Diabetes in dogs, or canine diabetes mellitus, is a chronic condition that impacts blood sugar regulation, often resulting in high or fluctuating blood sugar. Most dogs that suffer from diabetes can benefit from a multimodal treatment approach, which includes insulin administration, prescribed diets, and lifestyle changes—all with the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.
In this vet-approved guide, we discuss how diabetes is managed, the role of ‘diabetic dog food’ or dog food for diabetic dogs, and other helpful tips.
What Is Diabetes in Dogs?
Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a condition that is characterized by issues with insulin, the hormone responsible for managing blood sugar levels. Common signs of diabetes in dogs include:
- Increased thirst, urination, and appetite
- Unexplained weight loss in dogs
- Weakness or lethargy
- Sweet-smelling urine (can attract ants)
Most dogs develop type 1 canine diabetes, wherein there is damage or dysfunction to the insulin-producing beta cells in the dog’s pancreas. This can be caused by immune-mediated damage, chronic pancreatitis in dogs, or congenital abnormalities.
Type 2 diabetes is rare in dogs and primarily involves insulin resistance; over time, some affected dogs may also develop secondary insulin deficiency.
What’s the Best Food to Feed a Diabetic Dog?
Some dogs with diabetes can benefit from nutritional therapy as part of their multimodal treatment plan. This helps keep the dog at their healthiest and happiest. Most diabetic dog food in the market has the following features:
- AAFCO dog food for complete daily nutrition
- High in fiber for satiety and digestive health
- High-quality protein for maintaining muscle mass
- Formulated to help maintain a healthy weight
→ Not sure which dog food for diabetic dogs is best for your pup? At Sploot Vets, we offer nutritional consultations. Get personalized dietary recommendations, along with helpful lifestyle tweaks to keep your canine companion healthy! Book an appointment today and experience personalized, next-level, Fear Free vet care.
4 Best Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs
Dog food for diabetic dogs is typically not a one-size-fits-all. Before veterinarians prescribe nutritional therapy for dogs with diabetes, they carefully consider the dog’s individual needs and overall health.
We always recommend consulting a veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. As a starting point reference, here are some of the best dog food for diabetic dogs that you can ask your vet about:
1. Royal Canin - Adult Glycobalance [Dry Dog Food]
- AAFCO dog food for diabetes – see the product’s nutritional adequacy statement.
- Available on the SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35. (Requires a veterinary prescription)
Royal Canin’s Adult Glycobalance is a specially formulated dog food for diabetic dogs over 1 years of age. The key feature of this diabetic dog food is its reduced starch levels (53 percent lower than a regular counterpart formula), which helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.
This dog food also has a high fiber content, which supports weight control. In addition, the formula is high in protein and contains L-carnitine, helping dogs maintain their muscle mass and a healthy weight.
2. Royal Canin - Adult Glycobalance Small Dog [Dry Dog Food]
- AAFCO dog food for diabetes – see the product’s nutritional adequacy statement.
- Available on the SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35. (Requires a veterinary prescription
Royal Canin Adult Glycobalance for Small Dogs is a dry food formula for small dogs with diabetes. Similar to Adult Glycobalance, this dog food for dogs with diabetes contains low levels of starch (48 percent lower than a counterpart formula), which helps prevent blood glucose spikes—while also considering the faster metabolism of smaller dogs.
Another small-dog-friendly feature of this dog food formula is its smaller-sized kibble. This dog food also contains pea fiber, which supports digestive sensitivities in small dogs, as well as sodium bisulfate, a urine acidifier to help reduce the formation of bladder stones (more common in small dogs).
Lastly, this dog food’s balanced protein content, along with added L-carnitine, helps support lean muscle mass and maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet Multi-Benefit w/d [Dry Dog Food]
- AAFCO dog food for diabetes – see the product’s feeding tips
- Available on the SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35. (Requires a veterinary prescription)
Hill’s Prescription Diet Multi-Benefit w/d can be prescribed for various health issues, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, and colitis in dogs. Since dogs with diabetes also have an increased risk of obesity and gastrointestinal issues like colitis, Hill’s Multi-Benefit w/d is a popular choice for preventative wellness.
