Best Friskies Pate for diabetic

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Shell

Shell

Member Since 2022
I heard that Friskies Pate is good food to give to a diabetic cat. Mine is newly diagnosed. I went and got Mixed Grill, Salmon and something like Fisherman's Catch or something like that. Then i've read that these aren't even on the list of Friskies for diabetic cats.

I understand the how and why, carb content, rice content etc etc etc, what to avoid.

I was just wondering only what the best brands of the Friskies pate should be given to a diabetic cat. I've heard it's turkey and giblets and beef and liver.

All I am wondering if Tukey and Giblets and Beef and Liver and the only Friskies pate that I should be buying? What about the other Friskies Pate.

Every time I try to make a specific search, I get a vague answer like "some foods have rice content", which really doesn't help. I am hoping to hear what others have fed successfully in terms of name brand and flavor.

I also understand that Fancy Feast Fish and Shrimp is good. Any other Fancy Feast flavors recommended?

I am looking for specific names because I got Friskies Pate and discovered that the ones I got aren't on the online list I read about on another site.

Any other name brands / flavors that can be purchased?
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom as she has a list of friskies and FF foods that are suitable.

In the meantime would you like to set up your signature, and if you are hometesting the blood sugar, your spreadsheet?
Here link HELP US HELP YOU

if you are not hometesting the blood glucose would strongly recommend you think about it as it is the only way you can be sure you are keeping your kitty in safe numbers.
HOMETESTING hints and links
 
This is a link to a food chart that was compiled by a vet, Lisa Pierson, DVM who has a great website on feline nutrition. The chart includes information on the % from carbs.

Friskies pates are fine and many people use them because they are inexpensive compared to some of the other low carb foods. We consider low carb as less than 10% -- although most people tend to feed their cats in the neighborhood of 5% carb. There are lots of canned foods that fall into the low carb range.

If you can't find information on a particular food since new varieties come on the market every so often, there are cat food carb calculators on the web. The calculators will give you a rough idea of the %carbs. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not provide information on the carbs in they food and the nutritional information is the guaranteed analysis and not the "as fed" values. It will give you a ballpark estimate. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the as fed carb amounts.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
This is a link to a food chart that was compiled by a vet, Lisa Pierson, DVM who has a great website on feline nutrition. The chart includes information on the % from carbs.

Friskies pates are fine and many people use them because they are inexpensive compared to some of the other low carb foods. We consider low carb as less than 10% -- although most people tend to feed their cats in the neighborhood of 5% carb. There are lots of canned foods that fall into the low carb range.

If you can't find information on a particular food since new varieties come on the market every so often, there are cat food carb calculators on the web. The calculators will give you a rough idea of the %carbs. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not provide information on the carbs in they food and the nutritional information is the guaranteed analysis and not the "as fed" values. It will give you a ballpark estimate. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the as fed carb amounts.
Click to expand...

This helps a lot. Thank you.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom as she has a list of friskies and FF foods that are suitable.

In the meantime would you like to set up your signature, and if you are hometesting the blood sugar, your spreadsheet?
Here link HELP US HELP YOU

if you are not hometesting the blood glucose would strongly recommend you think about it as it is the only way you can be sure you are keeping your kitty in safe numbers.
HOMETESTING hints and links
Click to expand...
Thank you for this. No, I don't know where to begin. I am extremely overwhelmed. Extremely.

I don't know what home monitoring is and I will definately be checking into it. Right now, I am working to slowly stabilize her. She is moving in a better direction slowly. I am still force feeding for now as she simply stopped suddenly just a few days ago. She is holding down the food. The first thing I understand as my main priority is to make sure she has eaten before any insulin is monitored. I will be checking this back soon as she is due to eat very soon and I need to get her food prepared.
 
It’s normal to be overwhelmed especially when most vets just set you up with insulin and send you home with no proper info about feline diabetes.

