Last updated Feb 5, 2025
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The best cat food for diabetes is a low-carb diet that keeps blood sugar under control while providing all the protein, fat, and other essential nutrients your cat needs to thrive.
With obesity and diabetes so closely linked, great foods for feline diabetes also help your cat slim down to reach a healthy weight. That’s why we recommend Tiki Cat After Dark wet cat food as the overall best cat food for diabetic cats. With less than 5% dry matter carbohydrate content, this low-starch food controls blood sugar and reduces your cat’s reliance on insulin.
We love Tiki Cat, but it isn’t our only top pick for diabetic cats. Read on to see our favorite diabetes-friendly cat food recipes.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Diabetic Cats To Buy
Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken Recipe in Broth Wet Cat Food
- Exceptionally low in carbohydrates
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Low in calories to support health weight loss
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food
- Contains over 48% dry matter protein
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Only contains 2.6% dietary starch (as fed)
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Cat Food
- Contains over 62% dry matter protein
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s
- Conveniently shipped to your door
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Single source of animal protein
- Contains under 10% carbohydrates
- Recyclable carton reseals for storing leftovers
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Kibble Dry Cat Food
- Packed with animal-sourced protein
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Small kibbles are easy to eat
Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
- Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates
- Formulated to help regulate blood sugar levels
- May support healthy weight loss
Weruva Truluxe Quick ‘N Quirky Wet Cat Food
- High in protein but low in fat and calories
- Relatively low phosphorus level to support kidney health
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Contains less than 10% dry matter carbohydrates
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
Caru Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
- High in protein with low calorie density
- Cooked in a flavorful gravy
- Very low in carbohydrates
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk Chicken in Pumpkin Consommé Canned Cat Food
- Multi-protein flavor many cats find appealing
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
What is Feline Diabetes?
Feline diabetes is a hormonal condition that affects the body’s ability to metabolize glucose. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus — type 1 and type 2. Extremely rare among cats, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the patient’s ability to produce insulin.
Instead, nearly all diabetic cats exhibit the metabolic patterns of type 2 diabetes. Also known as idiopathic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), type 2 diabetes is an endocrine condition that typically involves some combination of insulin resistance and diminished insulin production in the pancreas. Many cats with diabetes require daily insulin injections, but dietary modification is key to managing the condition.
Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, Esq., cat nutrition expert and author of Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life, describes feline diabetes as “a human-caused disease that kills cats.” Dr. Hodgkins has a point. Diabetes is common in cats fed high-carbohydrate diets that are out of sync with their biological needs.
Most diabetic cats who leave behind a biologically inappropriate diet see significant reductions in their insulin requirements. Many actually go into remission and no longer need insulin injections.
The best time to clean up your cat’s diet is before he shows symptoms of diabetes. As diabetes progresses, the pancreas may become exhausted and stop secreting insulin. In this case, there’s no hope of remission and insulin therapy becomes a life-long commitment. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Why Trust Cats.com
Hours of research and in-home testing by multiple members of our team went into this review. Before making our recommendations, we personally purchased the foods at full retail price and subjected them to in-depth testing with our own cats. We also read countless customer reviews to gauge general satisfaction with the products and the companies that make them.
Throughout the testing process, we analyze the product information, research the brand’s history and manufacturing practices, and examine the food. We also gauge our cats’ reactions to the food’s smell, taste, texture, and general appeal.
This guide should not be taken as a substitute for veterinary advice. That said, we consulted with our team of veterinary advisors to make sure our recommendations are appropriate for cats with diabetes.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Albert Ahn, DVM
- Elizabeth Youens, DVM
The Best Diabetic Cat Foods: Our Top 10 Recommendations
Our top pick, Tiki Cat After Dark Wet Cat Food is ultra low-carb and packed with both species-appropriate animal protein and hydrating moisture. It may not be the ideal choice for your unique cat, however.
Every cat has their own needs and preferences which is why we’ve included a range of options categorized by price, food type, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken Recipe in Broth Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 2.93%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 20
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.76 per day
With an ingredient list centering around meat and under 3% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis, this food skips the starch and delivers all the protein your cat needs. It’s also a high-moisture wet food which helps keep your diabetic cat hydrated.
