I panicked the moment I heard: my cat had diabetes. Syringes, test strips, labels filled with confusing jargon, it felt like trying to learn calculus overnight. The vet handed me insulin and said, “Start low-carb food.” But finding the right one? Not so easy.
Here’s what I’ve learned: cats with diabetes food needs are specific and often life-changing. Others even go into remission merely by switching to an appropriate diet. So, if you are here after a diagnosis or want to skip one in the first place, this guide is on your side. Take it as a guide for cat owners that has been tried, researched, and written with some tuna treats in between. Let’s find your cat’s next favourite meal, one that supports their health without making dinner time a war zone and which Cgm sensors are best for humans. Let’s gain insight with no wait.
What Is Feline Diabetes?
Feline diabetes, most likely human type 2, is when your cat’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or stops responding to it properly. That causes too much sugar to float around in the blood, leading to symptoms like:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite eating normally (or more)
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness, especially in the back legs
Good news? With the right diet and early treatment, many diabetic cats stabilize or even go into remission. No need for a PhD in feline endocrinology. Just aim for high-protein, low-carb wet food, give consistent meals, and work closely with your vet.
Top 10 Diabetic Cat Foods (2025 Picks)
Below are the best wet and best dry cat food for diabetic cats, a mix of prescription, non-prescription, fresh, and budget picks. All were tested for diabetic support, palatability, and nutrition.
1. Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken in Broth (Wet)
Why we love it:
- <5% carbs (dry matter basis)
- Real shredded chicken in broth
- Great hydration and flavor
Best for: Picky eaters new to diabetic diets.
2. Royal Canin Glycobalance Thin Slices in Gravy (Prescription, Wet)
Why we love it:
- Only 2.6% starch
- Stabilizes glucose with high fiber
- Trusted vet formulation
Best for: Cats on insulin needing strict control.
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport (Dry & Wet)
Why we love it:
- L-carnitine supports weight loss
- Maintains lean muscle
- Dry and wet versions available
Best for: Overweight diabetic cats.
4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM (Dry & Wet)
Why we love it:
- Very low carb
- Supports urinary tract health
- Easy to find and vet-recommended
Best for: Cats prone to UTIs + diabetes.
5. Farmina N&D Low-Grain (Dry)
Why we love it:
- 60% animal protein
- Very low grains and starch
- Tastes great for dry food lovers
Best for: Owners needing the best dry cat food for diabetic cats.
6. Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna Consomme (Wet)
Why we love it:
- Real tuna in broth
- Low carbs
- High moisture, high taste
Best for: Fish-loving diabetic cats.
7. NomNomNow Fresh Cat Food (Wet/Fresh Delivered)
Why we love it:
- Human-grade ingredients
- Delivered fresh to your door
- Super low carbs
Best for: Food-sensitive cats or owners who want a premium.
8. Hound & Gatos 98% Salmon Canned (Wet)
Why we love it:
- Minimal ingredients
- 98% wild-caught salmon
- Grain-free and gum-free
Best for: Fish-based, hypoallergenic diets.
9. Crave High Protein Grain-Free (Wet)
Why we love it:
- Budget-friendly
- Meat-first ingredients
- Low-carb, high-protein
Best for: Affordable diabetic support.
10. Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk (Wet)
Why we love it:
- Chicken with pumpkin in broth
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Low in carbs, flavorful
Best for: Transition diets or GI-sensitive cats.
Comparison Table
| Food | Prescription? | Wet/Dry | Carb% (Dry Matter) | Highlights |
| Tiki Cat After Dark | No | Wet | <5% | Broth-based, ultra-low carb |
| Royal Canin Glycobalance | Yes | Wet | ~2.6% | High fiber, glucose control |
| Hill’s m/d GlucoSupport | Yes | Both | ~10% | Weight loss, muscle support |
| Purina Pro Plan DM | Yes | Both | ≤10% | Urinary + glucose balance |
| Farmina N&D Low-Grain | No | Dry | ~10% | Best dry cat food for diabetic cats |
| Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna | No | Wet | Low | Hydration + taste |
| NomNomNow | No | Fresh Wet | Very Low | Premium, human-grade |
| Hound & Gatos Salmon | No | Wet | <5% | Clean ingredients, fish-heavy |
| Crave Wet | No | Wet | <10% | Budget option |
| Weruva Funk in the Trunk | No | Wet | ≤7% | GI-friendly |
Prescription vs Non-Prescription Food for Diabetic Cats
| Category | Prescription Food | Non-Prescription Food |
| Cost | Higher | More affordable |
| Availability | Vet-only | Pet stores/online |
| Carb Control | Scientifically formulated | Varies by brand |
| Best for | Cats on insulin or with complications | Stable or early-stage diabetes |
Many pet parents start with prescription food, then switch to high-protein, low-carb retail brands with vet approval.
What to Look for in Cats With Diabetes Food
- Low Carbs (<10%, preferably <5%): Wet foods, especially pates or broths, tend to be naturally low in carbohydrates. Low-carb diets reduce blood sugar spikes and help maintain insulin balance.
- High Animal Protein (>50% of calories): Cats are obligate carnivores. Protein helps maintain lean muscle and slows glucose absorption.
- Hydration Is Essential: Wet food or broths support urinary health, reduce calorie density, and keep kidneys happy.
- Moderate Fat (20-40%): Fat provides energy without too much volume, especially helpful for underweight or active diabetic cats.
- Simple, Quality Ingredients: Avoid vague ingredients like “meat by-product.” Choose foods with named proteins and minimal fillers.
- Slow Food Transitions: Change food gradually over 7-10 days to prevent GI upset. Always monitor your cat’s glucose during any diet switch, especially if insulin is involved.
Feeding Schedule for Diabetic Cats
Here’s a sample daily schedule for feeding a diabetic cat alongside insulin:
| Time | Food | Notes |
| 7:00 AM | Wet diabetic food (low-carb) | After an insulin shot |
| 12:00 PM | Small protein-rich snack | Keeps blood sugar stable |
| 6:00 PM | Wet food + insulin | Match the AM routine |
| 9:00 PM | Optional low-carb snack | Only if active or hungry |
Bonus Note: From One Diabetic to Another
If you’re a human managing your diabetes and caring for a diabetic cat, first of all, you’re a superhero. Secondly, just a heads-up: DMM’s FDA-approved diabetes devices (like Dexcom CGMs, insulin pumps, and BP monitors). So no, your cat doesn’t need a CGM, but you might appreciate having your numbers stable while chasing tuna cans at 6 a.m.
Explore DMM’s diabetes supplies here to make the human side of this journey a bit smoother.
Conclusion:
Discovering the perfect diet for diabetic cats isn’t a matter of chasing after the expensive label; it’s a matter of seeing your cat improve, dish by dish. Prescription or store, the goal is the same: low carbs, high protein, and frequent feeding. Many cats improve dramatically with just a diet change, some even enter remission. And hey, if your picky eater turns into a wet food enthusiast, you’ll know you’re doing something right.
Remember, no food works overnight. Stick with it, watch their energy return, and keep your vet in the loop. You’ve got devices, information, and now a go-to list of trusted options. From one cat parent to another: hang in there. Diabetes is manageable, and food is a powerful first step. One bowl at a time, your cat’s comeback is already on the way.
