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Question

My 15 year old male cat was just diagnosed with diabetes last week. Blood work showed that his heart, liver and kidneys have normal function and he is otherwise very healthy. We started insulin treatment 3 days ago. He currently is receiving 1 unit twice a day. We will do glucose testing after 2 weeks and make necessary adjustments to his dosage if necessary.
My question is, what do you recommend as the best canned food for diabetic cats, keeping in mind that with his age we do not want to go too high protein to put any stress on his kidneys.

My vet has recommended Royal Canin Sensitivity CR and 1/4 cup of Royal Canin dry a dayas we are at work from 6:30 am to 5:XX XX,XXXX XXX he does not have a long 12 hour period with no food at all. I had thought he "might" be borderline diabetic and after much online researching, currently have been feeding him Dick Van Patton's Natural Balance as it is hi. For treats he gets small amounts of Whiskas Temptations as treats daily.


Thank you
Sharon

Submitted: 141 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: >12

Already Tried:
As I stated in my question - we do have him currently on unsulin.

Posted by Dr. Brian 141 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

<p>Hi,</p><p> </p><p>The best diets for diabetic cats are high protein / low carbohydrate diets. The high protein level is no longer thought to overly stress the kidneys, and the diabetes should take priority anyway as it is the more serious disease at this time. I feed my diabetic cat Purina DM (diabetes management), but Hill's m/d is an equivalent product. The effect of this diet is to reduce the swings in blood sugar seen with carbohydrate rich diets and in fact, many cats (including mine) are able to eventually go off insulin injections with the high protein diets. I would also minimize the treats, and try to keep the weight stable. </p>

Posted by Dr. Brian 141 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Here is a good article on diabetes in cats; http://www.petplace.com/cats/diabetes-in-cats/page1.aspx

141 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you for your reply. I have read some reviews on the Purina DM and they are not very favorable and alot of cats do not like the taste. Does Royal Canin have an equivalent that you know of?
I currently feed him a small can or 1/2 a large can in the morning before work, when I get home and again around 10 PM. Is this enough? He is currently 12 pounds and a large cat, so we do not want him losing weight. Is the 1/4 cup of dry food during the day ok? I will cut out all of the Whiskas treats... ;( (that is his sad face, not mine!)

Thank you
Sharon

Accepted Answer

I use alot of DM, including on my own cat, and like it. I actually had more issues with vomiting on m/d. I'm unsure of whether Royal Canin has an equivalent- I use part of their line but not for this disease as I'm satisfied with DM. The appropriate amount of food is whatever will keep his weight stable.

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Expert: Dr. Brian
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 7/4/2009

Cat Veterinarian

30 years in private practice, 2008 WA State Vet of the Year

Posted by Dr. Brian 141 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

<p>A couple treats a day are okay :) , just don't overdo it, and be consistant every day.</p>

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