Best dog food for diabetic dogs – nutritionally balanced and diet-controlled options

The best dog food for diabetic dogs is typically high in fibre and low in simple carbohydrates. When a dog eats, the sugar from the food enters the bloodstream. Normally, insulin is produced to help move sugar into cells, fuelling muscles and vital organs. However, diabetic dogs cannot produce sufficient insulin on their own, leading to elevated blood sugar levels after meals. Like humans with diabetes, dogs require insulin injections to help move glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is metabolised for energy.

There are some dog breeds that are more likely to develop diabetes than others. In addition, being overweight also increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Pet Plan's veterinary expert, Brian Faulkner, describes in detail what signs to look for in a diabetic dog. Noticeable symptoms are thirst and hunger. Then, more severe signs, including dehydration, collapse and a diabetic coma. Badly controlled diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious illness and even be fatal.

The good news is that with a consistent eating routine and proper treatment, diabetic dogs can lead a happy, healthy life. They require careful monitoring and a combination of a balanced diet, exercise and insulin. Consistency is key to managing the condition effectively. For example, you may find it beneficial to base your pet's diet around dry dog food as it can be precisely weighed, making it easier to provide consistent portions at each meal, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

It’s important to monitor the amount of carbohydrates in dog food because carbohydrates break down into sugar, which is harmful to diabetic animals if not properly managed. In some cases, dog food for weight loss is suggested for diabetic dogs because it is high in protein, low in fat and calorie-controlled. However, primarily you should choose a food that is high in fibre and low in simple carbohydrates, not just focused on weight loss. Certain foods are better for diabetic dogs, so seek out advice from your vet.

Dietetic food should only be given with the guidance of a vet.

Best dog food for diabetic dogs

How we chose the best dog food for diabetic dogs

All of these dog foods for diabetic dogs have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered the nutrition, quality and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog foods for diabetic dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

How is diabetes in dogs treated?

Diabetes in dogs cannot be cured, but it can be managed. The aim is to get a dog's blood sugar level into a normal range and maintain it. This is done by insulin injections, a controlled diet and exercise. Instead of food treats, give attention and play as rewards. The PDSA have a comprehensive guide to diabetes in dogs.

It means a lifelong commitment to a routine of a strict diet, exercise and insulin injections at the same time every day. A dog with well-managed diabetes can live just as long as a dog without the condition. You must give your dog insulin injections twice daily with their food. You can't control diabetes in dogs without medication.

Diabetic dogs need to be fed the same amount of food at the same time every day, twice daily, 12 hours apart. Weigh out your dog's food so you know exactly how much you're giving them. Refrain from giving snacks or treats between meals, and be careful of leaving your leftovers in reachable areas where they could be snaffled.

The aim is to be able to anticipate how high their blood sugar level is going to rise after a meal, and that the right amount of insulin is being given to bring their blood sugar level back down. The risk is that if a dog eats too much, their blood sugar level will go too high. If they eat less than usual, their blood sugar level may go dangerously low and could result in hypoglycaemia (or a hypo), which is an emergency situation.

Exercise lowers blood sugar levels. Walks need to be kept the same duration each day, to maintain blood sugar levels. This keeps a balance between how much they are being fed, their level of activity and how much insulin to inject. This will keep their blood sugar level at a safe level. If you want to increase or decrease their amount of exercise do so gradually.

Your dog will need regular vet check-ups, and your vet will guide you on how to inject your dog and how much insulin to give. The injection is usually at the back of the neck, just under the skin.

Ask the expert

Laura Crotch-Harvey, Nutrition Manager, Burns Pet Nutrition, answers some key questions about dogs and diabetes.

How do I know if my dog has diabetes?

"The most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs are excessive drinking and urination. Some dogs may also experience increased appetite, weight loss and lethargy. Just like in humans, overweight or obese dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. As well as this, certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, are also more prone to diabetes. Dogs typically develop diabetes at a middle or older age.

"If you have any concerns about your dog, you should take them to the vet for tests on their blood and urine to diagnose diabetes."

What is the ideal balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) for my diabetic dog?

"There are no specific protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels recommended for dogs with diabetes. It's important to consider your individual dog's needs. For example, an overweight dog with diabetes may have different dietary requirements than an underweight dog with diabetes and this will need discussing further with your vet.

"The diet doesn't necessarily need to be high in protein, but feeding high-quality protein is important to support muscle maintenance. Higher protein diets may also be higher in fat, so it's important to be mindful of this.

"In general, a low level of fat (12% or under) will be suitable for most dogs with diabetes, and this is especially important for overweight dogs.

"Fibre is included as part of the carbohydrates, and a high-fibre diet is important for diabetes as it provides a steadier release of energy and helps avoid spikes in blood glucose."

Should I choose prescription dog food, or are there over-the-counter options that work just as well?

"You don’t need a prescription diet for a diabetic dog; many over-the-counter products will be suitable. For example, at Burns, we have the Burns Weight Control Chicken & Oats, which isn’t a prescription product but meets the criteria for a diabetic dog due to its low sugar content and high fibre, providing a steady release of energy.

"The guidelines for a dog with diabetes focus on the total sugar content in the food, which should be low to avoid blood sugar spikes after a meal. The sugar level should be less than 62g/kg of the food if the moisture level is 12%. It's important to consider the moisture level, as wet and dry pet foods can have different nutrient levels due to the varying amounts of water they contain. If the food is marketed as suitable for diabetes, the total sugar content should be labelled on the bag. If not, you can contact the company to ask the level or if they have any suitable options."

How can I incorporate fibre into my dog’s diet, and how much is recommended?

"A high-fibre diet is very beneficial for dogs with diabetes, and the best way to ensure this is by feeding them complete dog food that is also high in fibre. Feeding a high-fibre dog food rather than adding extras is preferable, as adding extra food can cause an increase in the dog's glucose levels.

"If your dog is having difficulty with the available diets, any additional food should be added under the supervision of a vet, as it may impact the required insulin levels. Oats are an excellent high-fibre ingredient with a low glycaemic index."

How frequently and in what portions should I feed my diabetic dog?

"Diabetic dogs should be fed at the same time every day to help you understand their blood glucose levels throughout the day. Ideally, they should be fed 12 hours apart if possible.

"The amount of food given will depend on the food you have chosen to feed and there will be a guideline on the packaging. Feeding amounts are normally based on the dog's weight, age, activity level and if they have been neutered. If the dog is overweight, remember to feed for their target weight and not their current weight. The feeding amounts given by the brand are normally recommended over the day and then split evenly between two meals. It should also be consistent (so no extra treats on a weekend!)."

What treats can I feed to a diabetic dog?

"Try to keep treats to a minimum as anything extra given can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Any treats given should also be given at the same time every day. Look for ones that are high in fibre as well as low in fat and sugar, if possible. You can also use a couple of kibbles out of their main dog food (saved from their daily allowance) as treats, again if you give them the same time every day. Account for any treats given by reducing their daily feeding amounts slightly. Avoid treats like peanut butter or those including added sugar."

This article contains expert commentary from Laura Crotch-Harvey, Nutrition Manager, Burns Pet Nutrition.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.