The Best Dog Foods for Diabetic Dogs: Low-Carb, High-Fiber Eats!

One of the most serious chronic illnesses dogs suffer from is canine diabetes — a disease characterized by improper pancreas function.

Without a healthy pancreas, your dog will have trouble regulating his blood sugar levels. Left untreated, diabetes can cause very serious complications and even death.

So, you’ll need to work with your vet and feed him a food that provides the kind of nutrition a diabetic dog needs.

We’ll explain the basics of diabetes for dogs as well as highlight some of the best dog food for diabetic dogs in this guide.

Best Dog Foods for Diabetic Dogs: Quick Picks

Diabetes & Your Dog’s Diet

Your dog’s diet may require some tweaking upon receiving a diagnosis of diabetes.

It will be important to monitor his caloric intake carefully, and many vets will recommend a low-carb, high-fiber food.

Dr. Jeff Werber, chief veterinarian of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, California, recommends that owners pick a food that has 20 – 25% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis.

This will help prevent blood sugar spikes, which is imperative when caring for a diabetic pooch. Foods that do not trigger a blood sugar spike are said to have a low glycemic index.

High fiber content also helps in this regard, as it reduces the rate at which glucose is released into the blood stream. It also takes up space in the digestive tract, making your pooch feel full for longer. 

There are a few prescription diets made for diabetic dogs, but many diabetic dogs will be fine with a regular, high-quality dog food. You’ll need to discuss the issue with your vet to know for sure.

The Best Diabetic Dog Foods

Check out some of the best foods for dogs with diabetes below. Just remember to discuss food changes with your vet before making a switch!

Note that some of the foods listed below may not be available without a prescription.

1. Ketona Chicken Recipe Dog Food

About: Ketona Chicken Recipe Dog Food is a scientifically formulated dog food designed to have a very low carbohydrate content.

In fact, this recipe only contains 5% digestible carbohydrate content, 0.5% sugars, and a whopping 46% protein, making it a very intriguing option for diabetic dogs. The only downside is the price — it’s quite expensive.

Features:

• American-raised, GMO-free chicken is the first listed ingredient
• Contains 46% protein (Guaranteed Analysis)
• Formulated without corn, soy, wheat, or potatoes
• Made in the USA

2. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble

About: Just because your dog is diabetic doesn’t mean he has to put up with bad-tasting food! Yumwoof’s Perfect Kibble is a slow-cooked food that’s not only low in carbs (16% of the food’s dry matter), but it’s also made with premium ingredients to ensure your diabetic doggo still gets to enjoy dinnertime.

Features:

• One of the few shelf-stable foods made with human-grade ingredients
• Features antioxidant-rich “superfoods,” including pumpkin and blueberries
• Slow-cooked in a USDA kitchen featuring only US-sourced ingredients
• Contains more MCT (a type of healthy fat) than any other dog food
• Get 30% off when you use code K9OFMINE30 at checkout!

3. Hill’s Prescription Diet W/D

About: Hill’s Prescription Diet W/D is a prescription dog food that is specifically designed for dogs with digestive difficulties, weight management problems, or blood-sugar issues.

You’ll need a prescription from your vet to purchase this food, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy it directly from your vet — you can get it from Amazon or Chewy with a prescription from your vet (and often at a better price than your veterinarian offers).

Features:

• High levels of L-carnitine help to speed up your dog’s metabolism
• Contains moderate fiber levels to help keep your pup full between meals
• Requires a prescription to order
• Made in the USA

4. Orijen Grain-Free

About: Orijen Grain-Free is a highly regarded dog food with very impressive amounts of protein and an extremely low carbohydrate content, making it worthy of serious consideration for diabetic canines.

Features:

• 20% carbohydrates & 38% protein
• 85% of the content is meat-based; 15% is provided by produce
• Contains no grain, tapioca, or plant protein concentrates.
• Includes fresh meat, organs, cartilage, and bone
• Made in the USA

5. Acana Appalachian Ranch

About: Acana Appalachian Ranch is an extremely high-quality, protein-packed dog food with a relatively low carbohydrate content for a mainstream food of just 32% (GA).

