Rewarding a diabetic dog takes extra thought. The risk of diabetes climbs as dogs get older, and the wrong snack can push blood sugar higher than you’d like.
Diabetes is a chronic condition, but it’s manageable with good nutrition and insulin. Treats made for diabetic dogs lean on natural ingredients, with higher fiber and protein to help keep blood sugar steady.
This guide reviews ten diabetic dog treats, from Ella’s pumpkin-flavor bites to PureBites cheddar. It also covers what to look for on a label.
Diabetic Dog Treats Worth A Look
The treats below run from Ella’s pumpkin bites to PureBites cheddar, with most leaning on natural ingredients and higher fiber. The goal is a reward that won’t spike blood sugar.
We focused on what’s actually in each formula and how it fits a diabetic dog’s needs. Keep portions in check, and check in with your vet before adding anything new.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Old Dog Cookie Company Natural Diabetic Treats | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
DogaBetix Ella's Diabetic Treats Pumpkin | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Royal Canin Glycobalance Dry Dog Food | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Apples and Yogurt | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Old Dog Cookie Company Tiny Diabetic Treats | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 6 |  |
PureBites Cheddar Cheese Freeze-Dried Treats | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 7 |  |
Wellness CORE Healthy Joints Grain Free Treats | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 8 |  |
Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 9 |  |
Pet Wellbeing Blood Sugar Gold for Dogs | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 10 |  |
Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
1. Old Dog Cookie Company Natural Diabetic Treats
A vet-approved biscuit made with low-glycemic herbs and natural ingredients to support stable blood sugar in diabetic dogs. No added sugar, no preservatives, and crafted in the USA.
Pros
- Specifically formulated for diabetic dogs
- No added sugar, chemicals, or dyes
- Natural herbs help regulate blood glucose
- Certified natural and organic ingredients
- All ingredients listed on label
Cons
- Hard texture may not suit dogs with dental issues
- No smell, which some picky dogs may ignore
- Smaller quantity per bag compared to general treats
Old Dog Cookie Company has been making diabetic-specific dog treats for over 20 years. Each 10 oz unit contains about 40 treats, with natural herbs, minerals, and vitamins in every biscuit.
There’s no added sugar, only the natural sugar already present in the ingredients. No liver, chicken, or peanut butter flavoring either, which keeps the formula clean and predictable.
These work well for older dogs that need a low-key reward without the blood sugar spike. The blend of herbs and natural ingredients is aimed at supporting stable glucose levels.
2. DogaBetix Ella’s Diabetic Treats Pumpkin
An all-organic pumpkin-flavored treat with chia seeds and rolled oats designed to keep glucose levels stable. Each treat has just 2 to 3 calories and is made by owners of a diabetic dog.
Pros
- All-natural low-glycemic organic ingredients
- No additives or preservatives
- Controls glycemia and supports weight management
- Can be softened in water for older dogs
- Made in the USA in Golden, Colorado
Cons
- Rolled oat content may not suit all diabetic dogs
- Hard texture can be difficult for dogs without teeth
- Occasional freshness complaints from some shipments
Ella’s treats were created by the owners of a diabetic dog, and that background shows in the formula. All ingredients are organic and low-glycemic, including organic pumpkin puree, organic oats, and organic chia seeds.
Each treat has just 2 to 3 calories, making them a practical choice for dogs that need strict portion control. They come in triple packs with 8 oz bags per flavor.
Picky eaters and overweight dogs tend to do well with these. If your dog has trouble with harder textures, soaking them in water softens them up quickly.
Made in Golden, Colorado.
3. Royal Canin Glycobalance Dry Dog Food
A veterinary-diet dry food with blended fibers and reduced starch to support healthy blood glucose in adult diabetic dogs. Formulated to maintain muscle mass and a stable body weight.
Pros
- Specifically formulated for adult diabetic dogs
- Blended fibers reduce glycemic response
- Supports healthy weight and muscle mass
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- Designed and approved by scientific experts
Cons
- Requires a veterinarian prescription
- Kibble size can be too large for small breeds
- Price continues to rise and bag sizes have shrunk
Diet plays a real role in managing diabetes, and poor nutrition can make the condition harder to control. Royal Canin Glycobalance was formulated specifically to address fiber-responsive disease and hyperglycemia in adult diabetic dogs.
The formula uses blended fibers and reduced starch to slow the glycemic response at mealtimes. Ingredients include chicken meal, barley, powdered cellulose, dried beet pulp, fish oil, and other nutrients to support muscle mass and stable body weight.
This is a veterinary diet, so you’ll need a prescription. It’s made in the USA by Royal Canin.
4. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Apples and Yogurt
Oven-baked crunchy biscuits made with real apples, oatmeal, and yogurt. Free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, and fortified with vitamins and antioxidants.
