Diabetes in Dogs and Cats – the Right Diet Makes a Big Difference
Diabetes is an increasingly common disease in both dogs and cats, and nutrition plays a crucial role in its management. With the right diet, it is possible to help stabilize blood sugar levels, support weight management, and improve a pet’s quality of life. In this article, we explain what diabetes is, how it presents, and which feeding strategies best support the well-being of a diabetic pet.
Author: Veterinarian Henna Söderholm
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a collective term for metabolic diseases characterized by impaired regulation of blood sugar, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. In both dogs and cats, the most common form is Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes.
Under normal conditions, blood sugar is regulated by insulin produced by the pancreas. After a meal, blood glucose levels rise, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, allowing glucose to enter the cells where it is used as an immediate energy source or stored for later use.
In diabetes, insulin production is reduced or the insulin receptors do not function properly. As a result, glucose cannot move from the bloodstream into the cells and instead remains in the blood, causing high blood sugar levels.
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?
In cats, diabetes is often linked to overweight and obesity, which reduce the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. The pancreas may still produce normal amounts of insulin, but the body’s cells do not respond adequately. This leads to chronically elevated blood sugar levels.
In dogs, diabetes more closely resembles type 1 diabetes in humans, where the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin due to damage to insulin-producing cells. Genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders, or certain medications may contribute. Overweight-related diabetes also occurs in dogs.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets
Early signs of diabetes often include:
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Increased thirst and water intake
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Increased urination
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Diluted, pale urine
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Changes in appetite
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Fatigue and reduced energy
In more advanced cases, the pet may lose weight despite normal or increased food intake. The breath may smell of acetone (similar to nail polish remover), and vision may deteriorate.
👉 Always contact a veterinarian if you notice unusual symptoms in your pet.
Feeding a Diabetic Pet – What’s Important?
The goal of feeding a diabetic pet is to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible and to limit the intake of fast-digesting carbohydrates. Regular meal times are essential and should be coordinated with medication and exercise according to your veterinarian’s guidance.
Food for diabetic pets typically contains:
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A high protein content
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A moderate amount of slowly digestible carbohydrates
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Controlled fat levels to support weight management
Wet food is often an excellent choice for diabetic pets.
Differences in Feeding Diabetic Dogs and Cats
In dogs, diabetes is almost always treated with insulin injections. Therefore, palatability is especially important to ensure the dog eats its meal when insulin is administered, reducing the risk of low blood sugar.
In cats, overweight is often a key underlying factor. Weight loss is therefore one of the most important dietary goals. Even a small reduction in body weight can improve insulin sensitivity, and in some cases successful weight loss may lead to remission, meaning the cat becomes symptom-free and may no longer require medication.
The Difference Between Light Food and Veterinary Weight-Loss Diets
Light Food
Light foods in standard product ranges are not subject to strict legal requirements regarding energy content. They typically contain about 15% less energy than regular food and are intended for mild weight control. They often feature:
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Lower fat content
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Slightly higher fiber levels
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Similar vitamin and mineral levels to standard food
Veterinary Weight-Loss Diets
Veterinary weight-loss diets are strictly regulated and very low in calories. They feature:
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Very low energy content
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High fiber levels to increase satiety
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Elevated levels of vitamins and minerals
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Sometimes added active ingredients such as L-carnitine
These diets allow for effective weight loss without drastically reducing portion size, making weight management easier and safer.
What Characterizes Food for Diabetic Pets?
Veterinary diets for diabetes are designed to regulate glucose absorption. They typically contain:
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Low total sugar content
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Carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index (e.g. barley or tapioca)
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High protein content
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Added antioxidants and essential fatty acids
Some brands combine support for diabetes and weight management in a single product.
Dry Food or Wet Food – Which Is Better for Diabetes?
Wet food is often an excellent choice for diabetic pets:
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Low carbohydrate content
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High protein levels
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Lower energy density due to high moisture content
Wet food allows for larger portion sizes, which helps increase satiety and supports weight management.
For larger dogs, however, feeding only wet food may be impractical due to large daily portions. In such cases, a combination of dry and wet food is often the best solution.
View all veterinary diets for diabetes support:
