My cat has diabetes and has just switched to PZI Vet Insulin. Early this year I switched him to Wellness Brand grain-free wet and dry food. Can a diet such as this eliminate his need for insulin?
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Philip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
The main thing about the diet your kitty should be on is that it should be high in protein. Purina D/M is a great diet for diabetic cats. You should also ask your VET. about a new insulin (Glargine) it has really helped a lot of kitties. You can always go to an internist and get a second opinion.
Sincerely, Dr. Sabria
Crossroads Animal Hospital
Hello–
I have had my first expierience of a cat, given up for DM, that I switched to Wellness canned and some dry Purina DM diet that has resolved the dz within a few days. Of course I was not giving him his 4 units of insulin daily nor was I letting him free feed all day. I was feeding him only twice a day 1/2 can of wellness and a small amount of high protein dry DM.
Cats are naturally 95% diet protein eaters. To feed them a dry diet that is only 20% protein will of course stress their capacities to deal with carbohydrates, (which, when digested, become glucose, just as in humans).
Something to ponder.
Elaine Parliman, DVM
No! No food can eliminate your cat’s need for insulin. Food helps keep his insulin requirements constant. Many management factors need to be included in the diabetic’s care but the insulin is of prime importance.
Dr. Carolyn Woodruff
Knife River Veterinary Clinic
Beulah, NC
My Puff was diagnosed with Diabetes 3 years ago. The best resource is http://www.felinediabetes.com It is a life saver. Some cats can reduce or eliminate the need for insulin on a low carb diet. Cats are obligate carvnivores. Puff is one of the ones that is able to be diet-controlled on canned food less than 10% carbs. Remember, you can’t just stop giving insulin. Are you doing blood tests prior to giving the shot and doing curves at home?
Now in fairness, once you let your body have what it wants, when it wants it and just as much as it wants, then it is likely to be a lot less demanding. You are likely to end up eating a lot less than usual