Diabetes isn’t an epidemic that only applies to humans, as even cats can develop this disease. Some estimates suggest that up to 2%1 of the feline population has diabetes. Since obesity is a risk factor for diabetes and 30–35% of cats2 are considered obese, it’s no surprise that diabetes is so prevalent. If your kitty has been diagnosed with this condition, know it is not a death sentence. On the contrary, with treatment and a proper diet, your cat can live a long and healthy life and may even go into remission3. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect food to support your cat’s condition, we can help. Keep reading to find our reviews of the best diabetic cat foods in Canada but do remember that you should consult with your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Wellness Complete Canned Cat Food
Low in carbohydrates
No artificial flavoring
No preservatives
Check Price
Best Value
Meow Mix Tender Favourites Cat Food
Budget-friendly
Low in carbs
High in protein
Check Price
Premium Choice
Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Cat Food
Very high in protein
Low in carbohydrates
Made with real organic chicken
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management
High in protein
Low in carbs
Supports urinary health
Check Price
Purely Fancy Feast Natural Cat Food
Easy to eat
Broth is enticing
High in protein
Check Price
The 10 Best Diabetic Cat Foods in Canada
- Wellness Complete Beef & Chicken Pate – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, chicken, chicken broth, carrots
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 5.5%
Calories: 384 cal/can
If you’re searching for the best overall diabetic cat food in Canada, Wellness Complete’s Beef & Chicken pate is one of the most popular picks. This wet food has fewer carbohydrates than the average cat food, which is excellent for cats with diabetes as high carbohydrate foods can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, the first ingredient is a high-quality protein which is another must-have for diabetic foods. The ingredient list of this pate is chock full of lean meat, healthy fats, and fruits without wheat, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. The inclusion of cranberries will support your cat’s urinary health, and they may get an immune system boost from the antioxidants in carrots. Pros
Low in carbohydrates
No artificial flavoring
No preservatives
High-quality protein
Urinary tract support
Cons
High in fat
- Meow Mix Tender Favourites Cat Food – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tuna, fish broth, ocean fish, shrimp, soybean oil
Protein content: 12.0%
Fat content: 1.8%
Calories: 57 cal/100g
Having a pet with a health condition like diabetes can be very costly, so if you’re on the hunt for the best diabetic cat food in Canada for the money, Meow Mix’s Tender Favorites should fit into your budget. This case of 24 2.75-ounce trays features real tuna and shrimp flavors that many cats crave. This food has been balanced to provide 100% complete nutrition for both kittens and adults. It features high-quality protein and comes in an easy-to-open serving tray. This recipe has been fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 to boost your cat’s immune system and D3 to help promote bone growth and maintenance. This low-carb wet food is excellent for diabetic cats as it’s also high in protein and low in fat. Pros
Budget-friendly
Low in carbs
High in protein
Low fat content
Fortified with vitamins
Cons
Trays are small
- Wysong Epigen 90 Cat Food – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, organic chicken, meat protein isolate, chicken fat, gelatin
Protein content: 63.0%
Fat content: 16.0%
Calories: 363 cals/100 g
Wysong may not be a cat food brand name you recognize, but that doesn’t mean you should discount it. This starch-free formula is exceptionally low in carbohydrates and extremely high in protein which is ideal for a diabetic cat as high protein diets can decrease insulin levels. It’s made with real organic chicken and is manufactured using a patent-pending extrusion process that is designed to provide the diet your pet was biologically meant to eat. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids to boost your cat’s coat and skin health and is made with only the best FDA-approved ingredients. The one downfall of this food is that it only comes in a kibble form. PetMD suggests that canned food is best for cats with diabetes. Pros
Very high in protein
Low in carbohydrates
Made with real organic chicken
Mimics your cats ancestral diet
Cons
Very pricy
Only available as dry food
- Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management for Cats – Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Meat by-products, water, chicken, salmon, soy protein isolate
Protein content: 12%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 163 cal/can