This food features a combination of chicken muscle meat and chicken organs, lending it a fresh consistency and a flavor that most cats seem to love. Plus, at 20 calories per ounce, it’s not overly calorie-dense. If you follow the feeding recommendations, you shouldn’t have to worry about weight gain.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Heart, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Tuna Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Source Of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin K3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Heart, Tuna Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Exceptionally low in carbohydrates
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Contains tuna oil as a source of nourishing omega-3s
- Low in calories to support health weight loss or maintenance
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive as a daily diet
#2 Best Vet Recommended: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7.5% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 22.57%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 19
- Typical Cost Per Day: $9.35 per day
If you’re looking for a well-tested product for your diabetic cat, this recipe from Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet line is one of the most popular. It’s a high-moisture product consisting of thin meat-like slices in a flavorful gravy.
While the dry matter carbohydrate content of this food is about 22.5%, the level of dietary starch is lower—only about 16.8% measured as dry matter. Given these values, this Royal Canin recipe isn’t as low-carb as some products on this list but it offers other glucose-controlling benefits.
For example, the food contains a blend of prebiotics and dietary fiber to help minimize glucose fluctuations. It’s also rich in protein to help your diabetic cat maintain lean muscle mass without excessive calories. The food contains about 48.4% dry matter protein but only 19 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Pork Liver, Pork By-Products, Chicken By-Products, Powdered Cellulose, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Modified Corn Starch, Wheat Flour, Natural Flavors, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Carrageenan, Vitamins [L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Wheat Gluten, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Trace Minerals [Zinc Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], L-Carnitine.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Liver, Chicken, Pork Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Modified Corn Starch, Wheat Flour, Guar Gum, Wheat Gluten
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 48% dry matter protein
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Only contains 2.6% dietary starch (as fed)
- Helps prevent urinary crystal formation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains over 20% dry matter carbohydrate
- Made with corn and wheat ingredients
- Requires a prescription to purchase
#3 Best Fresh: Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 10.42%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
While higher in carbohydrates than our top pick, Smalls fresh food is still much lower in carbs than the average commercial cat food. It’s also packed with protein and hydrating moisture to help support lean muscle mass and overall health.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This Smalls Smooth Fish cat food recipe features fresh cod and salmon as the top two ingredients, both whole sources of animal protein. It also contains cod liver oil as an animal source of omega-3s, though the primary added fat source is plant-based (canola oil).
All Smalls fresh foods are made with human-grade ingredients and delivered to your door in regular shipments. The food isn’t pre-portioned for your cat but you can adjust the size of your order according to your cat’s calorie needs. This recipe has a smooth, pate-style texture and comes in 5-ounce packages.
Ingredients
Salmon, Cod, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Dried Yeast, Canola Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Cod Liver Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Parsley, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, Cod, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 62% dry matter protein
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s
- Conveniently shipped to your door
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#4 Best Wet Food: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 7.11%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Made with 100% traceable ingredients that are both ethically and sustainably sourced, Open Farm wet cat food is a premium option. With its high content of animal-sourced protein and fat, this food is species-appropriate. It’s the low carbohydrate content just over 7% measured as dry matter, however, that makes it a top choice for diabetic cats.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Featuring chicken and chicken bone broth as the primary ingredients, this is a single-protein formula. An assortment of fresh veggies provide dietary fiber and essential nutrients with synthetic supplements added as needed to ensure nutritional completeness.
Like the previous pick, this formula is very high in moisture. Not only does this help support your cat’s hydration, but it may help protect your diabetic cat against urinary tract issues.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Red Lentils, Garbanzo Beans
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture from chicken bone broth
- Contains under 10% carbohydrates as dry matter
- Carton can be closed to store leftovers
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only sold by the case, can be expensive
- Contains some hard-to-digest beans and legumes
#5 Best Dry Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Kibble Dry Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 7.95%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.89 per day
While many dry cat foods contain high levels of carbohydrate, Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein kibble is formulated with the carnivorous needs of felines in mind. Made with 95% animal-based protein, this recipe contains under 8% carbohydrate measured as dry matter—this makes it particularly appropriate for diabetic cats.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This cleanprotein formula features chicken muscle meat as the main ingredient. Hydrolyzed pork, pork plasma, and gelatin provide supplemental protein. The gelatin also acts as a species-appropriate alternative to plant-based binders and texturizing ingredients typically used in dry cat food.
