Choosing the best dog food for diabetic dogs can be a daunting task for any pet parent who’s recently discovered their dog has diabetes. Having a diabetic dog means their diet is crucial to their overall health, making it important to choose a dog food wisely.
We’ve looked at the top foods for a diabetic dog that will keep their blood sugar in check and ensure their overall health. That means looking at ingredients, reviews, and veterinarian recommendations so we can recommend dog food that’s been proven to work well for your diabetic dog.
Below are our top diabetic dog foods and why they’ve made our list.
Brief Overview
Here’s a quick overview of our best products for you to check out.
- Hills Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Food — best overall
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Dog Food — best for dogs who need help retaining muscle mass
- Wysong Epigen — best diabetic dog foods for dogs with grain allergies
- ORIJEN Amazing Grains Fit & Trim Adult High-Protein Poultry & Fish Dog Food — best for dogs who also need help in other areas, such as skin and coat
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance — best diabetic dog food for pet parents in rural areas
5 Best Dog Foods for Diabetic Dogs
1. Hills Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Food
The Hills Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Food ($5.89 per lb), available in both wet and dry form, is a great food that combines affordability with overall health benefits that are great for diabetic dogs.
Key Features
There are a few quick key features to note:
- Flavors available: Chicken, Vegetable & Chicken stew
- Lifestages: All lifestages
- Calories: 307 calories per 13-ounce can for wet food and 255 calories per cup for dry food
- Prescription required?: Yes
Pros and Cons
Overall, there are some clear pros and cons to this food we can see right away.
Pros include:
- Clinically tested nutrition
- Low in fat, calories, magnesium, and sodium to help your diabetic dog maintain a healthy weight
- Has antioxidants to help support their immune system
- Also promotes urinary tract health
- Relatively affordable for a special diet
There are also a couple of cons to consider as well:
- Requires a prescription
- Only comes in two flavors, so your dog may get bored if they’re a picky eater
- Includes chicken which isn’t suitable for dogs allergic to chicken and other poultry products
Overview
Overall, it’s easy to see why the Hill’s option could be a favorite for pet parents of diabetic dogs. While prescription food isn’t cheap, this is one of the cheaper options and it provides a good balance of affordability and quality.
It also comes in both wet and dry form so you can switch up your dog’s diet where you need to. Some dogs prefer dry food to be left out all day as they’re grazers, while other dogs who need more hydration might do better on the wet food—or you can do a mix!
Deep Dive
The Hill’s dog food for diabetic dogs is an excellent choice for pet parents seeking both quality and affordability. The fact that this food is clinically tested ensures that it meets high standards for managing a dog’s health, particularly when dealing with complex conditions like diabetes.
While prescription food can often be expensive, Hills offers a reasonably priced option without compromising on quality. This balance makes it a favorite among many pet parents who need reliable food that supports their dog’s specific health needs.
Hills has carefully selected ingredients that extend beyond glucose management to provide comprehensive health benefits. The inclusion of therapeutic levels of L-carnitine and a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber aids in weight and digestive management, which are crucial for diabetic dogs.
It’s also low in fat, calories, magnesium, and sodium, all of which contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and supporting urinary tract health. The inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants further bolsters the immune system to make sure your dog receives well-rounded nutrition with minimal fillers and additives.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance ($6.76 per lb) is another food formulated to support blood glucose levels and comes in both dry dog food and wet dog food form.
Key Features
There are a few quick key features to note:
- Flavors available: One flavor
- Lifestages: Adult
- Calories: 307 calories per cup for dry food, and the same per can of wet food
- Prescription required?: Yes
Pros and Cons
Royal Canin is a respected brand with a lot of pros to their diabetic dog food, including:
- An emphasis on retaining muscle mass, which can be difficult while keeping dogs on a lower calorie diet to avoid them gaining fat
- Rich in antioxidants to keep their immune system high and boost their overall health
- Reduced level of starch in the food and no fillers
The only real cons are that they require a prescription like most of the other foods, and they are pricier than other options.
