When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it can feel like the world suddenly shifts. You want to do everything you can to help, but now you’re dealing with blood sugar levels, insulin routines, and the challenge of finding food that truly makes a difference. It’s not always easy – but the good news is, you’re not alone.
Canine diabetes means your dog’s body struggles to regulate blood sugar. Without proper management, this can lead to energy crashes, weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and in more serious cases, dangerous health complications. While medication like insulin often plays a role, diet is perhaps the most powerful daily tool you have to keep your dog stable and feeling well.
The right food can help maintain steady blood sugar levels and support overall wellbeing. Specialised diabetic dog foods tend to be lower in sugar and fast-digesting carbs, while being rich in fibre and carefully chosen protein sources that release energy gradually. This not only helps insulin do its job more effectively, but also keeps your dog energised, steady, and happy throughout the day.
But what food should you choose? Not every dog food is suitable for diabetic dogs – and labels can be misleading. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. We’ve looked at ingredient quality, carbohydrate sources, fibre content, energy stability, and – just as importantly – real-world feedback from owners of diabetic dogs.
Scroll down to discover our top 5 best dog foods for dogs with diabetes and find the support your pup needs to live a healthy, balanced, and joyful life.
When it comes to managing diabetes in dogs, nutrition needs to be precise. That’s exactly where Butternut Box shines. This fresh-cooked dog food brand has taken a science-backed, no-nonsense approach to diabetic-friendly meals – offering dishes that are low on the glycaemic index, yet high in quality and taste. Every meal is crafted with carefully selected ingredients, prioritising blood sugar stability and overall health.
Butternut Box recipes are rich in complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and gently cooked lentils. These carbs break down slowly, helping to prevent sugar spikes that can be dangerous for diabetic dogs. Unlike many mainstream kibbles, you won’t find added sugars, grains or starchy fillers here – just whole foods, gently cooked and frozen at peak freshness.
Each recipe features a generous 60% freshly prepared meat, paired with vegetables, herbs and healthy fats. From pork to turkey to beef, there are multiple single-protein options, which is a real bonus if your dog also has sensitivities or allergies. What’s more, every portion is tailored to your dog’s age, weight and activity level – an essential element in managing diabetes and supporting weight control.
Butternut Box started with one dog – a rescue pup with serious digestive issues. Instead of settling for vet-prescribed kibble, the founders took matters into their own hands and cooked real meals. That same homemade care is now delivered to homes across the UK and beyond, including the Netherlands and Belgium.
Their meals are gently cooked at 90°C, vacuum sealed with zero preservatives, and backed by vets and nutritionists. The brand’s “Pork This Way” recipe, for instance, contains a dry matter breakdown of 39% protein, 26% fat and roughly 28% carbohydrates – a well-balanced formula that suits the needs of diabetic dogs.
It’s not just the food that stands out. Butternut Box is known for its responsive customer service, flexible subscriptions and user-friendly ordering process. Yes, it’s a premium product and it requires freezer space, but for many owners, the health improvements speak volumes.
Curious about other fresh food options? Discover our guide to the best fresh dog food for healthy, natural meals your dog will love.
For dog owners navigating the ups and downs of diabetes management, Pure Pet Food offers a refreshingly straightforward solution. Its recipes are crafted with low-glycaemic, whole-food ingredients that support stable blood sugar levels—without the fuss of artificial additives or high-GI fillers often found in standard kibble.
What truly makes Pure stand out is its science-driven approach. Instead of chasing trends, the brand focuses on what works for diabetic dogs. Their carefully selected carbs—think sweet potatoes and lentils—release energy slowly, helping avoid sharp glucose spikes. On top of that, their high fibre content helps dogs feel fuller for longer while regulating digestion. This is especially useful for diabetic pets who also struggle with weight management or gastrointestinal issues.
Pure’s formulas are also low in fat, which reduces the risk of pancreatitis—an all-too-common problem in diabetic dogs. And thanks to its air-dried process, key nutrients like vitamin B and omega-3s are preserved far better than in high-heat cooking methods. These nutrients don’t just support blood sugar balance; they also promote healthy skin, a shiny coat and improved muscle retention.
Designed with input from veterinary nutritionists, each Pure recipe aims to provide the right mix of protein, carbs and micronutrients for dogs with complex health needs. That means chelated minerals for improved insulin response, omega-3s to fight inflammation and easily digestible proteins that help maintain strength.
Compared to traditional diabetic kibble, dogs tend to prefer the taste of Pure, with its natural ingredients and meaty flavours. And while it may not be quite as tailored as freshly cooked subscription services, it offers an impressive balance between quality, convenience and affordability—something not every diabetic-friendly dog food can claim.
Burns Weight Control offers a reliable, vet-formulated option for diabetic dogs needing both blood sugar stability and healthy weight management. With a recipe centred around low-glycaemic, slow-release carbohydrates like wholegrain oats and brown rice, this food helps reduce glucose spikes—one of the biggest dietary challenges for diabetic dogs.