If your diabetic cat can’t tolerate chicken, Dr. Elsey offers four other dry food flavors: duck, rabbit, salmon, and turkey. Just keep in mind that every recipe contains pork.
Ingredients
Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, CalciumIodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Packed with animal-sourced protein
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Small kibbles are easy to eat
- Free from starchy thickeners and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#6 Best Prescription Dry: Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 45% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 8.8%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.96 per day
Clinically proven to reduce body fat, this prescription dry food from Hill’s is ideal for diabetic cats who need to lose some weight (and happen to prefer dry food). It’s high in protein and lower in carbs than the average dry food—plus it supports your cat’s immune system.
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains nearly 49% protein. While chicken by-product meal and chicken are among the top three ingredients, however, it’s worth noting that corn protein meal, wheat gluten, and potato protein are among the top six ingredients. Plant proteins tend to be less biologically valuable for cats than animal proteins, but this recipe still exceeds feline minimum protein requirements.
In addition to promoting healthy weight loss, this recipe is formulated to help manage your cat’s blood sugar. With plenty of protein, it supports lean muscle maintenance and the food contains therapeutic levels of L-carnitine to help boost fat metabolism. It also contains the proprietary S+OX Shield to help prevent the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
Ingredients
Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Protein Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Potato Protein, Powdered Cellulose, Pork Protein Isolate, Corn Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, L-Arginine, Fish Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Fat, Pork Protein Isolate, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Protein Meal, Wheat Gluten, Potato Protein, Corn Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates
- Formulated to help regulate blood sugar levels
- May support healthy weight loss
- Helps prevent urinary crystal formation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies significantly on plant proteins
- Contains artificial flavor and coloring agents
- Requires a prescription to purchase
#7 Best Senior Wet Food: Weruva Truluxe Quick ‘N Quirky Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 1.42%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 17
- Typical Cost Per Day: $7.8 per day
Give your senior cat a boost of hydrating moisture in their diet with this chicken-based wet cat food from Weruva. As part of the Truluxe line of foods, this recipe contains lower than average phosphorus levels. Controlled phosphorus intake is often recommended for senior cats—especially those with kidney troubles.
Featuring chicken breast and turkey muscle meat as the primary ingredients, this recipe contains over 72% dry matter protein. The dry matter carbohydrate content is very low—under 2%—and the food is relatively low in fat and calories as well.
Though low calorie density could be a benefit for overweight diabetic cats, it might not be the best option for skinny senior kitties who have trouble keeping weight on. To meet your cat’s calorie needs, you might need to feed it in larger portions than your cat is comfortable eating.
Ingredients
Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Chicken Broth, Turkey, Sunflower Seed Oil, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Lactate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- High in protein but low in fat and calories
- Relatively low phosphorus level to support kidney health
- Good source of hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be ideal for cats who don’t need to lose weight
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats
#8 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 21% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 6.06%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 44
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.20 per day
Featuring fresh turkey thigh, turkey heart, and turkey liver as the main ingredients, this fresh cat food formula contains over 60% protein measured as dry matter. The carbohydrate content comes in at just over 6% dry matter, making it an appropriate choice for diabetic cats.
In addition to being high in protein, this food contains plenty of hydrating moisture. It’s also rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids from cod liver oil, though flaxseed oil contributes to the fat content as well. The food is fairly calorie-dense at 44 calories per ounce and is free from artificial additives.
The downside of Raised Right cat food is that you can only purchase it in quantities of four or sixteen 1-pound bags. Some cats also appear to dislike the flavor or texture of the food.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Contains less than 10% carbohydrates measured as dry matter
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Cod liver oil provides plenty of animal-sourced omega-3s
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats seem to dislike the flavor
- Only available in quantities of 4 or 16 bags
#9 Best for Weight Loss: Caru Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter):
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.67 per day
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, this Caru Classics recipe offers a high-protein, low-carb option that doesn’t go overboard on calories. Plus, if your cat is a fan of gravy-style foods, they may like this turkey stew.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Like many cat foods in gravy, this recipe does contain some added starch. The dry matter carbohydrate content is still very low, however. The food contains about 50% dry matter protein as well, which, combined with the high moisture content of the food, makes this a species-appropriate choice for cats.
