Newbie here, wondering about Sheba canned food

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Lynn & Rupert

Lynn & Rupert

Member Since 2015
Hello, my cat Rupert was just diagnosed with diabetes last week. I have read lots of info, but still confused on which wet, canned food is acceptable. I was checking labels for any signs of carbs, so went with Sheba, FF classics and Friskies pate. I just read that Sheba was not a good choice, because of high sugar content. Is this right? Help! Feeling overwhelmed. :(
 
Cat Ma said:
You want carbs under 10%. Ideally, the lower, the better. Fancy Feast Classics and some Friskies pates are excellent choices (except the mixed grill, which is 11%). You are correct, Sheba is not a good choice.

See the nutritional charts for carb contents: http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf
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Thank you for your quick response! I was only looking at ingredients, no wheat, corn, etc. I will stick with FF classics and Friskies pate. Only question is I notice Friskies pate has some rice, is it in low enough amounts to be ok?
 
I was concerned at first about the rice too but a lot of us feed our cats Friskies and our cats are fine. CJ is still in remission so I am no longer worried about the rice.
A good grain-free option is Wellness Grain Free canned food. Be sure to look for the yellow triangle saying "Grain Free" in the upper right hand side of the label.
 
You can determine the approximate calories from carbohydrate and the total calories with this online calculator. With those, you can calculate an estimate of the percent of calories from carbohydrate.
 
The amount is low enough that the carb% is below 10. That said, folks have noted that some cats can be very sensitive to carbohydrate. Your best bet is to test it out and see what the numbers do.
 
Cat Ma said:
I was concerned at first about the rice too but a lot of us feed our cats Friskies and our cats are fine. CJ is still in remission so I am no longer worried about the rice.
A good grain-free option is Wellness Grain Free canned food. Be sure to look for the yellow triangle saying "Grain Free" in the upper right hand side of the label.
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Thanks again! I like the Friskies due to cost, but will try other "high end" foods for a change in diet.
 
BJM said:
The amount is low enough that the carb% is below 10. That said, folks have noted that some cats can be very sensitive to carbohydrate. Your best bet is to test it out and see what the numbers do.
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Thank you! I will keep checking the chart on the foods and pay more attention to the carb number. Sure do appreciate all the helpful posts!
 
BJM said:
You can determine the approximate calories from carbohydrate and the total calories with this online calculator. With those, you can calculate an estimate of the percent of calories from carbohydrate.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this handy calculator, it is bookmarked! I am learning, hope to get it right soon with nice people like you to help!
 
dana moore said:
low card canned food got my Riley down to great numbers in 130 from over 600. It really makes a difference.
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Thank you Dana, luckily Rupert loves wet food! Some issues with loose bowels though, so adding extra water to his food, in case of dehydration. Any tips about diahrea? Riley sure is a handsome boy!
 
I've been using pumpkin daily and It's not helping Riley. :( I on my way to vet now to see if they can give me something else.
 
vet just told me to go to pharmacy and get something that starts with a C. I wrote it down but it's in my car? We'll see. My husband thinks he pooped but we have 4 other indoor cats???? UGH.
 
I am not familiar with Correll. Is that a constipation medication? I hope it works for your cat.
 
Ok I looked high and low for Cellulose powder. It was not at Walmart, CVS, Health food store or Walgreens so I got Miralax and I read 1/8 teaspoon 2 times a day helps. I called the vet and he said Metamucil was okay to get but they all were orange flavor. Miralax was only one flavorless no sugar.

I read that Miralax pulls water into the bowels instead of working as a fiber so it's okay to use pumpkin as well.

It looks like he went poo poo when I came home. He's the only one of my cats that doesn't cover up his poops. :cat:

I hope this works. You can get Cellulose powder online so I may order some of that but once Riley's IBD steriod shot wears off he may have diarreha. We'll see on Monday or Tuesday.
 
A lot of members here use Miralax for constipation for their cats. Dose varies. Best to start out with a small amount first to see if it works. There are threads on Miralax here. Be sure to keep an eye on the BG #'s. Some people report an increase while their cat is on it; others report no affect on BG levels.
 
