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what to feed my cat with diabetes

by Prof. Lindsey Fay I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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“The ideal diet for a diabetic cat
diabetic cat
An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels . Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting ,dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death.
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is one that has increased protein and decreased carbohydrate content,” Nelson says. Most canned cat foods are already high in protein and low in carbs. But many dry cat foods are made with starch, which makes them higher in carbohydrates.

Full Answer

What food should not be given to a diabetic cat?

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  • Feeding the Diabetic Cat

What is the best food for a diabetic cat?

Your best bet is to find a quality pet food with the AAFCO label and with proteins that fall under the 95% or 3% rule. While there are pet foods for different health concerns, please talk to your vet before feeding these diets. Of course, the best cat food is the one that your cats love and you can afford, so don’t sweat this too much.

What is the best diet food for a cat?

Wet food is also ideal for cats who have trouble chewing. But kibble contains just as much goodness and, so long as you give your cat a plentiful supply of water, you can easily surmount the moisture issue (consider one of the best pet water fountainsand your cat will benefit from a clean, free-flowing supply).

What is the best diet for a cat with kidney disease?

In addition to protein restriction, renal diets contain additional potassium, lower sodium, low phosphorus and, in some cases, added Omega-3 fatty acids. All of these components are good for cats with kidney disease. What may not be desirable is the limited protein.

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Should diabetic cats eat dry food?

Cats need to be on a low-carbohydrate diet. The bad news is that none of them are dry. Dry foods, every one of them, contain too much carbs for diabetic cats. Click here for a huge list of suitable cat foods. You can use any food on the list that has 7% carbs or less.

How can I treat my cats diabetes naturally?

“Some diabetic cats can be managed on a low-carb food alone, without insulin,” says Koble. ”This is the only 'natural' treatment that sometimes works by itself. Many cats need a combination of a low-carb food and insulin.”

Is Wet food better for diabetic cats?

When choosing a diet for your diabetic cat, it's best to choose wet foods that typically come in cans or pouches. Wet foods are lower in carbohydrates than dry foods and contain more water than kibble.

What wet food should I feed my diabetic cat?

Purina Pro Plan Vet Diet DM Canned Cat Food – Best Value Our choice for the best diabetic cat food for the money is Purina Pro Plan: Veterinary Diets DM. They have both canned and kibble options for diabetic cats and come packaged at a reasonable price point.

How can I reverse my cats diabetes?

Though there is no cure for feline diabetes, the prognosis for a good quality of life is good with adequate management at home. With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.

What cat food is high in protein and low in carbs?

#5 Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Flaked Wet Cat Food This is a high-protein and low-carbohydrate product that will be perfect for your cat. This food contains many vitamins and minerals that can keep your cat's body in good health, with a shinycoat and healthy, vital skin.

Is Fancy Feast OK for diabetic cats?

Fancy Feast Fish and Shrimp Feast is one of the lower-cost foods that is good for diabetic cats. Its low-carb formula is primarily comprised of ocean fish, fish broth, shrimp, and vegetable oil. There are several kinds of Friskies for diabetic cats.

How many times a day should a diabetic cat eat?

Most diabetic cats are fed twice daily. Give ½ of the daily calories approximately 30 minutes before the insulin injection. After your cat eats, his blood glucose will naturally increase. The insulin will help drive the glucose levels back to a normala normal level.

How much canned food should I feed my diabetic cat?

How do you determine on how much wet food a diabetic cat should be given daily? Most cats do well when fed 1/2 to 1 can of high quality canned food twice daily. That is a 5.5oz can. You may need to adjust the amount based on your cat's activity level.

Is crave wet cat food good for diabetic cats?

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food For me, this is one of the best cat food options in the wet variant. This cat food contains 12% high-quality protein, which is essential for diabetic cats to maintain muscle mass. There is no grain, artificial flavours, preservatives, wheat or soy.

What are the final stages of diabetes in cats?

In the final stages, the cat starts wasting, with the body breaking down its own fat and muscle to survive. Lethargy/limpness and acetone-smelling breath are acute symptoms of ketoacidosis and/or dehydration and constitute a medical emergency. Untreated, diabetes leads to coma and then death.

Is canned tuna good for cats?

Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

How long will a cat live with untreated diabetes?

Average length of life after diagnosis is variable dependent on which study is examined, however, average lifespans of up to around three years are reported in some studies. Considering that diabetes is more common in older cats, this length of time can often represent something approaching a normal lifespan.

Can a diabetic cat live without insulin?

Diabetic remission occurs when a cat maintains a normal glucose level for more than four weeks without insulin injections or oral glucose regulating medications. Not all cats go into remission, but those that do may stay that way for months or years.

Is a cat with diabetes in pain?

In cats, a common cause of neuropathic pain is diabetes mellitus. The result is a weakness in the hind legs which comes from damage to the nerves caused by constant high levels of sugar in the blood. Pain may accompany the weakness, with tingling and numbness in the limbs.

What are the symptoms of diabetes in cats?

4 Possible Signs of Diabetes in Cats: Looking Out for Your Feline FriendIncreased urination. One of the most common cat diabetes symptoms is frequent urination. ... Excessive thirst. A cat that urinates more often will be thirstier and spend more time at the water bowl. ... Increased appetite. ... Unexpected weight loss.

How to feed a diabetic cat?

To feed a diabetic cat, start by selecting food that is appropriate and healthy for them. Then, create a feeding schedule and maintain your cat’s condition so it can lead a full, happy life with diabetes. Steps.