Ask your vet about an anti-nausea med. cats that are nauseated won’t eat. Cerenia and ondansetron are the most common and can be taken simultaneously since they work differently. A lot of vets are quick to suggest an apetite stimulant but know that it won’t do much good if the cat is nauseated so it’s important to rule that out first with the anti nausea meds. Have you tried baby food? Gerber all proteins like chicken and turkey are low in carbs and sometimes cats will respond to that. Tuna is also an option.

home monitoring means testing her blood glucose levels at home with a human or pet meter. You prick the ear or paw, get a droplet of blood and test it. It may sound daunting but it was way easier for me to handle daily than syringe feeding, which you’re already doing :cat:

Take it one step at a time and at a pace you feel comfortable with. I’d start with the anti nausea meds and hopefully that will get her eating again. Then you can think about home testing.

what’s the insulin she’s on and what’s the dose you’re giving her? Anything else you can tell us, like the tests the vet performed and how long ago she was diagnosed will help us help you better.

this is where I would come always when I was feeling overwhelmed and these folks hand held me through it so know you’re in the best of hands :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/brand-new-member-and-cat-just-diagnosed.265297/
@Shell if you tap in the blue link above members have replied back to your previous post can you go back and read it please, I told you how to set up your signature which is at the end of everyone's post
Sienne has given you the food list that lists the carb %
You can also feed Fancy Feast Classic Pates most of them are 2, 3, or 6% carbs
@Shell
After you read what a member says to you please tap the like word to the right so we know you read it
@Shell
 
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Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom as she has a list of friskies and FF foods that are suitable.


if you are not hometesting the blood glucose would strongly recommend you think about it as it is the only way you can be sure you are keeping your kitty in safe numbers.
HOMETESTING hints and links
Click to expand...

I've got honey and it's instructions taped inside the cabinet. As well as a syringe to administer rectally if needed. I will get Karo Syrup next time out because it seems to be recommended first before honey. Is this true that it is a better syrup to resort to?

Glucose monitor - I still haven't completely researched. Is this used daily?
 
Shell said:
I don't know what home monitoring is and I will definately be checking into it
Click to expand...
Home monitoring is when you test your cats BG numbers. How do you know what it is, do you go to your vet to check it?

Honey is fine to use
You need to buy a glucose meter, test your cat first thing in the morning that's called (AMPS) to see if the number is safe to give insulin. Then you will need to do additional tests after that until the 12 hours pass then you test first again that called PMPS ( pre shot) and additional tests after that to see how low you cats BG is dropping
Don't feed 2 hours before AMPS and PMPS because you don't want the BG number to be food influenced
You can feed small meals during each 12 hour cycle
We need to know what insulin you are using
Like I said go back to your previous post and do your signature
@Shell
 
Last edited:
Ale & Minnie (GA) said:
It’s normal to be overwhelmed especially when most vets just set you up with insulin and send you home with no proper info about feline diabetes.

Ask your vet about an anti-nausea med. cats that are nauseated won’t eat. Cerenia and ondansetron are the most common and can be taken simultaneously since they work differently. A lot of vets are quick to suggest an apetite stimulant but know that it won’t do much good if the cat is nauseated so it’s important to rule that out first with the anti nausea meds. Have you tried baby food? Gerber all proteins like chicken and turkey are low in carbs and sometimes cats will respond to that. Tuna is also an option.

home monitoring means testing her blood glucose levels at home with a human or pet meter. You prick the ear or paw, get a droplet of blood and test it. It may sound daunting but it was way easier for me to handle daily than syringe feeding, which you’re already doing :cat:

Take it one step at a time and at a pace you feel comfortable with. I’d start with the anti nausea meds and hopefully that will get her eating again. Then you can think about home testing.

what’s the insulin she’s on and what’s the dose you’re giving her? Anything else you can tell us, like the tests the vet performed and how long ago she was diagnosed will help us help you better.

this is where I would come always when I was feeling overwhelmed and these folks hand held me through it so know you’re in the best of hands :bighug::bighug::bighug:
Click to expand...


