Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
CAN dogs have treats if they have diabetes? Dog parents do not need to completely withhold giving treats to their diabetic dogs. However, choosing snacks for their furry pals calls for a degree of meticulousness.
The best diabetic dog treats are low in fats and highly processed carbohydrates and do not contain added sugars. When making homemade goodies for your diabetic pooch, look for high-fiber and sugar-free dog treat recipes, which we have for you.
How Do Diabetic Dog Treats Differ from Regular Treats?
Diabetic dog treats differ from regular treats in several ways. They contain less sugar and higher amounts of fiber and protein, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Having less sugar will require less insulin and therefore be more diabetic-friendly. They also contain complex carbohydrates that are easily absorbed in the bloodstream, unlike simple carbs found in regular treats, which can cause sudden blood sugar spikes.
Additionally, since many diabetic dogs tend to be overweight or obese, these treats contain little to no calories and fats to prevent them from further packing on extra pounds.
Creating diabetic dog treats at home is easy, as there is a wide range of natural ingredients with a low glycemic index suitable for diabetic dogs, such as veggies, meat, nuts, and seeds.
5 Homemade Diabetic Dog Treats Recipes
Baked Vegetables Diabetic Dog Treats
Nonstarchy vegetables often rank low in glycemic index and glycemic load. Plus, they pack loads of fiber that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Make tasty diabetic dog treats out of them by turning them into fritters.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- ¼ cup grated zucchinis
- ¼ cup grated eggplant
- ¼ cup grated yellow bell peppers
- ¼ cup grated tomatoes
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Use a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid from the grated vegetables.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded vegetables, chickpea flour, turmeric, and eggs.
- Scoop out small balls from the mixture using a spoon or an ice cream scoop.
- Place them on the lined baking tray and use a spoon to flatten them into small patties.
- Bake these treats for diabetic dogs for 20 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Then flip them over and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until they get golden and crispy edges.
- Take out these veggie fritters for dogs with diabetes out of the oven and top them with a dollop of yogurt.
Notes:
- Do not skip squeezing out the liquid from the shredded vegetables. This keeps these vegetable fritters crispy after baking them.
- Place these sugar-free treats for dogs with diabetes in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1 week. Or store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Arugula and Turnip Chips Diabetic Dog Treats
Arugula contains sulforaphane, which is a compound that lowers insulin resistance. On the other hand, turnip is a low-starch and fiber-rich root vegetable that aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
Both vegetables make great treats for diabetic dogs since they prevent the elevation of blood glucose levels.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Rinse the vegetables thoroughly and remove the arugula’s stems.
- Cut the arugula leaves and turnip into thin uniform slices.
- Use a salad spinner to remove most of the water from them.
- Lay out the sliced vegetable on rows of paper towels for around 15 minutes to dry them out.
- Put the sliced vegetables in a large bowl. Pour in olive oil and toss until they are well-coated.
- Lightly grease the tray with olive oil, then place the veggie slices on it.
- Bake them for 8 to 15 minutes until they have dried and darkened lightly. Flip them halfway through baking, so both sides are crispy.
- Remove these diabetic-friendly chips from the oven. Season them with minced parsley.
- Allow these treats for diabetic dogs to cool down completely before serving.
Notes:
- Evenly distribute the veggie slices on the baking tray. Avoid piling them up on each other, so they do not stick together during the baking process.
- Exposure to high humidity turns these homemade diabetic dog treats. To prolong their crispiness, make them on a dry and sunny day.
- Store the leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for 5 to 7 days.
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Diabetic Dog Treats
What is a good treat for a diabetic dog? Homemade diabetic dog treats with pumpkin and chia seeds are good options.
These treats are rich in fiber and protein, which are necessary for maintaining balanced blood sugars and preventing muscle weakness in dogs with diabetes.
Create a diabetic-friendly dessert using pumpkin and chia seeds as the main ingredients by following this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
- Pulse the almond milk and pumpkin puree in a blender until thoroughly combined.
- Place the mixture in a large jar and add the chia seeds. Let them sit in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, so they expand to their full size.
- Stir the mixture before transferring it to a small glass.
- Top the pumpkin chia seed pudding with yogurt and dust with cinnamon.
