10 Best Diabetic Cat Food 2021 Reviews. We have probably heard that certain diseases such as blood pressure, sugar, or diabetes occur in humans, but have you heard that cats can also get affected with diabetes? In fact, it is one of the most common illnesses in adult cats. In cats, it is an endocrine disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce enough hormonal insulin that results in extreme blood sugar commonly known as hypoglycemia.
At times if this condition is not taken care of, it can lead to a very serious health condition in adult cats, but the good part is that it can be managed and treated very easily in adult cats. The first and foremost step is to consult a veterinarian and ask for treatment. In most cases, the treatment involves a certain prescription for cats and a portion of low-carb dry cat food for diabetic cats or wet food for diabetic cats.
Our Picks for the Best Cat Food for Diabetic Cats
In this article, we will discuss in detail the food for diabetic cats. We will also discuss in detail the 10-best food for diabetic cats with their quantity, quality, and price comparison. Choosing the right type of food for diabetic cats can save your little friend’s life. Keep reading for our top picks of the 10 best cat food for diabetic cats.
Food for Diabetic Cats Buyers Guide:
In order to treat an illness, it is very important to have knowledge about its cause and effects so you can treat your little cat more effectively. When it comes to diabetes in cats, there are two types of occurrence: Type 1 and Type 2. The treatment for both types of diabetes in cats is similar.
- Type I diabetes is more commonly seen in dogs than in cats, and it is a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin entirely. This condition requires lifelong treatment with supplemental insulin.
- 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.
The main question here is then how you detect that your cat has diabetes. Every illness comes with certain symptoms, if you notice one or a combination of the following then you should probably get your cat’s health checked. Diabetes is sometimes difficult to diagnose in cats because the symptoms may be subtle. The two biggest signs to look for are increased thirst/water consumption and weight loss despite an increased appetite.
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
- Acting hungrier than usual
- Lethargy or low energy
- Walking lower to the ground (evidence of diabetic neuropathy)
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
If you notice symptoms of diabetes in your cat, consult your veterinarian. It’s a good idea to track your cat’s symptoms for a week or so before your appointment so you can provide your vet with as much information as possible. If your cat has this bad luck of diabetes, then the first thing you must change is its diet.
You are supposed to give your cat low-carb diabetic cat food to your cat. As simple as it sounds there is plenty of variety available in the market, but you would want to pick from the best diabetic food for cats. Before listing down the 10 best diabetic food for cats, let’s investigate the nutritional value of food for a diabetic cat.
Commonly it is in the nature of cats to consume more protein because they are carnivores. The diabetic cat food must contain the following nutrition in cat food for diabetic cats.
- High-quality animal protein (ideally 50% or more)
- Moderate protein from healthy, animal-based sources
- Minimal carbohydrates (no more than 10%) from digestible sources
- Rich in moisture (at least 70% by weight)
- Complete and balanced in terms of nutrition
The best cat food for diabetic cats is canned food – at least when you’re talking about commercial cat food. Commercially 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. If you can afford to feed your cat fresh, raw, or homemade cat food, those are excellent options as well. When your cat is first diagnosed with diabetes, your vet might recommend a prescription diet of diabetic cat food. Though many cats do well on commercial diabetic cat foods.
Your best bet is to choose a healthy, high-quality cat food made from wholesome natural ingredients that get at least 50% of its calories from protein and a maximum of 10% from carbohydrates in the best cat food for diabetic cats. You should also look for beneficial supplements like fiber, chelated minerals, and probiotics as well as fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for diabetic cat food, you’re ready to see our top picks of the 10 best cat foods for diabetic cats! Keep reading to see our favorites for the best cat food for diabetic cats in different categories.
10 Best Diabetic Cat food list
When we talk about non-prescription food for diabetic cats, high protein content is the first thing to look for. You’ll also want to make sure that the fat content is enough to meet your cat’s energy requirements but not so high that he gains weight it means low cholesterol and low carb diet. The low carbohydrate content is also important, as is high moisture content and nutritional balance.
ROYAL CANIN Feline Glycobalance Morsels In Gravy Can (24/3 oz) Cat Food
If you need to seriously get a handle on your cat’s blood glucose levels while helping her to lose weight, this pick would be our first choice of diabetic cat food. The moderate calorie levels will help your feline friend shift some pounds, which should lead to much better control over blood glucose levels and may even “reverse” diabetes, so your cat no longer needs insulin injections.
This food has high levels of protein to maintain muscle mass in the case of weight loss. The carbohydrate content is low, too, with reduced starch content. At almost $80 for 24 three-ounce cans, this is certainly an expensive food, but you may not need to use it long term.