Purina’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Diabetic Management food wins our Vet’s Choice award for best diabetic cat food in Canada. Veterinary nutritionists have formulated this high protein and low carbohydrate canned food to provide diabetic cats with the nutrition they need to thrive. This formula can also support your cat’s urinary health, which is important as blood sugars can cause sugars in the urine, leading to dangerous urinary tract infections. This food has been fortified with extra Vitamin E, which can help your cat develop strong and healthy muscles and a healthy immune system. Pros
High in protein
Low in carbs
Supports urinary health
Fortified with vitamin E
Cons
Very expensive
- Purely Fancy Feast Natural Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Skipjack tuna, fish broth, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate
Protein content: 15.5%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 49 cal/tray
Purely Fancy Feast’s 2-ounce pouches are meals with real skipjack tuna and white meat chicken served in a tasty broth to boost your diabetic cat’s moisture intake. This formula provides a significantly lower amount of carbohydrates than most other cat food at 0%. This recipe contains essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B1 to boost brain and organ functioning. It’s made without any animal by-products or fillers and has been formulated to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult kitties. This food comes in conveniently packaged trays that make providing your diabetic cat with the perfect portion size easy. The small and tender flaked pieces are easy to eat and digest. Pros
Easy to eat
Broth is enticing
High in protein
Made with real fish and chicken
Cons
Very expensive
Small pouch size
- Weruva Cat Paw Lickin Chicken Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, potato starch, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 1.4%
Calories: 57 cal/can
Weruva is a diabetic cat’s best friend. All of this brand’s formulas were designed with a cat’s carnivorous diet in mind and provide just 1-3% carbohydrates, depending on the flavor. Their Paw Lickin Chicken flavor is one of the options that contain the least amount of carbs. This recipe is made with real cage-free chicken and is free of all preservatives and artificial flavoring. It provides a unique balance of amino acids, omegas, and vitamins that will boost your diabetic cat’s overall health. In addition, the broth-based recipe is appealing to many picky eaters and will provide the hydration your cat needs to stay healthy. Pros
Boosts hydration
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Low in carbohydrates
No preservatives or artificial flavors
Cons
Expensive
- Natural Balance Tuna & Pumpkin Cat Food Formula
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tuna, tuna broth, pumpkin, canola oil, guar gum
Protein content: 11.0%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 64 cal/tray
Natural Balance provides a limited ingredient diet full of premium-quality ingredients like flaked tuna. This single-source protein source is fantastic for cats with food sensitivities and the inclusion of pumpkin in the ingredient list ensures your kitty gets a good dose of fiber to add bulk to their diet and to make them feel fuller and more satisfied after their meals. Fiber is great for diabetic cats as it may help control blood sugar, too. This recipe is made without artificial flavors, colors, or bleached ingredients. Some cat owners report that the consistency between trays is lacking. For example, some trays are mostly broth while others are all tuna. Pros
High in protein
Single source of protein
Provides fiber boost
Made without artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Pricy
Texture not consistent
- Tikicat Luau Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tilapia, tilapia broth, mackerel, sunflower seed oil, olive oil
Protein content: 17.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 83 cal/can
Tikicat’s Luau variety pack is a fantastic option for cats with diabetes. The recipes are rich in moisture and protein and have zero-percent carbohydrates. Not only are the ingredients geared toward keeping your cat’s blood sugar in check, but they can also promote whole body health. This recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B1 (niacin), which can help with glucose metabolism and the treatment of skin conditions. The nutritional information provided above applies only to the Tilapia flavor. Pros
Zero percent carbs
High in protein
Rich in moisture
Fortified with vitamins
Cons
Some reports of bones in the food
Food can be watery
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Meat By-Products, Water, Chicken By-Products, Beef, Chicken
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 7.0%
Calories: 32.9 cal/ounce
Purina Pro Plan’s Urinary Tract Health recipe is an excellent option for diabetic cats as they are often prone to urinary tract infections. This recipe is designed to maintain urinary tract health by reducing your cat’s urinary pH. It is a high-protein recipe featuring real chicken and beef, though admittedly not as the first ingredients. This formula is easy to digest and provides optimal nutrient delivery. It features 25 different vitamins and minerals your diabetic cat needs to thrive, such as potassium chloride to promote kidney health and zinc to promote immune function. Pros
