New Question on diabetic feedings

[Merianne Hadley]

Hello folks! I have a new question about Socrates & his meals. It seems he has gone into remission with his diabetes. I have been still feeding him the Royal Canin Glycobalance canned food & monitoring him closely. He was eating Purina's DM formula but he got to where he'd turn his nose up at it. Not sure if I mentioned this in an earlier post but we lost his brother to CKD 2 wks. ago! He is now turning away from that & his grilled chicken treats. I'm not sure if he's just grieving or if his CKD is kicking back up. If I remember correctly, Diabetes & CKD are fed with opposite formulas. Does anyone know if it's safe fore me to try the Weruva brand on him??? Or, should I try a small can of an over the counter brand that my vet recommends for diabetic cats?? Once again...... 2 different problems & Im SO confused!!!

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

Weruva is a great food for CKD cats, because they use high quality protein sources. There are lots of Weruva low phosphorus flavors that are good for CKD cats--pretty much all of the non-fish flavors are low phosphorus and low carb, but check out the values at catinfo to pick flavors out that meet his needs. You're looking for something less than 10% carbs and less than 250mg/100kcal phosphorus, and Weruva has lots of options. Just keep in mind that some of the flavors may be lower in calories, so you need to pay attention to those flavors and feed enough calories to match his current diet. You can also supplement the Weruva with something higher calorie but still low phosphorus, like certain canned Wellness or EVO flavors (see the chart linked above to find ones that are both low carb and low phosphorus).

What you're looking for in a CKD diet is something that has a high quality protein source (so preferably no byproducts or fillers), low phosphorus, and high moisture (canned). You want to keep CKD kitties as hydrated as possible so mixing water in with their food and pet fountains are great way to do that. Low protein diets are now only recommended at late stage CKD (because they cause muscle wasting), and even then only if the cat will eat them. Many cats don't like the prescription kidney diets and won't eat them.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

For both CKD and diabetes, you need both low carb (for the diabetes) and low phosphorus (for the CKD)

One of our other members, Ann & Tess has a tab on their spreadsheet that's titled "LC/Low Phos" and has lots of foods that are both listed. Look along the top of the spreadsheet for that tab

Ann & Tess's spreadsheet with LC/Low Phos food list

 

[Sandi and Toby]

So sorry about Socrates brother. If they were close, or even if not...the routines and presence in the house has changed. But hopefully this food issue is just a phase and you'll both get through it just fine.

My thoughts are with you both -- hold each other tight...

Best,
Sandi.