Zekono
Member
This is our sweet cat Hansel, an 11-year-old male.
Summary:
Hansel (11) has diabetes, has had past bladder issues (plug), and has been dealing with chronic diarrhea. We are now unsure whether wet food or dry food is best, as he ideally needs food that takes into account his diabetes, urinary tract, and digestive system.
Current dry food: Ultima Cat Urinary Tract (41% dry matter carbs)
Current wet food: Sheba Sauce Collection Fish Selection (9% dry matter carbs)
Medical history:
Diet and glucose levels:
We have now almost fully switched him to wet food, and we feel that we can regulate his glucose levels slightly better.
The veterinarian said it is okay to feed only dry food. However, we clearly notice a difference in his glucose levels when he eats only dry food versus only wet food.
On an American forum specializing in diabetic cats, there was a tip that exclusively feeding wet food is much better—not only for diabetes but also for FLUTD (urinary tract issues).
Last veterinary visit:
Last week, we went back to the vet because there was possibly some blood in his stool (it was not clearly visible).
→ He was given a five-day course of antibiotics (Metrovis), but unfortunately, it did not help: diarrhea persists.
The vet suggested trying a week of gastrointestinal dry or wet food from a reputable brand, in combination with probiotics from another brand.
If that does not improve things, they would like to perform an ultrasound.
Our dilemma:
Hansel ideally needs special food for:
So our question is:
Do we listen to the veterinarian who says it does not matter whether he gets wet or dry food, or do you have another approach or experience?
Thank you for taking the time to read this
Summary:
Hansel (11) has diabetes, has had past bladder issues (plug), and has been dealing with chronic diarrhea. We are now unsure whether wet food or dry food is best, as he ideally needs food that takes into account his diabetes, urinary tract, and digestive system.
Current dry food: Ultima Cat Urinary Tract (41% dry matter carbs)
Current wet food: Sheba Sauce Collection Fish Selection (9% dry matter carbs)
Medical history:
- Two years ago, Hansel was diagnosed with diabetes.
- Last year, he had to visit the vet clinic twice due to a bladder plug. This happened shortly after switching from urinary tract food to diabetes food.
- He has long suffered from diarrhea. He was given two one-month courses of probiotics (FortiFlora from Purina "PRO PLAN Feline Probiotic"). When he ate only dry food, the stool was slightly less liquid.
Diet and glucose levels:
We have now almost fully switched him to wet food, and we feel that we can regulate his glucose levels slightly better.
The veterinarian said it is okay to feed only dry food. However, we clearly notice a difference in his glucose levels when he eats only dry food versus only wet food.
On an American forum specializing in diabetic cats, there was a tip that exclusively feeding wet food is much better—not only for diabetes but also for FLUTD (urinary tract issues).
Last veterinary visit:
Last week, we went back to the vet because there was possibly some blood in his stool (it was not clearly visible).
→ He was given a five-day course of antibiotics (Metrovis), but unfortunately, it did not help: diarrhea persists.
The vet suggested trying a week of gastrointestinal dry or wet food from a reputable brand, in combination with probiotics from another brand.
If that does not improve things, they would like to perform an ultrasound.
Our dilemma:
Hansel ideally needs special food for:
- his diabetes
- his urinary tract
- and possibly his digestive system
So our question is:
Do we listen to the veterinarian who says it does not matter whether he gets wet or dry food, or do you have another approach or experience?
Thank you for taking the time to read this
