Diabetic dogs and the treats they can eat!

If you have a diabetic dog you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 500 dogs develops diabetes, with some breeds more prone to it than others. And it’s not a cheap disease to manage either, just the insulin alone for a small dog can be £600 a year, plus extra vet visits and routine blood tests which, as we know, cost money

But a diabetic dog can live a good life as long as their insulin, glucose monitoring, diet and exercise are properly managed.  

Dogs with diabetes need to be careful what type of treat they eat.
Now what you want, and what the dog wants, are often two different things.  Your dog may well be happy to snaffle up a two day old discarded KFC he sniffs out in a garden hedge and think he’s happened upon the healthy dog treat of the century, you on the other hand are not so easily impressed!

Can my dog still have treats and chews?
In short, the answer is yes, as long as they are counted as part of your dog’s daily food intake. And by making sure the ingredients are top notch you’re half way to choosing the right healthy treats for your dog.  And that’s the trick, knowing what dog treats a dog with diabetes can have that won’t send their blood sugar levels sky rocketing, only to plunge back down a few minutes later.

What makes a great diabetic dog treat? 

It depends if your dog is overweight, underweight or the correct weight

Overweight and correct weight dogs
What you’re looking for is a low fat, high fibre treat made up of complex carbohydrates.  Which makes treat selection a breeze as the list will be short!

Underweight dogs
Underweight dogs with diabetes require high energy and easily digestible treats.

Which are the best treats and chews for my diabetic dog?
I recommend these healthy and natural dog treats and chews because they tick all the boxes for diabetic dog treats; being low fat, high fibre, and mostly complex carbs, or high energy treats for underweight dogs.  Some of them are very long lasting too which helps alleviate boredom while keeping your dog’s attention and making sure they don’t consume too many extra calories.

Overweight and correct weight dogs
Dr Chew sweet potato – Sweet potato, dried to a hard chew.  0.5% fat, 5% fibre.
Stag Bars – deer antlers, naturally shed every year contain 0% carbs and 0.01% fat.
Burns Carrot Treats – small dried carrot pieces. Carrot contains good complex carbs but can be quite high in sugar. However, they’re tiny treats so use sparingly and you’re good to go.
Pet Munchies – simply chicken, duck or liver.  No added ingredients. High protein to keep your dog feeling fuller for longer, no sugar, 2% fat

Underweight dogs
Pet munchies – simply chicken, duck or liver.  No added ingredients. High protein to keep your dog feeling fuller for longer, no sugar, 2% fat
Natural Way lamb – oats, lamb (min 25%), rice, kelp, vegetable oil, sunflower kernel, mint, rosemary and garlic oil 12% fibre 2.7%
Natural Way skin & coat – oat flour, rye flour, egg, fresh carrot, parsley, flax seeds, garlic. Oil 6%, fibre 4%
Natural Way teeth & gums – oat flour, rye flour, egg, garlic, kelp, parsley seed & eucalyptus. Oil 6%, fibre 4%
Stag Bars – deer antlers, naturally shed every year contain 0% carbs and 0.01% fat.  Good all round treat for keeping dogs occupied.