Watching your dog’s tail wag with anticipation as you pick up the treat bag is one of the best parts about being a dog owner. We love to treat our best friends, whether it’s during training or just because we love them! Diabetic dogs and their owners can still have this pleasure, but it’s important to be a bit more careful about what you’re giving your pup. With that said, here are BreedAdvisor.com’s Best Dog Treats for a Diabetic Dog.
The Best Diabetic Dog Treats2026 Review
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The Best Diabetic Dog Treats
Editor's Choice
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Canine Dog Treats- Best biscuit treat
- Crunchy, low-calorie biscuit
- High-quality ingredients
Runner Up
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats- Best low-calorie treat
- Only 3 calories per treat
- 1 ingredient, human-grade chicken
Also Good
Darford Zero/G Grain-Free Roasted Duck Dog Treats- Best oven-baked treat
- Natural ingredients with real roast duck
- Oven-baked to lock in nutrients
More Detailed Diabetic Dog Treat Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Canine Dog Treats review
Features
- Best biscuit treat
- Crunchy, low-calorie biscuit
- High-quality ingredients
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Canine Dog Treats are 1 of the best dog treats for a diabetic dog on the market, developed by nutritionists and vets to ensure they’re healthy for your pup. These treats include plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber, which is great for diabetic dogs. They also contain ingredients that help control your dog’s appetite and provide other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation.
Each biscuit is crunchy and full of flavor, with my dogs enjoying the texture. Their texture even helps to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. At 38 calories per treat and at a great low price, these are a great healthy snack for your dog.
Pros
- Crunchy texture and delicious flavor are a hit with dogs, with lots of owners saying their pups loved these treats
- Some found these helped to control their dog’s weight and make them generally healthier
- Owners with diabetic dogs said they would recommend these treats to others
- Many said they liked the high-quality ingredients of these treats
- Some said that despite a higher price, they felt the health benefits of these treats were worth the money
Cons
- Some owners felt that these treats were too high in price
- Some said these treats were larger than they had realised, which was a problem for smaller breeds
- Some found the treats were too hard for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats review
Features
- Best low-calorie treat
- Only 3 calories per treat
- 1 ingredient, human-grade chicken
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are a fantastic choice of treat for your diabetic dog, made from only one ingredient: human-grade chicken! This makes them high in protein, with absolutely no additives or preservatives. They’re also only 3 calories per treat, making the perfect healthy treat for your pup.
Not only are they good for your dog, but they’re also super tasty as the chicken is freeze-dried, keeping all that yummy chicken taste, smell, and texture. I found that these were a great option for training. These treats are a mid-range price depending on the size of bag you purchase, and in my opinion, are excellent value for money.
Pros
- Some owners said they loved how natural these treats are, feeling they were healthy for their dog even if they had additional health needs
- Many owners stated that their dogs absolutely love these treats
- Can be broken up into smaller pieces, which makes them perfect for training and smaller mouths
- Some stated that the low calories and human-grade ingredients were perfect for their diabetic dog
- Owners felt that bigger bags of these treats are good value
Cons
- Some owners found that the treats didn’t arrive in the condition they would have expected
- Some felt that the treats were too expensive, particularly for multi-dog households
- Some found that the treats can crumble when being broken up, which owners felt wasted some of the treat
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Darford Zero/G Grain-Free Roasted Duck Dog Treats review
Features
- Best oven-baked treat
- Natural ingredients with real roast duck
- Oven-baked to lock in nutrients
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Darford Zero/G Grain-Free Roasted Duck Dog Treats are 1 of the best diabetic dog treats, with an amazing duck flavor for your pup. They contain all-natural ingredients, with real roast duck as the number 1 ingredient, making them high in protein for your diabetic dog. They’re oven-baked and free of nasty additives, which made me feel confident in giving them to my dogs.
Plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are great for your dog’s general health. At 16.6 calories per treat, they’re low calorie and come in a cute heart shape so you can share even more love with your pup. With a very reasonable price, these treats are an excellent option.
Pros
- Owners liked that the texture was hard enough to be crunchy, yet not too tough to break up into smaller pieces
- High-quality ingredients and low calories make them great for diabetic dogs, as well as dogs with other health conditions such as allergies
- Many said they would definitely recommend these treats to other owners
- Gentle on dog’s digestion, with some owners saying they were gentle on their sensitive dog’s tummy
- Many said their dogs loved these treats and that they would buy them again
Cons
- Some stated that they felt the price was too high for these treats
- Some owners found their dog didn’t like the taste of these treats
- Some found that the treats easily broke up in the bag, which they were disappointed about
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Canine Dog Treats review
Features
- Best for additional benefits
- Low fat, high in nutrients
- Developed for gastrointestinal health
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Canine Dog Treats are a fantastic dog treat for a diabetic dog, with plenty of nutrients and a low fat content. These treats contain only 4.5 calories each and are made with high-quality ingredients. They’re also delicious for your best friend (I found all 3 of my dogs loved these).
As an additional bonus, they’re great for your dog’s digestive health, developed specifically for dogs with gastrointestinal issues. With a mid-range price, these treats are a great choice.
