tract health.
The Hill’s Prescription Diet is the US Vet Recommended therapeutic dog food, so it is always advisable to consult with your vet to make sure Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is the right food for your dog.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dog food that manages glucose and weight, improves digestion, and supports urinary health, then Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a great option for diabetic dogs.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management with Chicken Wet Dog Food
If you are looking for a dog food that can manage multiple conditions, then Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is the right choice for your diabetic dog.
Pros
- The blend of balanced nutrients and soluble and insoluble fibers works on multiple fronts to help pets live a healthy life.
- It helps manage glucose and weight, support urinary health and healthy digestion.
- The optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with low calories helps maintain a healthy weight.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- The directions say that the dog should eat 3.5 cans a day, which can be costly.
- It does not have a very strong smell.
We have personally used Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit for our diabetic dog, and we can confidently say that it has helped manage our dog’s glucose levels, weight, and urinary health. The blend of balanced nutrients and soluble and insoluble fibers has also helped our dog maintain a healthy weight.
One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is expensive, and the directions say that the dog should eat 3.5 cans a day, which can be costly. Additionally, the food does not have a very strong smell, which may not be appealing to some dogs.
Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit for diabetic dogs who need help managing multiple conditions. However, we suggest consulting with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat Weight Management Turkey & Chicken Recipe for diabetic dogs.
Pros
- Contains premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey and nutrient-rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food.
- Guaranteed levels of all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
- Made with 42% high-quality protein ingredients to support leaner body mass and muscle tone.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste.
- Slightly more expensive than other dog foods.
- Some customers have reported receiving bags with mold.
The Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat Weight Management Turkey & Chicken Recipe is a healthy, 100% natural grain-free dog food made with turkey, chicken, salmon oil, and fruits and vegetables to help support your dog’s optimal health. This dog food features 25% less fat than the Wellness CORE Original Recipe to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and is fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, including fish and flax omega blend for healthy skin and coat.
Wellness CORE grain-free dog food formulas are based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a diet mainly comprised of meat. Each grain-free, nutrient-rich formula provides high-quality protein for your dog with no meat by-products or fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
In summary, the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat Weight Management Turkey & Chicken Recipe is an excellent choice for diabetic dogs as it supports digestive health and helps in weight management. 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.
5. Diabetic TINY Dog Treats
If you’re looking for a healthy and natural treat for your diabetic dog, Diabetic TINY Dog Treats might be the perfect option for you. Our experience with this product has been nothing but positive, and we highly recommend it to all dog owners.
Pros
- These treats are all-natural and herbal-based, with many certified organic ingredients. They contain no additives, chemicals, dyes, or other by-products.
- With only 2 calories per treat, these low protein and low calorie treats are perfect for dogs with diabetes or other ailments. They are also great for training purposes.
- Our dogs love the taste of these treats, and we feel good about giving them a healthy treat that helps boost their immune system and regulate their blood sugar levels.
Cons
- The price of these treats is a bit high compared to some other options on the market.
- The treats are quite small, so they may not be suitable for larger dogs who need a bigger snack.
- While the treats are great for diabetic dogs, they may not be as appealing to dogs without diabetes who are used to higher calorie and higher protein treats.
In our experience, Diabetic TINY Dog Treats are an excellent choice for dog owners looking for a healthy and natural treat for their diabetic dogs. These treats are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, and they have been proven to help boost a dog’s immune system and regulate their blood sugar levels. We highly recommend these treats to all dog owners who want to give their furry friends a healthy and delicious snack.
One thing to keep in mind is that these treats are quite small, so they may not be suitable for larger dogs who need a bigger snack. Additionally, the price of these treats is a bit high compared to some other options on the market. However, we feel that the benefits of these treats outweigh the cost, and we will continue to use them for our diabetic dogs.
Overall, Diabetic TINY Dog Treats are an excellent choice for dog owners who want to give their diabetic dogs a healthy and natural treat. We highly recommend them to all dog owners looking for a high-quality dog treat that is both delicious and nutritious.
6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a dog food that is specifically formulated for the aging needs of your toy or small breed dog, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. This premium dog food is made with natural ingredients and contains a balanced set of minerals for immune system support as well as heart and kidney health. It provides Omega 6 fatty acids & Vitamin E to help your dog keep healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Pros
- The small kibble with high quality protein is perfect for maintaining lean muscle in small dogs.
- The easily digestible ingredients help support energy levels, and keep a healthy immune system.
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust.
Cons
- Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
- Some customers find it too expensive.
- Some dogs may experience bloating and gas.