Features:

• Deboned beef, deboned pork, deboned lamb, lamb meal, beef meal, pork meal are the first 6 ingredients
• 70% fresh, raw, or dried animal ingredients, along with vegetables, fruits, and botanicals.
• Made in the USA

NOTE: We calculated the carbohydrate percentage using the Guaranteed Analysis data provided by the manufacturer. However, the amount of ash present was not provided. Ultimately, this means that the carbohydrate count may be even lower than what is recored here.

6. Instinct Original Wet Dog Food

About: Want a canned option for your diabetic doggo? You may want to check out Instinct Original Grain-Free Canned Food. It is an extremely low-carb option that’s high in protein yet low in carbohydrate content, which should help manage your mutt’s blood sugar levels.

Features:

• Made with real beef and venison
• Contains no grains
• 6% estimated carbohydrate content (dry matter basis)
• Made in the USA

7. Wellness CORE Weight Management Recipe

About: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Weight Management Recipe is another protein-rich dog food that is also low in carbohydrates.

Made with several different proteins and an assortment of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables, this grain-free food may help some owners regulate their dog’s blood sugar levels.

Features:

• Mineral levels specifically formulated to support overall metabolic function
• Made without corn, soy, or wheat
• 50% protein and only 8% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis
• Made in the USA

8. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canned Dog Food

About: Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon is a low-carb canned food that is bursting with protein (it contains 50% protein on a dry matter basis). In fact, this recipe contains several different proteins, including beef, lamb and wild boar.

Features:

• Carbohydrate content of only 20% on a dry matter basis
• Made with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
• Made in the USA
• Appropriate for all life stages

What Is Dog Diabetes and How Does it Work?

For the most part, diabetes affects dogs and humans in similar ways.

When food is eaten, it is broken down by the body into its constituent parts — primarily fats, proteins and sugars (glucose). A little while later, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin; insulin helps the body process the glucose.

However, sometimes the pancreas stops producing insulin or the body’s cells fail to respond to it in the proper way.

The former problem is referred to as Type I diabetes, while the latter is known as Type II diabetes. Both types are very serious and ultimately manifest in a relatively similar way: The body cannot process glucose properly.

• Type I diabetes — the most common form to occur in dogs – is thought to occur when an autoimmune disease attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. No one knows exactly why this occurs, although there does appear to be a strong genetic link.

• Type II diabetes, on the other hand, is pretty rare and often associated with obesity and other factors. Essentially, the body produces so much insulin that the cells become desensitized to the hormone.

In either case, the glucose in the body cannot be used effectively, which can lead to a litany of health problems. Accordingly, diabetes must be considered a very serious condition.

While treatments for both types of diabetes exist, there is no cure – diabetes is a life-long condition.

Important Considerations When Selecting a Diabetic Dog Food

There are a lot of high-fiber, low-fat foods on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re all good. In fact, several have very troubling traits that should cause you to look elsewhere.

So, try to incorporate the following tips when trying to choose a dog food:

Look for Products Manufactured in a Country with Rigorous Safety Protocols

Different countries have different food safety guidelines, and this is especially true of pet foods.

To increase your chances of providing your dog with a safe, adulterant-free food, try to pick one manufactured in one of the following countries:

• USA
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• England
• France
• Germany

Avoid Foods Listing a Carbohydrate as the First Ingredient

Dogs require meat-based diets to look, feel, and act their best, so you always want to use a food that lists a whole protein, such as deboned chicken or fish, as the first ingredient.

Carbohydrates are obviously important components of any dog food, but they should occur farther down the list. Remember, you are ideally looking for a food with a carbohydrate content below 25%.

Not all carbohydrates are created equally either. For example, while there is nothing particularly “wrong” with corn, it isn’t the best carbohydrate for dog foods — especially in the case of diabetic dogs. Instead, try to look for foods that utilize carbs like brown rice or bran.