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Cat Ma said:
Great that Riley finally went poo poo :).
A lot of members here use Miralax for constipation for their cats. Dose varies. Best to start out with a small amount first to see if it works. There are threads on Miralax here. Be sure to keep an eye on the BG #'s. Some people report an increase while their cat is on it; others report no affect on BG levels.
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I will get some of that and a can of pumpkin, thanks again Cat Ma! Just getting on the puter, it's been a tough day for Rupert. His numbers are high (preshot BG was 458 this evening) and he is more lethargic again. :( I just started testing yesterday on 7/15 and that is the highest yet, lowest was 287. He started insulin on Wednesday, 1 ml twice a day ProZinc. Is this normal? Does it take longer to get the numbers down? He is only getting wet, canned food Friskies pate and FF classic. He is eating well and I am giving him 4 to 5 small meals a day, plus low carb treats when I test his BG. He was more stressed than usual when I was testing him, but 458 is freaking me out! :nailbiting: I gave him his scheduled insulin shot shortly after, so hoping that helps. I will talk to the vet tomorrow about his numbers, maybe he will increase his dosage. ?
 
CatX4 said:
I will get some of that and a can of pumpkin, thanks again Cat Ma! Just getting on the puter, it's been a tough day for Rupert. His numbers are high (preshot BG was 458 this evening) and he is more lethargic again. :( I just started testing yesterday on 7/15 and that is the highest yet, lowest was 287. He started insulin on Wednesday, 1 ml twice a day ProZinc. Is this normal? Does it take longer to get the numbers down? He is only getting wet, canned food Friskies pate and FF classic. He is eating well and I am giving him 4 to 5 small meals a day, plus low carb treats when I test his BG. He was more stressed than usual when I was testing him, but 458 is freaking me out! :nailbiting: I gave him his scheduled insulin shot shortly after, so hoping that helps. I will talk to the vet tomorrow about his numbers, maybe he will increase his dosage. ?
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Glad to hear Riley had a "movement" Dana! We take our small victories, eh? :)
 
CatX4 said:
I will get some of that and a can of pumpkin, thanks again Cat Ma! Just getting on the puter, it's been a tough day for Rupert. His numbers are high (preshot BG was 458 this evening) and he is more lethargic again. :( I just started testing yesterday on 7/15 and that is the highest yet, lowest was 287. He started insulin on Wednesday, 1 ml twice a day ProZinc. Is this normal? Does it take longer to get the numbers down? He is only getting wet, canned food Friskies pate and FF classic. He is eating well and I am giving him 4 to 5 small meals a day, plus low carb treats when I test his BG. He was more stressed than usual when I was testing him, but 458 is freaking me out! :nailbiting: I gave him his scheduled insulin shot shortly after, so hoping that helps. I will talk to the vet tomorrow about his numbers, maybe he will increase his dosage. ?
Click to expand...

Plain canned pumpkin has no sugar added. Forti Flora is another good product for diarrhea. It's a probiotic as well and can be found online i.e. at Amazon and pet supply sites. I am not familiar with ProZinc so unfortunately I can't help answer anything ProZinc-related. I'd suggest posting in the ProZinc forum or general forum for answers from ProZinc experts to your concerns and dose. Plus find out if it takes time before ProZinc works to get the #'s down. Rupert's lethargy is a concern. If the diarrhea is constant/ongoing, unflavored pedialyte can be given via a syringe. That may help with the lethargy.

With ProZinc, I am not sure if it is best to test before you feed/give treats or if it's ok at the same time. test before feeding or not. Another question to ask ProZinc experts in the forum.

It's only been two days but it feels longer, doesn't it? It will get easier!
 
Cat Ma said:
Plain canned pumpkin has no sugar added. Forti Flora is another good product for diarrhea. It's a probiotic as well and can be found online i.e. at Amazon and pet supply sites. I am not familiar with ProZinc so unfortunately I can't help answer anything ProZinc-related. I'd suggest posting in the ProZinc forum or general forum for answers from ProZinc experts to your concerns and dose. Plus find out if it takes time before ProZinc works to get the #'s down. Rupert's lethargy is a concern. If the diarrhea is constant/ongoing, unflavored pedialyte can be given via a syringe. That may help with the lethargy.

With ProZinc, I am not sure if it is best to test before you feed/give treats or if it's ok at the same time. test before feeding or not. Another question to ask ProZinc experts in the forum.

