13 Homemade Dog Foods for Diabetics

Controlling a diabetic dog’s insulin levels is just half the effort. You also need to ensure their diet regimen supports the chronic condition.

What your furry friend ingests directly correlates with their blood sugar levels. A small adjustment in their ingredient might have immediate or later effects.

If you are parenting a diabetic dog, you need to ensure their meals will help keep the glucose levels constant.

Too high ingestion of glucose may cause your furry friend to drink a lot of fluids and experience frequent urination.

Very low glucose levels, on the other hand, may mean your diabetic canine will experience decreased energy or even fainting in the worst cases.

It’s for these reasons that we implore you to take a practical approach to preparing homemade dog foods for diabetics.

Continue reading this post to discover our collection of 13 diabetic-friendly dog food recipes to keep your dog’s blood sugar level in check.

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How and when you feed is vital to dog health.

Meal timing and structure of feeding are important aspects for diabetic dogs, just like the food type itself.

Non-diabetic dogs can have free feeding, but the same cannot be said for our furry friends with diabetes mellitus.

Giving your dog managing diabetes at fixed times of the day may do them well. Most vets may recommend feeding intervals of 10 – 12 hours.

This is mainly advised to coordinate the times with insulin injection, and it helps even out the glucose levels throughout the day.

If you omit a meal, remember to skip the insulin injection because its administration can cause a drastic drop in blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Make sure to call your veterinarian immediately after you notice your dog is not interested in eating anymore.

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If you’re looking for an easier way to make fresh, healthy meals for your dog, we highly recommend the ChefPaw Dog Food Maker.

This all-in-one machine acts as a blender, mixer, scale, and cooker, letting you prepare up to 6.4 pounds of homemade dog food in about 40 minutes.

It’s super easy to use, takes up very little counter space, and even cleans itself.

Plus, it connects with a handy app that gives you access to over 35 vet-approved recipes and detailed nutrition info for over 1,000 ingredients.

Many pet parents rave about how much better their dogs feel after switching to homemade food using ChefPaw, with some noticing fewer skin issues and better digestion.

One happy user even said their dogs are “over the moon” about mealtime now. If you want to save money and make sure your pup is eating the best, ChefPaw makes it simple and stress-free.

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13 Homemade Dog Foods for Diabetics

1. Beef & Veggie for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 6 pounds lean beef
• 3 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 bunch fresh broccoli, chopped
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 3 cups whole rye (uncooked)
• 4 cups brown rice (uncooked)
• 165 oz liquid (use half low-sodium beef broth and half water)

Instructions:

1. Place the beef and liquid in a large pot. Simmer over medium heat for some 20 minutes or until the beef is just done.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the rye to the potful of broth, bring to boiling, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
3. After partially cooking the rye, add in brown rice. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes. Shut off the heat and allow the grains to soak in the remaining liquid.
4. Mix all the raw vegetables, carrots, celery, broccoli, and spinach, in a large mixing bowl.
5. Mix in the prepared beef with raw vegetables.
6. Top the meat and vegetables with a hot rice-rye mixture. Mix thoroughly. The heat from grains will gently steam the vegetables, keeping their nutrients intact.
7. Allow it to cool before serving or storing.

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2. Lentil & Chicken Stew for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 28 cups of water
• 4 pounds of chana dal
• 2 pounds brown lentils
• 2 pounds of black-eyed peas
• 2 pounds green split peas
• 1 pound pearl barley
• 5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (29 oz) 100% pure pumpkin
• 32 oz frozen broccoli cuts
• 32 oz frozen crinkle-cut carrots
• 32 oz frozen green beans
• 20 oz frozen chopped spinach

Instructions

1. In a huge stockpot with a 20-quart capacity, add the water and bring it to boiling over high heat.
2. Add all washed legumes and grains—chana dal, lentils, black-eyed peas, green split peas, and pearl barley. Lower heat to medium and stir periodically.
3. Put in the cubed chicken breast and ground turkey. Stir to combine.
4. Add in the pumpkin puree for fiber and flavor.
5. Slowly add in the frozen vegetables. In case your pot is not large enough to handle all vegetables at one time, add as much as it can accommodate and set aside the rest. You can also thaw and combine them after cooking and cooling.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring periodically, until the majority of the water has been absorbed and all is tender.
7. Let it cool thoroughly before dividing it into containers for storage or for freezing.