Boosts urinary tract health
Easy to digest
Fortified with essential vitamins
High protein
Cons
Higher in fat
Real meat is not the first ingredient
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Surfin’ & Turfin’ Pate
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Salmon, Natural Flavor
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 151 cal/can
Merrick’s Surfin & Turfin’ Pate is made with high-quality deboned beef as the first ingredient. This provides an excellent source of animal protein that your diabetic cat needs to thrive. The second ingredient is chicken broth to boost your cat’s hydration which is essential for cats with diabetes to prevent urinary issues. This recipe also contains cranberries which can further boost your cat’s urinary health. The term “natural flavor” is a little vague, putting up a red flag for us as it can mean literally anything. We like a little more transparency in ingredient lists. This recipe also contains several allergens of note – beef, seafood, and eggs. Pros
Real beef is the first ingredient
Boosts hydration
Cranberries for urinary health
Cons
Natural flavoring is vague
Three potential allergens
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Diabetic Cat Food in Canada Before you can choose the perfect food to support your diabetic cat’s health, you need to familiarize yourself a bit more with what exactly feline diabetes is and what your pet needs from you to thrive. This conversation is best had with your cat’s vet, but we can provide a little insight.
Why Do Diabetic Cats Need Special Food? Once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you will likely need to switch them over to a diet that is designed to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal protein in their diet to thrive. Your diabetic cat needs to eat a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. PetMD suggests finding foods that provide around 50% of its calories from protein. Carbohydrate-rich meals can cause spikes in your cat’s blood sugar levels, ultimately increasing its need for insulin. Diets high in carbohydrates can contribute to serious health issues like obesity, so even non-diabetic cats can benefit from a diet lower in carbs. Diabetes can suppress your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Wet or Dry Food? Wet food is the best option for cats with diabetes as they’re naturally lower in carbohydrates and richer in moisture. Diabetic cats need to drink lots of water or eat moisture-rich food to boost their urinary tract health. Studies suggest that dry foods have been implicated as a risk factor for lower urinary tract disease. Cats that eat a wet food diet have significantly better hydration and less concentrated urine. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t choose the first wet food you find at your grocery store. While canned food is always best for diabetic cats, not all canned food is created equal. For example, some options that contain a lot of gravy can be high in sugar and therefore high in carbohydrates. The Importance of Veterinary Intervention We are not veterinary professionals, but we consult with them while writing our blogs. That said, you need to be in touch with your cat’s vet not only to keep tabs on your diabetic cat’s health but also for suggestions and recommendations to ensure your cat stays healthy. Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not treated properly, can cause dehydration, depression, motor function problems, and even death. Your vet will likely recommend insulin therapy to help treat your cat’s diabetes, though some sometimes prescribe oral medications. With careful treatment, your cat’s diabetes may one day go into remission so staying in touch with your vet is essential. Some cat owners found that their pets no longer needed insulin while on a low-carb diet. Some cats will always need insulin, but the amount necessary to maintain healthy blood sugar levels is reduced. If you switch your cat to a low-carb diet, it may need an immediate reduction in insulin. If you do not reduce its insulin, your cat may go into a hypoglycemic crisis that can cause brain damage or even death. This is why you should never take your cat’s diabetes diagnosis into your own hands and only make diet changes until the guidance of your vet.
Conclusion Canada’s best overall diabetic cat food is from Wellness for its low carbohydrate and high protein formulation. The best value option is from Meow Mix, as it is cost-effective and adequate for both kittens and adults. The premium diabetic food is from Wysong for its extremely high protein content and FDA-approved ingredient list. Finally, Purina’s Dietetic Management food is our Vet’s Pick due to its urinary tract support and low carbohydrate formula. We hope our reviews and guide have helped shed some light on the importance of a diet to support your cat’s diabetes.
Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
Diabetes isn’t an epidemic that only applies to humans, as even cats can develop this disease. Some estimates suggest that up to 2%1 of the feline population has diabetes. Since obesity is a risk factor for diabetes and 30–35% of cats2 are considered obese, it’s no surprise that diabetes is so prevalent.
If your kitty has been diagnosed with this condition, know it is not a death sentence. On the contrary, with treatment and a proper diet, your cat can live a long and healthy life and may even go into remission3.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect food to support your cat’s condition, we can help. Keep reading to find our reviews of the best diabetic cat foods in Canada but do remember that you should consult with your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Wellness Complete Canned Cat Food
Low in carbohydrates
No artificial flavoring
No preservatives
Check Price
Best Value
Meow Mix Tender Favourites Cat Food
Budget-friendly
Low in carbs
High in protein
Check Price
Premium Choice
Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Cat Food
Very high in protein
Low in carbohydrates
Made with real organic chicken
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management
High in protein
Low in carbs
Supports urinary health
Check Price
Purely Fancy Feast Natural Cat Food
Easy to eat
Broth is enticing
High in protein
Check Price
The 10 Best Diabetic Cat Foods in Canada
- Wellness Complete Beef & Chicken Pate – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, chicken, chicken broth, carrots
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 5.5%
Calories: 384 cal/can
If you’re searching for the best overall diabetic cat food in Canada, Wellness Complete’s Beef & Chicken pate is one of the most popular picks. This wet food has fewer carbohydrates than the average cat food, which is excellent for cats with diabetes as high carbohydrate foods can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, the first ingredient is a high-quality protein which is another must-have for diabetic foods.
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, chicken, chicken broth, carrots
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 5.5%
Calories: 384 cal/can
The ingredient list of this pate is chock full of lean meat, healthy fats, and fruits without wheat, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. The inclusion of cranberries will support your cat’s urinary health, and they may get an immune system boost from the antioxidants in carrots.
Pros
Low in carbohydrates
No artificial flavoring
No preservatives
High-quality protein
Urinary tract support
Cons
High in fat
- Meow Mix Tender Favourites Cat Food – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tuna, fish broth, ocean fish, shrimp, soybean oil
Protein content: 12.0%
Fat content: 1.8%
Calories: 57 cal/100g
Having a pet with a health condition like diabetes can be very costly, so if you’re on the hunt for the best diabetic cat food in Canada for the money, Meow Mix’s Tender Favorites should fit into your budget. This case of 24 2.75-ounce trays features real tuna and shrimp flavors that many cats crave. This food has been balanced to provide 100% complete nutrition for both kittens and adults. It features high-quality protein and comes in an easy-to-open serving tray. This recipe has been fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 to boost your cat’s immune system and D3 to help promote bone growth and maintenance.
Low in carbohydrates
No artificial flavoring
No preservatives
High-quality protein
Urinary tract support
- Low in carbohydrates
- No artificial flavoring
- No preservatives
- High-quality protein
- Urinary tract support
High in fat
- High in fat
Main ingredients: Tuna, fish broth, ocean fish, shrimp, soybean oil
Protein content: 12.0%
Fat content: 1.8%
Calories: 57 cal/100g
This low-carb wet food is excellent for diabetic cats as it’s also high in protein and low in fat.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Low in carbs
High in protein
Low fat content
Fortified with vitamins
Cons
Trays are small
- Wysong Epigen 90 Cat Food – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, organic chicken, meat protein isolate, chicken fat, gelatin
Protein content: 63.0%
Fat content: 16.0%
Calories: 363 cals/100 g
Wysong may not be a cat food brand name you recognize, but that doesn’t mean you should discount it. This starch-free formula is exceptionally low in carbohydrates and extremely high in protein which is ideal for a diabetic cat as high protein diets can decrease insulin levels. It’s made with real organic chicken and is manufactured using a patent-pending extrusion process that is designed to provide the diet your pet was biologically meant to eat. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids to boost your cat’s coat and skin health and is made with only the best FDA-approved ingredients.
