Learning that your dog has diabetes can feel overwhelming. Along with giving insulin and monitoring blood sugar, many dog owners suddenly find themselves questioning something they never thought twice about before.
What treats are safe to give my diabetic dog?
How do I reward my dog without affecting their blood sugar?
What ingredients should I avoid?
If you're asking these questions, you're not alone. The good news is that a diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean your dog has to stop enjoying treats. It simply means choosing them more carefully. With the right ingredients and sensible portion sizes, treats can remain a healthy part of your dog's daily routine.
One of the biggest goals when managing canine diabetes is maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. Regular meals, insulin, exercise, and healthy treats all work together to support that goal.
Veterinarians recommend a low glycemic diet for diabetic dogs or dogs with kidney disease and pancreatitis. A low glycemic diet focuses on foods that digest more slowly, helping reduce sudden spikes in blood glucose. While every dog is different, diets higher in fiber and made with wholesome, minimally processed ingredients are often better choices than treats filled with sugars or refined carbohydrates.
Healthy dog treats should complement your dog's feeding plan—not work against it.
There are many healthy treat options for diabetic dogs, including vegetables and specially formulated diabetic dog treats. It’s important to check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially if your dog's diabetes is still being regulated.
Some good low glycemic snack options include:
These vegetables are naturally lower in calories and provide fiber that helps support healthy digestion.
What Makes a Good Diabetic Dog Treat?
When shopping for diabetic treats or diabetic dog cookies, it’s important to look at the look ingredient list. Look for recipes that support a low glycemic diet, including:
Why We Chose These Ingredients
When we developed our Diabetic Dog Treats, we wanted more than just a cookie with less sugar. We wanted a wholesome, healthy reward to give our diabetic dog, Jetty. Something that tasted good and provided valuable nutrients known to help regulate blood sugar and support healthy immune systems.
That's why our recipe includes carefully selected ingredients and healing herbs that each serve a purpose.
Our philosophy has always been simple and use quality ingredients with a purpose, because every dog deserves a healthy reward, especially when getting an insulin shot. (Read our tips for giving your dog an insulin shot).
Managing diabetes isn't about finding one perfect food. It's about building healthy habits.
Following your veterinarian's recommendations, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, giving insulin as prescribed, providing regular exercise, and choosing wholesome treats all work together to help diabetic dogs live long, active lives.
That's why we created our Diabetic Dog Treats to give owners a treat they can feel good about sharing and dogs something they'll still get excited to receive. Because a diabetes diagnosis shouldn't take away the simple joy of hearing the cookie jar open.
Can diabetic dogs have treats?
Yes. Most diabetic dogs can enjoy treats in moderation as part of a consistent feeding plan. Choose treats made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients and always follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
What treats should diabetic dogs avoid?
Avoid treats containing added sugars, corn syrup, molasses, artificial sweeteners, or highly processed fillers. These ingredients can add unnecessary carbohydrates and calories.
What vegetables can diabetic dogs eat?
Many diabetic dogs enjoy vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, broccoli, pumpkin, and green peppers. These are naturally lower in calories and can be a healthy snack when served plain.
What is a low glycemic diet for dogs?
A low glycemic diet emphasizes foods that digest more slowly, helping support steadier blood sugar levels. Fiber-rich ingredients and minimally processed foods are often part of this approach.
Is garlic safe for diabetic dogs?
Garlic is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in dog nutrition. While very large amounts of garlic can be harmful, the small, carefully measured quantities used in properly formulated dog treats have been safely used for centuries and are widely recognized by many pet nutrition experts for having health benefits. In our Diabetic Dog Treats, a tiny amount of garlic is included to support healthy blood sugar metabolism and digestive function as part of a balanced recipe. To learn more, read our blog, Can My Dog Have Garlic?
Are Old Dog Cookie Company's Diabetic Dog Treats veterinarian-approved?
Yes, our Diabetic Dog Treats are approved by many veterinarians. Our healthy treats are made with wholesome, carefully selected ingredients designed to complement a veterinarian-guided diabetic diet. Because every dog's health needs are different, we always recommend discussing any new treat with your veterinarian before adding it to your dog's routine. Read our veterinarian testimonials.
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