Treats, Treats and More Treats!
We love spoiling our pups with treats, it makes them happy and it makes us happy. When our dogs are diagnosed with diabetes we are often told NO TREATS by our vet. Most of the time our newly diagnosed dogs have a voracious appetite and beg for food all day long. We CAN give them healthy no carb, low fat treats! Why no carbs? Simple and complex carbs raise blood glucose levels, any biscuit type treats are high complex carbs so they should be avoided, unless you are treating for hypoglycemia. Why low fat? Diabetes and pancreatitis can go hand in hand, so low fat is important since processed fats (cooked fats) tax the pancreas.
What can I give my dog?
Freeze dried meats like Purebites are an extremely popular option for our diabetic dogs.
Dehydrated meats like chicken breast, turkey breast, cod skins, extra lean red meats are low fat and carb free. Turkey or beef tendons are a great option as well, dogs can chew and chew, they are low fat and fully digestible unlike rawhide.
NOTE: Please read ingredients listed on any treats you want to purchase, look for single ingredient treats. Flours, rice, oats, grains, potatoes, molasses, cane sugar are all ingredients that will raise blood glucose levels.
Low glycemic vegetables – leafy greens, celery, green beans, cucumber, zucchini are all safe to give our dogs. Celery and green beans are crunchy treats that are full of fiber, fiber helps them feel fuller longer. Remember, not all vegetables are low glycemic. Carrots and peas are high glycemic and should be avoided.
No fruits listed? Fruits are higher on the glycemic index so I do not suggest them to other fur parents.
What kind of treats can I make for my pup?
Dehydrated lean meats are easy to make whether you have a dehydrator or not. Meatballs made with lean meat are a household favorite, and I never had a complaint from my four-legged babes when I made egg white treats for them.
Another treat that many of us have made are gummy treats. They are carb free, sugar free and a good source of collagen for our dogs. Don’t have silicone molds? That is okay, you can use a baking dish and slice them!
Dehydrated vegetables are a great treat to make our pups. Here is a recipe for dehydrated green beans.
High Five Beef Jerky guaranteed to get your dog to do tricks!
I hope your dogs love these treats as much as mine did and do! Do you have a healthy treat option you would like to share? Please comment below or send an email to info@pharmasupply.com.
Interested in homemade treats that are mentioned in this blog but not the recipe? Click on these links to take you to past blogs:
https://shoppettest.com/blog/homemade-treats-for-your-diabetic-dog-part-1/
https://shoppettest.com/blog/homemade-treats-for-your-diabetic-dog-part-2/
If you are looking for a Facebook community to join for support, I have been an admin in Diabetic Dog Owners for four years. You can also join Canine Diabetes Support and Information on Facebook as well.
For more conversations, photos, and giveaways check out PetTest on Facebook and Instagram.