Choosing the best proteins for your diabetic dog

‍Look for high-quality proteins listed early in the ingredients

The best dog foods start with a clearly named animal protein as the first ingredient. Look for chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, or lamb. 

These proteins are easy for dogs to digest and provide essential amino acids that help maintain muscle mass, which is especially important for diabetic dogs who may lose weight due to their condition.

We chose N&D Lamb/Quinoa for our diabetic border terrier Parker. He has issues digesting chicken. It’s not surprising as it’s one of the most common food allergens or sensitivities in dogs. 

What’s frustrating is that many of the low-fat (i.e., weight management) dog foods use chicken, probably because it’s a low-cost ingredient. That’s how we ended up with a harder-to-find and more expensive food for Parker. But he’s worth it :)

Fish like salmon and whitefish can be great protein sources, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. They also offer healthy fats like omega-3s, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart and skin health.

Other “novel” proteins like duck, venison, or kangaroo are sometimes used if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities. These can work well for diabetic dogs too, as long as they’re lean and balanced with the right fat and carb levels.

What about plant proteins?

Some foods include plant-based proteins like peas, lentils, or soy. While these can add some protein and fiber, they’re not as complete or digestible as animal proteins. They’re okay in small amounts, but animal protein should still be the star of the recipe. Dogs are carnivores and need animal proteins. 

Avoid vaguely-named proteins

What exactly is "meat meal" or "animal by-product?" These mystery meats are likely from lower-quality sources. And they can vary from batch to batch. That can make them less predictable which will make it more challenging to keep your dog’s diabetes regulated.

‍Why protein matters in diabetes management

Protein helps your dog feel full without spiking blood sugar. 

Unlike carbs, which are also important to understand, protein doesn’t cause rapid rises in glucose, which makes it a safe and steady energy source. It also supports tissue repair and immune function, both of which are important for dogs that are dealing with a chronic condition like diabetes.

Look for at least 25% protein on the nutrition label

A good diabetic dog food typically contains at least 25% protein on a dry matter basis. Very active or underweight dogs may benefit from even more. 

Parker’s food has 28% crude protein. Our vet always comments on his healthy weight and how great he looks for a 14 year old terrier. 

Feeding a diabetic dog doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety, but it will likely require a lot of nutrition label reading and possibly trial and error. Some pet food stores and brands offer sample packs companies and even full refunds if your dog doesn’t like the product. That was good news for us as Parker has always been a picky eater and it took us a while to find the right food.

‍What to Look for

• Named animal proteins (e.g. chicken, turkey, salmon) as the first ingredient
  
• At least 25% protein on a dry matter basis
  
• Moderate fat levels (10–15%)
  
• Avoid vague meat sources and by-products
  
• Use novel proteins or fish if your dog has allergies or sensitivities
  
• Limit plant-based proteins unless advised by your vet