Overview
Royal Canin makes a variety of prescription diets that have always been considered high-quality. Although they’re on the pricier side, something in particular stands out about using them for your diabetic’s dog diet—the emphasis on high protein to ensure they can retain muscle mass while keeping their overall weight healthy.
Managing diabetes in dogs can be tough, but Royal Canin has blended this diet specifically to keep blood glucose levels stable while making sure your dog will get everything else they need from the food too—such as antioxidants.
Deep Dive
Royal Canin has earned a strong reputation for producing high-quality prescription diets, and their formula for diabetic dogs is no exception. Although it comes with a higher price tag, the investment is justified by its formulation that prioritizes your dog’s health.
The emphasis on high protein is particularly great, as it helps your dog retain muscle mass while managing their overall weight—a crucial aspect of diabetes management. This ensures that while your dog’s blood glucose levels are being controlled, they’re also receiving the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Royal Canin’s Glycobalance diet is specifically designed to stabilize blood glucose levels. The formula contains a reduced level of starch, which helps prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals. The moderate fat content also supports maintaining a healthy body weight, which is essential for diabetic dogs who need to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
3. Wysong Epigen
If you’re having trouble getting a prescription, or a pet parent on a budget, Wysong Epigen ($3.83 per lb), has also been touted by diabetic dog parents as a great option.
Key Features
There are a few quick key features to note:
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Lifestages: All
- Calories: Unlisted
- Prescription required?: No
Pros and Cons
There are quite a few pros, including:
- No prescription required
- The cheapest of all options
- Formulated with meat first and no fillers or additives to mimic how a dog would naturally eat in the wild
- Contains real fruits and vegetables
- It’s the only grain-free option so if your dog is allergic to grains and diabetic, this could be the best choice
Cons, however, are:
- Although many diabetic dog parents swear by this food, it’s not specifically formulated to regulate blood sugar levels
- Some dogs will not do well on such a high-protein diet
Overview
Because of the high protein and moderate fat content, many diabetic dog owners have used Wysong Epigen to feed their dog and reported great results. It contains a lot of natural ingredients, as well as real fruits and vegetables to ensure your dog is getting the best nutrition.
However, it is very protein-dense and Wysong themselves are upfront that not every pet will do well on this diet.
Deep Dive
Wysong Epigen stands out among dog foods for diabetic dogs due to its ultra-high protein content and natural ingredients, making it a popular choice for many pet parents looking to optimize their dog’s health. With 60% protein, primarily from real organic chicken, and a moderate fat content, this diet is designed to closely mimic what a dog would eat in the wild.
However, Wysong is upfront about the fact that this protein-dense formula might not be suitable for every dog. While the high protein content is beneficial for many dogs, especially those needing a boost in muscle mass or immune function, it could be overwhelming for others, particularly those not accustomed to such a rich diet.
The absence of starch in this formula is a significant advantage for diabetic dogs, as it helps avoid blood sugar spikes, but it also means that dogs must rely heavily on protein and fat for their energy needs. This can be beneficial for some, but it’s important for pet parents to monitor how their dog responds to this diet.
4. ORIJEN Amazing Grains Fit & Trim Adult High-Protein Poultry & Fish Dog Food
ORIJEN Amazing Grains Fit & Trim Adult High-Protein Poultry & Fish Dog Food ($7.75 per lb) is another food that doesn’t require a prescription and dogs may do well on. It’s also the most balanced if your dog’s diabetes isn’t severe, with a high focus on other health areas.
Key Features
There are a few quick key features to note:
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Lifestages: All
- Calories: Not listed
- Prescription required?: No
Pros and Cons
There are some clear pros to this dog food, including:
- The lack of prescription required
- The moderate fat content
- Although it’s high in protein, it’s not as high as Wysong Epigen
Cons, however, are:
- It’s not pet food formulated specifically for diabetic dogs so much like the above, it’s not going to specifically regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels
- It has ingredients that aren’t considered essential ingredients by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles (such as certain omega fatty acids)
- It’s the most expensive of all the options
Overview
Overall, your diabetic dog’s diet could be improved by ORIJEN’s formula if you’re also concerned about other areas of their health. The food is mainly focused on providing ideal body condition for your dog, which is critical for a diabetic dog who may be prone to being overweight (since having diabetes also means managing their exercise).