This turkey stew is made with human-grade ingredients and isn’t thickened with carrageenan or gums. It’s made in small batches in the United States and comes in a resealable cardboard carton rather than an aluminum can.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potato, Apples, Carrots, Tricalcium Phosphate, Celery Root, Marine Microalgae Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Magnesium Proteinate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Marine Microalgae Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- High in protein with low calorie density
- Cooked in a flavorful gravy
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cat owners find the texture too thin
#10 Best for Picky Eaters: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk Chicken in Pumpkin Consomme Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Carbohydrates (Dry Matter): 1.25%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 17
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.39 per day
Cats get tired of eating the same thing every day, just like humans. If you’re looking for a nutritious and low-carb recipe to pique your picky cat’s interest, this multi-protein formula from Weruva might be a good option.
Featuring lean chicken breast and tuna as the primary ingredients, this formula contains nearly 77% dry matter protein. It’s low in calories and fat, so it could be a good option for overweight or obese cats as well.
This recipe also contains pumpkin as a source of dietary fiber and fish oil as a species-appropriate source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, it’s a high-protein, high-moisture cat food with low levels of fat and carbohydrate.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Locust Bean Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Tuna, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Multi-protein flavor many cats find appealing
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gum thickeners may contribute to digestive upset in sensitive cats
Best Cat Foods for Diabetic Cats: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken Recipe in Broth Wet Cat Food | Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food | Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Cat Food | Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food | Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Kibble Dry Cat Food | Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food | Weruva Truluxe Quick ‘N Quirky Wet Cat Food | Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe | Caru Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food | Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk Chicken in Pumpkin Consommé Canned Cat Food |
| Primary Protein | Chicken | Chicken | Salmon | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Turkey | Turkey | Chicken |
| Guaranteed Protein | 12% | 7.50% | 15% | 7% | 59% | 45% | 10% | 21% | 9% | 10% |
| Ash | 1 | 1.3 | 2.29 | 0.75 | 7.5 | 5.7 | 0.93 | N/A | 1.58 | 0.8 |
| Calcium | 0.3 | N/A | 0.49 | 0.32 | 1.24 | 0.89 | N/A | 0.74 | 0.25 | N/A |
| Phosphorus | 0.22 | 0.14 | 0.37 | 0.28 | 0.94 | 0.8 | 0.13 | 0.62 | 0.24 | 0.14 |
| Calories Per Ounce | 20 | 19 | 36 | 30 | 113 | 114 | 17 | 44 | 28 | 17 |
| Cost Per Day | $7.34 | $9.35 | $4.00 | $4.00 | $1.01 | $0.96 | $7.92 | $3.20 | $3.67 | $4.39 |
What To Look For in a Cat Food for Diabetic Cats
Diet plays a key role in preventing diabetes in cats but it can be an effective tool for managing the disease as well. Paola Cuevas, DVM, a veterinarian and pet care consultant, says that, “in most cats, diabetes mellitus can be reversed with dietary management as long as there has not been permanent pancreatic damage.”
An ideal diet for diabetic cats is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and primarily animal-based. Dr. Cuevas notes, however, that “dietary changes should be gradual and, if the cat is on insulin therapy, the dosage will need to be adjusted as the carbohydrate level in their diet is lowered.”
Low carbohydrate content is key when feeding diabetic cats, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Here’s what to look for in cat food for diabetic cats.
Dry Matter Carbohydrate Content Under 10%
Compared to dogs and other omnivores, a cat’s physiology isn’t designed to digest heavy carbohydrate loads, so they have a limited ability to metabolize large glucose loads. Even healthy, non-diabetic cats exhibit mild insulin resistance. Look for a cat food that contains no more than 10% carbohydrate measured as dry matter.
High Moisture Content
To help flush excess blood sugar from the body, many diabetic cats develop increased thirst so they drink more water. Cats don’t tend to drink a lot of water on their own, however, so a high-moisture diet is generally the best way to support your cat’s hydration.
