Best Diabetic Cat Food

Cats are a lifetime commitment and most cat owners will agree that it’s a loving commitment. While you may have a healthy kitten and adult, your cat may start to develop issues as they age, such as diabetes.

Diabetes is not a death sentence as any cat can continue to live a normal life so long as they have the proper medication and the best diabetic cat food. What type of food is best? Options that are lower in sugars and other ingredients that could spike up or lower your cat’s blood sugar.

While you can buy diabetic specific cat food from the vet, there is a wide variety of non-prescription options that will work just as well. The key thing is to ensure their blood sugar levels don’t spike – so you’ll need a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. We have compiled this list of both wet and dry food options to make sure that you have a tasty variety of options to choose from.

Best Diabetic Cat Food

1. Royal Canin Feline Glycobalance Cat Food

The Royal Canin Feline Glycobalance is one of the few non-prescription foods available that specifically target pets suffering from diabetes and helps control blood sugar levels.

Key Features

• Specially Formulated for Cats with Diabetes

While some diets can help diabetic cats, this formula by Royal Canin is specially made with a combination of prebiotics and soluble and insoluble fibers that will help minimize glucose fluctuations in cats.

This food is also a complete and balanced diet, so it will help your cat maintain healthy blood glucose levels and support their overall health conditions.

Pros

• Can be fed at all life stages

Cons

• Contains a lot of meal products, which can be questionable ingredients

If you want to make sure that your diabetic cat has the best support they can get, feed them Royal Canin Feline Glycobalance.

2. Hill’s Prescription Diet Glucose/Weight Management Cat Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet will help diabetic cats to maintain proper weight and proper blood sugar levels.

Key Features

• Contains Ideal Nutrient Levels
• Supports a Variety of Body Health

Hill’s helps diabetic cats maintain a healthy weight and managed their diabetes by providing therapeutic levels of L-carnitine, balanced protein levels, low carb levels, prebiotic fibers, and giving helpful antioxidants.

This combination of nutrients will reduce body fat, help maintain lean muscle mass, support a healthy immune system, and even improve their digestive tract.

Pros

• Helps support weight loss and proper blood sugar levels

Cons

• Contains by-product meals and other questionable filler ingredients

By putting diabetic cats on Hill’s Prescription Diet Glucose/Weight Management, you are taking an interest in maintaining their overall body health, not just their diabetes.

3. Purina Pro Veterinary Diets Cat Food

Purina Pro Veterinary Diets Dietetic Management is explicitly made for Diabetic cats.

Key Features

• High protein
• Low carbs
• Blood sugar level control

Cats who suffer from Diabetes need a high protein source to keep their bodies functioning. Purina Pro Veterinary Diets uses 51% of protein to help their bodies remain healthy and mobile.

This diet also offers an ideal level of antioxidants, Omega-3, and Omega-6 Fatty Acids that will help cats have the all-around nutrition they need in an easy to eat diet.

Pros

• Can also help with urinary tract issues

Cons

• May take some time for the food to start showing results

To be sure that your diabetic cat will not be suffering from another brand, feed them Purina Pro Dry Food.

4. Tiki Cat Luau Canned Cat Food

Give your diabetic cat the variety of food they will love by feeding them Tiki Luau.

Key Features

• Grain-Free
• Nutrient-Rich
• Balanced Diet
• High Moisture

One of the biggest things to avoid with diabetic cats are foods with high carbs and grains as they offer empty nutrients to carnivore needing cats.

A real animal protein is always the first ingredient used by Tiki Luau so your cat will have a protein and nutrient-rich diet special for their bodies. High moisture content will also help cats who are not the best at drinking on their own to stay hydrated.

Pros

• Has six different flavors

Cons

• Some flavors seem to have more broth than meat

The Tiki Luau Variety Pack will help cats who are diabetic still be able to enjoy quality food.

5. Ziwi Peak Cat Food

Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe allows cat owners to still feed a high-protein diet to their cats without triggering their diabetes.