How to help a diabetic cat with diabetes?

1. Feed your cat wet food to increase their protein intake. High protein is an important dietary factor for cats with diabetes. Look for food that contains high quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or beef. Canned food can be fed to increase your cat’s protein intake and decrease their carbohydrate intake.

How to check blood sugar in cats?

1. Check your cat’s blood sugar regularly. Diabetic cats should have their blood sugar levels checked regularly to ensure they are not experiencing low blood sugar or other issues. Ask your vet to recommend a blood sugar level monitor that you can use on your cat.

How to tell if a cat is over ideal?

Determine your cat’s body condition score. A body condition score tells you whether your cat’s size and weight are under ideal, ideal, or over ideal. Look at your cat from the side and from the top to determine its score. If your cat is over or under ideal, speak with your veterinarian about adjusting their diet.

What to do if your cat doesn't like food?

If your cat does not seem interested in its food, you may need to revert back to its old diet for a little while to get it to eat again and transition it to the new food more slowly. Do not let your cat eat people food or table scraps, as this can negatively affect its condition.

How to give insulin to a cat?

Give your cat insulin before feeding it. Always give your cat its insulin first, followed by a meal. Doing this will ensure the insulin is absorbed properly and do not have low blood sugar. Get in the habit of giving your cat insulin right before its scheduled feeding time.

How often should diabetic cats eat?

It is very important that a diabetic cat have a strict and regular feeding schedule. Feed your cat twice a day at the same times. If your cat usually likes to graze or snack throughout the day, try to get it to eat at set times instead.

What is the best diet for diabetic cats?

It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. Carbohydrates: Lower carbohydrate diets may be beneficial for some cats with diabetes but the optimal amount and type of carbohydrate for diabetic cats is still unknown. Some diabetic cats also have other health problems, such as kidney disease, ...

How to help a diabetic cat maintain muscle mass?

Protein: Cats with diabetes tend to lose muscle mass, especially when their blood sugar is not yet well controlled. Feeding higher protein diets to cats with diabetes can help maintain muscle mass, but your veterinarian can help you determine the right amount for your cat.

Why is it important to monitor your cat's weight?

Calories: Being overweight makes it more difficult to control cats’ blood sugar. Therefore, it is important to measure food and monitor your cat’s weight carefully. For overweight cats, measured food amounts and frequent weigh-ins are recommended to promote slow, safe weight loss. Weight loss can reduce a cat’s insulin needs, so careful monitoring is necessary.

Is it better to feed a diabetic cat a low carb diet?

Low carbohydrate diets, especially dry diets, are often very high in calories. For these reasons, simply choosing the lowest carbohydrate diet available may not be the best option for all diabetic cats. Lower carbohydrate diets may be beneficial for some cats with diabetes but the optimal amount and type of carbohydrate for diabetic cats is still ...

Is nutrition important for cats with diabetes?

Nutrition is an integral part of the care for a cat with diabetes. However, every cat is an individual so be sure to work with your veterinarian to fine-tune your cat’s diet to optimize his or her care. carbohydrate cat diabetes obesity.

Can cats with diabetes eat sugar?

Don’t Sugar Coat It: The Best Diets for Cats with Diabetes. Diabetes is a common disease in cats that affects the ability to properly process sugar. Obesity is a big risk factor for diabetes in cats, but diabetes can also have other causes, such as pancreatitis and certain medications.

Is it good to feed cats with diabetes?

Lower carbohydrate diets may be beneficial for some cats with diabetes but the optimal amount and type of carbohydrate for diabetic cats is still unknown. Consistency: It is important to keep all food and treats as consistent as possible. This means keeping the brand, product, and even flavor of your cat’s food and treats the same every day.

What is the best cat food for diabetic cats?

For the most part, the best cat food for diabetic cats is canned food – at least when you’re talking about commercial cat food. Commercial canned cat food tends to be higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in moisture than dry cat food which makes it ideal for cats with diabetes.

How to help diabetic cat gain weight?

Restricting your cat’s intake of dietary carbohydrates is a good idea, and you may need to increase his protein and fat intake if he needs to gain weight. In addition to changing what you feed your diabetic cat, you may need to alter how much and how often you feed him as well.

What is type 2 diabetes in cats?

Type II diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insulin but in insufficient amounts. This condition is typically related to obesity in cats and can often be resolved with weight loss, dietary changes, and short-term insulin therapy. Here are some of the most common symptoms of diabetes in cats:

How does insulin help cats?

Supplemental insulin will help your cat’s body utilize the glucose he gets from his diet, but there are certain dietary changes you should make to help keep your cat’s blood sugar stable.

How do you know if your cat has diabetes?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of diabetes in cats: Signs of excessive urination (such as larger clumps of urine in the litter box) Increased water consumption. Diluted urine (evidenced by less urine smell in the litter box) Overweight or obesity. Muscle wasting along the back.

What happens when a cat's pancreas fails to produce enough insulin?

When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, the cells in your cat’s body are unable to absorb glucose (energy) from the bloodstream. Instead, they turn to an alternative source of energy – your cat’s muscles and stored fat. If you notice symptoms of diabetes in your cat, consult your veterinarian.

Is diabetic cat food manageable?

Diabetes in cats is a very serious condition, but it is also very manageable. You’ll need to follow your veterinarian’s advice in terms of treatment, but there are also things you can do at home to better manage your cat’s condition. Choosing a cat food uniquely formulated for diabetic cats is one of those things.

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