Cats with diabetes also have an increased risk of urinary tract infections and bladder stones. A high-moisture diet may help dilute urinary crystals to prevent painful inflammation and obstructions. Consider canned cat food, fresh or homemade cat food, or rehydrated freeze-dried cat food as an alternative to dry kibble.
Balanced Calorie and Fat Content
Diabetes is closely linked to obesity and overweight diabetic cats should be fed portioned, scheduled meals to prevent overeating. Losing weight may help you manage your cat’s diabetes, but don’t just start feeding them less of their usual food—this could result in micronutrient deficiencies. Instead, choose a high-moisture diet rich in lean protein with low to moderate fat content.
Not all diabetic cats are overweight. If your cat struggles to maintain lean muscle mass, a calorie-dense diet with higher levels of fat may be appropriate. The amount your cat can eat depends on the size of their stomach, so simply offering more food may not be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for cats with diabetes?
The best cat food for diabetic cats is a species-appropriate diet focused on animal ingredients with minimal carbohydrate content to help control blood sugar. High-moisture cat food is recommended to combat the increased thirst many diabetic cats develop and to help minimize the risk of urinary tract issues.
Is grain-free dry cat food good for diabetic cats?
Grain-free diets aren’t necessarily low-carb—many contain significant amounts of starchy vegetables and legumes. A grain-free cat food may be appropriate for a diabetic cat if it contains less than 10% carbohydrate measured as dry matter.
Should diabetic cats eat dry food?
Every recipe is different, so it’s important to evaluate the product on its nutritional merits before feeding it to your cat. That said, wet cat food may be a more species-appropriate choice for cats than dry food and many diabetic cats can benefit from the higher moisture content.
How many times a day should a diabetic cat eat?
Measured, timed meals are recommended for diabetic cats—two daily meals works for most cats. Sticking to a feeding schedule is particularly important if your cat requires insulin injections. Follow your vet’s advice for timing your cat’s meals appropriate with their insulin injections to prevent hypoglycemia.
Just found out my cat had diabetes, according to the blood tests and vet was caught early, but between the vet visit(s) and insulin and needle tips it’s taken me all but broke, I on a fixed income with a cat that isn’t a fan of wet food in general.
My questions are 1st what’s the best way to get him to eat the wet food vett said should be feed every 12hrs a can of food. When I feed in morning after 11-12hrs of no food (have other cats ) put him into pounder room with food and water even after an hour lucky if he ate 1/4-1/3 of a can of food , I ve tried mixing it with dry food he likes he may eat 1/3- 2/5 of a can and most of the dry food.
when I let him out he goes right to other cats bowels and will eat the couple of pieces left over in there bowel and feed them on different floors so I know he still hungry.
So any suggestions on getting him to eat
Second at least till next month when I get my next check and speak with vet they wrote a prescription for wet food pick up 2 cans one each flavor second one he picked for a second and wouldn’t eat, so need ask about a different brand.
I know carbs need be low below 7-10% is best any recommendations on food that can be bought over the counter at say Walmart or even pets mart (though closest one 45m ride away) or other stores or ideally a big box store where can get a good price on case of quality food. Would be greatly appreciated. Just found out his Diagnosis 2 days pior to my birthday on the 27th of April have do blood sugar curve in 12 days and just want to find a good quality food to feed him even if I get the prescription food I only be able to afford a case a month that’s 24 cans for 59.99 and he should have 1 and 1/4 cans a day so even if I can find a brand that I can use to make up the difference say 3/4 can of prescription and half can of none prescription would be outstanding.
My cat is overweight and has a diabetic tendency. The vet recommended Hill’s metabolic dry food. Is this ok for diabetic cats?
I have been feeding her Young Agsin, but she is now sore in her anal area and because of her weight, she can’t lick herself and the vet said she does not have urinary tract infection. What would you suggest?