She is on Prozinc insulin. Vet started her on 2 units twice a day after eating. She weighs 20 pounds. So, maybe that is why. I am seeing most cats are taking 1 unit two times a day.

She was diagnosed 5 days ago. Glucose was 571 - BUN 36, BUN Creatinine Ratio - 21.2. I am not sure if these numbers help, but the only one that was off the charts was the gluclose. Incidentally, she has been taking Cat Lax - a hairball treatment and laxtive for cats. Cat Lax contains Cod Liver Oil, caramel, lechitin, malt syrup, white patrolium equivalent. Could this possibly have been the culprit in such a sudden reaction she had before she was diagnosed. She had been taking it successfully for a bit before this vomiting / weakness / stopping eating incident occurred. She has been given none since her diagnosis. I don't think Cat Lax is a good idea for her.
 
Shell said:
She is on Prozinc insulin. Vet started her on 2 units twice a day after eating. She weighs 20 pounds. So, maybe that is why. I am seeing most cats are taking 1 unit two times a day.

She was diagnosed 5 days ago. Glucose was 571 - BUN 36, BUN Creatinine Ratio - 21.2. I am not sure if these numbers help, but the only one that was off the charts was the gluclose. Incidentally, she has been taking Cat Lax - a hairball treatment and laxtive for cats. Cat Lax contains Cod Liver Oil, caramel, lechitin, malt syrup, white patrolium equivalent. Could this possibly have been the culprit in such a sudden reaction she had before she was diagnosed. She had been taking it successfully for a bit before this vomiting / weakness / stopping eating incident occurred. She has been given none since her diagnosis. I don't think Cat Lax is a good idea for her.
Click to expand...
I asked you to fill this out yesterday on your first post
Depending on where you live we can suggest which meter to buy and how to home test and what else you will need
What are you feeding low carb wet or combo lc wet/dry?


Once you full out your signature I can tag a few experienced members for you

If you can please fill out what we call our signature that would be very helpful
To set up your signature which you will see is at the end of everyone's post in gray, click on your name up top and then tap on the word signature and add this information
  • Add info we need to help you:
    • Caregiver & kitty's name
    • DX: Date
    • Name of Insulin (do not include dose or frequency)
    • Name of your meter
    • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
    • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
    • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
    • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
    • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
    • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.

Take a look at mine
Here is the link to set up our spreadsheet where we record our cats BG it will also explain how it works
If you need help just ask we have a member who will help you
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/

You can look at mine to get an idea what it looks like , I don't have many tests for 2022 because Tyler is now in remission with the help from this awesome group.
You can tap on 2020 and 2021 to get a better idea the years are at their top of the spreadsheet
Tap on where it says Tyler's Spreadsheet at the end of my signature or any other members
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/brand-new-member-and-cat-just-diagnosed.265297/
@Shell if you tap in the blue link above members have replied back to your previous post can you go back and read it please, I told you how to set up your signature which is at the end of everyone's post
Sienne has given you the food list that lists the carb %
You can also feed Fancy Feast Classic Pates most of them are 2, 3, or 6% carbs
@Shell
After you read what a member says to you please tap the like word to the right so we know you read it
@Shell
Click to expand...

Thanks. I am struggling with the signature. I can not find "settings". Please help.
 
