Healthy Homemade Dog Treats for Diabetic Dogs
Low-glycemic, high-protein homemade treats designed for diabetic dogs. Made with chickpea flour, lean chicken, and green beans to keep blood sugar stable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour (low glycemic)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour and finely diced cooked chicken.
- Add the finely chopped green beans. The smaller the pieces, the better they will hold together in the dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the chicken broth and melted coconut oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. It should be firm but workable.
- Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble for small dogs or a grape for larger dogs.
- Place on the baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until firm and dry. Cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 20 per treat
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0g
Tips & Notes
Here are some important tips to help you get the best results from this recipe:
- Chickpea flour has a lower glycemic index than wheat or rice flour, making it better for diabetic dogs.
- Consistency is critical for diabetic dogs. Give treats at the same times each day and keep portions identical to avoid blood sugar spikes.
- Avoid all forms of sugar, honey, molasses, and high-glycemic ingredients like white flour and white rice in treats for diabetic dogs.
- Green beans are an excellent low-calorie, low-sugar treat by themselves. Many vets recommend plain steamed green beans as snacks for diabetic dogs.
- Always coordinate your treat plan with your veterinarian, as treats can affect insulin dosing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What treats are safe for diabetic dogs?
Safe treats for diabetic dogs are low in simple carbohydrates and sugars while being high in protein and fiber. Good options include small pieces of cooked lean chicken or turkey, raw or steamed green beans, small amounts of blueberries, and homemade treats made with low-glycemic flours like chickpea flour. Avoid all commercial treats with added sugars, corn syrup, molasses, wheat flour, or white rice flour.
What is a good low-carb treat for a diabetic dog?
Excellent low-carb treats for diabetic dogs include small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, dehydrated lean meat strips, steamed green beans, small pieces of cucumber, and blueberries in moderation. Homemade treats using chickpea flour, almond flour, or coconut flour as a base are lower in carbohydrates than wheat-based alternatives. Keep treat portions very small to minimize blood sugar impact.
Can diabetic dogs have peanut butter?
Diabetic dogs can have small amounts of natural peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsweetened) as an occasional treat. Peanut butter is relatively low in carbohydrates but high in fat and calories, so use it sparingly. Choose brands with no added sugar or honey. A quarter teaspoon to half teaspoon is an appropriate amount depending on your dog's size. Always check with your vet about any treats, as they may affect insulin timing.
How often can I give treats to my diabetic dog?
Diabetic dogs can still enjoy treats, but timing and consistency matter. Give treats at the same time each day, ideally between meals when they would naturally have a small snack. Keep treats to 5 percent or less of daily caloric intake. Always use the same type and amount of treats so you and your vet can properly calibrate insulin doses. Sudden changes in treat type or quantity can destabilize blood sugar management.