Once your cat has lost weight and her blood sugar is more stable, you should be able to switch to a standard high protein, low carb cat food. It is considered one of the best wet food for a diabetic cat.
Amazon customer review: “My diabetic cat loves this, and I love knowing he’s getting the diet he needs. I wish it were less expensive, but he needs it, so he gets it. He appreciates the taste; I appreciate the peace of mind”.
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CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food Trays, 24 Pack
You don’t necessarily need to spend a small fortune to buy your cat high-quality, low-carb cat food for diabetic cats. As you should now know, the best food for diabetic cats should be high in protein and low in carbs, and this select ticks both those boxes, all at an affordable price per serving. Although we’ve focused on the salmon recipe, you can choose from another five formulas, plus variety packs.
Both pate and cuts in gravy are available, so you can pick depending on your cat’s preferences. Though it is low in carbs, this recipe is rich in omega fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat condition and to provide plenty of healthy energy. It is also supplemented to ensure complete and balanced nutrition so your cat can start recovering from the damage done by his diabetes.
ZIWI Peak Wet Cat Food – Natural High Protein, Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Recipes
Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Canned Cat Food Recipe is an ideal food for diabetic cats thanks to its impressive 95% of protein content. Since there are no grains or potato products mixed so it has low carbohydrates making it the perfect food for diabetic cats. Ziwi Peak is considered the best-wet food for diabetic cats because it contains nothing more than meat, chickpeas, vitamins and minerals, and water for processing.
The ingredients used in these foods are carefully selected and as ethically sourced as possible. Meat comes from animals raised free-range without the use of hormones or wild-caught. In addition to being protein-rich and nutritionally balanced, this recipe is highly digestible and contains natural sources for key nutrients as well as prebiotic and probiotic supplements to ensure healthy digestion. Your cat will love the natural meat flavor, and you’ll love the quality nutrition.
ROYAL CANIN Feline Glycobalance Dry (4.4 lb) Cat Food
Dry food isn’t always the best option for diabetic cats, as carbohydrate content is often too high, but ROYAL CANIN Feline Glycobalance Dry is specifically formulated for diabetic cats and does a good job of regulating glucose. That is why it is considered one of the best dry food for diabetic cats.
The high protein content releases energy slowly, which helps to prevent spikes and crashes of blood sugar that often occur after eating and can be especially problematic for cats with diabetes. This is a veterinary diet and generally recommended for short-term use (around six months) after which you should check with your cat’s vet to see if there are any improvements in her condition. It is the perfect option if you are looking for low-carb dry cat food for diabetic cats.
Veterinary Diets Purina Pro Plan DM Dietetic Management Dry Food – (1) 10 lb. Bag
Veterinary diets by Purina pro plan is specially made food for diabetic cats. Their essential health concerns have been taken into consideration for making this category of Purina cat food. If you are looking for high protein consistency but low- carbohydrates, then this pick is perfect as low-carb dry cat food for diabetic cats.
It not only controls diabetics and sugar levels in cats but it also controls weight as diabetic cats are prone to gain weight very quickly. The high protein, low carbohydrate formula was specifically designed for weight management and stabilizing blood sugar in cats. This recipe is highly digestible and contains natural sources for key nutrients as well as prebiotic and probiotic supplements to ensure healthy digestion with levels of antioxidants and Omega minerals.
Amazon customer review: “My very large cat was diabetic and had to get insulin shots. I put him on a diet with this prescription cat food and after 6 months he was down in weight enough so that he no longer needed insulin shots and is no longer considered diabetic. It has been almost 4 years now and we are still using this food and both of my cats love it. Great for managing cat weight, and clearly it tastes good as they gobble it up”.
Dave’S Pet Food 95% Grain-Free Wet Canned Cat Food, 5.5 Oz Can (Case Of 24)
Another one of the most demanded foods for diabetic cats is Dave’s pet food. When you add food allergies and sensitivities to your cat’s diabetes, you start running out of good options for cat food. Dave’S Pet Food 95% Grain-Free Wet Canned Cat Food is, however, an excellent choice of food for diabetic cats. It features a single source of premium animal protein.
This recipe contains less than 10% carbohydrate and is very rich in both fiber and moisture. It is a grain-free recipe and comes in a variety of flavors such as beef and beef liver pate, Chicken and chicken liver pate, salmon pate and tuna and chicken pate as well as turkey and turkey pate. It is also the most demanding and considered best-wet food for diabetic cats.
Solid Gold – Indigo Moon – High Protein & Grain-Free – Holistic Dry Cat Food for All Life Stages
If you like to provide the perfect blend food for a diabetic cat with a variety of choices, consider this brand called Solid Gold – Indigo Moon – High Protein & Grain-Free – Holistic Dry Cat Food for All Life Stages. This multi-pack comes with two different formulas featuring real chicken and Alaskan pollock for a high-protein, low-carb cat food for diabetic cats.