Key Features

• Air-Dried
• Limited Ingredients
• Nutrient Dense

Ziwi Peak air-dries the protein they use to capture all the nutrients and to make their meals nutrient-dense, meaning you can feed your feline less, and they will still feel full.

Only animal meat, organs, bones, and superfood ingredients like green mussels, kelp, and green tripe are used. As all the ingredients used are meant to support your cat, they help promote healthy body functions, like improved digestion and weight maintenance.

Pros

• Available in 2.2-pound and 14-ounce packets

Cons

• Due to the quality, the price may be too high for some pet owners to afford

Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe is a delicious alternative to the typical cat food when looking for a high-protein diet.

6. Hound & Gatos Canned Cat Food

Hound & Gatos Salmon gives cats a reliable protein source free of empty carbs that could trigger their diabetes.

Key Features

• Grain-Free
• Limited Ingredient

Hound & Gatos does not use grains in their formulas since cats are obligate carnivores and would not benefit from empty carbs, especially diabetic cats.

98% of the formula consists of salmon, with the remaining ingredients being the added vitamins and minerals all cats will benefit from. You won’t find any by-products, corn, soy, guar gum, carrageenan, or other harmful ingredients that will not help your cat’s health.

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Available in 5.5-ounce cans

Cons

• Some cats may not enjoy the single flavor option

Hound & Gatos Salmon offers an easy to digest protein source that won’t affect your cats diabetes.

7. Fancy Feast Canned Cat Food

Fancy Feast Flaked Diets are easy for cats to eat and digest.

Key Features

• Tender and Easy to Digest
• Offers Balanced Nutrition
• Contains Low Carbs

Compared to other options, this comes in a flaky texture that cats love, and is easier to eat and digest should they have medical issues.

To help cats who have diabetic issues still be able to enjoy this diet, Fancy Feast uses low carbohydrates.

As a bonus, Fancy Feast includes vitamins and minerals that will provide complete and balanced nutrition for your cat as well as support their overall health.

Pros

• Available in six different flavors

Cons

• Contains by-products, which is a questionable meat product

If you are looking for an affordable diet for your diabetic cat, then Fancy Feast Flaked is the option for you.

8. Instinct Original Canned Cat Food

Instinct Original Grain-Free offers a raw food diet cats crave without harming their bodies.

Key Features

• Grain-Free
• Raw Inspired
• Uses Wholesome Ingredients

Since cats who have diabetes need to have a low carb diet, Instinct does not use grains or other filler ingredients. This food is raw inspired, so 95%  is made of some form of animal protein, while the remaining 5% consists of fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients.

This protein-heavy diet will help cats develop and maintain healthy muscles and joints, as well as keep their whole-body functions in prime working conditions.

Pros

• Available in seven different flavors

Cons

• Some cats may not enjoy the flavors offered by the brand

Instinct Original will help your diabetic cat have the raw food diet that will benefit their overall body health.

9. Weruva Cat Food

If your cat loves pate, then they will love the delicious flavors offered by Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Variety Pack.

Key Features

• Highly palatable
• Contains no harmful ingredients

Some cats, especially those with a medical concern, can be a bit picky about what they eat, so Weruva works hard to use high-quality ingredients that all cats can enjoy.

Your cat should have little to no issues enjoying the flavors offered in this variety pack. Weruva never uses grains, gluten, carrageenan, MSG, or GMO ingredients, so you know your cat will have the best quality ingredients possible for them.

Pros

• Made of human-grade ingredients

Cons

• Some flavors may have more liquid in it than meat

Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Variety Pack uses no grains or other ingredients that may potentially trigger or irritate diabetes in a cat.

10. Blue Wilderness Mature Cat Food

Senior cats are more prone to getting diabetes, so they will benefit from a diet specially made for older cats, such as Blue Wilderness Mature.