Never Use Foods Containing Unidentified Meat Meals or Byproducts

Although they may seem disgusting to pet owners, meat meals and animal byproducts can be nutritious ingredients.

However, meat meals should not be the first listed ingredient (you still want a whole protein to be the leading ingredient in any food), and they must be properly identified.

For example, chicken byproducts are usually acceptable ingredients; generically labelled animal byproducts are not. Some of these poorly identified meat meals and byproducts may contain protein from very unsavory, and potentially dangerous, sources.

Purchase Foods that Feature all the Nutrients and Supplements Your Dog Needs

Most modern dog foods – particularly premium options – are formulated to contain the proper mix of vitamins and minerals, but health isn’t just about vitamins and minerals.

Your dog may need other things in his diet to stay healthy. For example, many good dog foods include antioxidant-rich ingredients, which can help ensure your dog’s immune system performs as it should.

Other foods contain supplements like chondroitin or glucosamine, which help protect your dog’s joints. Additionally, probiotic supplements are included in many foods to help regulate your dog’s digestive system and improve his ability to digest his food.

Avoid Foods with Artificial Additives

Many sub-standard dog foods rely on artificial colors and artificial flavors to help make the food look and taste more appealing.

However, these substances may trigger dog food allergies or other health challenges, and they should be avoided whenever possible. Besides, foods made with high-quality ingredients are typically delicious without these additives.

How to Calculate the Carbohydrate Percentage of Your Dog’s Food

Much to the frustration of any owner with a diabetic dog, the carbohydrate percentage is not often displayed on dog food packaging.

Luckily, there is a way you can calculate the amount of carbohydrates in your dog’s food using the provided information in the Guaranteed Analysis (GA) section.

1. Add up the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, and ash recorded in the GA.
2. Subtract that amount from 100.
3. That is the percentage of carbohydrates present in the dog food.

One small issue though: the amount of ash isn’t usually listed in the Guaranteed Analysis. However, this amount usually ranges from 5% to 8%.

Since we could not get the definitive carb count for some recipes using the GA, the carbohydrate percentage may actually be lower than what we’ve recorded (we’ve noted which foods that may be true for below).

In some cases, other sources have provided the carbohydrate percentage; when such data was available, we’ve used it.

Dog Diabetes Symptoms: Potential Red Flags

Unfortunately, some of the early signs of diabetes are quite subtle and easy to miss. This is yet another reason it is imperative to pay close attention to your dog – he can’t tell you when something’s wrong, he needs you to spot these symptoms for him.

Some of the most common signs that indicate the possibility of diabetes include the following:

These aren’t the only dog diabetes symptoms you may notice, but they are among the most common.

If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms discussed above, seek veterinary assistance promptly. Some dogs are already so sick by the time they get to the vet’s office that they require hospitalization to stabilize them.

Try to avoid this at all costs to give your pup the best chance of recovering.

How Is Diabetes in Dogs Treated?

Most often, diabetic dogs will require regular blood testing and insulin injections to remain healthy. This will ensure that your dog’s blood contains enough insulin to properly process the glucose present.

Don’t worry: These procedures are easier than they sound, and your vet will help teach you how to do them safely.

Some dogs can get by with oral medications, which are obviously easier to administer.

Your vet will probably also encourage you to ensure your pup remains active, as exercise can provide important benefits for diabetic dogs.

The amount of exercise you’ll need to provide your pet with will vary from one dog to the next. Some may only need regular walks around the neighborhood, while others will require more intense exercise to remain healthy.

Complications of the Early and Final Stages of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is certainly a serious condition, so you’ll want to follow your vet’s advice very closely to give your dog the best chance of living a long, healthy life.

