The Best Food for Diabetic Cats
· Low carbohydrates/high protein: Eating carbohydrate-rich meals leads to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which increases a cat’s demand for insulin. This is the exact opposite of what a diabetic cat needs. Low carbohydrate foods blunt this response. Cats should get most of their calories from animal-based sources of protein. Fat is needed to round out the diet but high levels can be problematic if a cat needs to lose weight. Look for foods with around 50 percent of their calories coming from protein and 40 percent coming from fat. Many diabetic cats do well on foods that are less than 10 percent carbohydrate, but some may need to go below 5 percent. Carbohydrate levels are not often listed on pet food labels, but they are relatively easy to calculate.
· Canned is best: A large amount of carbohydrate is a necessary component of kibble. Therefore, dry foods simply can’t be made with the low carbohydrate concentrations that most diabetic cats need. Some canned foods, on the other hand, contain no carbohydrates at all.
· Over-the-counter versus prescription: Many over-the-counter, canned foods have a low carbohydrate/high-protein profile that is appropriate for diabetic cats, so a prescription diet is usually not necessary. If your cat simply won’t eat canned food and you find it necessary to feed kibble, dry foods with lower than average carbohydrate levels that are designed specifically to help with diabetic control are available through veterinarians.
· Watch portion sizes: The quantity of food that a diabetic cat eats is just as important as the type of food you offer. Obese cats should eat an amount that encourages a healthy rate of weight loss. A goal of around 1 percent of body weight per week is appropriate for most cats until they have reached their ideal body condition.
· Pay attention to replacing the cat litter and urine pad in time to give it a comfortable space
How to Feed Diabetic Cats
Consistency is key when it comes to feeding diabetic cats, particularly if they are on insulin. Cats should eat the same amount of food at the same time each day. Most diabetic cats receive two daily insulin injections that are given 12 hours apart. Ideally, food should be offered just before the next dose of insulin is due. That way, if a cat does not eat a full meal, the amount of insulin can be reduced. Your veterinarian will put together a detailed plan regarding when and how to adjust insulin dosages. If in doubt, do not give your cat any insulin and call your veterinarian for advice.
Treats should be limited to 10 percent of a diabetic cat’s diet and given at the same time every day. Good options like freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and liver are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, just like the foods recommended for diabetic cats. Stop giving treats if they interfere with your cat’s appetite at regular mealtimes.