Budget-friendly
Low in carbs
High in protein
Low fat content
Fortified with vitamins
- Budget-friendly
- Low in carbs
- High in protein
- Low fat content
- Fortified with vitamins
Trays are small
- Trays are small
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, organic chicken, meat protein isolate, chicken fat, gelatin
Protein content: 63.0%
Fat content: 16.0%
Calories: 363 cals/100 g
The one downfall of this food is that it only comes in a kibble form. PetMD suggests that canned food is best for cats with diabetes.
Pros
Very high in protein
Low in carbohydrates
Made with real organic chicken
Mimics your cats ancestral diet
Cons
Very pricy
Only available as dry food
- Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management for Cats – Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Meat by-products, water, chicken, salmon, soy protein isolate
Protein content: 12%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 163 cal/can
Purina’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Diabetic Management food wins our Vet’s Choice award for best diabetic cat food in Canada. Veterinary nutritionists have formulated this high protein and low carbohydrate canned food to provide diabetic cats with the nutrition they need to thrive. This formula can also support your cat’s urinary health, which is important as blood sugars can cause sugars in the urine, leading to dangerous urinary tract infections.
Very high in protein
Low in carbohydrates
Made with real organic chicken
Mimics your cats ancestral diet
- Very high in protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Made with real organic chicken
- Mimics your cats ancestral diet
Very pricy
Only available as dry food
- Very pricy
- Only available as dry food
Main ingredients: Meat by-products, water, chicken, salmon, soy protein isolate
Protein content: 12%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 163 cal/can
This food has been fortified with extra Vitamin E, which can help your cat develop strong and healthy muscles and a healthy immune system.
Pros
High in protein
Low in carbs
Supports urinary health
Fortified with vitamin E
Cons
Very expensive
- Purely Fancy Feast Natural Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Skipjack tuna, fish broth, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate
Protein content: 15.5%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 49 cal/tray
Purely Fancy Feast’s 2-ounce pouches are meals with real skipjack tuna and white meat chicken served in a tasty broth to boost your diabetic cat’s moisture intake. This formula provides a significantly lower amount of carbohydrates than most other cat food at 0%. This recipe contains essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B1 to boost brain and organ functioning.
High in protein
Low in carbs
Supports urinary health
Fortified with vitamin E
- High in protein
- Low in carbs
- Supports urinary health
- Fortified with vitamin E
Very expensive
- Very expensive
Main ingredients: Skipjack tuna, fish broth, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate
Protein content: 15.5%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 49 cal/tray
It’s made without any animal by-products or fillers and has been formulated to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult kitties. This food comes in conveniently packaged trays that make providing your diabetic cat with the perfect portion size easy. The small and tender flaked pieces are easy to eat and digest.
Pros
Easy to eat
Broth is enticing
High in protein
Made with real fish and chicken
Cons
Very expensive
Small pouch size
- Weruva Cat Paw Lickin Chicken Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, potato starch, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 1.4%
Calories: 57 cal/can
Weruva is a diabetic cat’s best friend. All of this brand’s formulas were designed with a cat’s carnivorous diet in mind and provide just 1-3% carbohydrates, depending on the flavor. Their Paw Lickin Chicken flavor is one of the options that contain the least amount of carbs. This recipe is made with real cage-free chicken and is free of all preservatives and artificial flavoring. It provides a unique balance of amino acids, omegas, and vitamins that will boost your diabetic cat’s overall health. In addition, the broth-based recipe is appealing to many picky eaters and will provide the hydration your cat needs to stay healthy.