Pros
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Oven-baked for satisfying crunch dogs love
- Antioxidants and omega-3 support immune health
- Real apples and oatmeal as wholesome ingredients
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Crumbly texture leaves messy crumbs
- Too crunchy for dogs with tooth problems
- Some digestive sensitivity reported on first use
Blue Buffalo Health Bars are a solid option for owners who want a cleaner biscuit without corn, wheat, or soy. The formula uses real apples, oatmeal, and yogurt as base ingredients.
They’re oven-baked and slowly dried to keep the crunch and preserve the natural flavor. Antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids are included to support immune and overall health.
These are meant as a supplement treat, not a meal replacement. Dogs that enjoy a satisfying crunch tend to respond well to these.
5. Old Dog Cookie Company Tiny Diabetic Treats
Bite-sized 2-calorie treats made with pumpkin, dandelion, and kelp to support blood sugar and digestion. Over 225 treats per resealable 8 oz bag, vet approved and made in the USA.
Pros
- Only 2 calories per treat, ideal for portion control
- Natural herbs help regulate blood glucose
- No added sugar, salt, or artificial chemicals
- Perfect size for training rewards
- Resealable bag for freshness
Cons
- Some vets advise caution with carbohydrate-based treats
- Hard texture may not suit all dogs
- Smaller bag means reordering more frequently
These bite-sized treats come in at just 2 calories each, which makes them easy to work into a training routine without adding up fast. The formula uses natural herbs and certified organic ingredients aimed at supporting blood glucose regulation.
No added sugar, no salt, and no artificial chemicals. The only sweetness comes from natural apple sugar already in the ingredients.
Old Dog Cookie Company has been making these for over 20 years. The treats measure about 1 inch by 1/2 inch, with roughly 220 treats per bag, and the bag reseals to keep them fresh.
6. PureBites Cheddar Cheese Freeze-Dried Treats
A single-ingredient freeze-dried treat made from 100 percent Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Only 4 calories per treat, high in protein and calcium, and ideal for dogs with diabetes or restricted diets.
Pros
- Just one ingredient: pure Wisconsin cheddar
- Freeze drying preserves taste, texture, and nutrients
- Only 4 calories per treat, low calorie
- Ideal for dogs with diabetes, allergies, or restricted diets
- No colors, fillers, or sweeteners added
Cons
- Treats often arrive crumbled rather than as whole cubes
- Pricier than conventional dog treats
- Occasional mold reports from some customers
PureBites keeps it simple: one ingredient, 100% Wisconsin cheddar cheese. No fillers, no artificial preservatives, no colors or sweeteners of any kind.
The freeze-drying process preserves the natural texture, aroma, and nutrients of the cheese. Each treat has just 4 calories, making them workable for dogs on restricted diets.
They’re easy to break into smaller pieces, which helps with portion control or training. Dogs with diabetes, allergies, or other dietary restrictions tend to do well with single-ingredient treats like these.
They can also be crumbled over wet food for picky eaters.
7. Wellness CORE Healthy Joints Grain Free Treats
Grain-free baked biscuits with real beef, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support muscle and joint health. No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Pros
- Grain-free with real beef as the first ingredient
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint health
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Made in USA with premium globally-sourced ingredients
- Suitable for all dog sizes and life stages
Cons
- High-legume grain-free formula has FDA-flagged DCM concerns
- Pricier than average dog treats
- Some dogs take time to warm up to the flavor
Wellness CORE Healthy Joints treats are grain-free baked biscuits with real beef as the first ingredient. They’re free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to support hip and joint health, which is useful for older dogs managing diabetes alongside mobility issues. The formula was developed with input from nutritionists and veterinarians.
These are made in the USA with premium globally-sourced ingredients and are suitable for dogs of all sizes and life stages. Worth noting: the grain-free, high-legume formula has been flagged by the FDA in connection with DCM concerns, so talk to your vet if that’s a consideration.
8. Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts
Soft, tender chicken jerky made in the USA with real chicken as the first ingredient. No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, and easy to tear into smaller training pieces.
Pros
- Real USA chicken as the number one ingredient
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Soft and easy to tear for training portions
- Oven-dried to preserve high protein content
- No animal by-products
Cons
- Some batches report inconsistent texture and dryness
- Package size has shrunk while price stayed similar
- A few dogs reported digestive sensitivity
Blue Buffalo Nudges are made in the USA with real chicken as the first ingredient. The strips are oven-dried to preserve the protein content and keep the texture soft enough to tear by hand.
There are no animal by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy. Labeled ingredients include chicken, ground rice, vegetable glycerin, salt, and distilled water, among others.
The soft texture makes these easy to break into smaller training portions, which is helpful when you need to keep treat size controlled.