Key Features

• Ideal for senior cats
• Grain-Free

Senior cats need a diet that is still high in protein but has lower amounts of carbs and other filler ingredients.

This mature diet offered by Blue Wilderness even supplies senior cats with the proteins they need alongside antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that will keep their bodies active, bowels moving, and the immune system stable.

This formula is grain-free and contains no ingredients that would otherwise be harmful or only serve as a useless filler ingredient.

Pros

• Enhanced with Blue LifeSource Bits

Cons

• Some older cats may not enjoy the taste

Blue Wilderness Mature Diet is specially formulated for senior cats so they can have ideal nutrient levels for their older and slower bodies.

11. Wellness Core Cat Food

Wellness Core Grain-Free Pate is easy to eat and easy for your cat’s body to digest.

Key Features

• Protein-Rich
• Supports Overall Body Health

Each flavor of Wellness Core uses an animal protein as the first ingredient, so your cat will always have access to a high-protein source.

DHA has been added to the food to support your cat’s eyes and brain health. A high source of Antioxidants has been added so that your cat’s immune system will stay healthy.

Pros

• Available in six different flavors
• Comes in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans

Cons

• Contains chicken, so not ideal for cats with poultry allergies

Help your diabetic cat have the protein source they need by feeding them Wellness Core Grain-Free Pate.

12. Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula

Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula is biologically appropriate for cats of all ages to eat and get health benefits from.

Key Features

• Uses Wholesome Ingredients
• Meets Biological Needs

This food from Orijen is made of 90% quality animal ingredients that will nourish cats inside and out and meet all of their biological needs.

Orijen uses a combination of 2/3 raw and fresh animal protein, including the meats, organs, cartilage, and bones, which best mimics the natural diet a cat needs.

Fresh fruits and vegetables from trusted local sources are also included in the food so that cats get the extra antioxidant and nutrient boost they need.

Pros

• Available in 4 and 12-pound bags and a 12-ounce bag

Cons

• Due to ingredients, the price of this food may be too high for some

Make sure that your cat’s body is healthy in all of their life-stages by feeding them Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula.

13. Rachel Ray Nutrish Cat Food

Rachel Ray Nutrish gives cats a yummy and highly palatable meal to enjoy.

Key Features

• Uses Real Animal Meat
• Contains No Grains

In any of the flavors offered by Rachel Ray’s Nutrish, a real animal protein is used so that you know your cat is getting the highest protein source to benefit their bodies.

Rachel Ray does not use any grains, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, or by-products that could potentially be harmful to cats.

Pros

• Available in nine different flavors

Cons

• Some of the fish recipes may contain small bones

Rest assured that your diabetic cat will have little to no reactions when eating Rachel Ray Nutrish.

14. Taste of the Wild Cat Food

Taste of the Wild offers your cat a taste of the diet their wild cousins may eat in a dry kibble form.

Key Features

• High Protein Diet
• Provides Optimal Nutrients

Taste of the Wild aims to provide cats with the highest protein source possible so that they stay active and their bodies are healthy inside and out.

The quality protein will help cats have lean and strong muscles, while the hardworking superfoods provide the needed antioxidants and fatty acids bodies need to have a healthy immune and digestive system.

Pros

• Available in three different flavors

Cons

• Some customers claim a flavor change caused their cats to no longer like it

Thanks to Taste of the Wild being selective on the ingredients they use, cats should have no issues eating this diet.

15. Reveal Cat Food

Reveal Cat Food uses ingredients you can see so you can be sure of what you are feeding your cat.

Key Features

• Limited Ingredients
• High Animal Protein

In any of the flavors offered by Reveal, they use three or four ingredients, most of the components being an animal protein.

For this reason, Reveal has a high protein source that is ideal for cats who need extra protein to keep their bodies moving and healthy. You can see all the ingredients in the food before feeding your cat, which is ideal if you need to be careful what you are feeding your cat due to a medical issue, like diabetes.

