Short answer: Yes. In moderation, pumpkin and oatmeal make a solid base for homemade treats for a diabetic dog. Both are high in fiber and relatively low on the glycemic index, so they release energy slowly instead of spiking blood sugar. The important part is "in moderation" and "with your vet's sign-off"—every diabetic dog's insulin and diet plan is different, so run any new treat past your veterinarian first.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We're a family business, and a lot of our customers are caring for a dog with diabetes, so this question comes up often. Here's a simple recipe and the reasoning behind each ingredient.
Why do pumpkin and oatmeal work for diabetic dogs?
Pumpkin is mostly water and fiber, which slows digestion and helps steady blood sugar. It's low in calories and gentle on the stomach (American Kennel Club). Plain oatmeal is a whole grain that digests slowly and provides steady energy rather than a fast sugar hit. Canine diabetes is managed through consistent diet, exercise, and insulin, so predictable, low-glycemic ingredients matter (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Diabetic-friendly pumpkin & oatmeal treat recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, for omega-3s)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix everything into a stiff dough, adding a little water or oat flour until it's rollable. Roll thin, cut into small pieces, and bake 20–25 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge up to a week, or freeze.
Never add sugar, honey, xylitol, raisins, or chocolate. Xylitol and chocolate are toxic to dogs, and raisins can cause kidney damage.
Safe ways to vary it
You can fold in a small amount of grated apple (no seeds), a few blueberries, or a spoonful of unsweetened peanut butter for flavor. If you want to build a rotation around peanut butter, our peanut butter treats guide covers safe, sugar-free options. Keep any additions small so you don't change the sugar load.
How many treats can a diabetic dog have?
Treats should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories, and for a diabetic dog, consistency matters even more—feed treats at the same times each day so they fit the insulin schedule. When in doubt, smaller and fewer is safer, and your vet can help you fit treats into the overall plan.
A simpler alternative: single-ingredient chews
Homemade treats are great, but if you want something with zero added sugar and nothing to measure, single-ingredient meat chews are one of the easiest options for a diabetic dog. Ours are 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide—just protein, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Here's why we build everything around single-ingredient chews, and if you're new to them, our bully sticks guide is a good place to start. Protein chews still count toward daily calories, so portion accordingly.
The bottom line
Pumpkin and oatmeal are a safe, low-glycemic base for homemade diabetic dog treats when you skip the sugar and keep portions small. Pair them with your vet's guidance and a consistent feeding schedule, and you've got a treat you can feel good about. Everything we make is 100% high-quality guaranteed.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian before changing a diabetic dog's diet.
This post was last updated at July 17, 2026 14:56