Home testing also Bron gave you a link above in blue about home testing
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up
c2b8079a-b471-4fa6-ac36-9ac1c8d6dcca-jpeg.57072
fec17d29-5ab4-44a8-912b-3a91944c3954-jpeg.57073

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
You can also put a thin layer of vaseline on the ear ,to help the blood bead up
A video one of our members posted
VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar
 
If you live in the US you can go to Walmart or order on line
Get the Relion Premier Classic Meter it's a human meter most of us use human meters that's what our numbers are based on
Meter is 9 dollars
17.88 for 100 test strips , they go fast so make sure you always have enough
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets to poke Amy's ear
Cotton rounds
We can't really help you until you start testing so we can see how the insulin is working for her and how low her BG is dropping
I'll ask one of our members to set it up for you once we know when you buy a meter
Just let us know
You also want to buy some med and high carb foods in case her BG drops too low and you have to bring it up to safe numbers
I'll list some for you


For your hypo kit you want some
Med and High Carb food and some honey



Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy 20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Good idea to mark the cans with magic marker how many carbs

Or any on the food chart.
Here is our food chsrt
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
If you live in the US you can go to Walmart or order on line
Get the Relion Premier Classic Meter it's a human meter most of us use human meters that's what our numbers are based on
Meter is 9 dollars
17.88 for 100 test strips , they go fast so make sure you always have enough
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets to poke Amy's ear
Cotton rounds
We can't really help you until you start testing so we can see how the insulin is working for her and how low her BG is dropping
I'll ask one of our members to set it up for you once we know when you buy a meter
Just let us know
You also want to buy some med and high carb foods in case her BG drops too low and you have to bring it up to safe numbers
I'll list some for you


For your hypo kit you want some
Med and High Carb food and some honey



Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy 20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Good idea to mark the cans with magic marker how many carbs

Or any on the food chart.
Here is our food chsrt
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/
Click to expand...

Before I saw this - I had just placed an order for "CareSens N Blood Glucose Monitor Kit with 100 Blood Sugar Test Strips, 100 Lancets, 1 Blood Glucose Meter, 1 Lancing Device, Travel Case for Diabetes Testing Kit (Auto-Coding Glucometer kit with 1 Control Solution)" I came back to the thread and saw the other recommendation just now. Will the meter I ordered suffice???
 
Shell said:
Incidentally, she has been taking Cat Lax - a hairball treatment and laxtive for cats. Cat Lax contains Cod Liver Oil, caramel, lechitin, malt syrup, white patrolium equivalent. Could this possibly have been the culprit in such a sudden reaction she had before she was diagnosed. She had been taking it successfully for a bit before this vomiting / weakness / stopping eating incident occurred. She has been given none since her diagnosis. I don't think Cat Lax is a good idea for her
Click to expand...
I wouldn't give it any more it contains malt and caramel which can raise blood sugar
 
Shell said:
Before I saw this - I had just placed an order for "CareSens N Blood Glucose Monitor Kit with 100 Blood Sugar Test Strips, 100 Lancets, 1 Blood Glucose Meter, 1 Lancing Device, Travel Case for Diabetes Testing Kit (Auto-Coding Glucometer kit with 1 Control Solution)" I came back to the thread and saw the other recommendation just now. Will the meter I ordered suffice???
Click to expand...
It should be fine , just make sure the lancets what you poke the ear with is either 26 or 28 gauge lancets if not just go to any store and pick either one up any brand because this size will be better to get the ear to bleed. The kit probably came with 30 gauge lancets
Always make sure you have enough test strips since you will have to order then off the internet

The lancing devise it comes with with probably make a clicking sound which Amy won't like that's why we just hold the lancet in our hands and poke you can see better where you are aiming. Look at the video I sent you

I know this is overwhelming but we will all help you ,in no time you will become a pro

You might want to read all about Prozinc
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/prozinc-pzi.24/
Read all the yellow stickys

One other thing do you have the U-40 syringes with half unit markings
We use half unit markings so we can adjust the dose by 0.25 units at a time ,those we have to eyeball if it's something like 1.25 units for example
You can order them

https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product...MI75Cysarg-AIVNevjBx3LuwMjEAQYAiABEgIQzPD_BwE
You can call them and they will contact your vet to fax over a script for them ask for refills

Amazon might not need a doctor to approve them I never ordered my syringes from them
Plus these are more expensive than the other ones
https://www.amazon.com/UltiCare-Insulin-Syringes-12-7mm-Markings/dp/B08HX9BPH7
 
Last edited:
Shell said:
She is on Prozinc insulin. Vet started her on 2 units twice a day after eating. She weighs 20 pounds. So, maybe that is why. I am seeing most cats are taking 1 unit two times a day.