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3. Chicken & Rice Blend for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw white rice
• 1/2 cup ground or finely minced raw chicken
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup green beans or sliced carrots
• 1/4 teaspoon Morton Lite Salt
• 1 teaspoon bone meal

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, mix the white rice, olive oil, and Morton Lite Salt along with 2 cups boiling water.
2. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Add in raw chicken and diced vegetables. Mix thoroughly.
4. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until all is tender and cooked through.
5. Allow it to cool thoroughly before serving or storing.
6. This batch makes about 3 days’ worth of food for the size and needs of your dog.

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4. Chicken Mix for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground chicken
• 1 cup dry brown rice
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon bone meal

Instructions:

1. Boil water in a pan by following the instructions for cooking brown rice on the packaging. Add coconut oil and salt to taste for flavor and nutrition.
2. Mix in the brown rice and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is tender.
3. Add the chopped carrots, green beans, and bone meal directly to the rice. Gently stir.
4. Cover the pot and simmer for a further 10 minutes until vegetables soften and blend.
5. After cooking, stir through to mix well and allow to cool before serving.
6. One standard serving is 1/2 cup for 20–25 pounds of body weight per meal. That being said, all dogs are unique—tailor portions to individual levels of activity, age, and health requirements.

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5. Beef & Barley Stew for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots, chopped
• 2 pounds potatoes, diced
• 1/2 bunch celery, chopped
• 2–3 pounds lean beef
• 12–14 cups of water
• 1-pound dried pearl barley

Instructions:

1. Make sure to have an ample stockpot that is large enough to accommodate all ingredients in it.
2. Chop carrots, potatoes, and celery (or zucchini). Cut beef into chunks if not using the ground.
3. Put all of the vegetables and meat in the pot.
4. Fill in with the water (use 12 cups to begin with, adding more as necessary).
5. Put the pot on high heat and bring it all to gentle boiling. Allow to cook for approximately 1 hour.
6. After the mixture is brought to a rolling boil, add the pearl barley. Continue to simmer for an additional 30–35 minutes or until the barley is tender.
7. Remove from the heat and let the stew cool for at least 4 hours before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for future meals.

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6. Chicken & Veggie for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

1. Cook brown rice in a pot as indicated on the package. Include coconut oil and salt in cooking water for flavor as well as nutrition.
2. After 10 minutes of simmering rice, add in chopped carrots and green beans. Allow to cook until the vegetables become tender.
3. Cook ground chicken or turkey in another pan over medium heat for 6 to 10 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Mix the rice and vegetable mixture with cooked meat. Stir all together, allowing it to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to mix all the flavors.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

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7. Chicken & Cottage Cheese Mix

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped chicken breast (cooked)
• 2 cups long-grain brown rice (cooked)
• 1/2 cup peas (steamed or boiled)
• 1/2 cup green beans (steamed or boiled)
• 1/2 cup plain cottage cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken breast in a skillet until it is thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat and let it cool.
2. Cook brown rice per package instructions. Allow it to cool after cooking.
3. Boil or steam the green beans and peas to tender softness, and let them cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, rice, vegetables, and cottage cheese. Mix thoroughly until blended evenly.
5. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before serving.

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8. Nutrient-Packed Beef & Barley

Ingredients:

• 4 cups lean beef, cubed
• 1–2 cups sliced liver (beef or chicken)
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup cooked Kashi (Seven Whole Grains or similar blend)
• 1/2 cup cooked barley
• 1–2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

To Add Per Serving:

• 1 tablespoon 100% pure canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon cold-pressed wheat germ oil
• 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (homemade preferred)

Instructions:

1. Preheat to 350 degrees.
2. Mix together in a baking pan the cubed beef, liver, green beans, spinach, broccoli, and water. Bake for 20 minutes or until the beef is just short of pink in the center.
3. Remove from the oven, and pour the cooking juices into a jar to reserve for later use as a topping.
4. Combine the cooked meat and vegetables in a large bowl with pre-cooked Kashi, barley, and diced hard-boiled eggs.
5. Store the entire mixture in an airtight container in the fridge.

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9. Baked Turkey for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/3 cup finely ground rolled oats or cooked quinoa
• A dash of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the ground turkey, ground oats (or cooked quinoa), and a pinch of cinnamon in a large mixing pan or roasting pan. Mix until uniform.
3. Evenly spread the mixture in a baking pan or dish.
4. Bake for approximately 2 hours, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Allow the food to cool thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Keep leftover rice in an enclosed container in the fridge for 3 days or longer storage in the freezer for 6 months.

