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Diabetic dogs can still have treats, but the rules change. In a dog on insulin, every treat is part of a carefully balanced equation: insulin dose on one side, food on the other. Random snacks, sugary chews, and treats given at unpredictable times can cause blood sugar to swing, making diabetes harder to control. The best treats for a diabetic dog are low in sugar and simple starches, given in consistent amounts, and ideally at predictable times. This guide explains how to choose them, how to fit them into the daily plan, and which popular treats are best avoided.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best dog treats for dogs with diabetes is the Green beans (plain, fresh or frozen) — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
How treats affect a diabetic dog
Most diabetic dogs get insulin twice a day with meals. Treats between meals add glucose that the insulin dose wasn’t planned for. A few small, low-carb treats usually have little effect, but a large biscuit, a sweet chew, or table food can cause spikes. Consistency matters: giving the same treats in the same amounts each day keeps glucose curves predictable, which helps your vet set the right insulin dose.
DogaBetix Ella's Diabetic Dog Treats Chicken (8oz) - Low Glycemic Ingredients - Vet Approved - Made in USA by Owners of Diabetic Dogs - Developed to Help Keep Glucose Levels Stable
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies Low Glycemic Ingredients and Vet Approved, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Old Dog Cookie Company Tiny Diabetic Dog Treats | All Natural, 2 Calorie, Vet Approved Pet Snacks | Top Treat for Dogs | Healthy Chews for Large, Medium & Small Breeds | 8 oz
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies All Natural and 2 Calorie, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Old Dog Cookie Company All Natural Diabetic Dog Treats – Vet Approved Dog Snacks | Best Healthy Chews for Dogs, Top Treat for Dogs | Low Glycemic, Supports Healthy Blood Sugar | 10 oz
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies Vet Approved Dog Snacks and Best Healthy Chews for Dogs, details this guide uses to compare options.
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DogaBetix Ella’s Diabetic Dog Treats Chicken (16oz) – Low Glycemic, Vet Approved & Organic Dog Treats – Made in USA by Owners of Diabetic Dogs – Helps Stabilize Glucose Levels – Safe & Natural
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies Low Glycemic and Vet Approved & Organic Dog Treats, details this guide uses to compare options.
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A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats, Organic, Single Ingredient | Natural, Healthy, Diabetic Friendly | Made in The USA
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats and Organic, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Marcy's Pet Kitchen-Diabetic- All Natural, Crunchy, Peanut Butter Dog Treats - Vet Approved- No Preservatives-Vegan, Gluten Free, Human Grade - Crunchy-Made in The USA, Healthy Peanut Butter Treats
Included for 'Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Diabetes' because the listing specifies Crunchy and Peanut Butter Dog Treats, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonBetter treat choices
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Treat | Why it can work | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green beans (plain, fresh or frozen) | Very low calorie, fiber-rich | Popular with many dogs; cut into pieces |
| Cucumber, zucchini slices | Low calorie, low sugar | Crunchy and hydrating |
| Small pieces of plain cooked lean meat | Protein with minimal carbs | Remove fat and skin; no seasoning |
| Kibble from the diabetic diet | No change to the diet at all | Subtract from the meal portion |
| Veterinary diet treats matched to diabetic diets | Formulated for glucose management | Ask your vet |
| Freeze-dried single-protein treats | Low carbohydrate | Check fat content, especially with pancreatitis history |
Treats to avoid
- Semi-moist treats and jerky: often contain sugars, corn syrup, or glycerin to stay soft.
- Treats with honey, molasses, or sugar near the top of the ingredient list.
- Dried fruit: concentrated sugar; raisins are toxic to dogs.
- Starchy biscuits in quantity: a large biscuit can carry a significant carbohydrate load.
- Fatty treats: pig ears and rich chews raise pancreatitis risk, and pancreatitis often coexists with diabetes.
- Anything with xylitol: toxic to dogs, causing dangerous hypoglycemia and liver damage.
Timing matters
Many vets suggest giving treats at mealtimes or soon after, when insulin is working, rather than late in the insulin cycle. Keep treats consistent in type and amount day to day. Ask your vet how your dog’s plan should handle treats.
How much?
Keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories, and less if your dog is losing weight on a plan. For a 20 pound diabetic dog eating roughly 500 kcal a day, that’s about 50 kcal, which could be a handful of green beans plus a few pieces of lean chicken. For small breeds commonly affected, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Bichons, a single commercial biscuit may use the whole allowance.
The one “sugar” you should keep at home
Every diabetic dog household should have a plan for hypoglycemia, which can happen after an insulin overdose, a missed meal, or heavy exercise. Signs include weakness, trembling, wobbliness, confusion, or seizures. Ask your vet in advance what to do; many advise rubbing a sugar source such as corn syrup on the gums and then calling the clinic immediately. This isn’t a treat; it’s emergency first aid.
Building treats into the daily plan
A simple approach many owners find helpful is to set aside the day’s treats each morning in a small container, weighed or counted, so everyone in the household uses the same supply. When it’s empty, treats are done for the day. This keeps the total consistent, which is exactly what stable glucose control needs, and it prevents the common problem of several family members each giving “just one.” Log any change in treat type in your glucose diary so your vet can see if it coincides with different readings.
Frequently asked questions
Can my diabetic dog have peanut butter?
Small amounts of plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter are usually fine, but it’s calorie-dense and fatty. Use sparingly, if at all.
Are carrots safe for diabetic dogs?
Raw carrots in small amounts are usually fine, but they contain more sugar than green beans or cucumber. Keep portions small and consistent.
Bottom line
The best treats for a diabetic dog are low-sugar, low-fat, and consistent: green beans, cucumber, plain lean meat, kibble from the diabetic diet, or vet-approved diabetic treats. Avoid semi-moist, sweetened, and fatty treats, give them at predictable times, and ask your vet how treats fit into your dog’s insulin plan.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Green beans (plain, fresh or frozen).
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