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Diabetic Cat Food

diabetic cat food

Discover the surprising fact that cats, much like humans, can develop diabetes. While the exact cause of feline diabetes remains a mystery, rest assured there are proactive measures you can take to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet. If your cat has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s natural to feel concerned.

Perhaps your first thought is, “What’s the best diet for my cat now?” or “How can I ensure my cat’s continued health?” No need to worry – specialized cat food for diabetic cats exists! We’ve gathered all the essential information you need, including a curated selection of the top three foods that are not only suitable but highly recommended for cats with diabetes.

Feeding your cat

As a cat owner, you may already know that cats demand meat in their diets. They require more protein than dogs as they are not as good at breaking down carbs and starches as other animals. This principle is even truer when it comes to diabetic cats. Their bodies, like the human body when diabetic, have greater difficulty moving sugar/glucose from the bloodstream to distribute it to the cells in the body. So it’s pertinent to feed a diabetic cat a diet that has minimal starch in it so it won’t break down into more sugar/glucose. Wet or canned, high-protein cat food is the best cat food for diabetic cats.

Switching up your cat’s diet

It’s imperative to work closely with your primary vet if your cat has diabetes. Pay attention to key factors in your cat’s condition like the type of insulin he/she will take, the dose, and how often doses are to be given. Diabetes is more likely to be diagnosed among older cats than in kittens. Because of this, you will most likely have to change your little one’s diet. When doing so, the blood glucose profile will also change.

This means that your vet will need to make adjustments to your cat’s insulin dosage. And the digestive tract will need to adjust accordingly. Be sure to discuss this with your vet. You also want to talk to them about how well your cat is taking to the new changes. If your cat is not eating well or doesn’t like the food you are feeding.

diabetic cat - Female veterinarian doctor is giving an injection to a diabetic cat

What to Avoid?

When it comes to feeding your diabetic cat, it’s crucial to understand what to avoid in their diet to ensure their well-being. While we’ve discussed the importance of switching up your cat’s diet and finding suitable options for diabetic cats, it’s equally important to know what not to include.

Avoid high-carb diets and foods loaded with fillers, artificial additives, and excessive sugars. Steer clear of dry cat food that contains higher carbohydrate content. Additionally, be cautious with treats and human foods, as they might contribute to blood sugar spikes. By keeping these dietary considerations in mind, you can make informed choices that contribute to your diabetic cat’s health and happiness.

Here are three great foods for diabetic cats:

Warning: Vet approval required

Conclusion

So as you can see, Although it will require a little more work it’s important to care for your cat in a way that fits his/her new lifestyle. You can use your cat’s diet as a way to help control your cat’s blood glucose level for its diabetes. This will also help your diabetic cat get to his or her ideal weight, which can again, help control their diabetes. As a friendly reminder, make sure you are taking this seriously and actively working with your vet to ensure you have a healthy and happy cat!

If you’re a dog person, here’s an article on managing diabetes in dogs that you might find helpful as well.

Sources

Your Diabetic Cat Diet

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