It also doesn’t require a prescription, so it’s quicker and easier to get in a pinch, as well as being more affordable than the vast majority of prescription diets.
Deep Dive
ORIJEN’s formula is a good choice for diabetic dogs if you’re looking to address broader health concerns beyond just blood sugar management. The focus on maintaining an ideal body condition is especially beneficial for diabetic dogs, as they are often prone to weight gain, which can complicate their condition.
ORIJEN achieves this by incorporating high-quality animal proteins from sources like free-run chicken and wild-caught fish, which not only support lean muscle development but also ensure your dog is getting a diet that closely mirrors what they would eat in the wild. This approach helps in managing weight effectively while providing the necessary nutrients to keep your dog healthy and active.
Another advantage of ORIJEN’s formula is that it doesn’t require a prescription, making it more accessible and convenient to purchase, especially in urgent situations. This can be a significant relief for pet owners who may not have easy access to prescription diets or who are looking for a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality.
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance
The Purina Pro Veterinary Diet EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance ($7.50 per pound) diet is a great option widely available. Here’s what to consider.
Key Features
There are a few quick key features to note:
- Flavors available: One flavor (not defined)
- Lifestages: Adults
- Calories: 338 calories per cup for dry food and 442 calories per can for wet food
- Prescription required?: Yes
Pros and Cons
There are many pros to this food, including:
- It has some more unusual ingredients in these prescription foods like coconut oil to support the overall health of your diabetic dog
- It’s widely available, so can be picked up from a lot of local pet stores if you’re running low
- It comes in both wet and dry form, and even has treats available to match
- It also has a low-fat version
A couple of cons, however, are:
- It does require a prescription, like most diets for diabetic dogs
- It only comes in one flavor so if your diabetic dog doesn’t like that flavor, you can’t try others
- It is one of the more expensive options available
- Has Poultry By-Product Meal in it’s ingredients list which isn’t suitable for dogs allergic to chicken and other poultry products
Overview
Purina has a reputation for being a solid, reliable brand. As one of the most widely available foods on the market, it’s a great accessible option—if a little pricey.
Although it only comes in one flavor which could be problematic for diabetic dogs who are a little fussy, it does also come in wet and dry form and even has matching treats so you can ensure your dog’s diet stays consistent even when you’re rewarding them.
Deep Dive
Purina has a longstanding reputation for delivering quality nutrition at an affordable price. Their food for diabetic dogs is a little more expensive, however, but still a solid option if cost isn’t a concern.
While Purina’s formula comes in only one flavor, which might be a challenge for particularly picky eaters, it still offers flexibility through its availability in both wet and dry forms. The availability of matching treats ensures that your dog’s diet remains consistent, even during reward times, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
The Purina formula is specially crafted to support not just glucose management but also overall gastrointestinal health. With its optimal blend of high-quality soluble and insoluble fiber, along with complex carbohydrates, it’s designed to be highly digestible, making it gentle on your dog’s stomach while promoting regularity.
The inclusion of antioxidants and prebiotics further enhances your dog’s immune system and gut health, ensuring comprehensive nutritional support.
Buying Guide
When purchasing food for your diabetic dog, there are a few things it’s important to consider. Think about these things before you go ahead and make your purchase:
- The severity of your dog’s diabetes: Some dogs have a harder time managing their blood sugar levels than others, so having a discussion with your vet about the severity of your dog’s diabetes (as well as the type) can help you make an informed decision.
- Your veterinarian’s recommendations: You should also listen to your vet’s general opinion on which dog food would be best.
- Your dog’s preferences: Some dogs have very particular preferences about food and aren’t afraid to let you know it! If there’s a particular flavor or consistency they like better, or a brand they’ve liked in the past that has a diabetic dog food option, consider going with that.
- Your budget: Diabetic dog food varies greatly in price. Different dog food brands cost more and less than others, so consider what you can afford on a month-to-month basis so you don’t end up switching brands abruptly and upsetting your dog’s stomach.