What is the best food for your diabetic cat?

Most cases of feline diabetes are similar to what is called Type 2 diabetes in people, which means that weight management and diet are major factors in the development and control of the disease. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to pick the best food for a cat with diabetes.

What is feline diabetes

When cats have Type 2 diabetes, their cells no longer adequately respond to insulin leading to chronically high blood sugar levels. The pancreas reacts by producing more insulin, but eventually the organ essentially wears out, and the cat will need insulin injections to survive.

The role of fat cells in diabetes

Fat cells produce hormones that make the body less responsive to insulin. Many cases of feline diabetes could be prevented if cats were not overfed and they remained slim. Weight loss can even lead to remission in a cat's diabetes if treatment begins early in the course of the disease.

The best foods 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. Low carbohydrate foods blunt this response.
Canned is best: A large amount of carbohydrate is a necessary component to 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. Many over- the-counter, canned foods have low carbohydrate/high-protein profile that is appropriate for diabetic cats, so a prescription diet is usually not necessary. 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.

How to feed a cat with diabetes

Consistency is key when it comes to feeding diabetic cats, particularly if they are on insulin. Most diabetic cats receive two daily insulin injections that are given 12 hours apart. Treats should be limited to 10% of a diabetic cat's diet and given at the same time every day. Stop giving treats if they interfere with your cat's appetite at regular mealtimes.