Recommended Foods for a Diabetic Cat

Diet is an important aspect in managing diabetes in cats. What your cat eats plays a part in how it absorbs certain nutrients. When fed the correct food, the body can respond appropriately to the components it takes in, instead of creating high blood glucose levels. In fact, some diabetic cats no longer require insulin injections when on a diet that suits their needs. There are a few diets that are suggested for diabetic cats and it may take some experimenting and consultation with your veterinarian before you find what works best for yours.

  1. Diets High in Protein and Fat

    • Diets that are high in both protein and fat are often beneficial to diabetic cats, according to Dr. Holly Nash of Doctors Foster and Smith. In addition, foods that contain the starch blocker acarbose are also helpful in maintaining a cat's blood glucose levels. High amounts of protein and fat are typically found in canned kitten food or some prescription diets, such as Purina D/M. Dr. Nash suggests that cats that eat diets high in protein and fat and that contain acarbose can typically either eliminate their need for insulin injections or lower the amount that is required.

    High Fiber Diets

    • Diets that are high in fiber can help a cat to regulate its blood sugar levels. According to Dr. Nash, the fiber slows the glucose absorption from the digestive tract to prevent the glucose levels from peaking after a meal. High fiber can also help cats reduce their weight, as obesity is a common cause of diabetes. However, cats that are thin should not eat a high-fiber diet as it can cause an unhealthy amount of weight loss. Consult with your veterinarian as to whether high-fiber diets can help your diabetic cat.

    Low Carbohydrate Diets

    • Feeding a diabetic cat diets that are high in carbohydrates is analogous to pouring gasoline on a fire and wondering why it won't go out, according to Dr. Lisa Pierson of CatInfo.org. Many cat foods are made with high amounts of carbohydrates, even those that are formulated for diabetic cats. Carbohydrates cause a cat's sugar levels to spike, contributing to the problems of diabetes. Dr. Pierson argues that once a cat is given food that contains little or no carbohydrates, cats are often taken off of the insulin or need their levels adjusted because their glucose levels are no longer elevated.