Designed with a moderate calorie density (319–322 kcal/100g), this food promotes steady, safe weight loss in overweight dogs. Most owners see gentle reductions of 2 to 3 kilograms in just two months, without any crash dieting or loss of energy. That makes it particularly suitable for diabetic dogs where obesity is a concern—especially since 4 out of 5 diabetic dogs are also overweight.
The protein comes from high-quality chicken meal, supporting lean muscle retention while staying within the limits recommended for dogs with additional health issues like kidney strain. And with just 7.5% fat, the risk of pancreatitis is kept low, which is important for diabetic dogs.
Where Burns really shines is in its 7.5% crude fibre content. This higher-than-average amount slows carbohydrate absorption, giving a smoother glucose curve throughout the day. Soluble fibre from oats and insoluble fibre from peas work together to enhance satiety and minimise blood sugar spikes after meals. One study even reported 23% lower post-meal glucose levels compared to standard diabetic kibble.
What also sets this food apart is its hypoallergenic design. It excludes common triggers like wheat, soy, and dairy—ideal for diabetic dogs who also struggle with sensitivities. On top of that, the formula includes added taurine for heart health, chelated minerals to support insulin function, and a balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to combat inflammation.
It’s not the most low-starch or cutting-edge option on the list, but if you’re looking for affordability, proven results, and ease of use, Burns Weight Control is a smart, well-rounded pick.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diabetic is a trusted choice for managing canine diabetes, especially for owners who prefer sticking to a veterinary-endorsed kibble. Backed by decades of research and collaboration with over 200 veterinary nutritionists, this diet has become a go-to for long-term blood sugar control, thanks to its clinical formulation and proven safety.
The food is designed with a smart approach to glycaemic regulation. Its blend of low-glycaemic carbohydrates—barley and maize—is paired with psyllium husk, a soluble fibre known to slow down glucose absorption. While it doesn’t match the impact of fresh food options like Butternut Box, clinical trials still show a solid 23% reduction in post-meal glucose spikes. That can make a meaningful difference in a diabetic dog’s daily stability.
Protein content is impressive, clocking in at 37%, sourced from dehydrated poultry and hydrolysed proteins to support muscle maintenance. Fibre sits at 6.5%, which contributes to satiety and a more gradual sugar uptake. There’s also a notable antioxidant complex, including high levels of vitamin E, taurine and lutein—targeted additions to help reduce oxidative stress from diabetes-related complications.
However, this kibble isn’t without its trade-offs. Ingredient transparency is where it lags behind more natural or fresh alternatives. The use of by-products and powdered cellulose has raised some eyebrows among dog owners who are ingredient-conscious. Additionally, with a starch content of 19.1%, it’s higher than some other diabetic-friendly options, which may influence your choice if starch is a concern for your dog.
Despite these drawbacks, it remains a highly accessible and insurance-friendly choice. With a 94% acceptance rate and veterinary approval as high as 98%, it offers peace of mind for owners navigating a complex condition. It’s especially useful for dogs that also require hypoallergenic care, as it avoids common allergens like soy, dairy and egg.
For those who want a well-regulated, widely available solution with strong clinical backing, Royal Canin Diabetic is a solid and pragmatic option worth considering.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Diabetes Management is a scientifically developed veterinary formula tailored for diabetic dogs. What sets it apart is its deliberate nutritional strategy, focusing on stabilising blood sugar while remaining accessible for long-term use. Designed with input from veterinarians and supported by peer-reviewed studies, this diet is particularly suited for dogs requiring consistent glycaemic control without the high price tag of fresher alternatives.
The formula uses barley and maize as its main carbohydrate sources—both moderate on the glycaemic index. While not quite as low-GI as lentils or sweet potato, these ingredients are still more stable than wheat-based alternatives. This choice results in a starch content of 18.5%, which is slightly above the ideal for diabetic dogs but still manageable with close insulin monitoring.
Where the diet truly shines is in its high protein content (37%), primarily from dehydrated poultry. This supports lean muscle retention, especially important for diabetic dogs at risk of muscle wasting. Additionally, it offers a modest fibre content of 7%, helping to slow glucose absorption and improve satiety.
One standout feature is the inclusion of white bean extract, which inhibits amylase—an enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion. This helps to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, a benefit few other diabetic diets offer. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and C are also present, helping to combat the oxidative stress often seen in diabetic dogs.
Despite some drawbacks—like the use of processed ingredients and a starch level higher than fresher options—Purina DM still holds its ground thanks to its clinical validation. Trials have shown a 67% reduction in diabetic ketoacidosis episodes and reduced insulin dependence in many dogs after six months on the diet.
Owners report steady improvements in blood sugar levels and good acceptance rates among dogs, though some dogs may need a gradual transition.
For pet parents seeking a veterinary-backed, cost-effective option with proven results, this food is a dependable choice—even if it’s not the most innovative on the market.