In our experience, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for small dogs age 7 and older. The small kibble size makes it easy for small dogs to eat, and the high-quality protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. We appreciate that it is made with natural ingredients and contains a balanced set of minerals for immune system support as well as heart and kidney health.
However, we do want to note that it is not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs. Additionally, some customers may find the price to be too expensive. We also want to mention that some dogs may experience bloating and gas after eating this food.
Overall, if you are looking for a dog food that is specifically formulated for small dogs age 7 and older, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.
7. Ketona Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend Ketona Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food for diabetic dogs because it is a natural, low-carb, high-protein, and grain-free diet that keeps dogs lean and healthy.
Pros
- High Protein, Low Carb: With 90% less carbohydrate than other leading brands, Ketona has more than 46% protein and less than 6% carbohydrate, which is perfect for diabetic dogs.
- Natural: Keto is a dog’s natural diet. The food is made with meat, fat, and nothing else, which is what dogs’ ancestors ate for 99.9% of their evolution.
- Keeps Dogs Lean: Ketona burns body fat instead of storing it, and builds strong lean muscles. It also lowers blood sugar levels while reducing itching and inflammation.
Cons
- High-Calorie: Ketona is high in calories, so pet owners should be mindful of the amount they feed their dogs.
- Limited Flavors: Ketona only offers one flavor, which may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
- Expensive: Ketona is more expensive than other dog food brands, but it is worth the cost for its high-quality ingredients.
Ketona is easy to transition to, with no gradual transition necessary. Unlike high-starch food, which can be rough on a dog’s stomach, Ketona’s low-carb recipe means you can switch all at once. It is an ultra-premium nutrition, lower cost option with more protein, more meat, and fewer carbs than most raw and fresh diets, with the cost and convenience of kibble.
Overall, Ketona Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice for diabetic dogs. It is a natural and healthy diet that will keep your dog lean and healthy.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best dog food for diabetic dogs, there are a few key features to look for. We recommend considering the following factors before making a purchase:
Nutritional Content
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a dog food that is nutritionally balanced and meets your dog’s specific dietary needs. Look for a product that is high in protein but low in carbohydrates, as this can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Ingredient Quality
The quality of the ingredients in your dog’s food can have a big impact on their overall health and wellbeing. Look for products that use high-quality, whole food ingredients and avoid those that contain artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Choosing a dog food with a low GI can help regulate your dog’s blood sugar and prevent spikes and crashes.
Price
Diabetic dog food can be more expensive than regular dog food, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a purchase. However, it’s important to remember that investing in a high-quality dog food can actually save you money in the long run by helping to prevent costly health issues down the line.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above factors, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a dog food for diabetic dogs. For example, you may want to look for a product that is specifically formulated for senior dogs or dogs with other health issues. Additionally, you may want to consider the size and texture of the kibble, as some dogs may have difficulty chewing or digesting certain types of food.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best dog food for your diabetic dog and help them live a happy, healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top recommended brands of diabetic dog food?
There are several brands of diabetic dog food that are recommended by veterinarians, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. These brands offer specialized formulas that are designed to help manage blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
Which type of dog food is better for diabetic dogs: wet or dry?
Both wet and dry dog food can be suitable for diabetic dogs, but it ultimately depends on the individual dog’s needs and preferences. Wet food may be easier for some dogs to digest, while dry food can help keep teeth clean. It’s important to choose a high-quality, low-carbohydrate dog food that is specifically designed for diabetic dogs, regardless of whether it’s wet or dry.
How can a diabetic dog’s diet influence its blood sugar levels?
A diabetic dog’s diet plays a crucial role in managing its blood sugar levels. Feeding a high-quality, low-carbohydrate diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes. It’s important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop a diet plan that is tailored to the individual dog’s needs.
Are there any specific ingredients to look for in food for diabetic dogs?
When choosing food for a diabetic dog, it’s important to look for ingredients that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Ingredients such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and eggs are all good sources of protein for dogs. It’s also important to avoid ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy, which can be high in carbohydrates.
What dietary changes can help manage a dog’s diabetes effectively?
In addition to feeding a high-quality, low-carbohydrate diet, there are several other dietary changes that can help manage a dog’s diabetes effectively. These include feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, avoiding treats and table scraps, and providing plenty of fresh water.
How often should diabetic dogs be fed to maintain stable glucose levels?
Diabetic dogs should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day to maintain stable glucose levels. It’s important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop a feeding schedule that is tailored to the individual dog’s needs. In general, most diabetic dogs should be fed three to four small meals per day.
