Diabetes and Nutrition
Diabetes Mellitus is a common endocrine disease diagnosed in both cats and dogs. Many people are familiar with diabetes as it is seen in humans. The most common type of diabetes in humans is Type 2 diabetes, which can be both insulin and nutrition responsive. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes and is insulin dependent. Dogs are typically diagnosed with type 1 and cats with type 2. Cats can also be known to go from Type 2 (nutrition responsive) to Type 1 (insulin dependent). Nutrition is the foundation of diabetic control – below are some nutrition suggestions to include in your diabetic pet’s diet.
Type I Diabetes, caused by a deficiency of insulin, is more common in canine patients.
Nutrients of Concern
High Fiber:
Soluble: whole grains, lentils, peas, sweet potato
Insoluble: wheat bran, vegetables, whole grain, cellulose
Diet Reasoning
Fiber is very important because insoluble fibers add bulk and they slow digestion. Simple carbohydrates increase glucose levels. Fiber slows absorption of simple carbohydrates, so there is a reduced risk for spikes in blood glucose.
Important Notes
- Free access to water
- Timing of meals
- Type of food (dry foods are best, no semi-moist)
- Insulin is most important – a diet journal may be helpful for you and your vet
Therapeutic Canine Diet Options
- Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric EN®
- Fiber Balance or OM®
- Hill’s Prescription W/D or Metabolic®
- Royal Canin Glycobalance®
Type II Diabetes, caused by the body’s inability to properly use insulin, is more common in feline patients.
Nutrients of Concern
High protein, low carbohydrates (CHO)
Moderate insoluble fiber (may be beneficial for weight loss)
Diet Reasoning
Protein is important because muscle mass can be lost when blood sugar is uncontrolled and protein is the main source of glucose in the cat. A moderate amount of fiber helps keep your cat feeling full. A low amount of carbohydrates can help with weight loss, but high carbohydrates in a diet will make it difficult to control their diabetes.
Important Notes
- Free access to water
- Wet foods (high moisture, high protein, low CHO)
- Weight loss – overweight cats are the most at risk for diabetes and weight loss is considered an important control measure
Therapeutic Feline Diet Options
- Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets DM®
- Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets OM®
- Hill’s Prescription m/d or w/d®
- Royal Canin Glycobalance®
Timing Meals, Monitoring and Insulin Injections
- Meals should be given every 12 hours and the same measured amount at each feeding.
- Ensure that your pet consumes their food prior to giving their insulin injection.
Things to Note
- Some cats can go into diabetic remission with the correct dietary control.
- Certain over-the-counter dog foods have a high insoluble fiber content, which means a therapeutic diet is not always required.