Easy to eat
Broth is enticing
High in protein
Made with real fish and chicken
- Easy to eat
- Broth is enticing
- High in protein
- Made with real fish and chicken
Very expensive
Small pouch size
- Very expensive
- Small pouch size
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, potato starch, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 1.4%
Calories: 57 cal/can
Pros
Boosts hydration
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Low in carbohydrates
No preservatives or artificial flavors
Cons
Expensive
- Natural Balance Tuna & Pumpkin Cat Food Formula
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tuna, tuna broth, pumpkin, canola oil, guar gum
Protein content: 11.0%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 64 cal/tray
Natural Balance provides a limited ingredient diet full of premium-quality ingredients like flaked tuna. This single-source protein source is fantastic for cats with food sensitivities and the inclusion of pumpkin in the ingredient list ensures your kitty gets a good dose of fiber to add bulk to their diet and to make them feel fuller and more satisfied after their meals. Fiber is great for diabetic cats as it may help control blood sugar, too. This recipe is made without artificial flavors, colors, or bleached ingredients.
Boosts hydration
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Low in carbohydrates
No preservatives or artificial flavors
- Boosts hydration
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Low in carbohydrates
- No preservatives or artificial flavors
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Tuna, tuna broth, pumpkin, canola oil, guar gum
Protein content: 11.0%
Fat content: 2.0%
Calories: 64 cal/tray
Some cat owners report that the consistency between trays is lacking. For example, some trays are mostly broth while others are all tuna.
Pros
High in protein
Single source of protein
Provides fiber boost
Made without artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Pricy
Texture not consistent
- Tikicat Luau Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Tilapia, tilapia broth, mackerel, sunflower seed oil, olive oil
Protein content: 17.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 83 cal/can
Tikicat’s Luau variety pack is a fantastic option for cats with diabetes. The recipes are rich in moisture and protein and have zero-percent carbohydrates. Not only are the ingredients geared toward keeping your cat’s blood sugar in check, but they can also promote whole body health. This recipe is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B1 (niacin), which can help with glucose metabolism and the treatment of skin conditions.
High in protein
Single source of protein
Provides fiber boost
Made without artificial colors or flavors
- High in protein
- Single source of protein
- Provides fiber boost
- Made without artificial colors or flavors
Pricy
Texture not consistent
- Pricy
- Texture not consistent
Main ingredients: Tilapia, tilapia broth, mackerel, sunflower seed oil, olive oil
Protein content: 17.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 83 cal/can
The nutritional information provided above applies only to the Tilapia flavor.
Pros
Zero percent carbs
High in protein
Rich in moisture
Fortified with vitamins
Cons
Some reports of bones in the food
Food can be watery
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Meat By-Products, Water, Chicken By-Products, Beef, Chicken
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 7.0%
Calories: 32.9 cal/ounce
Purina Pro Plan’s Urinary Tract Health recipe is an excellent option for diabetic cats as they are often prone to urinary tract infections. This recipe is designed to maintain urinary tract health by reducing your cat’s urinary pH. It is a high-protein recipe featuring real chicken and beef, though admittedly not as the first ingredients. This formula is easy to digest and provides optimal nutrient delivery. It features 25 different vitamins and minerals your diabetic cat needs to thrive, such as potassium chloride to promote kidney health and zinc to promote immune function.
Zero percent carbs
High in protein
Rich in moisture
Fortified with vitamins
- Zero percent carbs
- High in protein
- Rich in moisture
- Fortified with vitamins
Some reports of bones in the food
Food can be watery
- Some reports of bones in the food
- Food can be watery
Main ingredients: Meat By-Products, Water, Chicken By-Products, Beef, Chicken
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 7.0%
Calories: 32.9 cal/ounce
Pros
Boosts urinary tract health
Easy to digest
Fortified with essential vitamins
High protein
Cons
Higher in fat
Real meat is not the first ingredient
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Surfin’ & Turfin’ Pate
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Salmon, Natural Flavor
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 151 cal/can
Merrick’s Surfin & Turfin’ Pate is made with high-quality deboned beef as the first ingredient. This provides an excellent source of animal protein that your diabetic cat needs to thrive. The second ingredient is chicken broth to boost your cat’s hydration which is essential for cats with diabetes to prevent urinary issues. This recipe also contains cranberries which can further boost your cat’s urinary health.
