Best high protein, low-carb cat food for diabetic cats

Managing a diabetic cat’s diet can feel overwhelming, but PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DM Diabetes Management Dry Cat Food offers an effective solution to support your feline’s health. This specially formulated food regulates blood sugar levels and promotes glucose control. Its high-protein, low-carbohydrate formula is a cornerstone of diabetes management.

One of the standout features of this food is its clinical backing. Evidence suggests that it can reduce the need for insulin injections in many cats. Its small kibble size enhances digestibility and is perfect for cats struggling with larger pieces, as can be the case with older cats.

Customer reviews highlight its appeal, even to picky eaters. One owner shared that after trying other diabetic foods, this was the only one their cat consistently enjoyed, saying: "This one has stayed the course for about a year now, which is amazing."

Packed with key nutrients, this food does more than just manage blood sugar. The inclusion of vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, promoting a healthier immune system, while high levels of arginine work to stimulate insulin release for better glucose regulation. Additionally, its formula enables a slower, controlled release of glucose after eating, helping to avoid sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar.

Obesity can complicate diabetes, so this food's balanced nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight while keeping your cat energised and comfortable.

Some cat owners have had their vet recommend this food. However, it's important to know that dietetic food won't cure diabetes. You must always keep your vet in the loop, as very poorly cats may need alternative food or extra monitoring.

PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DM Diabetes Management Wet Cat Food is specially formulated to support the needs of adult and senior diabetic cats. This complete dietetic food helps regulate glucose levels, offering a clinically proven solution to help reduce insulin requirements in some cats. Available in tender pieces with chicken or beef flavour, it provides a delicious, highly palatable option that can help tempt picky eaters back to eating again.

The food is low in carbohydrates, which helps keep glucose levels stable throughout the day. Its low sugar content ensures that your cat doesn’t experience sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar. It helps control blood sugar by using protein to support the safe and steady production of glucose in the body. Plus, a high level of arginine helps trigger insulin release, which is important for keeping blood sugar levels steady. In addition, the formula's increased vitamin E offers added protection against oxidative stress, promoting better overall health and supporting the immune system.

With a composition largely made up of animal or fish-based ingredients, along with a small amount of corn starch, this food offers a high-protein, low-calorie diet that supports the specific needs of diabetic cats.

Choose PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DM to help keep your diabetic cat's blood sugar levels stable and improve their overall wellbeing.

Hill’s PRESCRIPTION DIET m/d Cat Food with Chicken is a specially formulated dietetic food designed to help manage diabetes and regulate glucose supply in adult and older cats. With a low level of mono- and disaccharides, it’s perfect for cats with diabetes, supporting healthy blood sugar levels while meeting their unique nutritional needs. The kibble is clinically proven to help cats lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

This food is packed with high-quality protein (including 32% chicken) and optimal carbohydrate levels to support glucose management. Plus, it contains therapeutic levels of L-carnitine to help your cat burn fat more effectively. The formula also includes clinically proven antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system, ensuring your cat’s overall well-being.

Hill's Prescription Diet m/d is not only designed for diabetic cats but also helps maintain a healthy urinary environment, reducing the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals (kidney stones). This makes it a great option for supporting urinary health and managing diabetes.

Reviews across the web highlight its effectiveness in managing diabetes and weight loss. As one customer shares, "My cat has lost a healthy amount of weight and has no more symptoms of diabetes (such as excessive thirst and urination)." Vets have also recommended it to customers.

Despite only being available in one flavour, this food is a great choice for diabetic cats and those needing weight management support.

Hill's™ offers a specialised range of diabetic cat food, including kibble, tins and pouches. The convenient pouches contain tender chunks in gravy, providing a delicious flavour, appealing texture and added hydration—perfect for feeding alongside dry food.

Formulated to support diabetic cats, this wet food contains 35% chicken, along with high-quality protein from pork and dried egg white. It also includes healthy oils, essential vitamins and minerals such as taurine, which is vital for overall health in felines.

With high protein levels and balanced carbohydrates, this food helps manage blood sugar while promoting a healthy weight. Additionally, it supports urinary health by reducing the risk of bladder stones and contains clinically proven antioxidants to strengthen the immune system.