This dog food for dogs with diabetes is packed with beneficial ingredients like therapeutic L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight and high fiber content to help prevent glucose spikes. The formula also contains S+OXSHIELD, a specialized nutritional technology, that helps reduce the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones, to which diabetic dogs are more prone.
4. Hill's Prescription Diet Multi-Benefit w/d [Wet Dog Food]
- AAFCO dog food for diabetes – see the product’s feeding tips
- Available on the SplootRX online pet store. Get 35% off (up to $20) on your first order with the promo code AUTO35. (Requires a veterinary prescription)
The wet food variant of Hill’s Prescription Diet Multi-Benefit w/d has plenty of similarities to the dry food counterpart. Both formulas have a high fiber content, L-carnitine, and S+OXSHIELD. These ingredients help stabilize the dog’s blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and promote urinary health, respectively. All of which are beneficial ingredients for dogs with diabetes.
This wet dog food for dogs with diabetes may be recommended fully or as part of mixed feeding in certain situations. Diabetic dogs that are prone to dehydration may benefit more from this formula’s higher moisture content.
Additionally, dogs that have fluctuating appetites may find this wet food variant more appealing. Lastly, since wet dog food has less calories per volume, it is generally given in larger portions than dry food, which can help boost satiety and reduce behaviors like begging or food seeking in dogs.
→ Got questions about dog food for diabetes? Sploot Vets offers all-in-one, personalized veterinary care that addresses your pup’s individual needs. Book an appointment today and experience next-level, Fear Free care.
How Is Diabetes in Dogs Managed?
Diabetic dogs tend to be universally insulin-dependent, which is something that differentiates cases of dog diabetes from feline and human diabetes. Along with insulin administration, diabetes in dogs can benefit from the following:
- A consistent feeding schedule (typically every 12 hours) and treat regulation
- Routine blood sugar monitoring (every few weeks or months—depending on your vet’s instructions)
- Vet-guided weight management (if needed)
- Dog food for diabetic dogs (depending on your vet’s recommendations).
Do All Diabetic Dogs Need Dog Food for Diabetes?
Not always. While dog food for diabetes can be helpful in some cases, a diabetes diagnosis is NOT the only factor that vets consider. Depending on your dog’s health status, other needs can take precedence when selecting the best dog food formula—such as focused weight management, better joint support, nutritional needs for old age, or breed-specific needs.
Final Thoughts on Dog Food for Diabetes
The best dog food for diabetes is one that is compatible with your dog’s individual needs. This is why it’s best to consult a veterinarian who can provide a personalized recommendation.
Generally, dog foods for dogs with diabetes are formulated to help prevent blood sugar spikes and maintain a healthy weight, along with other additional features, depending on the product.
As a final reminder, managing this condition goes beyond getting the best diabetic dog food. Other important aspects of caring for dogs with diabetes include the following:
- Consistent feeding schedule – vets typically recommend feeding your dog twice a day, 10 to 12 hours apart, with equal calories for each meal. Free feeding is NOT recommended for dogs with this condition.
- Insulin administration – generally, dogs with diabetes get prescribed insulin. Most dogs require twice-daily injections of insulin, given during or right after the dog’s meal.
- Treat regulation – dogs with diabetes need low-carb, low-calorie, and high-fiber treats. In addition, treats should NOT exceed 10 percent of the dog’s recommended daily caloric intake.
- Regular vet visits – after the initial diagnosis stage, which can require vet visits every few weeks, your veterinarian may recommend a vet visit every few months to monitor your dog’s blood sugar levels and overall wellness.
Sploot Vets: Personalized, All-in-One Care for Dogs With Diabetes
If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re concerned about symptoms, Sploot Vets is your trusted partner in keeping them healthy and thriving.
At Sploot Vets, we offer all-in-one vet care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one woof™! We also provide personalized care for dogs living with diabetes. From diagnosis and nutritional counseling to long-term monitoring, our experienced veterinarians are here to support you every step of the way.
We also provide a Fear Free veterinary experience, helping reduce stress for your canine companion. Our modern vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago are open 365 days a year with extended hours, making it easier to access next-level care.
Book an appointment here or through the Sploot Vets app!