Hi Mary, good question. I can’t overrule your vet’s advice on this, but I would lean towards sticking with the Young Again, as it is a lower-carb diet with more potential to help your cat enter remission. You will need to closely monitor her insulin levels, of course, to ensure that she doesn’t develop low blood sugar from the combination of a low-carb diet and insulin support. Regarding her anal soreness, do you think it’s due to constipation or something else? I would talk with your vet to pin down exactly what’s going on so you can address it. Additional fiber supplementation may be a good choice, but we’d need to know what’s happening in your cat’s body to make the right decision. Wishing you and your cat all the best!
I use Purina pro plan dry food dietetic . Have used over a year. My vet suddenly stopped selling it. Its still ok ?????
Hi Robin, I see no indication that there’s anything wrong with the food, but I would ask your vet why they stopped selling it!
Thank you for this helpful list. Is it safe to assume that all varieties of these top-rated brands are low in carbs, or just the form & flavor you highlight in the review?
For the most part, yes! I can’t make any promises at this time, since varieties can be added/changed, so you’ll want to double check. But for the most part, they are all good options!
Hello Mallory, If I fed my diabetic 12 pound cat on Tiki cat it would cost $10 a day and a 24 can pack would last less than 5 days. This is pretty unacceptable. Do you have suggestions for food that is affordable?
Thanks.
Hi Leslie, there are a lot of low-carbohydrate, affordable options out there. Fancy Feast’s Classics Paté foods are popular among diabetic cats for this reason.
Not sure I understand your response
Hi – I failed to mention that Nancy , prior to her diabetic diagnosis, was eating the Hilll’s K/D Early Kidney dry food ( for kidney problems ). She has been on this for years – she’s 9 now .
Just curious as to why Young Again was not included on your list of 7 best foods for diabetic cats ?
Have you an opinion on the Hill’s M/D diabetic cat food — both dry and wet ?
My 9 yr old cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes . Our vet recommends the Hill’s products . Our cat doesn’t seem to like the dry , which she is used to eating . My goal is to get her switched to the wet . She has never tried any wet foods , so this may be a challenge .
I’d like to find Nancy ( cat’s name ) a good diabetic food she will like . Thanks
Hi Mark, that’s a good question. The m/d foods are well-thought-out and can help; they contain a variety of components intended to help cats lose weight and manage blood sugar (though you’ll still have to combine them with insulin support in most cases), but at about 15% carbohydrate (dry) and 13% carbohydrate (wet recipe), the effect on the blood sugar is most likely not enough to put a cat into diabetic remission. In contrast, this does seem to be possible when feeding a diet under 10% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis and closely monitoring blood sugar levels. You may also find that your cat accepts a different low-carb formulation more readily, because the m/d’s high fiber content (intended to slow sugar absorption and help with weight loss) can be unappealing to cats. For a cat who prefers dry food, you may be interested in Young Again’s Zero food for adult cats, which is popular among those feeding diabetic cats.
I am trying to determine the relative appropriateness of available canned foods for my diabetic cat, but the labels don’t include % carbs on a dry matter basis. Apparently, the standard reporting for labels is % protein, fat, fiber and moisture but this seems to miss the carb differences. The only other thing I see is kcal/kg or cal/can … can that be a helpful index of carbs?
Hi Gary, you can get a rough estimate of any food’s carbohydrate content by subtracting all of the other percentages (protein, fat, fiber, and moisture) from 100%. This calculator makes it easy. Hope this helps!
Gary, I check (or write to) Chewy.com. For any food, generally someone has already asked that question or you can ask it yourself and the manufacturer or Chewy will provide an answer.
Why are the calculations for carbs so different in the text describing the food from graphs?
Weruva gravy lovers says around 2% carbs in the text, but in your graphs shows closer to 15%. How does that make sense and how is 15% carbs low carb for cats?
I’ve actually seen very odd calculations all over the site, I’m not sure what to trust
Dillon, the charts and the percentages given in the article were calculated using different methods. I gathered the 2% mentioned in the review from the typical nutrient analysis shown on the Weruva website, while the pie chart was calculated automatically based on the guaranteed analysis (less accurate). I’m aware of the strange discrepancies across the site and have been talking with our development team about a way we can make these automatic calculations more accurate. In the meantime, I apologize for the confusion. Generally, the numbers given in the text will be more reliable than those in the charts, as frustrating as that is. Thank you for reading the site and asking this question.