In fact, if not properly managed, canine diabetes can cause a number of serious health problems or even death. A few of the most important complications of the disease include the following:

• Cataracts — Diabetic dogs often develop cataracts over time, which typically leads to partial or complete blindness. However, cataracts can often be addressed surgically to restore a dog’s eyesight.
• Diabetic Retinopathy — This condition occurs when a dog’s diabetes triggers changes in the blood vessels that provide blood flow to the eye. In some cases, treatments for this condition are possible.
• Insulin Overdose — If you administer too much insulin to your dog, it can cause his blood sugar levels to plummet, potentially causing a variety of problems, including seizures and permanent brain damage.
• Urinary Tract Infections — Because the urine of diabetic pets often contains high levels of sugar, and some diabetic dogs have difficulty voiding their bladders completely, urinary tract infections are common in diabetic dogs.

Several other complications can also occur in response to your dog’s diabetes — particularly if it is not managed well. This includes rear-leg weakness, high blood pressure and low blood calcium levels.

In the final stages of dog diabetes, even more serious problems can occur. This most notably includes diabetic ketoacidosis — a condition in which the body starts using emergency energy stores.

Ketoacidosis can even trigger additional complications, including brain swelling and heart failure.

Dog Diabetes Cost: How Much Will This Illness Set You Back?

Many owners become concerned about the costs involved in treating a diabetic dog once their pup is diagnosed with the illness.

There are a number of different factors that’ll influence the amount of money you spend, but we’ll try to give you an idea of what to expect below.

Insulin Medications

Most diabetic dogs will require twice-daily insulin injections, although there are (rare) exceptions. Insulin will likely represent the single most expensive component of your dog’s treatment on a monthly basis, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

According to PetRx Inc., most owners should expect to pay between $30 and $150 per month on insulin. The exact amount you’ll pay will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The severity of your dog’s disease
• The size of your dog (bigger dogs will typically need more insulin)
• Where you obtain the insulin

The last factor is the only one you can really control, but fortunately, it’s also the most influential part of the equation. The cost of insulin varies greatly from one vendor to the next, so it is wise to shop around.

For example, many vets will sell insulin to their patients. However, because veterinary clinics are rarely set up to be efficient retail outlets, they usually implement a pretty hefty markup to make the sales worth their efforts.

On the other hand, your local pharmacy will likely have more reasonable prices, as they’re very business model is designed around selling medications.

But some of the best prices for insulin can often be found at big-box retailers and their online counterparts (we’re talking about Walmart, Costco, Amazon and similar places).

Some of these places even participate in discount programs, which may lower the cost of your dog’s insulin even further.

Syringes

Once you’ve obtained your dog’s insulin, you’ll need to purchase some syringes to perform the injections.

Syringes aren’t terribly expensive, but you’ll need to plan to spend about $10 to $20 a month on them. 

Try to purchase syringes in bulk whenever possible, as this will usually lower the price-per-unit significantly.

Glucose Monitor, Lancets and Testing Strips

There are a number of different glucose monitors on the market, and they vary significantly in terms of price.

There are cheap models available for around $20, while some of the most expensive cost about $150 or so. You don’t want to skimp where your dog’s health is concerned, so you should probably expect to spend about $50 in most cases.

Lancets and test strips are disposable supplies that you’ll need to use with most glucose monitors.

Like syringes, they aren’t terribly expensive, but you will need to set aside money for them on a monthly basis. Typically, dog owners spend about $5 to $20 a month on these supplies.

If you are currently in the market for a glucose monitor, be sure to check out the AlphaTrak 2 Monitoring System Kit.

Designed specifically for cats and dogs, this kit comes with everything you need to get started, including the monitor, lancing device, 30 lancets, 25 testing strips, a carrying case, and two user guides.

Most owners who’ve tried it found it easy to use and effective. However, some owners complained about the cost of the test strips and lancets sold by the manufacturer of the AlphaTrak 2 kit.

Diabetic Dog Food

Your dog needs food whether he has diabetes or not, but you may find it necessary to purchase a slightly more expensive dog food than normal if your pet is diagnosed with the illness.

