What are Good BG levels?

[Deborah W.]

Can anyone tell me what good blood glucose levels are for my kitty? I have heard from 75-120 but see on some other postings that their cats are in the 60's which I thought was too low. I have also read that Dr. Elsey's CleanProtein Chicken Formula Grain-Free dry kibble is under 5% carbs and okay to feed diabetic cats. Has anyone had experience with this food?
My Rocky is on his 3rd day without insulin and possibly going into remission. His numbers have been in the low 100's with two exceptions both at about 130. I am home testing his BG, usually 3 times a day. I am currently feeding Fancy Feast Classic Turkey Roast, but I have two cats and it has been hard getting them both to eat it as they were previously free range. I would like to try the Dr. Elsey's but don't want to risk a set-back for Rocky.

 

[JanetNJ]

On a human meter normal is 50-120 and on a pet meter it's 68-150.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Has anyone had experience with this food?

Yes, it's safe to feed a diabetic cat, BUT you should read this thread by Dr. Lisa before making a final decision

Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content

 

[JanetNJ]

You can feed dr elseys, but I would keep it more as a supplemental treat than as the main food.

I feed my cat ff classic and give a small amount of young again dry as a testing treat and to get her out from napping under the bed or in the closet

 

[Deborah W.]

Yes, it's safe to feed a diabetic cat, BUT you should read this thread by Dr. Lisa before making a final decision

Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content

Thank you for the response. I know the water content of the food is also important and would not consider feeding Rocky only dry food. This would be supplemental only when we can't get a caregiver to come in when we are gone. We are currently using an excellent auto feeder that has freezer packs to keep the moist food fresh but need a supplemental source of food.

 

[JeanW]

Thank you for the response. I know the water content of the food is also important and would not consider feeding Rocky only dry food. This would be supplemental only when we can't get a caregiver to come in when we are gone. We are currently using an excellent auto feeder that has freezer packs to keep the moist food fresh but need a supplemental source of food.

Please share which auto feeder you are using.

 

[Butterball]

Below 70 is not recommended for diabetic cats because having had high BG for extended periods of times, their body has adjusted to high BG being “normal”. Going from extremely high BG to extremely low can cause a variety of issues. Hypoglycemia, a “bounce” that can cause spikes in BG, and possibly brain and ocular damage in extreme cases.

Over time a diabetic cat will start to get used to lower BG and will respond better to it more and more. You want their daily BG curve to be as smooth and gradual as possible, avoid big drops and high pre-shot numbers. 450 to 75 after a shot is not ideal, 250-300 to 75 is better. Easier said than done but that’s the goal.

So if your cat is newly diagnosed and still has high numbers, try to avoid getting below 75. Get it as steady and smooth as possible. If,you arrive to a point where your cat responds well at > 75 with no complications or symptoms of hypo, good job! That’s a good thing

As for Dr. Elsys Clean Chicken- it’s probaly the “best” dry food around ATM. Obviously you want to get your cat on all dry but Dr. Elsys is one of the best compromises while your cat gets there. I’ve been feeding it to Rocky between his wet meals (he’s still not quite there yet, dry food addict for 12 years) and he likes it and hasn’t had any digestive issues. His BG has even improved slightly because it’s lower carb than his wet food (he mainly gets Fancy Feast Grilled because he’s very fickle with the pate- another work in progress)

 

[Deborah W.]

Please share which auto feeder you are using.

Thank you for the response. I know the water content of the food is also important and would not consider feeding Rocky only dry food. This would be supplemental only when we can't get a caregiver to come in when we are gone. We are currently using an excellent auto feeder that has freezer packs to keep the moist food fresh but need a supplemental source of food.

Please share which auto feeder you are using.

I am using the CatMate C500 available on Amazon. I just had an issue with it however, but I think it was probably user error. Instructions that come with it on setting the times do not tell you that when you are doe setting the last cycle you must return to the clock or the last timer entered doesn't set. I tested it again today and it worked fine. It allows five feedings a day and keeps the food fresh overnight.

 

[Deborah W.]

Below 70 is not recommended for diabetic cats because having had high BG for extended periods of times, their body has adjusted to high BG being “normal”. Going from extremely high BG to extremely low can cause a variety of issues. Hypoglycemia, a “bounce” that can cause spikes in BG, and possibly brain and ocular damage in extreme cases.

Over time a diabetic cat will start to get used to lower BG and will respond better to it more and more. You want their daily BG curve to be as smooth and gradual as possible, avoid big drops and high pre-shot numbers. 450 to 75 after a shot is not ideal, 250-300 to 75 is better. Easier said than done but that’s the goal.

So if your cat is newly diagnosed and still has high numbers, try to avoid getting below 75. Get it as steady and smooth as possible. If,you arrive to a point where your cat responds well at > 75 with no complications or symptoms of hypo, good job! That’s a good thing

As for Dr. Elsys Clean Chicken- it’s probaly the “best” dry food around ATM. Obviously you want to get your cat on all dry but Dr. Elsys is one of the best compromises while your cat gets there. I’ve been feeding it to Rocky between his wet meals (he’s still not quite there yet, dry food addict for 12 years) and he likes it and hasn’t had any digestive issues. His BG has even improved slightly because it’s lower carb than his wet food (he mainly gets Fancy Feast Grilled because he’s very fickle with the pate- another work in progress)[/QUOT
Thanks for the info on Dr. Elseys. Even the Chewy website does not recommend feeding 100% dry food. I'm just looking to supplement a little with something easier for a caregiver to leave if we are gone. As far as his numbers go I am keeping my fingers crossed that he is in remission. He hasn't had a shot now for 10 days and his BG is in the low 100's.

 

[JeanW]

I am using the CatMate C500 available on Amazon. I just had an issue with it however, but I think it was probably user error. Instructions that come with it on setting the times do not tell you that when you are doe setting the last cycle you must return to the clock or the last timer entered doesn't set. I tested it again today and it worked fine. It allows five feedings a day and keeps the food fresh overnight.

Thanks for sharing.