Studies show that 59 percent of dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese. Overweight and obese dogs are more likely to become diabetic than those with a healthy weight. Researchers estimate that as many as one in two hundred dogs are beset by diabetes, and this number is rapidly increasing. This is why it’s important that dog owners watch their pets’ weight closely and offer a balanced, nutritious diet that doesn’t involve too much sugar or fat. Diabetes cannot be cured, but if caught early, it can be managed fairly well. Diabetic dogs under the right course of treatment can lead fairly normal lives. In order to do so, however, they need the right medication and the right diet. Should dogs with diabetes not be given treats? Of course they can have treats, you just have to be careful. The key is in feeding them the right dog food as well as the right treats.
Since the rapid increase of diabetes in dogs in recent years, many diabetic dog treats have emerged on the market. The best diabetic dog treats contain natural, unsweetened and low fat ingredients that deliver on taste but are low in calories. This being said, owners should still limit the number of treats they give their dogs to avoid any additional weight gain. Another way of reducing the amount of diabetic dog treats given each day is to break them into smaller pieces whenever possible, increasing the number of rewards while keeping the calorie count under control.
Top 7 Diabetic Dog Treats
1. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: Dia-Treaties ‘Supplement Exclusively for Diabetic Dogs’ (Premium)
These treats are some of the best treats for diabetic dogs because they actually help reduce the amount of insulin that diabetic dogs need on a daily basis. Owners who are introducing these diabetic dog treats for the first time should consult with their veterinarian as insulin dosage will have to be adjusted, and this can take a few weeks of monitoring to master. Owners who tried the Dia-Treaties diabetic dog treats were able to reduce insulin intake by 15 to 67 percent. They are suitable for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages, plus they are chewable and taste like pork liver. They are recommended by veterinarians and support the energy and fatty acid intake that dogs need. A 16 ounce container retails for $39.95.
A tasty treat that helps reduce insulin dosage in diabetic dogs.
2. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: PureBites Chicken Breast for Dogs, 1.09 oz / 40g – Entry Size, 14 Pack
These are great diabetic dog treats because they contain only one ingredient: chicken. No added fats or sugars, no preservatives or additives, just lean chicken. Each diabetic dog treat contains only three calories and the bags are freeze dried to lock in all the deep flavors, textures and freshness. They are high in protein (minimum of 74 percent), low in fat (minimum of 3 percent) and are easy on the digestive system. They aren’t only some of the best diabetic dog treats on the market, they are also ideal for dogs with allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, or dogs that are on a restrictive diet. An order of 14 packs of 1.09 ounce bags retails for $61.55.
These are one ingredient diabetic dog treats that are great for training and as rewards.
3. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: Best Dog Treats, All NATURAL Dog Jerky Treats Made in USA ONLY, 2 Premium Flavors in 1 bag, Chicken & Beef Strips, Healthy Teeth, Grain & Gluten Free, Great Diabetic Treat, Training, Dental Chews (Premium)
These treats are great for diabetic dogs because they contain no added sugars, fillers, hormones or gluten. They are safe diabetic dog treats that are packed with nutrition, proteins and vitamins. They also help clean teeth and keep gums healthy and promote shinier coats, healthier skin and strong nails. There are two dog preferred flavors per bag, roasted smoked chicken and beef sirloin. These diabetic treats for dogs are great for training, reinforcing good behavior, or just as a way to show dogs they are appreciated. Each treat has a minimum of 50 percent protein and 15 percent fat, making these great treats for dogs on a special diet. Also they are easily broken into smaller pieces for more rewards throughout the day without overindulging. They will not raise the sugar count in diabetic dogs, making them some of the best diabetic dog treats available on the market. A 9 ounce bag retails for $24.97.
These all natural diabetic friendly treats are high on protein and low on fat.
4. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: All Natural Diabetic Dog Treats, 10 oz- Vet Approved (Premium)
These are some of the best diabetic dog treats available, as they help lower blood sugar in diabetic dogs and slow down a dog’s metabolism rate. This in turn helps manage insulin requirements and, with the help of a veterinarian, can be most beneficial to diabetic dogs and their owners. These treats contain only natural ingredients, many of which are labeled organic. They contain no additives, chemicals dyes or byproducts, and can easily be broken into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or to make them last longer. A ten ounce bag filled with this diabetic dog treats retails for $20.98.
These diabetic friendly dog treats help lower blood sugar and contain only natural, healthy ingredients.
5. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: PureBites Chicken Breast Treats for Dogs (Premium)
These dog treats are great for diabetic dogs because they contain only one ingredient: 100 percent pure USA inspected chicken breast. With no additives or preservatives, no chemical elements or added fats and sugar, they are the perfect diabetic dog treat that packs big flavor and little calories (less than 9 percent calories per bite). Buyers get 24 packs of 3 ounce bags for $140.32. The bites are raw, dry freeze morsels, which helps pack in the flavor and texture for a more satisfying treat for diabetic dogs. They are great for training or rewards for good behavior and can easily be broken into smaller pieces for more rewards without adding to the calorie count. PureBites Chicken Breast Treats for Dogs are great for diabetic dogs and dogs on a diet as well.
This is a safe diabetic dog treat that packs the flavors but not the calories.
6. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: PureBites Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs
This one ingredient diabetic dog treat is made from 100 percent chicken and comes in an assortment of sizes. They are also easy to break down in smaller portions and are ideal for diabetic dogs and dogs with food allergies, or for dogs with weak digestive systems. These treats are dried to lock in the flavor, texture and freshness that all dogs crave. Ideal for diabetic dogs, dogs on a diet, and for training or rewarding good behavior. Three 21.1 ounce bags retail for $76.99.
7. Best Diabetic Dog Treats: Paw to Tail Dog Jerky Treats, Made USA, All Natural, Low Fat, Grain Free, 8oz (Premium)
These all natural treats are some of the best diabetic dog treats available today because they contain no preservatives, gluten, soy, corn, rice, salt, additives, hormones, byproducts or artificial colors. They only have one ingredient: 100 percent USA chicken breasts. High in protein (68 percent minimum) and low in fat (5 percent minimum), these diabetic dog treats are ideal for dogs on a diet, in training, or on a diabetes specific diet. Along with a healthy, balanced nutritional regimen that addresses the needs of diabetic dogs, these treats are some of the best dog treats to either train or reward diabetic dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of their age. An eight ounce bag of Paw to Tail Dog Jerky Treats retails for $20.00.
Criteria used in this study for diabetic dog treats for product selection purposes
- Safety and Health: Safety and health were the two most important criteria when researching the best treats for diabetic dogs. This study confirms that every single treat listed is among the best and safest diabetic treats for dogs available on the market based on ingredients, composition, packaging and content. Mention was made on a few products where a veterinarian’s involvement is recommended to ensure the safety of treat administration to diabetic dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian when it comes to altering the diet of your diabetic dog.
- Effectiveness: This study reviewed account testimonials, product reviews and customer satisfaction ratings to ascertain that these are some of the best diabetic treats for dogs available on the market. By and large, these diabetic treats for dogs received excellent reviews from customers who offered that their dogs, who not only liked the taste of the treats, but liked that the treats were instrumental in controlling and managing diabetes in their dogs.
- Price efficiency: Every diabetic treat for dogs included in this study was gauged for its price efficiency as it relates to quantity, quality and its effectiveness in managing diabetes in dogs. The price cut off for diabetic treats for dog labeled as ‘premium’ was $2 per ounce and up, taking into account the treat size relative to package weight. Any diabetic dog treat that cost less than $2 an ounce was listed as a budget brand.
How to choose the best diabetic treats for dogs, and how to use them
- Talk to your veterinarian: Your dog’s veterinarian is already monitoring your dog’s diabetes. He or she is the best source of information to turn to whenever you find yourself wondering about what kind of food or diabetic friendly treats are safe to give to your dog. His or her vast knowledge of both the condition and the variety of treats available for diabetic dogs will be instrumental in helping you make the right choice. They can also help you understand when and how many treats to give to your dog, based on his or her special diet and insulin intake.
- Read the ingredient list: Just because the package claims to contain the best diabetic dog treats doesn’t mean that it’s true. The only way to know for sure what you are feeding your diabetic dog is to refer to the list of ingredients. Never choose treats that have added fat or sugar, and look for natural ingredients that contain no preservatives, chemicals or additives. Supplements like vitamins and Omega 3 may or may not be beneficial for your diabetic dog – again, ask your veterinarian for his or her opinion whenever in doubt.
- Keep count: Just because you finally found a treat that is appropriate to give to your diabetic do,g doesn’t mean that you can give him or her just as many as he or she wants. Ask your vet how many calories your dog should be eating each day, and then make sure that treats only amount to 10 percent or less of his or her calorie intake. This means you’ll have to figure out how much regular food to give, as well.
additionally, if your dog is suffering from chronic conditions, it may be important to consider insurance. Here is some information that can help make and inform this decision.
Dog Medical Emergency Guide created by Figo Pet Insurance.