Pros
- Many owners said their dogs loved the taste of these treats
- Some said that they enjoyed being able to give their dogs with additional dietary requirements (including diabetes) a treat without feeling guilty
- Some said these treats were great for their dog’s digestion
- Some owners felt these treats were more affordable and better value than some other similar treats
- Being able to break these treats up, as well as them being low calorie, makes them great for training
Cons
- Some said these treats were hard to break apart for their small dogs
- Some dogs didn’t like the smell of these treats and wouldn’t try them
- Packaging can break with consistent use which some owners found unhelpful
- Some felt these treats were too expensive and not good value
Ann-Marie Sharpe
ACANA Singles Duck & Pear Formula Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Treats review
Features
- Simple ingredients. No soy, corn or wheat
- Available in 3 different flavor combinations
- Just 5 calories per serving
Ann-Marie Sharpe
ACANA Singles Duck & Pear Formula Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Treats is a highly rated treat on Chewy, garnering 4.7 rating. This treat is deal for picky eaters, as they’re made with just 3, protein-rich rich ingredients from a single animal source.
Pros
- Many customers love that these are made in the USA
Cons
- One customer noted that this has rosemary extract in it which was not included in the listed ingredients.
Things to Look for in a Dog Treat for a Diabetic Dog
Of course, you want to make sure any treat you give your diabetic dog is safe for them and doesn’t negatively affect their diabetes. There are a few things you should look for to ensure you pick the right type of treat.
Quality, High Fiber or Protein
Treats high in fiber or protein are good for your diabetic dog and help them maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Treats that list a form of protein as their sole or main ingredient are a positive choice.
Calorie Content
Watching your dog’s weight and ensuring you don’t overfeed them becomes even more important when you have a diabetic dog. Choosing treats which are low in calories is beneficial.
Low or No Carbs
Research has shown that lots of carbohydrates are bad for dogs with diabetes, so it’s best to avoid them or choose treats that state they are low in carbs. Complex carbohydrates (like fruits and vegetables) are better for your pup.
If a treat states it has a low glycemic index, this means it will have less impact on your pup’s blood sugar levels. The lower the glycemic index number, the better for a diabetic dog.
Low Fat
How much fat your diabetic dog should have in their diet depends on their size, weight, and other health issues. It’s always best to consult your vet, but in general low-fat treats are best.
No Added Sugars
It’s best to choose treats with no added sugars, as they can affect your dog’s blood sugar levels.
High-Quality Ingredients
It’s always important to choose treats with high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog is getting the best. Ideally, natural ingredients are best.
Correct Size for your Dog
Choosing treats that are the right size for your dog ensures they can chew them comfortably and that they are safe for your pup.
Other Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Diabetes
Having a diabetic dog can feel scary at first, but don’t panic: your dog can still live a healthy, happy life! Your vet will go through recommendations for your pup’s diet, as well as guiding you through how to care for your best friend. Be sure to follow those guidelines strictly, as that’s how you can give your dog the best life possible.
Some general tips for managing your dog’s diabetes are included below:
- Do your research
As well as talking to your vet, doing plenty of reading so you know as much as possible about doggy diabetes will be helpful.
- Learn to recognize the signs
Learning to recognize the signs of high and low blood sugar in your dog allows you to act quickly.
- Feed healthy meals
As well as feeding diabetic-friendly treats, it’s essential you feed your dog an appropriate diet. Your vet will be able to guide you on this. In general, their diet should be low fat, low carb, and high in fiber or protein.
- Watch portion size
Portion size with meals and treats becomes even more vital when you have a dog with diabetes. Ensure you follow your vet’s instructions on how much to feed your dog; they will usually give you an average amount of calories per day your dog should consume. Equally, it’s crucial to make sure your dog is eating enough, as eating too little can be just as problematic. It may take some trial and error to find a diet that works for your dog.
- Time your dog’s meals
Giving your dog their meals at the same time each day, with healthy treats in between, will help to keep your dog’s blood sugar levels stable.
- Exercise is key
Consistent daily exercise is just as important as what you’re feeding your dog in managing their diabetes. Check out our various ideas for dog runs!
General Treat Safety Advice
When you’re feeding your dog any treat, particularly for the first time, it’s essential you supervise them to prevent choking. Always have fresh water on offer.
Diabetic Dog Treat FAQ
Do you really need to purchase specific treats for your diabetic dog?
Yes, it’s important you pick treats that are safe for your diabetic dog and won’t affect their blood sugar levels. They don’t need to state that they are specifically for diabetic dogs, but they should follow the guidelines we’ve discussed.
Can non-diabetic dogs eat these treats?
Yes, non-diabetic dogs can eat the same treats. They’re generally healthy for any dog.
Conclusion
Having a diabetic dog doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the joy of rewarding and spoiling your pal with a yummy snack. Choosing treats that are healthy and safe for your diabetic dog means neither of you misses out.
References
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, (2020), “What’s the Best Diet for My Dog with Diabetes?” Petfoodology, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center.
The Best Diabetic Dog Treats
Editor's Choice
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Canine Dog Treats- Best biscuit treat
- Crunchy, low-calorie biscuit
- High-quality ingredients
Runner Up
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats- Best low-calorie treat
- Only 3 calories per treat
- 1 ingredient, human-grade chicken
Also Good
Darford Zero/G Grain-Free Roasted Duck Dog Treats- Best oven-baked treat
- Natural ingredients with real roast duck
- Oven-baked to lock in nutrients