9. Pet Wellbeing Blood Sugar Gold for Dogs
A vet-formulated liquid supplement with gymnema, fenugreek, and devil's club to support healthy blood sugar metabolism. NASC certified and easy to add to food via dropper.
Pros
- Holistic herbal formula for blood sugar support
- NASC certified by a Medical Board of veterinarians
- Supports pancreas, liver, and eye health
- Liquid dropper allows precise dosing
- Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility
Cons
- Doesn't replace insulin and requires close monitoring
- A few dogs showed adverse reactions in early use
- Sediment can appear in the bottle over time
Blood Sugar Gold is a liquid herbal supplement, not a chew, but it earns a spot here for dogs who need blood sugar support beyond what a treat can offer. The formula includes gymnema, fenugreek, and devil’s club, and it’s NASC certified by a medical board of veterinarians.
The liquid dropper makes dosing precise and easy to add to food. It supports blood sugar metabolism alongside pancreas, liver, and eye health, and works alongside insulin rather than replacing it.
Always use under veterinary supervision, especially in the early days, as a few dogs show adverse reactions initially. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility.
Store in a cool, dry place.
10. Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders
Human-grade chicken jerky tenders made in the USA with USA-raised antibiotic-free chicken and cassava root. No glycerin, grains, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
Pros
- Human-grade ingredients, USDA kitchen standards
- Antibiotic-free USA-raised chicken as only protein
- No glycerin, grains, corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products
- Easy to break into smaller pieces for all breed sizes
Cons
- Recent batches have been reported as too hard and dry
- Some dogs experienced digestive upset after first use
- Contains sugar per ingredient list, which some owners avoid
Full Moon uses antibiotic-free, USA-raised chicken as the sole protein source. The tenders are made to human-grade standards in a USDA-compliant kitchen, with no glycerin, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
Ingredients include chicken, vegetables, salt, natural flavors, distilled vinegar, and colored paprika. There’s no glycerin or animal by-products in the formula.
The strips break apart easily for smaller portions. One thing worth knowing: the ingredient list does include sugar, which some owners managing diabetic dogs prefer to avoid.
Check the label before buying.
Here Is a List Of Things To Look For The Diabetic Dog Treat
Not all treats are formulated the same, and diabetic dogs need more scrutiny on the label than most.
Check ingredient lists carefully and look for these key signals.
- Notice protein ingredients first
- No carb, starch, and simple carbohydrates ( legumes, whole grains)
- Lookout for zero added sugar
- Moderate fat content
- The low glycemic index is the best to sign on labels
- Plant seeds, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are best for lean muscles, cardiovascular and body health
A good diabetic treat leans on plenty of fiber and filling protein, and steers clear of grains, starch, additives, and artificial chemicals.
Vegetables and fresh fruits are worth including where possible, since they bring vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates without spiking blood sugar the way simple sugars do.
Why You Should Take Treats
Diabetes causes increased thirst and weight loss, and left unmanaged it can affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. The goal is to keep your dog as healthy and stable as possible.
Replacing simple carbohydrates with complex ones and keeping fiber content high helps maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Rewarding your dog right after an insulin dose is one easy habit that works well in practice.
Keeping your dog active cuts the risk of complications like cataracts and urinary tract issues. Monitor closely and pick treats that are nutrient-dense and formulated with diabetic needs in mind.
Signs In Diabetic Dogs:
- Anorexia, or inappetence in different dog breeds
- Skin changes, and thinning hair
- Constant Thirst, hunger
- Frequent urination, vomiting
- Weight loss, depression
- Weakness or stiffness, obesity, cloudy eyes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Breeds Vulnerable To Diabetes
Some breeds carry a higher risk than others, including Miniature Schnauzers, Australian Terriers, Dachshunds, Poodles, and Samoyeds.
The most common form is insulin resistance, where the pancreas produces too little insulin and the body can’t use what it does produce effectively.
Catching it early matters. Left untreated, diabetes leads to serious complications that are much harder to manage.
Final Thoughts
A diabetic dog still deserves reward time, and finding a treat that fits within a glucose-conscious diet makes that possible without derailing your management plan. The key is choosing something intentionally formulated, not just something with a low-ingredient count.
Old Dog Cookie Company Natural Diabetic Treats take the top spot because the vet-approved formula is built specifically for diabetic dogs, using low-glycemic herbs to help regulate blood glucose without added sugar or artificial dyes. That level of intentional formulation is hard to find in a mainstream treat.
If that option is unavailable or your dog needs a different texture, the other picks on this list cover a range of breeds, ages, and chew preferences. Your vet can help you narrow down which formulas make the most sense for your dog’s specific glucose management routine.
Treats should always be part of a broader plan that includes consistent meals, regular exercise, and routine checkups, but the right treat makes it much easier to reward your dog without worry.
