Carbs in cat food

[Georgia]

Other than looking at the list of canned cat foods on this website, how may I determine the amount of carbs in other cat foods? I try so hard to read all the fine print on the little cans, but I must be missing it if it is listed. Carbs are what we are trying to prevent our diabetic kitties from consuming too many. Right? I know grain free foods are best and have heard to try to stick with classic pates, but my Rocky will not touch them. I really want to keep him as healthy as possible, but also know he must eat in order to have his insulin. Thanks for any help.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

You can't tell from the cans. They don't provide "%calories from carbohydrates as fed" values, and only provide minimums. So don't give you the info you need. Only way is to use these lists on our site or call the manufacturer and see if they will give it to you,

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

You saw this list right? http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf

 

[BJM]

Grain free does not mean carb free.
Carb sources:
Legumes (peas & beans)
Fruits
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets, rutabaga)

Grains includes tapioca which allegedly has a low glycemic index and won't spike the glucose. I have yet to see a cat go hunting for that, so I'd avoid it!

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

I use the following online calculator to get a 'ballpark figure' for what's in the food. (Put in the percentages for protein, fat, ash, fibre and moisture; click 'calculate' and the carb % appears in the turquoise box on the lower right.)
https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/_gaconverter/

However, as others have said, the percentages listed on the can may not be the same as what is actually in the can. And for the current actual values it is necessary to call the manufacturer. Manufacturers seem to vary in their degree of helpfulness with regard to providing information.
If you are hometesting your cat regularly and know his typical responses to insulin, you may be able to get a ballpark figure from the calculation and then feed him some of the food and monitor the effect that has on his blood glucose..?