The best wet canned food for cats with diabetes is a low-carb one that helps in keeping blood sugar under control while still providing all the needed nutrients your feline friend needs to thrive such as fats and protein. With diabetes and obesity being linked very closely, great foods can also be able to help your furry pal to slim down and reach the healthy normal weight.
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Things to Know About Feline Diabetes
There are 2 main types of feline diabetes – type 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes is extremely rare among cats. It is an autoimmune disorder which destroys the ability of a patient to produce insulin. Once again, only a small percentage of diabetic feline species have type 1.
On the other hand, most diabetic cats show type 2 diabetes metabolic patterns. Type 2 diabetes is also known as high blood sugar or idiopathic hyperglycemia. It is an endocrine condition which usually involves some combinations of diminished insulin production and insulin resistance. Without insulin working well in a cat’s body, glucose may remain in the bloodstream instead of being converted into energy.
In many ways, high blood sugar levels can affect your cat which can lead to weakness, unwell feeling, excessive urination, and lethargy. Below, we have listed the best canned cat foods for your diabetic feline friend in order for him to have a healthy and happy life.
Best Canned Foods for Cats with Diabetes
1. Nom Nom Flavorful Fish Feast Cat Canned Food
- Low carbohydrate content at just 5%
- Customized portion sizes that help with consistent weight loss
- Specially made for diabetic cats with high-value animal protein
2. Hound & Gatos Salmon Canned Cat Food
- Moisture-rich
- Made with just a single source of protein, which is from animals
- Zero carb content
3. Tiki Cat Hookena Luau Canned Cat Food
- Low in fat and packed with moisture content
- Exceptionally low in carb
- Contains tuna fish oil that serves as a good source of omega 3s
4. Purina Fancy Feast Flaked Fish and Shrimp Feast Cat Canned Food
- Highly-rated cat food that most felines seem to love
- Extremely low carb level
- Low-fat and moisture-rich to encourage a much healthier weight
5.Instinct by Nature’s Original Variety Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
- A very nourishing option for felines who need to gain extra weight
- Low in carbohydrates
- Rich in biologically-appropriate protein that comes from animals
Who Should Buy Specially Formulated Diabetic Cat Food?
Once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you must give him special diabetic cat food. This is because the combination of low carbohydrates and high protein helps to prevent blood sugar spikes that can be very detrimental to diabetic cats. Cat food suited to cats with diabetes also has low calories since moist diabetic felines are overweight. Also, even if it is not listed as a specially formulated diabetic cat food, if the nutrient levels are correct, then it will still benefit your cat.
Signs Your Cat Has Diabetes
Different cats show different signs of diabetes. Therefore, do not expect to see all diabetes symptoms in your feline friend. However, the most common signs of a diabetic cat include increased urination and thirst, increased hunger, dramatic weight loss, vomiting, weakness, collapsing, or decreased activity.
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Common Questions About What Food to Give a Diabetic Cat
Can Diabetic Cats Be Controlled with Proper Diet?
Most type 2 diabetic cats and all type 1 diabetic cats need to have insulin shots to control their blood sugar levels. But it’s sometimes possible for cats with type 2 diabetes to be controlled with a specialized diet alone with the help of an expert vet. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of feline diabetes and more cats have been treated using a specialized diet.
How Many Times a Day Should You Feed a Cat with Diabetes?
Cats on insulin shots that are short-acting should stick to 2 to 3 meals daily, low carb, small snack in between are also okay if necessary. However, bear in mind that free-feeding your cat would cause too many spikes of blood sugar. If your cat is not dependent on insulin, then you can stick to the feeding schedule that works well for you and your feline friend.
How Long Can Diabetic Cats Live?
As long as you give your cat the right diabetic diet and go along with the recommended treatment and medication plan of your trusted veterinarian, then your cat can surely live to a cat’s full life expectance. If treated properly, diabetes is not a life-limiting disease in cats. This is why it’s best to give him the right diet and medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Conclusion
We mostly covered wet canned cat food for diabetic diet in this article since most cats with diabetes are overweight. Because of that, it is very important to choose a diet that will encourage a diabetic cat’s gradual weight loss. Compared to calorie-dense dry cat food like kibble, moisture-rich canned foods are way more satisfying and can surely help your feline friend to stay satisfied and hydrated between meals.
