5 Best Foods for Diabetic Dogs (Reviews Updated 2022)

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If you just got the news that your beloved pup has diabetes, not to worry. There are a wide variety of healthy food options that can accommodate his new diet requirements.  Even though diabetes usually affects middle-age and senior dogs,choosing a dog food high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats can help your pup live a long and healthy life,well into old age. In fact, with proper care the life expectancy of a diabetic dog is similar to that of non-diabetic dog.

Best Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs

Here are our Food for Diabetic Dogs reviews.

1. Orijen Dry Dog Food

Orijen High Protein, Grain Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food

Orijen Dry Dog Food is a top-of-the line, high-protein, grain-free dog food.  This premium product has high-quality fresh and raw animal ingredients, along with a blend of lentils, beans and peas.

  • Includes meat, organs, cartilage and bone
  • Meat blend of beef, boar, lamb, pork and mackerel
  • 38% protein content
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2. Instinct Raw Boost

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food

Instinct Raw Boost is just one of many high-quality blends in the Instinct line of dog foods. This mixture combines real freeze-dried raw chicken bites and high-protein, grain-free kibble.

  • Real meat and whole foods
  • No corn, wheat, soy, grains, by-product meal or preservatives
  • 37% protein content
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3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food is a high-protein, grain-free dog food made with real chicken, sweet potatoes and peas. Its special blend includes LifeSource Bits – additional vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

  • Great value with quality ingredients
  • Grain-free with no poultry by-product meal
  • 30% protein content
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4. Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct

7. Purina One Smartblend True Instinct

Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct is a great choice for a quality, high-protein dog food made from real turkey and venison. This nutrient-rich blend is also available in salmon and tuna.

  • Real, high-quality meat products
  • Omega 6 fatty acids and glucosamine
  • 30% protein content
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5. Acana Regionals Protein Rich Adult Dog Food

Acana Regionals Protein Rich, Real Meat, Grain Free, Adult Dry Dog Food

Acana Adult Dog Food is rich in protein, sourced from grass-fed lamb, freshwater trout and free-run quail.The high-quality blend contains whole fruits and vegetables as well, such as pumpkin and squash.

  • No fast sugars such as gluten, potato or tapioca
  • Half of the animal ingredients are fresh and raw
  • 33% protein content
View on Amazon

 

Diabetic Dog Food Buyer’s Guide

Even though there are few dog foods specifically designed for dogs with diabetes, choosing the right diet that is high in protein and low in carbs and fats will help regulate your dog’s diabetes and prevent hisblood sugar from spiking.  Dog food that is made from high-quality protein, low-glycemic ingredients and no additives or fillers is generally more expensive, but it is importantto help keep glucose levels low in your dog.  It’s important to feed the dog the same food, at roughly the same, two times a day. Changing the food could change the amount of carbohydrates eaten, and this will change how much insulin may be required. Always check with your pediatrician if making any changes to your diabetic dog’s diet.

Our buying guide reviews the best food for diabetic dogs on the market so you can choose the right one for your dog.  The following should be considered when choosing a dog food for your pup.

Protein

One of the most important considerations is the amount of protein in the dog food.  Some experts suggest diabetic dogs should eat a meat-based high protein dog food where 30 to 40%of the calories in the food come from protein.  Choose a food with high-quality protein sources such as real and raw fresh or freeze-dried chicken, turkey, lamb or venison.

Carbohydrates and Fats

It’s important that the dog food you choose for your diabetic pup has lower levels of carbohydrates and fats to prevent his glucose levels from spiking.  Sources of carbohydrates should ideally be from low-glycemic sourcessuch as barley, legumes and lentils.

Age and Breed

Some dog food brands offer blends specifically designed for a dog’s age, while others offer a blend that is suitable for any size dog. Ensure you are choosing the right blend for your dog.  Also consider the age of your dog.  Be aware that blends designed for older dogs often have fewer calories and lower protein, as puppies need the additional nutrition for growth. With a diabetic dog, it’s important to make sure these blends still offer sufficient levels of protein.

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