Simple To Make Diabetic Dog Treat Ideas ( And Vet Friendly!) |

Making your own DIY diabetic dog treats for your favorite little pooch, just got a whole lot easier because sometimes, it sure can feel like a losing battle. First, let me say I am sorry that your pup is diabetic, but the good news is that it can be managed by making a few smart swaps.

This is a guide to help you through making your own diabetic approved doggie treats!

Bayo the dog with a chewy treat in his mouth.

My Dog Has Diabetes: NOW WHAT?

⚠️ Check with the Vet: First and foremost, before making (and feeding) your pups any of these treats, please talk about the treats with YOUR veterinarian. They know your dog better than anyone out here on the net and what might be safe for one dog, may not be safe for another.

These ideas are general suggestions and again, should be cleared with your dog’s healthcare provider.

Treats For Diabetic Dogs

If you know me by now, you know how important my little bubba is to me. I take his welfare very seriously, as I consider him family. I have a lot of friends who also have dogs, and recently, one of my friends’ dogs was diagnosed with diabetes.

She learned as much as she could; all the whys and hows and what to do. But there was one problem. Her dog LOOOOVES snacks and treats.

(What dog doesn’t right??? lol)

A few weeks ago, I put together a collection of The Best Recipes for DIY Dog Treats, and then after I published that, I thought, hey what about other dogs that have dietary concerns like diabetes?? They need treats too!!

There are many reasons we give our dogs snacks, and it is so important to make sure you are giving them something that will be safe. Whether you use treats as a training tool, a way to keep your dog’s blood glucose up or a reward for going potty outdoors, your pup probably goes crazy for them! If your dog has to get injections, giving them a yummy treat will make them seem a bit more tolerable.

DIY DIABETIC DOG TREATS: What do I give them?

Making diabetic dog treats yourself is always better than buying commercial treats because you can control what goes in them. It is vital that you make sure that the dog treat recipes you use are low in sugar and carbohydrates, high in protein, free of sweeteners (especially XYLITOL! This sweetern is deadly to animals).

Just like in humans, carbs and sugar are two things that you shouldn’t overeat, especially when you have diabetes.

Protein Treats:

First, be sure to use lower-fat meats to make your dog treats. This is very important if they are overweight, but excess fat can give a dog pancreatitis.

Cooked chicken, turkey, beef or lean pork. Canned tuna and salmon are good only if they’re low-sodium and packed in water.
Hard-boiled eggs
Cottage cheese – only if it’s low sodium, and you’re pup has no issues with lactose. Use sparingly though; mix it with other proteins.

I have a Homemade DIY Liver Treat recipe on the blog that would be a great treat for your diabetic pooch as well!

Fruits and Vegetables :

I know it sounds crazy to think that your dog would even consider eating vegetables, but some dogs love the flavors of many fruits and vegetables. Healthy plant-based foods are full of fiber, water, vitamins, and other nutrients that are good for any dog.

When it comes to fruits, you want to limit the amount you give because they do have a lot of sugar.

Cucumber slices – your dog will love the coolness of the cucumber and the slightly sweet flavor, too.
Carrot sticks – they are sweet, crunchy, and just plain fun to eat.
Broccoli – it has so many delicious nutrients like vitamin b, vitamin c, iron, magnesium, beta carotene, and fiber.
Green beans – can be served fresh, frozen, or as an ingredient in a recipe. Either way, your dog is going to love them.
Snap peas – they are crisp, refreshing, and have a sweet flavor that your pet will like.
Berries – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are great for your dog. Just make sure not to give them too much. They could get very upset tummies.
Apples – they are loaded with fiber, and they simply taste so good. (again, watch the quantities)

Foods To Avoid

There are several things you should avoid giving your dog if he or she is diabetic. Here is a list of the most common foods to avoid.

Xylitol – even in small amounts, this sugar replacement is DEADLY. Always read your food labels!
Simple sugars – a simple sugar will raise your puppy’s blood sugar, and you don’t want that. (Sugar, Molasses, Honey, etc)
White rice, White Bread, White Flour – they’re all simple carbohydrates and can spike their blood sugar
Some fruits and veggies like grapes, onions, and raisins, are not good for our pups!
High Fat Meats – Bacon, fatty pork or beef cuts, etc.
Some Processed Dog Treats – A lot of the processed dog ‘treats’ that you find in grocery stores in the pet section are often made with fillers like corn or flour, they are bad for regular dogs, never mind diabetic dogs.
We all know that anything chocolate is not only bad but even toxic for ALL dogs.

Making your own DIY diabetic dog treats for your favorite little pooch, just got a whole lot easier. Here's a helpful guide!

Store-Bought Treat Options (if You’re in a Rush)

If baking isn’t your thing, there are a few good pre-made options too. Look for:

Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats (chicken, beef liver, salmon)
Dehydrated sweet potato chews (in moderation)
Low-carb jerky-style treats with no fillers or sugars

Always check the ingredient list. If you can’t pronounce it, your dog probably doesn’t need it.

Portion Control Matters (A Lot)

Even healthy treats can cause issues if given too often.

👉 Stick to the 10% rule:
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

If you’re unsure, your vet can help calculate the right number of calories per day for your pup and how many treats fit into that number.

I hope that I’ve outlined a few good points on how to make your DIY diabetic dog treats. It’s important to note that I am not a veterinarian, and these suggestions above are only guidelines. Every pup is different, and these suggestions don’t account for food allergies and other sensitivities.

If you have any other DIY diabetic dog treat ideas, please leave a comment below and share them with our readers! I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by The Salty Pot today!