She was diagnosed 5 days ago. Glucose was 571 - BUN 36, BUN Creatinine Ratio - 21.2. I am not sure if these numbers help, but the only one that was off the charts was the gluclose. Incidentally, she has been taking Cat Lax - a hairball treatment and laxtive for cats. Cat Lax contains Cod Liver Oil, caramel, lechitin, malt syrup, white patrolium equivalent. Could this possibly have been the culprit in such a sudden reaction she had before she was diagnosed. She had been taking it successfully for a bit before this vomiting / weakness / stopping eating incident occurred. She has been given none since her diagnosis. I don't think Cat Lax is a good idea for her.
Click to expand...
Tagging Melissa
@FrostD
Hi Melissa Shell is new just ordered a meter , I know you have no tests to go by , do you think 2 units is too much to start with
@FrostD
 
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@Shell we also have a spreadsheet we use to track our cats BG
When you have the meter I can ask someone to set it up for you just ask
Look at mine to get an idea , Tyler is in remission now so I don't test that often go to the top of my spreadsheet tap on 2020 when I was testing a lot
Tap on Tyler's spreadsheet below
AMPS means the first test you take in the AM
U the dose of insulin
+2 means the test 2 hours after giving insulin
+3. three hours after giving insulin and so on
PMPS. first test you do in the PM
and so on

@Shell
 
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Hmm. 2U twice a day is fairly high to start. Even though she's 20lbs, the weight doesn't always matter.

What food is she currently eating?

Did they find any other signs of infection? Pancreatitis? Ketones?

Please get some Ketostix (or any human urine ketone strips). If she is diabetic, the vomiting/weakness/lethargy could be a sign of DKA. Chances are since it's lasted so long it may not be (as in, DKA becomes fatal more quickly than that when untreated) but always better safe than sorry.
 
FrostD said:
Hmm. 2U twice a day is fairly high to start. Even though she's 20lbs, the weight doesn't always matter.

What food is she currently eating?

Did they find any other signs of infection? Pancreatitis? Ketones?

Please get some Ketostix (or any human urine ketone strips). If she is diabetic, the vomiting/weakness/lethargy could be a sign of DKA. Chances are since it's lasted so long it may not be (as in, DKA becomes fatal more quickly than that when untreated) but always better safe than sorry.
Click to expand...
She has started to eat and drink on her own last night. I have Ketostix. Thank you for that reminder. If there are ketones in her urine, what does this mean? I haven't tested yet. An infection was suspected in the bladder possibly. Or UTI. Vet told me to empty the litter box completely and get a urine sample. I really can't see her peeing in an empty box. She would probably go on the floor before going in an empty box, but unialysis wasn't done because no sample could be collected.
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
@Shell we also have a spreadsheet we use to track our cats BG
When you have the meter I can ask someone to set it up for you just ask
Look at mine to get an idea , Tyler is in remission now so I don't test that often go to the top of my spreadsheet tap on 2020 when I was testing a lot
Tap on Tyler's spreadsheet below
AMPS means the first test you take in the AM
U the dose of insulin
+2 means the test 2 hours after giving insulin
+3. three hours after giving insulin and so on
PMPS. first test you do in the PM
and so on

@Shell
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing. This is a very helpful reference guide. And, so glad that Tyler has improved so much, too!
 
I didn't think my cat would go in an empty box either, but I sprinkled a bit of litter in one corner and apparently that was enough to convince him. They can also do a cystocentesis as well. Sometimes Saran wrap over the litter works.

Anything above trace ketones is an emergency. In the meantime, please keep her eating and drinking as much as possible. You can also make her food more soupy by mixing water in.
 
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