As a dietetic option, this food can be costly, so pairing it with kibble can be a great way to extend its benefits while maintaining a balanced diet.

Including wet food in a cat's diet is important for hydration and palatability. Royal Canin Diabetic Cat Food is a complete and balanced meal designed specifically for cats with diabetes. The formula has a reduced level of starch to help limit blood glucose spikes after eating. One of the key features of this food is glucomodulation, a process that combines ingredients with a low glycaemic index, helping to slow digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable.

These thin slices in gravy are highly palatable, making it a great option for cats that can be picky about their food. As one satisfied customer shared, “Luckily, my cat ate it with no fuss as she can be quite picky.”

The high-protein content of this food helps maintain muscle mass and is low in calories, which is particularly important for diabetic cats. While it comes in only one flavour, it’s a great choice for mixed feeding when combined with dry food. Just be sure to follow the feeding guidelines so your cat receives the correct portion size for their weight, age and activity level, plus insulin dosage.

For diabetic cats, Royal Canin Diabetic Cat Food offers a well-rounded solution to support blood sugar management while keeping your cat happy.

PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DM Mousse, Trout and Salmon flavour, is a complete and balanced wet cat food with a delicious mousse texture that cats find highly appealing. Purina provides clear guidance on portion size, and with multiple meals per tin, it helps make the product more cost-effective. One customer shares, "It works out as about £3 a tin. But if you manage to get 4 meals per tin, it's about 52p per meal, and 24 tins should last you a few months."

This food is tasty and a great option for fussy eaters. It’s best to use it alongside dry food, which offers benefits like promoting dental health, providing a satisfying crunch and helping a cat to feel full. Wet food adds variety and helps increase water intake.

Clinically proven to help reduce insulin requirements in some diabetic cats, this food is low in carbohydrates to reduce blood glucose fluctuations. It has increased levels of vitamin E to combat oxidative stress. Protein is the main nutrient, and high levels of arginine help stimulate insulin release. It’s an excellent option for managing your cat's diabetes while ensuring they enjoy every meal.

Smilla Veterinary Diet Diabetes with Beef is a specially formulated wet cat food designed to support diabetic cats by helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. This grain-free, high-protein food is crafted to meet the specific needs of adult cats with diabetes, ensuring they get the right balance of nutrients.

A proper diet is crucial for managing feline diabetes, and this food is free from carbohydrates, minimising blood sugar spikes. It’s also grain-free, ideal for cats with grain or gluten sensitivities. A natural and simple diet that focuses on what cats truly need.

This formula contains 60% meat and animal by-products, along with essential minerals. However, it’s best given with dry food to create a more rounded diet. While the high meat content makes it highly appealing to cats—especially those that are typically fussy—some owners may find it less visually appealing due to the inclusion of animal derivatives. That said, these ingredients are highly nutritious and necessary for cats—as obligate carnivores.

Overall, customers appreciate Smilla Veterinary Diet Diabetes with Beef for its effectiveness in supporting diabetic cats and its palatability, making mealtime easier for picky eaters. If you're looking for a wet food option to help manage your cat’s diabetes while keeping them satisfied, this is definitely worth considering.

Animonda is a trusted German pet food brand known for its commitment to high-quality meat and natural ingredients. This dietetic, gluten-free wet food is specially formulated to help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic cats while also supporting overall health. Available in Poultry, Chicken Liver and Beef flavours, it offers a simple yet nutritious recipe made from meat, fish, animal by-products, and essential minerals.

With a balanced mineral content, this food helps maintain a urine pH between 6.5 and 6.8, reducing the risk of kidney stones. As a result, it’s not only beneficial for diabetic cats but also suitable for those prone to urinary issues. The high protein content—over 45%—ensures cats get the nutrition they need, while the minimal carbohydrate content helps keep blood sugar stable after meals.

Customers praise this food for its effectiveness, with one reviewer sharing, "My cat's diabetes is controlled just by diet, and she has blossomed on this food. Can't recommend it highly enough." However, it is on the pricier side at full cost.

For cat owners looking for a high-quality, grain-free diet that supports diabetes management and urinary health, Animonda Integra Diabetes Wet Cat Food is widely available online. Animonda Integra Protect Adult Diabetes—dry cat food—is also available.