Diabetes in dogs is much similar to the condition in human beings, as it also affects the dog’s pancreas making it produce less insulin than what is needed to process its glucose levels.
This causes excess glucose levels in the dog’s body.
However, it isn’t a death sentence because your pooch can live a completely healthy life with the right nutrition and your support.
Some dogs can be predisposed due to genetics, others by poor diet, and if left unchecked or untreated, it can result in more complications.
But how do you know your dog is diabetic?
Some of the symptoms associated with diabetes in dogs include changing appetite, weight loss, drinking too much or too little water, vomiting or urinating more than usual, sweet smelling dog breath, skin infections or cataracts, and laziness for no reason.
If too many of these symptoms appear at the same time, you need to consult your dog’s vet.
As the owner, you are responsible for feeding your canine the right diet, not just to control the blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic dogs, but also keep your pooch in good shape.
When looking for the best diabetic dog food brand for your pooch:
- Scrutinize the ingredients list and check the sugar content in the diabetic dog food
- Check for high fiber ingredients like oats, pumpkin, sweet potato and leafy greens as these slow down the rate at which glucose is released into your dog’s blood stream
- Check the type of breeds, sizes and problems the dog food manages
- Check the calorie density and choose low fat
- Check the overall glycemic index rating, and go for one with low ratings
Here are the 10 best diabetic dog food brands.
10 Best Diabetic Weight Gain Dog Food Brands For Small & Large Dogs
1. Royal Canin Glycobalance Dry
This diabetic dog food brand is all about high quality food, with four decades’ worth of experience in delivering on pet owners’ needs.
The veterinary formula has a low glycemic index, contains complex carbs that help control blood sugar levels, and low in fat from chicken and fish oil.
The omega fatty acids in the food help improve your pup’s immune system, nourishes its skin and coat, plus the fibers slow down glucose conversion while helping with digestion.
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Canine Low Fat – Best Wet Canned Diabetic Dog Food Brand
Filled with many nutritious ingredients, this diabetic dog food brand is a wet canned type of food that uses all natural products.
Its texture is palatable to your dog, as it contains real meat like pork, liver and chicken, hence great taste, texture and flavor.
For dogs who may not have all of their teeth, this wet canned food is the perfect option.
It also helps stabilize sugar levels while helping your pooch lose weight.
3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
This diabetic dog food brand from Wellness Core provides your dog with protein as it contains turkey and chicken in healthy amounts so your dog has the energy to thrive.
Your dog will enjoy and benefit from the antioxidants, nutrients, and probiotics added to this dog food, from great fuel foods including spinach, sweet potatoes, kale and other foods rich in fiber to keep glucose levels in check.
4. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
Orijen offers a healthy diabetic dog food choice for your pup, the most prominent ingredient being protein.
Among the nutritious ingredients besides the protein – which makes up 38 percent of the formula – this dog food also has carbs with a low glycemic index that make up 20 percent, but has no grains.
The protein is derived from turkey, fish, eggs and chicken, while fiber from spinach, whole pumpkin, and other fuel foods your dog will love.
5. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
This diabetic dog food brand is full of nutritive value with its great ingredients such as high quality protein from buffalo, chicken, salmon and turkey.
Also included are complex carbs such as peas and sweet potatoes, but it has no grains and no fillers like corn or soy.
Your dog will benefit from the omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which are good for a diabetic dog without causing any harm to its health.
6. Acana Heritage Meats Dog Food
As its name suggests, this diabetic dog food brand comes packed with high protein levels that make up about 60 percent of its formula, but little carbs.
A combination of Angus beef, grass-fed lamb and Yorkshire pork provide the protein content, but other parts such as the organs and cartilage from the meat were added to provide plenty of nutrients for your dog.
Carbs included are peas and pinto beans, which help slow down the glucose conversion process, but it also contains fiber from veggies like greens and kelp.
7. NUTRO Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
It is made from natural ingredients and packed with vitamins, minerals, natural fiber, and other fuel foods, such as real lamb, combined to deliver a delectable meal.
It has no added artificial flavors, preservatives, colors or by-products, no corn, wheat or soy protein, and is made with non-GMO ingredients.
You can feed your dog on this alone or mix it with wet food, and it guarantees complete satisfaction for your dog, while supporting healthy skin, coat and fur health.
It also helps improve the immune system, while promoting healthy energy, health and vitality.
8. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature’s Variety
This is a purposefully simple diabetic dog food with only one animal protein and one vegetable.
It is made with grass-fed lamb that is easily digestible and rich in nutrients and amino acids, and has no grain, dairy, eggs, beef, chicken, fish or other fiber rich foods.
The only vegetable contained in this product is peas and it is completely made in the USA.
9. NUTRO ULTRA Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
This is a great diabetic dog food brand whose product is rich in protein and can be fed to your dog on its own, or mixed with wet food.
The product promotes a strong immune system, supports healthy digestion, and sustains both a strong heart and strong bones.
Ingredients include real chicken, high quality protein, healthy whole grains, and a blend of twelve vibrant
superfoods carefully selected to help your dog thrive.
10. Old Dog Cookie Company – All Natural Diabetic Dog Treats
These all natural diabetic dog treats offer healthy treat options that manage your dog’s sugar levels. The natural ingredients help prevent allergies or digestive problems, through a combination of herbs and natural ingredients.
It has no additives, by-products, coloring or chemicals, and is made according to specifications that keep your dog safe and healthy.
Summary
Diabetes does not mean dull dinners for your pooch. There are so many options available for diabetic dog food, including recipes, which will surprise both you and your pup. Your dog also has a strong sense of smell, so get creative, spice up their diet, and keep whetting your pup’s appetite with some wet food and treats too.