What are the best and worst carbs for diabetic dogs?

There are four primary ingredients to look at when selecting food: protein, fat, fibre and carbs. There are recommended levels for a diabetic dog <<LINK>> and it’s both important to stay within these ranges and understand the specific ingredients, particularly when it comes to carbohydrates.

Not all carbs are created equal

Carbohydrates often get a bad rap in pet food, but they’re not all bad, especially when you know what to look for. Carbs can provide valuable energy, fiber, and even help keep blood sugar steady when used the right way. 

So it’s vital to pay attention to the right kinds of carbs for the health and happiness of your diabetic dog.

Good carbs are complex carbs

The better carbohydrates for diabetic dogs are those that are complex and low on the glycemic index. This means they break down slowly and don’t cause big spikes in blood sugar. 

As we learned with our diabetic terrier Parker, we want gradual changes in blood sugar so that the insulin has time to work.

These include whole grains like barley, oats, brown rice, sorghum, and quinoa. These ingredients also offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and overall health. 

Barley and sorghum are great options because they release glucose gradually, which helps maintain steady energy and blood sugar levels. 

We feed Parker N&D Lamb/Quinoa. We would prefer a a non-chicken kibble with barley but haven’t found one that he likes.

Carbs to avoid for your diabetic dog: Simple carbs

More processed or high-glycemic carbs like white rice, corn, and wheat flour are digested quickly and can lead to blood sugar spikes. That can make managing diabetes trickier. 

These aren’t necessarily harmful in small amounts, but they’re not ideal as main ingredients in a food for diabetic or overweight dogs. 

Another type of carb to look out for: Potato starch

Potato starch is another common ingredient, and it’s worth understanding where it fits. It’s used to bind kibble or add texture, but nutritionally it’s considered a refined carbohydrate. So it’s neither a complex carb nor a simple one.

Potato starch breaks down quickly in the digestive system, which can cause blood sugar to rise more rapidly. This is something you want to avoid for your diabetic dog. While it isn’t harmful on its own, it’s best used in moderation and balanced out by other slower-digesting ingredients. 

What to do next?

Keep an eye on ingredient labels. If the not-so-good carbs show up near the top of the list, the food might be too carb-heavy or lacking in complex, beneficial ingredients.

At the end of the day, the goal is balance. Carbs aren’t inherently bad, but quality and quantity matter. Look for foods where high-quality protein comes first, and carbohydrates are used thoughtfully with an emphasis on whole, complex sources that support your diabetic dog’s energy without putting stress on their system.

Here’s a handy carbohydrate reference list to copy and paste when shopping for food for your diabetic dog:

TABLE LINK OR IMAGE