Note:
- Keep the pudding in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Putting this dessert for diabetic dogs in the freezer makes it last for a month or two.
Protein Bites Diabetic Dog Treats
What can I give my diabetic dog for a treat? Protein-rich foods are some things you can give to your dog for a treat.
Protein increases satiety, which helps prevent dogs from begging for more food. It helps reduce their calorie intake to prevent unwanted weight gain. This is particularly important since excess weight can worsen diabetes symptoms.
In addition to helping dogs maintain a healthy weight, protein can be converted into energy, providing dogs with the fuel to stay active and alert. It allows for healthy weight gain with lean muscle mass.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- ¼ cup beef liver
- ¼ cup crushed almonds
- ½ cup soy flour
- ½ cup diced collard greens
- ⅓ cup egg whites
- 1 pound lean chicken breast
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use parchment paper to line a baking tray.
- Combine all ingredients in the food processor.
- Form small 1-inch balls out of the dough.
- Transfer them to the lined baking tray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove these snacks for diabetic dogs from the oven and let them fully cool.
Note:
- Store leftover diabetic-friendly treats in an airtight container. If placed in the fridge, they can last for 3 to 4 days. 6 weeks if stored in the freezer.
Carrot Mug Cake Diabetic Dog Treats
Carrot is a nonstarchy root vegetable that offers plenty of fiber for diabetic dogs. It also contains complex carbohydrates, which have a low impact on blood glucose as they take longer to digest in the canine stomach.
Thus, carrot is a healthy main ingredient to use for making a diabetic dog birthday cake.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons finely shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 large egg
For the frosting:
- 2 tablespoons softened cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine all cake ingredients except cinnamon. Mix until everything is well-incorporated.
- Wipe the edges of the mug clean before cooking it in the microwave on high for 1½ minutes.
- While waiting, make the frosting by whisking the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
- Take the carrot cake out of the microwave and allow it to cool down.
- Slather the frosting on top of the cake and dust it with cinnamon.
Note:
- Choose a mug that is twice the size of the mixed ingredients to ensure that it accommodates the cake batter.
FAQs About Homemade Diabetic Dog Treats
1. Can You Give a Diabetic Dog Treat Between Meals?
Yes, it is possible to give a diabetic dog treat between meals occasionally. However, it’s important to be mindful of the type of snacks you give them. Stick to sugar-free treats with low-fat and simple carbohydrate content to prevent sudden spikes in their blood sugar levels.
While giving treats between meals is acceptable, the best and safest time to do so is right after your dog receives their insulin shot. This not only helps prevent unexpected blood sugar fluctuations but also serves as a positive reinforcement for your dog’s good behavior.
2. Can Nondiabetic Dogs Eat Diabetic Dog Treats?
Yes, nondiabetic dogs can eat diabetic dog treats. In fact, it is a healthier option for them due to the low sugar and calorie content of these doggy snacks.
Healthy canines can also benefit from the ample amounts of fiber and protein they provide. So even if your pooch does not have diabetes, you can make these treats for him.
3. What Should Diabetic Dogs Avoid?
Foods and treats diabetic dogs should avoid are those that contain sweeteners such as corn syrup and molasses. These ingredients can dangerously elevate their blood sugar levels.
High-fat and calorie dog snacks must be kept away from diabetic dogs as well. These snacks contribute to unhealthy weight gain and obesity, which worsens their condition. And may lead to a ketoacidosis crisis and/or to a pancreatitis.
4. How Can I Lower My Dog’s Blood Sugar Naturally?
You can lower your dog’s blood sugar naturally by sticking to a low-sugar, high fiber and high-protein diet. This can help regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels and keep them healthy.
When feeding, divide his food into smaller portions to help him maintain a healthy weight to reduce diabetes symptoms.
Additionally, providing your dog with enough exercise is essential as it promotes better insulin sensitivity and can help lower their blood sugar naturally.
It is important to always follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding when and how much food to give to your dog if he is receiving insulin.
Summary
Homemade diabetic dog treats are great snacks for dogs with diabetes. They are low in sugar and fat and high in protein and fiber. Hence, these doggy snacks provide them with energy without spiking up their blood glucose levels.
Are you in search of more nutritious treats for Fido? We have 6 Healthy Dog Treat Recipes you can try to recreate at home.
