How to Feed a Diabetic Cat or Dog

Keeping on eye on everything a diabetic dog or cat eats daily is of utmost importance. In fact, an important way to manage the disease is by feeding your pet the right foods at the right time in the right amount. This will help maintain the sugar levels (glucose) in the bloodstream and prevent either spikes (hyperglycemia) or severe drops in these levels (hypoglycemia).

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease caused by a lack of insulin in the body. A hormone made by the pancreas, insulin is required by body cells to move glucose and other nutrients into the cells, supplying energy to the body. Without the proper levels of insulin, your pet will show signs of increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, and weight loss. Animals are treated with insulin injections, dietary management, and medications—depending on the severity of their condition.

What is a Proper Feeding Schedule?

Scheduled feedings will help steady the levels of blood sugar in the body and keep the pet regulated. This typically means several small meals given daily once the animal is diagnosed. That said, your pet should be fed first before being giving insulin. This is so to prevent a major dip in blood sugar levels should they refuse to eat or end up vomiting the food.

Your veterinarian will give you proper instructions on when and how to test your animal’s blood sugar levels and how to give the insulin.

What Should the Food Contain?

Diabetic animals should be given a food with moderate levels of a good-quality fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, and low levels of calories, fats, and sugars. Fiber allows the body to slowly absorb the food and maintains blood sugar levels over time. You can also consult with them if any additional nutrients are required. However, as long as your pet is being fed a good-quality, well-balanced food, supplements are rarely needed.

Lastly, it is important that you monitor your pet's weight and limit the amount of treats your pet receives. Many of these treats are high in sugars and fats, which may alter the blood sugar levels.