Pros

• Available in three different flavors

Cons

• Due to limited ingredients, it cannot be the sole nutrient source for cats

Reveal Cat Food uses limited ingredients, which is ideal for cats with diabetes as some ingredients can be triggering.

16. Merrick Backcountry Raw Cat Food 

Merrick Backcountry Raw Diet is a healthy raw diet option if you are considering feeding your diabetic cat raw food.

Key Features

• Uses Real Animal Protein
• Provides Everyday Nutrients

The number one ingredient used in all of Merrick’s Backcountry Diets is real deboned meat so that your cat will get the highest protein source they can get.

The freeze-dried raw meat pieces lock in nutrients in easier to digest pieces. Cats, especially ones that suffer from diabetes, need a high protein source to keep themselves healthy, and raw diets are one of the best options to help felines stay healthy.

Pros

• Available in three different flavors

Cons

• May be too dry for some cats to enjoy

Raw food diets like Merrick Backcountry Raw Diet is a good starting point for Diabetic cats to enjoy eating a raw diet.

17. AvoDerm Cat Food

AvoDerm Cat Food is specially formulated to support a cat’s overall body health regardless of age.

Key Features

• Uses Real Animal Proteins
• Ideal for all Life-Stages

AvoDerm is free of carbs and other filler ingredients that are not beneficial to cats. This option is crafted for all ages as it contains a hearty blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients cats need.

All of the ingredients are high-quality, so there should be no doubts your cat will get the benefits they need out of their diet.

Pros

• Available in three different flavors

Cons

• Cans seem to have a high amount of broth compared to wet food pieces in some formulas

If you want a wet diet free of carbs and high in protein, look no further than AvoDerm Cat Food.

18. Nulo Adult and Kitten Formula

Nulo Adult and Kitten Formula is low in carbs and high in protein, which is an ideal diet for cats suffering from diabetes.

Key Features

• High Meat
• Low Carb
• Patented Probiotic

83% of this Nulo formula contains some form of animal-based protein that will help cats get the essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other vital nutrients their bodies need.

Nulo aims to use low carb and low glycemic ingredients like lentils, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas; the use of these ingredients is beneficial as it will not trigger diabetes in cats.

Nulo also adds their patented BC30 Probiotic that supports gut health, metabolism regulation, and immune responses.

Pros

• Available in two flavors

Cons

• Customers have claimed their cats had stomach issues from the diet

Help your cat regardless of their age by feeding them Nulo Adult and Kitten Formula.

19. Halo

Halo Grain-Free Indoor Cat Pate is a tasty meal for cats who need protein and no filler ingredients.

Key Features

• Uses Whole Meat
• Highly Digestible

In all the flavors offered by Halo, you will never see any rendered ingredients or meals, only whole meats.

This diet is made for indoor cats, so it has a slightly lower protein count so that cats do not end up overweight.

It is a highly digestible diet, so if your cat has stomach or other medical issues, they will be able to eat this food without problems.

Pros

• Available in nine different flavors

Cons

• Has a strong odor some cats may not enjoy

Satisfy your cat’s craving for high-quality option by feeding them Halo Grain-Free Indoor Cat Pate.

20. Fromm

Fromm Dry Cat Food is one of the higher quality options you can invest in that will be overall beneficial for your diabetic cat.

Key Features

• High Protein Source
• Made in Small Batches
• Low Carb Ingredients

Fromm is well-known for using high-quality ingredients in their formulas so that cats can get the highest amount of nutrients possible. All the food is made in small batches so that the quality can be better controlled for optimal nutrient results.

All Fromm diets are high in protein so that cats can stay happy and active. Fromm also uses low carb fruits and vegetables so that cats can still get the antioxidants they need without the unnecessary carb intake.

Pros

• Available in seven different flavors

Cons

• Contains potatoes

Keep your diabetic cat as healthy as possible by feeding them Fromm Dry Cat Food.