Boosts urinary tract health
Easy to digest
Fortified with essential vitamins
High protein
- Boosts urinary tract health
- Easy to digest
- Fortified with essential vitamins
- High protein
Higher in fat
Real meat is not the first ingredient
- Higher in fat
- Real meat is not the first ingredient
Main ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Salmon, Natural Flavor
Protein content: 10.0%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 151 cal/can
The term “natural flavor” is a little vague, putting up a red flag for us as it can mean literally anything. We like a little more transparency in ingredient lists. This recipe also contains several allergens of note – beef, seafood, and eggs.
Pros
Real beef is the first ingredient
Boosts hydration
Cranberries for urinary health
Cons
Natural flavoring is vague
Three potential allergens
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Diabetic Cat Food in Canada
Before you can choose the perfect food to support your diabetic cat’s health, you need to familiarize yourself a bit more with what exactly feline diabetes is and what your pet needs from you to thrive. This conversation is best had with your cat’s vet, but we can provide a little insight.
Real beef is the first ingredient
Boosts hydration
Cranberries for urinary health
- Real beef is the first ingredient
- Boosts hydration
- Cranberries for urinary health
Natural flavoring is vague
Three potential allergens
- Natural flavoring is vague
- Three potential allergens
Why Do Diabetic Cats Need Special Food?
Once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you will likely need to switch them over to a diet that is designed to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal protein in their diet to thrive. Your diabetic cat needs to eat a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. PetMD suggests finding foods that provide around 50% of its calories from protein. Carbohydrate-rich meals can cause spikes in your cat’s blood sugar levels, ultimately increasing its need for insulin.
Diets high in carbohydrates can contribute to serious health issues like obesity, so even non-diabetic cats can benefit from a diet lower in carbs.
Diabetes can suppress your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Wet or Dry Food?
Wet food is the best option for cats with diabetes as they’re naturally lower in carbohydrates and richer in moisture. Diabetic cats need to drink lots of water or eat moisture-rich food to boost their urinary tract health. Studies suggest that dry foods have been implicated as a risk factor for lower urinary tract disease. Cats that eat a wet food diet have significantly better hydration and less concentrated urine.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t choose the first wet food you find at your grocery store. While canned food is always best for diabetic cats, not all canned food is created equal. For example, some options that contain a lot of gravy can be high in sugar and therefore high in carbohydrates.
The Importance of Veterinary Intervention
We are not veterinary professionals, but we consult with them while writing our blogs. That said, you need to be in touch with your cat’s vet not only to keep tabs on your diabetic cat’s health but also for suggestions and recommendations to ensure your cat stays healthy.
Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not treated properly, can cause dehydration, depression, motor function problems, and even death. Your vet will likely recommend insulin therapy to help treat your cat’s diabetes, though some sometimes prescribe oral medications.
With careful treatment, your cat’s diabetes may one day go into remission so staying in touch with your vet is essential. Some cat owners found that their pets no longer needed insulin while on a low-carb diet. Some cats will always need insulin, but the amount necessary to maintain healthy blood sugar levels is reduced.
If you switch your cat to a low-carb diet, it may need an immediate reduction in insulin. If you do not reduce its insulin, your cat may go into a hypoglycemic crisis that can cause brain damage or even death. This is why you should never take your cat’s diabetes diagnosis into your own hands and only make diet changes until the guidance of your vet.
Conclusion
Canada’s best overall diabetic cat food is from Wellness for its low carbohydrate and high protein formulation. The best value option is from Meow Mix, as it is cost-effective and adequate for both kittens and adults. The premium diabetic food is from Wysong for its extremely high protein content and FDA-approved ingredient list. Finally, Purina’s Dietetic Management food is our Vet’s Pick due to its urinary tract support and low carbohydrate formula.
We hope our reviews and guide have helped shed some light on the importance of a diet to support your cat’s diabetes.
Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
