Diabetic Pet Diet: Food for Dogs and Cats

Diabetes, a common condition among dogs and cats, is characterized by higher than the normal blood glucose levels. Diabetes is caused due to abnormal metabolism of insulin hormone in the body. There are two types of diabetes - Type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused due to failure of insulin production, whereas type 2 diabetes is caused due to resistance of the body’s cells towards insulin. About 1 in 400 cats and dogs suffers from diabetes mellitus; however, recent studies have shown that it is more common among cats. Diabetes in cats is mostly due to feeding of highly processed, low quality and carbohydrate-rich diets. Most of the pets (about 80-90%) suffer from type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes in pets include weight loss, frequent urination and increased thirst. There may be loss of appetite or increased hunger. One of the important symptoms among diabetic dogs is vision problem or cataract, whereas in case of cats, there is weakening of the legs that becomes noticeable while walking. If there is any change in the general behavior of the pets, it is advisable to go for urine tests, blood tests and medical examination so that diagnosis can be done early.

Urine tests can be done at home using urine keto/glucose strips. For performing blood tests, one can take blood sample either by ear prick or lip prick. Glucometers for determining glucose levels in pets are available in the market. It is better to use this glucometer rather than the usual glucometer for human since results can vary due to difference in the size of red blood cells between pets and humans. If the test results are positive, then your pet should be examined by a veterinarian.

Diabetic Pet Diet: Food for Dogs and Cats

Diabetes treatment in pets is required to prevent severe symptoms such as malnutrition, blindness in dogs, paralysis in cats, ketoacidosis and other life-threatening symptoms. Treatment of pet diabetes is done by giving insulin injection, medication and maintaining proper diet. Metabolism of insulin in cats is faster than in dogs; hence, diabetic cats need more insulin injections than diabetic dogs. Insulin injections should be given under the prescription of a vet. It is to be noted that insulin products should not be heated or frozen. Oral hypoglycemic tablets that are used by humans are also found to be useful for diabetic cats. Let’s discuss about diets for diabetic dogs and cats that will help in lowering their high blood glucose levels.

One of the ways of controlling blood glucose levels is opting for diet for diabetic dogs and cats. Choice of diet for diabetic pets depends upon the overall health of the pets. For obese pets, diets with low carbohydrate and fat content are recommended, whereas for underweight pets, the diet should contain a balanced proportion of all the nutrients. Diets for controlling weight can have similar effect as diabetic diets for maintaining glucose levels.

It is very important to check the nutrient quality and the carbohydrate content while feeding diabetic cats. Diabetic cat foods should be low in carbohydrates and rich in proteins. It is found out that low carbohydrate diet reduces the need of insulin in the body. All commercial standard foods for cats are low in carbohydrates, moderately rich in fat and highly rich in protein. In addition, there are certain recipes of raw meat diets for cats that can provide proper nutrition for diabetic cats. Avoid dry foods as they contain high carbohydrates.

In order to maintain the nutrient composition, commercially produced diets are recommended rather than feeding homemade foods. If you do want to feed your pet with homemade food, it is advisable to consult the vet about the nutrient requirements. In case of non-availability of commercial diets, standard canned pet foods can be given. However, check the label for nutritional contents of the canned foods before feeding them to your pet.

Diabetic diet for pets should contain adequate amount of fiber as it slackens the digestion of carbohydrates, resulting in slow release of sugar into the blood stream. Intake of low carbohydrates diet can be supplemented with low fat and protein content, if the diabetic pet has other health complications such as pancreatitis or kidney problems. Diabetic dogs and cats should be fed less food at a time with increase in feeding frequencies.

It is advisable to consult and seek advice from a veterinarian before selecting foods for diabetic pets. Also take advice about the exercises that should be included while treating diabetic pets. There is a risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic dogs and cats that are being treated with insulin injections. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, lethargy and sleepiness. Hypoglycemia treatment is done by feeding glucose-containing foods. In case the pet is unconscious, glucose administration is done via mouth or intravenous injections.