Another source of protein is taken from an egg. The recipe is packed with premium animal proteins, free from grains, and loaded with quality nutrition. They are very rich in moisture (at least 78%) and contain plenty of dietary fiber for healthy digestion. They also contain a blend of omega fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat health. Holistic dry cat food is considered one of the best dry cat foods for diabetic cats.
Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management for Cats 24/5.5oz cans
Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management brand feline formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for the option of food for diabetic cats and has been formulated to achieve the following characteristics: a high concentration of dietary protein, low concentration of dietary carbohydrates, a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and high concentration of antioxidants.
Another great option of wet cat food for diabetic cats. This recipe is high in moisture and dietary fiber and contains no artificial additives. Simply put, it contains only wholesome, natural ingredients in a recipe designed to deliver complete and balanced nutrition that is highly digestible. It also contains boosted levels of vitamin E.
Amazon customer review: “I get this food for my diabetic cat from my vet & it’s $10 cheaper per case. My cat developed a food sensitivity to the pate version of this food. This food has 10 carbs which are the max diabetic cats can have”.
Pure bites Mixers Wild Skipjack Tuna In Water Pet Food For Cats, 1.76 Oz. / 50 G, Case Of 12
Diabetic cat food is most often found very expensive for the pocket. This brand-named pure bite mixer is very affordable and likewise healthy food for diabetic cats. Not only is this recipe packed with protein Tuna, but it delivers plenty of omega fatty acids as well to maintain the condition of your cat’s skin and coat.
This formula is made in small batches to ensure nutritional integrity and freshness. It is a great variety to give food for diabetic cats. Your cat will love this affordable and healthy flavor as well. After all, fish is the most favorite food for diabetic cats.
Hills Diet w/d Feline Low Fat-Glucose Management Gastrointestinal with Chicken
Hills Diet w/d Feline Low Fat-Glucose Management Gastrointestinal- Chicken product line is all grain-free and rich in protein, making it a great choice of wet canned food for diabetic cats. This chicken Recipe Canned Food is a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a more affordable option and your cat tolerates chicken well.
This formula is designed for digestibility and to provide premium-quality animal protein with no by-products. Hills diet is highly recommended as the best wet food for diabetic cats. It is rich in moisture and fiber for healthy digestion and packs a punch when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids as well. Overall, this is a rich source of protein that is low in carbohydrates for diabetic cats.
F.A.Qs- Food for Diabetic Cats
Can you free feed a diabetic cat?
Some veterinarians recommend free feeding for diabetic cats because frequent small meals may help to better manage the cat’s blood sugar. If your cat is overweight or has trouble moderating his own intake, however, free-feeding is not recommended, and you should feed several small meals throughout the day instead.
Can a cat survive with diabetes?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes, but it is a completely manageable condition. Some cats will require short-term or life-long insulin therapy, but there is no reason they cannot be completely healthy otherwise. Once your cat achieves a healthy body weight and you manage to get his blood sugar stabilized, he may lose the need for insulin therapy, but you’ll still need to manage his blood sugar levels with controlled feeding and a low-carb diet.
How can I treat my cat’s diabetes naturally?
If your cat has Type I diabetes, he has a medical need for insulin therapy – his body doesn’t produce any of it on its own. For Type II diabetes, insulin therapy is often recommended, but some cats do just fine with dietary management. You’ll need to talk to your veterinarian about the options and which one is best for your cat’s condition.
How many times a day do you feed a diabetic cat?
Many veterinarians recommend feeding diabetic cats several small meals throughout the day to keep their blood sugar stable. Other veterinarians recommend free feeding. If your cat needs to gain weight, free-feeding may be a good option – especially if you’re not home during the day to feed him several small meals. If your cat needs to lose weight, feeding several small meals while controlling his intake of fat and calories will help him feel less deprived while still helping him lose weight.
How much do you feed a diabetic cat?
The amount you feed your diabetic cat has nothing to do with his condition – it all depends on his age, weight, and activity level. The best thing to do is to choose a low-carb cat food and follow the feeding recommendations on the package according to your cat’s age and weight. If your cat needs to lose weight, you may need to reduce his portion and, if he needs to gain weight, add an extra small meal.
Conclusion
If your little friend has been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to work closely with your veterinarian to come up with a customized treatment plan. Managing your cat’s diabetes will involve insulin therapy as well as dietary management – you’ll need to switch to low-carb cat food for diabetic cats.
Simply try one of the best cat foods for diabetic cats that we’ve reviewed above. If you see similar symptoms as mentioned contact the vet immediately and take precautionary actions in terms of giving the best non-prescription cat food for diabetic cats.