Dry food is a common choice of cat owners; kibble food has a lot of benefits and it is also reasonably priced. However, dry food may not be recommended for all cats; cats with a health problem may need a special prescription canned food. The diet of a diabetic cat must be low in carbohydrates and typically the dry food contains a lot of carbohydrates.
Dry Food Advantages
Dry food has a few advantages; the food is concentrated and you only need to feed your cat small amounts of food that will contain the necessary nutrients. In addition, the dry food also has dental benefits; it will clean the teeth and remove plaque, preventing the calculus deposits. The price is also a strong selling point for dry food.
On the other hand, the dry food contains a lot of fillers which are rich in carbohydrates. This may not be healthy and may cause different health issues such as obesity or diabetes. In addition, cats with kidney problems require wet food, as the dry food is less digestible than wet food.
Dry Food for Diabetic Cats
Dry food is not recommended for diabetic cats, as the food contains a high amount of carbohydrates and these will increase the glucose levels in the cat’s blood.
In fact, studies have linked the occurrence of diabetes to the consumption of kibble food. The cat’s system may not be able to assimilate a high amount of carbs and this will result in a high glucose in the blood and the occurrence of diabetes symptoms.
Consequently, a cat that has been diagnosed with diabetes should stay away from dry food.
Most prescription foods for diabetic cats are canned, wet foods. There may be feline kibble food that is low in carbs, but you should consult your vet prior to administering this to your cat.
Low Carb Food for Diabetic Cats
The food for diabetic cats should be low in carbohydrates. Consequently, canned food is more recommended than dry food, as canned food has a lower percentage of carbs.
There is also the option of home made food; preparing the food at home requires some time, but at least the cat will get a reduced amount of carbohydrates and this will keep the diabetes under control. It is essential to talk to the vet prior to switching to a home made diet, so as to be able to prepare food that contains all the required nutrients for your pet.
Dry Treats for Diabetic Cats
Special dry treats are allowed for diabetic cats, but these must have a low percentage of carbs or no carbs at all. These dry treats are essential to maintain the cat’s teeth healthy.
You may prepare the treats at home using a dehydrator or you may opt for raw vegetable treats such as baby carrots, broccoli or red peppers. These treats have a rough texture that provides dental benefits; natural treats may replace the dry commercial treats, being more beneficial for the diabetic cats’ health.