Managing diabetes in dogs can be challenging, especially when it comes to rewarding your pet without compromising their health. Many commercial treats are high in sugar or fillers, making it difficult for pet owners to find safe, satisfying options for dogs with special dietary needs.
This guide highlights a carefully selected range of diabetic-friendly dog treats that focus on natural ingredients, low glycemic impact, and thoughtful portion sizes. Whether you’re looking for crunchy biscuits, single-ingredient snacks, or training rewards, you’ll find clear comparisons and practical advice to help you choose the right treat for your diabetic dog.
Top 5 Best Treats For Dogs With Diabetes
To save you time and guesswork, we researched and compared top-rated best Treats For Dogs With Diabetes products and selected the best options available today.
1. Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Dog Treats Pumpkin
Finding a treat that supports blood sugar regulation without sacrificing taste is crucial for diabetic dogs. Many treats are loaded with sugar or artificial additives, which can make daily management harder for pet owners.
This option from Old Dog Cookie Company stands out for its vet-approved, all-natural formula and focus on digestive health. It's best for owners seeking a reliable, low-calorie treat that fits seamlessly into a diabetic dog's daily routine.
- Low-calorie formula: Only 16 calories per cookie, ideal for weight management and frequent rewards
- Pumpkin and apple blend: Supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar naturally
- No added sugar or preservatives: Made with human-grade, US-sourced ingredients for peace of mind
Compared to standard treats, these biscuits prioritize natural, functional ingredients and a crunchy texture that older dogs enjoy. The main tradeoff is the hard biscuit format, which may not suit dogs with severe dental issues.
- Low calorie per treat
- Pumpkin and apple for digestion
- No added sugar or salt
- Resealable 10 oz pouch
- Made in the USA
- Hard texture may not suit all dogs
- Only available in one flavor
2. Old Dog Cookie Company Tiny Diabetic Dog Treats
Rewarding a diabetic dog during training or frequent reinforcement can be tricky due to calorie restrictions. Many treats are too large or calorie-dense for repeated use.
These tiny treats offer a practical solution, delivering just 2 calories per piece and a bite-sized shape that works for all breeds. They're especially suited for training sessions or dogs needing strict portion control.
- Ultra-low calorie: Only 2 calories per treat, perfect for frequent rewards
- Bite-sized and crunchy: Easy for small mouths and training routines
- No artificial additives: Human-grade, US-made, and free from sugar and preservatives
Unlike standard-sized biscuits, these treats make it easy to reward without overfeeding. The tradeoff is a smaller bag size, which may require more frequent repurchasing for multi-dog households.
- Very low calorie per piece
- Over 225 treats per bag
- Pumpkin and botanicals for wellness
- No added sugar or salt
- Ideal for training
- Small bag size
- Crunchy texture may not suit all dogs
3. Marcy's Pet Kitchen Diabetic Dog Treats Carrot & Sweet Potato
Dogs with diabetes often have additional sensitivities, making it important to choose treats that are gentle on digestion. Many options contain fillers or animal proteins that can cause issues for sensitive pets.
Marcy's Pet Kitchen offers a vegan, gluten-free treat packed with carrots, sweet potato, and peas, ideal for dogs needing a plant-based, easy-to-digest snack. It's a strong choice for owners prioritizing simple, clean ingredients and supporting a sensitive tummy.
- Vegan and gluten-free: Suitable for dogs with protein or grain sensitivities
- Low glycemic ingredients: Helps support stable blood sugar levels
- Handmade in small batches: Ensures quality and freshness in every bag
Compared to typical meat-based treats, this option prioritizes gentle, plant-based nutrition. The main tradeoff is the absence of animal protein, which may not appeal to all dogs' palates.
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Low glycemic recipe
- Handmade in small batches
- Carrots and peas for vitamins
- No added salt or dyes
- No animal protein
- Smaller 5 oz bag
4. DogaBetix Ella's Diabetic Dog Treats Chicken
Many diabetic dog treats contain complex ingredient lists or unnecessary fillers, which can be problematic for dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions. Simplicity and transparency are key for sensitive pets.
DogaBetix Ella's offers a straightforward, chicken-based treat with a focus on organic, limited ingredients. It's a good fit for dogs who do best with simple, meat-forward snacks and whose owners value minimal processing.
- Organic, limited ingredients: Reduces risk of allergic reactions and supports dietary management
- No additives or preservatives: Clean formula for sensitive dogs
- Chicken-based protein: Appeals to dogs who prefer meat flavors
Compared to multi-ingredient or plant-based treats, this option prioritizes simplicity and a single protein source. The tradeoff is less variety in flavor and texture.