21. Fussie

Fussie Cat is the perfect diet for picky cats who also may suffer some health issues, like diabetes.

Key Features

• Premium Ingredients
• High Water Content
• Low Carbs

Fussie Cat only uses premium meat, fruits, and vegetables so that your cat will never be exposed to low-quality ingredients with low-quality nutrients.

Fussie Cat is about 78% water, so if your cat isn’t the best at drinking water, they will still stay hydrated. Low carb ingredients are used since high carbs can trigger health issues in some cats.

Pros

• Comes in a wide variety of flavors

Cons

• Small portion size for the price

Help your cat have the diet that best mimics what they may eat in the wild by feeding them Fussie Cat.

22. Solid Gold Holistic Diet

If you want to try feeding your diabetic cat a holistic diet, try feeding them Solid Gold.

Key Features

• Real Meat
• Low Carbs
• Protected Probiotics

Real meat is always the first ingredient used, so you can be sure that your diabetic cat will have a high protein source that their bodies need.

Solid Gold also uses a low carb recipe specifically made to aid cats who suffer from diabetes. Protected probiotics and fiber-rich probiotics work together to help your cat have a healthy digestive system and functioning body.

Pros

• Available in 3-6-12-pound bags
• Available in two flavors

Cons

• Some flavors contain potatoes

Solid Gold Holistic Diet will help dogs who are suffering from diabetes still be able to enjoy high-quality food.

23. Dave’s Natural

Dave’s Natural Food taps into the cravings cats have, and the health boosts cats need.

Key Features

• Natural Ingredients
• Carrageenan Free

Dave’s only uses the highest quality of ingredients when making their food as they aim to provide a balanced and nutrient-rich diet that will keep cats active and their bodies healthy inside and out.

The highest source of animal proteins is used since cats, diabetic or not, need a high protein source to function correctly.

Dave’s is also proud to claim that they don’t use carrageenan, cereals, or other filler ingredients in their foods.

Pros

• Available in a wide variety of flavors

Cons

• Sources some ingredients overseas, which some pet owners may be wary of

If your cat is a big fan of pate food, then they will love the healthy benefits offered by Dave’s Naturally Wet Food.

24. Natural Balance LID

Natural Balance LID is a helpful diet for cats who have allergies or have adverse reactions to specific ingredients due to a health issue.

Key Features

• Limited Ingredient
• Single Animal Protein

Only a single animal protein is used so that owners can avoid ingredients they know can harm their cat. To make up for the limited ingredients, Natural Balance uses healthy and low-carb fibers that will keep their bodies remain regular.

Pros

• Available in four different flavors
• Comes in 2-5-10-pound bag options

Cons

• Contains some grains, so not ideal for cats with known grain allergies

Keep your diabetic cat from having an adverse reaction to their new diet by feeding them Natural Balance LID.

25. Naked Essentials

Show your cat that you love them, illness and all, by satisfying their stomachs with Naked Essentials.

Key Features

• Real Meat
• No Filler-Ingredients

The best way to show your cat that you love them is to feed them a diet that always uses a real animal protein first; it will ensure that your cat will have the health and energy to live long and happy lives.

This brand never uses grains or other filler ingredients that don’t support your cat’s overall health.

Pros

• Available in nine different flavors

Cons

• Small portion size for the price

The carefully selected ingredients used to craft Naked Essentials will have you wondering why you didn’t invest in this food sooner.

26. Acana Regionals

Acana Regionals Food sources local ingredients so it is is of the highest quality for cats.

Key Features

• Protein Rich
• Highly Palatable
• Wholesome Ingredients

Cats who suffer from Diabetes need a high protein diet as it will help keep their energies high, and their body functions healthy.

Acana uses a mix of fresh and raw animal proteins in their food as it best mimics what a cat naturally eats in the wild.

Since the animal protein and other ingredients are of such a high quality, the food overall should be highly palatable and comfortable on most cat’s stomachs.