It's only been two days but it feels longer, doesn't it? It will get easier!
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It has seemed like an eternity! I have checked out the ProZinc forum, but it's all a bit confusing, but I will ask more questions there and also of my vet. I will get some pedialyte (unflavored) tomorrow. My shopping list is growing. :) I have read several different opinions about feeding, some say 20 mins before shot, vet said after....arghhhh! I am concerned that his lethargy is due to his high numbers, but perhaps being dehydrated also. He is drinking water, his urine output not bad and the skin/spring back test seems ok. It's all very confusing. You have been great Cat Ma, thanks again and sleep well.
 
CatX4 said:
It has seemed like an eternity! I have checked out the ProZinc forum, but it's all a bit confusing, but I will ask more questions there and also of my vet. I will get some pedialyte (unflavored) tomorrow. My shopping list is growing. :) I have read several different opinions about feeding, some say 20 mins before shot, vet said after....arghhhh! I am concerned that his lethargy is due to his high numbers, but perhaps being dehydrated also. He is drinking water, his urine output not bad and the skin/spring back test seems ok. It's all very confusing. You have been great Cat Ma, thanks again and sleep well.
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Has Rupert been tested for ketones? I am wondering if the lethargy could be related to that. You can test ketones at home by using ketones strips. Strips are available anywhere diabetic supplies are sold, pharmacies and places like Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. Some members put saran warp in the litter box; others use a cup to catch the urine while the cat is doing its business. The cat cannot hold in its urine one it has to pee.

Here's a good link on ketones: http://www.felinediabetes.com/ketones.htm

Here are some good tips, including checking for dehydration, from BJM:
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1r6ktdF7AMJCYHgPkVQWFUFy5Ag6OnbmfNfQqL3zX_88

You've only been here how long? Just a few days. :) Already you've been learning a lot. It will get easier!
 
It is fine to feed while giving the shot or a few minutes before, but be sure you are not feeding more than 30+ minutes before or it will give you a number influenced by food, not a "true" one. Dana's Riley is a picky eater so she has to balance that. You do want them to eat with the insulin, but if they are eating well, you can test, shoot and feed. Or lots of people give the shot while they are eating.

I replied with specifics on ProZinc on your other thread.
 
Cat Ma said:
Has Rupert been tested for ketones? I am wondering if the lethargy could be related to that. You can test ketones at home by using ketones strips. Strips are available anywhere diabetic supplies are sold, pharmacies and places like Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. Some members put saran warp in the litter box; others use a cup to catch the urine while the cat is doing its business. The cat cannot hold in its urine one it has to pee.

Here's a good link on ketones: http://www.felinediabetes.com/ketones.htm

Here are some good tips, including checking for dehydration, from BJM:
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1r6ktdF7AMJCYHgPkVQWFUFy5Ag6OnbmfNfQqL3zX_88

You've only been here how long? Just a few days. :) Already you've been learning a lot. It will get easier!
Click to expand...
I haven't tested yet, but will start. Not sure how it will go, I have 3 other cats, but I will try the Saran wrap, I usually don't catch him peeing with all the activity going on in the boxes! I will go read the Ketones link and another big thank you for your help! I am hoping it will get better, feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. Thanks for all your wonderful help!
 
I can understand feeling overwhelmed. Believe me, I was the same way you were. Only I didn't arm myself with the wealth of knowledge and supplies as quickly as you did. You've been proactive and are doing a great job. Do try to take some time for yourself and remember to breathe.
 
Ok, one more question and then I will let you nice people a break! :bighug: I re- checked the Sheba pate canned food and I find nothing there about sugar or the other bad stuff, is there something I am missing? Only wondering because I bought 20 cans of the stuff with a good coupon. Not too worried, my other 3 will enjoy it though! Asking because I am reading the ingredients now of any food I buy and thought it was safe. I have seen the lists of acceptable low carbs food, but Rupert is a bit finicky and gets tired of the same flavors quickly it appears.
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
It is fine to feed while giving the shot or a few minutes before, but be sure you are not feeding more than 30+ minutes before or it will give you a number influenced by food, not a "true" one. Dana's Riley is a picky eater so she has to balance that. You do want them to eat with the insulin, but if they are eating well, you can test, shoot and feed. Or lots of people give the shot while they are eating.

I replied with specifics on ProZinc on your other thread.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Good info!
 
Sheba food is not listed on the cat food nutritional chart link, but maybe on the Sheba site (?). The carbs must be higher then 10%, so the non-diabetic kitties in my house will have the Sheba I bought, but I won't buy it again. :)
 
Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.
 
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