Healthy Treats for Diabetic Dogs: Finding the Perfect Fit

Diabetes in dogs occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, preventing glucose from being properly absorbed from the bloodstream. This disease requires constant monitoring and can be challenging, but it doesn't have to drastically change your dog’s lifestyle.

Proper nutrition is key. Fortunately, there are great food and treat options readily available to help manage your dog's condition. Treats, especially for food-motivated dogs, are excellent training tools. Caring for a diabetic dog can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming, especially for new pet owners. Diabetes prevents dogs from getting the nutrients they need, leading to low energy and poor health.

3 Pointers for Choosing the Right Treats:

1. Read the Label

Each ingredient plays a role in managing glucose levels. Look for treats that are:

• Low in carbohydrates
• High in fiber and protein
• Free of starches, additives, chemicals, and artificial fillers

Ingredients to prioritize:

• Limited ingredients
• List protein as the first ingredient
• Low or no carb/starch ingredients
• No added sugars or syrups (fructose an glucose)

This applies to your pets’ food as well! Ingredients that are listed first will have more predominance and slowly decrease in amount further down the list. Look for treats that list natural proteins instead of protein alternatives or meat meals as these are often considered inferior protein sources. 

2. High Protein

High-quality protein from lean meats and fish provides healthy calories and promotes lean muscle mass, which is beneficial for diabetic dogs. Good protein sources include:

• Beef, chicken, turkey, and fish
• Organ meats, which offer a variety of vitamins and nutrients
• Certain vegetables like carrots, snap peas, and canned pumpkin

There are some fruits and berries that are good sources of fiber, but use sparingly because of the high levels of glucose. Certain veggies can be appropriate, but a majority convert to sugar once digested, causing potential issues when trying to regulate glucose. 

3. Portion Control

Manage your dog's diabetes by controlling portions and timing meals and treats to stabilize blood sugar levels. Your dog may beg for more, but always consult your vet for the appropriate amount based on your dog's size, age, activity level, and breed. Avoid commercial treats with fillers like corn, soy, corn syrup, fructose, or molasses, as these are high in sugar.

Enhancing Your Dog's Health

To keep your diabetic dog healthy and happy:

• Provide meals and treats at consistent times each day
• Ensure treats are low in carbohydrates and high in protein
• Monitor your dog's response to different treats and consult your vet if any issues arise

Roadrunner Treats 100% Natural Pet Treats

Roadrunner’s treats are made from 100% farm-fresh, raw animal ingredients, free of antibiotics, hormones, chemicals, and pesticides. Visit our shop to explore our selection of nutrient-rich, high-value treats!

By carefully selecting the right treats and maintaining a balanced diet, you can manage your dog’s diabetes effectively, ensuring they live a happy, healthy life.