Pros

• Available in four different flavors
• Comes in 4 and 12-pound bags

Cons

• Can cause stomach issues in some cats

If you want to support your cat’s health inside and out, consider investing in the protein-heavy diet offered by Acana Regionals Food.

27. Purina Pro Plan Healthy Metabolism

For cats who suffer from diabetes, their metabolism may not be the best, which is where Purina Pro Plan Healthy Metabolism comes into help.

Key Features

• Made With Real Meat
• Aids in Healthy Metabolism

This diet offered by Purina uses chicken as the first ingredient, which is not only a highly digestible protein but is packed with healthy proteins cats of all ages and health can benefit from.

To help cats have a healthy metabolism, L-carnitine is added, which helps convert fat to energy, and helps maintain ideal body weight.

Pros

• Available in 3-ounce cans

Cons

• Can potentially upset the stomach of some cats

Make sure that your diabetic cat has a healthy metabolism to keep their bodies moving by feeding them Purina Pro Plan Healthy Metabolism.

28. Dr. Elsey’s CleanProtein

Dr. Elsey’s CleanProtein Formula primarily targets cats who need a cleaner food source.

Key Features

• High Protein
• Grain-Free
• Biologically Appropriate

95% of the formula of this food is made of a high-quality and humanely raised animal protein. Since this formula has such a high protein source, it will help cats keep an optimized body condition.

The remaining ingredients are added to supplement cats with vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, also necessary for a cat to have a healthy body. This diet is entirely grain-free and packed with omegas that will help cats have smooth skin and a shiny coat.

Pros

• Ideal for indoor cats

Cons

• Contains chicken, so not ideal for cats with a poultry allergy

Keep your cat on a clean diet by feeding them Dr. Elsey’s CleanProtein Formula.

29. Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts

Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts is portioned explicitly so that your cat will get the protein source they need.

Key Features

• Uses Real Proteins
• Contains no Filler Ingredients

Sheba always uses real animal proteins in their formulas because they know cats are obligate carnivores and needs as natural a protein source as can be offered.

So that your cat is not just getting a heavy protein meal, they do add other essential vitamins and minerals vital for cats to have a healthy body inside and out. No filler ingredients are used as they will not have any benefit for your cats.

Pros

• Comes in ten different flavors

Cons

• Some flavors have a high amount of water

Have an easier time controlling how much protein your cat will eat when you feed them Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts.

30. Whole Earth

Whole Earth Grain-Free Food is an easy way to feed your cat a diet that best mimics what their wild relatives eat.

Key Features

• Multiple Proteins
• Natural Ingredients

Whole Earth likes to use multiple proteins in their diet as each animal protein offers cats something different. The fruits and vegetables used in this option are all-natural and sourced from trusted farms so that cats will have the highest nutrient source possible.

Pros

• Available in four different flavors
• Comes in 2.5-5-10-15-pound bag options

Cons

• Some formulas contain chicken, so not ideal for cats with poultry allergies

By feeding your cat Whole Earth Grain-Free, you are helping them have an active lifestyle and healthy body to go along with it.

Bottom Line

Thanks to our helpful list, you now have a detailed list highlighting the best wet food for diabetic cats and the best dry food for diabetic cats. As we stated at the start, the most important ingredient is protein, a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates will ensure you cats blood sugar levels remain normal. With a variety of flavors, textures, and diets you can try a few brands until you find the right one that works with the severity of your cat’s diabetes.

Some cats may be a bit picky if their diet is changed to a flavor they are not used to, but do not give up and persist; eventually, they will learn to love the new food. However, be aware that while these foods can help your diabetic cat, they are by no means meant to replace professional medical treatment.

Be sure to take your cat to their veterinarian to get professionally looked over, tested, treated, and give them the prescribed medication that they need.

With both medical treatment and a change in their diet, your diabetic cat will start feeling like themselves again and continue to be the happy and loving cat you have raised.