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10. Lean Protein & Lentils for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground chicken or fish
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes or pure pumpkin
• 1/2 cup steamed green beans or spinach
• 1/4 cup cooked lentils
• 1 tablespoon fish oil or flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Cook ground chicken or fish in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off excess moisture.
2. Mix in a large bowl the cooked meat, sweet potatoes or pumpkin, steamed vegetables, and lentils.
3. Stir in flaxseed oil or fish oil for another omega-3 boost. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
4. Allow the food to cool completely before serving or storing it in the fridge.

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11. Beef & Veggie Cottage Mix for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb. lean ground beef
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat and set aside to cool.
2. Chop the carrots and green beans, and steam or boil them until softened. Allow them to cool.
3. Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl, using the cooked beef, vegetables, and cottage cheese. Mix all the ingredients very thoroughly.
4. Store at room temperature, and refrigerate leftover amounts.

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12. Wholesome Chicken & Barley Stew for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 754 grams of skinless, boneless raw chicken
• 335 grams of barley
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 70 grams of celery
• 70 grams of carrots
• 80 grams of broccoli

Supplements (per batch):

• 2 teaspoons eggshell powder
• 1/5 teaspoon kelp
• 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seed powder

Instructions:

1. If working with chunked chicken, grind it ahead of cooking. In a Dutch oven, combine ground chicken and washed barley with sufficient water to fill. Stir to uniformly mix the meat throughout.
2. Bring to a high heat until boiling. Reduce to low heat after boiling. Allow it to simmer for 40 minutes.
3. After 40 minutes, stir in the chopped celery, carrots, broccoli, coconut oil, and all the supplements specified. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring very gently to combine.
4. Remove from the heat and let it cool thoroughly. Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

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13. Chicken & Sweet Potato for Diabetic Dogs

Ingredients:

• 650 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 large eggs (both yolks and whites)
• 110 grams green beans, chopped
• 110 grams of sweet potato
• 3/4 teaspoon hempseed oil
• 10 grams of oat bran
• 1 capsule of an omega-3 supplement
• 12 grams of canine multivitamin powder

Instructions:

1. Cook chicken thighs in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with no added fat until fully cooked. Cool, then chop or shred the meat.
2. Scramble the eggs in the same pan until they’re done. Allow to cool.
3. Microwave or steam the green beans and sweet potato until soft. You can mash them together or keep them in chunks, depending on your dog’s desired texture.
4. Mix in a huge mixing bowl the scrambled eggs, vegetables, hempseed oil, and chicken that has been cooked.
5. After allowing the product to cool to room temperature, mix in the oat bran, capsule contents from the omega-3 supplement, and the powder from the canine multivitamin. Mix thoroughly to allow all ingredients to be distributed evenly.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

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Ensuring Complete Nutrition with Homemade Meals for Dogs

Although making DIY dog food means having control over ingredients and quality, it’s equally important to make sure every meal is nutritionally complete, particularly for diabetic dogs.

Even well-intentioned homemade dog food guides can lack in specific areas if not directed by an experienced professional.

That’s why consulting closely with your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutritionist is strongly advised before making a complete switch to a homemade diet.

Your veterinarian can determine your dog’s individual nutrient needs and suggest key additions that address metabolic health, blood sugar control, and overall health.

As an example, most diabetic dogs see benefits from supplementing with fish oil, which offers anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that support heart, joint, and skin health.

Calcium, commonly lacking in homemade diets, is another key nutrient, simply added in the form of DIY eggshell powder or an approved supplement to maintain bone strength.

And for energy metabolism and nerve health, an everyday dose of B-complex vitamins can make a noticeable impact on how your dog feels and performs.

With professional guidance and suitable supplements, your home-prepared dog food system can become complete, nutritious, and ideally suited to your dog’s health.

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Conclusion

Diabetes is an ongoing chronic condition, but with proper care, it can be effectively managed, and diet is an important part of that success.

By making meals at home with nutrient-rich foods that are limited in sugars, fats, and simple carbohydrates, you’re doing your dog’s health some serious good every day.

These carefully selected recipes stabilize blood glucose levels but still provide variety, taste, and comfort in every meal.

However, no homemade or commercial recipe should replace professional advice. Always heed your vet’s advice so that your dog’s meals remain balanced and suited for their needs.

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12 Homemade Dog Food Recipes