Diabetes is a common condition seen in cats and affects their ability to process sugar. One of the biggest factors leading to diabetes in cats is obesity. Diabetes can also have other causes, including certain drugs and pancreatitis. Diabetes is a serious health condition that needs proper care and advice. Your vet would often suggest a new diet for your pet if it is diagnosed with diabetes.
This post discusses some of the best diabetic cat treats to help owners feed their felines with something delicious and healthy. We also discuss some of the most common concerns diabetic cat owners have about diet and food.
Diabetic Cat Treats – A Complete Guide
When a cat is diagnosed with diabetes, the vet suggests changing the pet’s diet. You may have to change the foods you give to your furry friend and purchase the right treats. Diabetic cats need special treats. Choosing the right option needs a bit of research but can help keep the cat’s diabetes under control.
Diabetic cat treats are made to be low in calories to ensure they don’t add to the weight when given as a reward. Diabetic cats often find it difficult to digest carbs which is why they should be given treats mainly composed of protein with little to no carbs and fats. Such a composition also ensures they are easy on sensitive stomachs. There are numerous high-protein snack options free of gluten and grain, so kitties with food allergies can also enjoy them.
There are a plethora of treats available in the market in several varieties. If your feline friend has dental problems, you can choose moist, soft treats that it will love to enjoy. Then, there are crunchy treats that help take care of a cat’s dental health. Some diabetic treats even contain added vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to enhance the pet’s health and well-being by taking care of their daily nutrition requirement.
Best Treats For Diabetic Cats – UPDATED 2022
Treats are an important part of a pet’s routine. They should be given from time to time as rewards and appetite stimulants. Because your feline is diabetic doesn’t mean it cannot enjoy tasty treats like others. Special treats made for cats with diabetes ensure that your cat stays healthy without missing out on delicious treats.
Here are some of the best options for diabetic cat treats:
PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats
These chicken breast treats are made of just one ingredient, so there is no risk for your diabetic cat. Pure chicken breast is freeze-dried to lock the texture, aroma and freshness. These treats are free of any preservatives and are easy to digest. Each treat has just two calories, so they are ideal for cats trying to lose some weight.
Royal Canin Veterinary Feline Cat Treats
The hydrolyzed protein treat from Royal Canin is a top choice for diabetic cats as they are low in fat and high in protein, and suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs. They are formulated with soy protein so the cat can easily digest them despite gastrointestinal problems.
Hill’s Prescription Weight Management Cat Treats
An excellent choice for diabetic cats struggling with obesity, these crunchy treats contain only 1 calorie per treat. They are formulated to keep the pet full between meals and suit a specialized diet plan for diabetic cats. High-protein treats are low in fat and carbs with a crunchy texture to promote oral health.
How Much To Feed A Diabetic Cat?
Consistency is the key when it comes to feeding a diabetic cat. This means your pet should eat the same amount of food every day at the same time. Most cats are given two insulin injections daily with a gap of 12 hours. It is a good idea to offer food just before an insulin dose. The benefit is that the dose can be reduced if the cat does not eat.
The amount of food a diabetic cat eats is as important as the quality. If the cat is obese, it should be given an amount that takes care of its weight loss. Most cats need 6 ounces of food every day divided into smaller meals during the day. Every cat is different and has a more or less requirement of food than normal.
Adding about 1 ounce of treats daily helps keep the cat motivated and rewarded. It is advisable to discuss the weight and condition of your diabetic cat with a vet to get an idea of how much you should feed it daily.
Can Diabetic Cats Have Milk?
Cats are mostly lactose intolerant so it is important to consider the risks before giving dairy products like milk to your pet. Felines do feed on their mother’s milk after birth, but that milk is not loaded with sugars like the dairy products we buy from stores. If your cat can tolerate milk without any diarrhea or upset stomach, you can include it in its daily diet.
When giving dairy products to diabetic cats, it is important to ensure they undergo minimum adulteration during processing. This is why the ‘full fat’ version of milk is usually recommended. Cream cheese, hard cheese, unflavored yogurt, sour cream and fermented dairy products are acceptable treats for diabetic cats. Avoid products like ‘cat milk’ packs because they are often loaded with sugars.
Can Diabetic Cats Eat Tuna?
Tuna is an essential and traditional treat for cats. Cat owners used to treat their feline friends with canned tuna when commercial cat foods did not exist. If given in moderation, tuna can be healthy for most cats for its high-protein, low-carb content. Tuna also has omega-3 fatty acids contributing to the feline’s overall health. You can consider canned or fresh tuna for your cat’s treat. However, choose tuna canned in water, not oil, and avoid added salt and flavourings.
While tuna is allowed for diabetic cats, it should be given with caution because tuna can get addictive for most of them. You should restrict treats to about 10 percent of the pet’s daily diet to keep it healthy. Also, make sure you give the treats at the same time each day. To avoid any issues from eating too much tuna, you can limit these treats to a few times a week.