Healthy Treats for Diabetic Dogs

April 15, 2025

If you have a diabetic dog like we did, you know how difficult it can be to find healthy treats. It’s hard resisting those puppy-dog eyes when they beg for a snack. It’s even harder when you have to give your dog an insulin shot. You want to ease their pain – and your own.

With diabetic dogs, you have to be extra careful about what you feed them. The good news? There are plenty of delicious and diabetic-friendly treats that won’t spike blood sugar levels.

Here are some healthy treats for diabetic dogs, we gave our dog Jetty.

Best Snacks for Diabetic Dogs

When it comes to snacking, keep things simple and in moderation. Whole, fresh foods are some of the best options for diabetic dogs because they’re low in sugar and full of nutrients. Here are a few of Jetty’s favorites:

Carrots

Carrots are my dog’s absolute favorite snack! They’re crunchy, naturally sweet (but not too sweet), and packed with fiber and vitamins. I give them raw or lightly steamed for an easier chew.

Green Beans

Green beans are another excellent treat. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. I like to use fresh or frozen green beans (steamed). Do not use canned green beans as they contain added sodium.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a refreshing, hydrating treat. They’re mostly water, low in calories, contain soluble fiber and few natural sugars. We recommend peeling and removing the seeds and cutting cucumbers into small manageable bits for your dog.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fantastic treat for diabetic dogs. It’s rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion, and it has a naturally low glycemic index. I sometimes add a small scoop of canned, organic pumpkin at mealtime. We also use a slow feeding dish, adding pumpkin to the dish helps our lab Rosie eat slower and improves digestion. When buying pumpkin at the store – read the label carefully. Do not use pumpkin filling or canned products with added sugars, spices, or preservatives.

Diabetic Dogs Cookies

While fresh veggies make excellent snacks, sometimes you just want to give your dog a special treat without worrying about sugar spikes. That’s why we created the Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Dog Treats back in 1996. We are proud to be the FIRST company to develop dog biscuits specifically for diabetic dogs using healing herbs known to boost your dog’s immune system and control blood sugar levels.

We only use all-natural ingredients sourced and produced in the USA. There are NO added sugars or sodium, artificial preservatives, or chemicals in our cookies. Just simple ingredients, we could feel good about giving to our own diabetic dog. Many years later, we’re proud to have supported thousands of pet owners and diabetic dogs. Knowing we provide a safe, healthy, and nutritious snack for diabetic dogs makes it all worthwhile.

How Many Snacks to Feed a Diabetic Dog

Portion control is crucial when giving treats to a diabetic dog. Too many snacks—even healthy ones—can disrupt their blood sugar levels. Each diabetic dog is different and may have different underlying needs, it’s important to always consult your vet about the specific dietary needs of your dog.  General guidelines include:

• Limit all snacks and treats to 10% of daily caloric intake – This ensures their main meals remain balanced and effective for managing diabetes.
• Offer small portions – A couple of baby carrots or a few green beans or a small spoonful of pumpkin is enough. One day our pup might get a few green beans, and the next day baby carrots.
• Time treats wisely – Give snacks between meals to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. We use the Old Dog Cookie Diabetic Treats for giving insulin shots. The Diabetic Tiny treats are only 2 calories.

Final Thoughts

Managing diabetes in dogs takes some extra effort, but finding safe and tasty treats doesn’t have to be a challenge. By sticking to fresh, low-sugar options like carrots, green beans, and cucumbers—and opting for specially made diabetic dog treats like those from Old Dog Cookie Company—you can keep your pup happy and healthy.

---

Also in Blog