Myth #3: Carbohydrates in pet food cause obesity and diabetes in cats.

[LoCarbCat]

This is the kind of article that ticks me off. They are debunking "myths" yet giving no references to the studies they're talking about. This "study" must have been funded by pet food manufacturers. Although, in our case, out of our three siblings, the one that has diabetes is the one that became obese from the dry food. But which came first? The pancreas damage, or the obesity? No matter what, kibble is crap.


https://www.diamondpet.com/blog/culture/myths/pet-diabetes-myths/

Myth #3: Carbohydrates in pet food cause obesity and diabetes in cats.
Nope, that’s false. It’s the intake of excess calories — whether from protein, fat or carbohydrates — that leads pets (and people) to pack on the pounds. Low-carbohydrate foods, which may be higher in fat and calories, are more likely to cause a cat to become overweight, especially if that cat is an inactive indoor kitty.

Veterinary researchers have specifically looked into the connection between carbohydrates in dry cat food and feline diabetes. What they found is that lack of physical activity, indoor lifestyle, gender, breed and high-fat — but not high-carbohydrate — diets were the factors that lead to increased weight, insulin resistance and diabetes in cats.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

No matter what, kibble is crap.

well put!

When Hendrick was diagnosed with FD, I couldn't understand why. He was never obese, only 9 years old, very active and healthy. Had just had an annual exam and was given a clean bill of health. I did many hours of research and in the end I had to accept that there is no consensus on what causes FD -- genetics, diet, exercise, and other factors all play a part for sure but nobody seems to be able to say what the true cause is 100%.

I tend to agree with you that it's not necessarily the carbs themselves but the fact that cats are obligate carnivores and really wouldn't eat much, if any, carbs if in the wild so when fed kibble they overeat.

We ditched the kibble for our 6 cats back in January when Hendrick was diagnosed with FD. We feed only lower carb canned or homemade foods now with a good protein source and balance of fat/protein and all the cats have slimmed down considerably and now have stayed at the same weight for months.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

@LoCarbCat - the article is FROM a pet food manufacturer!