- Limited ingredient formula
- Organic chicken protein
- No additives or preservatives
- Supports glucose stability
- Single flavor option
- No plant-based variety
5. A Better Treat Organic Freeze-Dried Beef Liver
For diabetic dogs with multiple food sensitivities, single-ingredient treats can help avoid unwanted additives and allergens. Many commercial treats include grains or fillers that may not suit strict diets.
A Better Treat delivers pure, freeze-dried beef liver sourced from organic, grass-fed cattle. It's ideal for owners seeking a high-value, protein-rich reward that doubles as a food topper or training treat.
- Single organic ingredient: No grains, gluten, or fillers for maximum purity
- Freeze-dried for nutrition: Retains natural vitamins and minerals
- Human-grade, US-made: Ensures quality and safety for sensitive pets
Compared to mixed-ingredient treats, this product focuses on simplicity and nutrient density. The tradeoff is a strong liver flavor, which may not appeal to all dogs.
- Single-ingredient purity
- Organic and grass-fed beef
- Freeze-dried for nutrition
- Human-grade facility
- No grains or fillers
- Strong liver flavor
- Higher price point
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Treats for Dogs with Diabetes
Choosing treats for diabetic dogs requires careful attention to ingredients, calorie content, and glycemic impact. The market offers a wide range of options, from single-ingredient freeze-dried meats to plant-based biscuits and training bites. Buyers often misunderstand which ingredients are safe or assume all "healthy" treats are suitable for diabetes management.
- Single-ingredient vs. multi-ingredient treats: Single-ingredient options (like freeze-dried liver) offer purity and simplicity, reducing the risk of hidden sugars or allergens. Multi-ingredient treats can provide added fiber or botanicals for digestive support.
- Calorie content matters: Low-calorie treats are essential for portion control, especially during training or frequent rewarding.
- Glycemic index is key: Low-glycemic ingredients (pumpkin, sweet potato, oat flour) help support stable blood sugar levels.
- Animal vs. plant-based proteins: Some dogs thrive on meat-based snacks, while others need vegan or hypoallergenic formulas.
- Texture and size: Crunchy biscuits may help with dental health but can be hard for older dogs, while soft or bite-sized treats are better for training and sensitive mouths.
- No added sugars or salt: Always check for hidden sweeteners or sodium, which can undermine diabetes management.
- Misunderstanding 'natural': Not all natural treats are low-glycemic or safe for diabetic dogs—always review the ingredient list.
Choosing Between Single-Ingredient and Blended Treats
The main decision for many owners is whether to opt for pure, single-ingredient treats or those with a blend of functional ingredients. Single-ingredient options are best for dogs with allergies or highly sensitive stomachs, while blended treats can offer added benefits like fiber or botanicals for wellness.
- Single-ingredient treats: Pure protein, minimal risk of additives
- Blended treats: Support digestion and immune health with added ingredients
Calorie and Portion Control for Diabetic Dogs
Calorie content per treat is a practical concern, especially for dogs who need frequent rewards or are on a weight management plan. Tiny, low-calorie treats make it easier to maintain daily limits without sacrificing positive reinforcement.
- Tiny treats: Ideal for training and small dogs
- Standard biscuits: Better for occasional rewards or larger breeds
Texture Preferences and Sensitivities
Some diabetic dogs are older or have dental sensitivities, making texture an important factor. Crunchy biscuits can help with chewing, while soft or freeze-dried options are easier for sensitive mouths.
- Crunchy biscuits: Support dental health but may be too hard for some
- Soft or freeze-dried: Easier to chew, suitable for all ages
Animal Protein vs. Plant-Based Formulas
Dogs with additional allergies or sensitivities may require plant-based or vegan treats. Others may prefer the taste and nutritional profile of animal proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.
- Animal protein treats: High in protein, appealing flavor
- Plant-based treats: Gentle on digestion, suitable for allergies
Final Buying Advice
Selecting the right diabetic dog treat comes down to understanding your dog's unique needs and balancing health with enjoyment. Focus on ingredient transparency, portion size, and your dog's preferences to make the best choice.
- Match treat type to your dog's sensitivities and preferences
- Prioritize low-calorie, low-glycemic options for daily use
- Check for hidden sugars, salt, or preservatives
- Avoid overbuying—small batch or resealable packs help maintain freshness
- Consult your vet if your dog has complex dietary needs or multiple health concerns
FAQ For Treats For Dogs With Diabetes
1. What makes a dog treat suitable for diabetic dogs?
2. How many treats can I give my diabetic dog per day?
3. Are grain-free treats better for diabetic dogs?
4. Can I use these treats for training my diabetic dog?
5. Should I avoid treats with animal protein for diabetic dogs?
6. How do I store diabetic dog treats to keep them fresh?
James Vega
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