Prescription dog foods for diabetes are typically the most expensive options, and some cost twice as much as non-prescription formulas.

However, not all dogs with diabetes require a prescription diet. Your vet may simply recommend switching to a premium dog food, that is high in fiber, low in simple carbohydrates, and full of protein.

In these cases, you’ll likely only spend about 10% to 20% more per month on your pet’s food. And if you were already feeding your pet a premium brand, you may not have to pay any more for his food at all.

Additional Veterinary Visits

You will likely end up needing to visit the vet several times over a short period of time after your dog is diagnosed with diabetes.

You’ll also need to start taking your dog in for more frequent visits so your vet can ensure he is doing well.

The cost of veterinary visits varies, and some vets may be willing to offer reduced rates for patients that must come in repeatedly.

Just ask your vet how much you should prepare to spend on visits, and be sure to inquire about any discount plans he or she offers.

Breeds That May Be Predisposed to Diabetes

Unfortunately, it appears that a few breeds may be more likely to develop diabetes than others. If your dog belongs to one of the following breeds, be extra vigilant about watching for signs of the disease.

Additionally, female four-footers – particularly overweight individuals — are more likely than males (particularly thin males) to develop diabetes late in life. There is some evidence that suggests spaying may help reduce these risks.

Are Homemade Diets a Good Idea for Diabetic Dogs?

Although an increasing number of owners are experimenting with homemade diets for their pets, we usually discourage owners from doing so.

Properly balancing the nutritional content of a dog food is much more difficult than many dog owners believe it is, and very few owners will be able to prepare a food that is as nutritious as a high-quality commercial food.

Over time, the types of nutritional imbalances that characterize most homemade diets will often result in deficiencies and long-term health problems which are difficult to resolve.

But homemade diets are even more dangerous for diabetic dogs, given their unique dietary needs.

For example, improper carbohydrate and fiber levels may cause your dog’s blood sugar levels to swing wildly, which will create an acute threat to your dog’s health.

Accordingly, we strongly recommend that owners of dogs with diabetes stick to a good commercial recipe that meets the criteria we discussed above.

Three Final Care Tips for Dogs with Diabetes

Hopefully, one of the foods listed above will help you manage your dog’s diabetes and ensure that he enjoys many more years to come.

But before you go, we wanted to share three more tips, which should help your dog whether he is in the early or final stages of dog diabetes.

1. Feed Your Dog on a Regular Schedule

In addition to providing your dog with a low-carb, high-fiber food, it is also important to feed your dog on a consistent schedule. This will also help to keep his blood glucose levels stable.

You’ll need to discuss the optimal feeding schedule with your vet, but most diabetic dogs will thrive on a twice-daily feeding schedule. Typically, you’ll want to feed your dog right before administering his insulin.

No matter what dog feeding schedule you and your vet decide upon, try your best to feed your dog at the same times each day.

2. Don’t Switch Foods Unnecessarily

Unless there’s a compelling reason to do so, try to avoid making significant changes to your diabetic dog’s diet.

Switching foods can cause your pet’s blood sugar levels to fluctuate in unpredictable ways, which can put his health in jeopardy.

Accordingly, you’ll want to think carefully about the food you select, and always talk to your vet before changing to a different recipe or brand.

3. Don’t Forget to Think About Treats

Treats can represent a significant portion of your dog’s daily calories, so be sure that you don’t sabotage your efforts to keep your dog’s blood glucose levels under control by giving your diabetic pup high-calorie or sugary treats.

You can still give your pet treats (assuming your vet signs off on the practice), but just be sure to limit them and to select treats that are protein-based!

Best Food for Diabetic Dogs: FAQ

Still have a few lingering questions about the best food for your diabetic dog? We’ll try to answer a few of the most common queries owners have below!

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Do you have a diabetic dog in your care? What types of foods have you found helpful? We’d love to hear all about it (particularly if you are aware of a great food we missed) in the comments below.