When choosing food for a diabetic cat, you need to look for formulas that are low in carbohydrates; many diabetic cases remit after a change in diet. However, you must remember that if your cat is currently on an insulin treatment, you must monitor the blood glucose and make insulin dosage adjustments accordingly.
Not all diabetic cat foods are made equal, but in this article, we’ll help you find the perfect cat food for your feline. Our reviews will help you narrow down the best diabetic cat foods on the market, while our buyer’s guide will help you decide which is the best option for your feline.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.
In this article
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2025
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Best Overall
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Farmina Low-Grain Dry Cat Food |
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Best Value
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Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna Cat Food |
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Premium Choice
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Royal Canin Glycobalance Cat Food |
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Royal Canin Diet Cat Food |
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Purina Pro Plan DM Cat Food |
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The 9 Best Diabetic Cat Foods
1. Farmina Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food – Best Overall
While it isn’t specifically designed for diabetes, Farmina Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food is suitable for many cats with diabetes due to its low carbohydrate content. It is made with plenty of protein and fats but minimal carbohydrates. 60% of the formula is made of animal products. Only 20% is grains, while the last 20% is veggies, fruits, and vitamins. There are many quality protein sources included.
Boneless chicken is the first ingredient, and dehydrated chicken is the second. Much of the recipe is chicken, which is a high-quality option for most felines. Chicken fat and whole eggs are also included, which also improves the overall formula. 94% of the protein is from an animal source, and the low glycemic formula doesn’t spike blood sugar.
The GMO-free formula also contains no peas, lentils, chickpeas, or plant oils. It only uses natural omega fatty acids, which can improve your cat’s skin and coat health. Overall, we think Farmina’s Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Formula is the best cat food for diabetic cats available this year.
- High in protein
- Includes high-quality meat products
- GMO-free formula
- Free from chickpeas, lentils, peas, and oils
- Omega fatty acids included
- Not designed for diabetes
2. Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food – Best Value
If you’re looking for inexpensive cat food, the Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is suitable for some cats with diabetes, though it’s much cheaper than other options. The first ingredient is tuna, and the second ingredient is tuna broth. Prawns are included as well. Sunflower seed oil is added for healthy fats, but it’s a slightly lower quality source of fat, as it’s a plant source.
The protein is quite high, especially for wet food. This is largely because of the high amount of tuna and other animal sources, which are high in protein. Tiki Cat is rich in omega fatty acids, which are important for skin and coat health. The formula provides a complete diet of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Because it includes tuna broth, it has more nutrients than other options made with water. Due to all these factors, Tiki Cat is considered the best diabetic cat food for the money.
- Tuna as the first ingredient
- Includes tuna broth
- High in protein
- Complete diet
- Inexpensive
- Not for picky cats
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Glycobalance Dry Cat Food – Premium Choice
For cats with severe diabetes, you can try Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Glycobalance Dry Cat Food, which is formulated for cats with diabetes. It was developed with help from veterinarians and other professionals. It is designed to control your cat’s blood sugar and keep it in an appropriate range all day. It is high in protein to encourage muscle building and stabilize blood sugar.
Royal Canin’s formula has reduced starch levels with a moderate fat content, which makes it better for diabetic cats and can help protect your urinary tract. This carefully formulated diet provides all the nutrition your cat needs without all the carbohydrates that may harm them.
The recipe contains probiotics and plenty of fiber, which keeps your cat’s blood sugar stable. It does not appear to be suitable for weight loss, however. If your cat is overweight, you may need to choose a different brand.
- High in fiber and probiotics
- Reduced starch levels
- Designed specifically for cat diabetes
- Chicken by-products as the first ingredient
- Not suitable for weight loss
4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Morsels in Gravy Canned Cat Food
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Morsels in Gravy Canned Cat Food is a high-quality recipe. It has plenty of added prebiotics, which also slow digestion and keep the blood sugar low. The wet food also includes a high amount of moisture, which benefits cats reluctant to drink water. It isn’t odd for cats to have a hard time staying hydrated.
This diabetic cat food is very high in protein (though not as high as other formulas) but low in starch. The first ingredient is water, but the next few ingredients are all proteins. The second ingredient is chicken liver, followed by chicken, pork liver, and pork. This formula can prevent stones from forming in the bladder as well.
There are no fillers in Royal Canin’s formula for diabetic cats, including peas. This also helps make it low-glycemic, as many fillers are high in carbohydrates. However, the formula is very watery, which makes it spread out quite a bit as your cat licks it.
- High in protein
- Includes chicken liver and other high levels of protein
- Low-glycemic
- High amount of moisture
- Messy
- Somewhat expensive
5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Formula Canned Cat Food
Purina is known for its inexpensive yet high-quality meals. Their Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Formula Canned Cat Food is similar. However, some ingredients are low-quality in this particular recipe. Meat by-products are included as the first ingredient, which is very low-quality. The by-products themselves aren’t terrible, and they include “inedible” parts of the prey that have been ground up. Our cats would naturally eat by-products like fur and cartilage in the wild.
However, this by-product’s source hasn’t been named. It could be from anything. In other words, it is “mystery meat.” Pro Plan is higher in protein than most, with a low amount of fat and carbohydrates. It is formulated specifically for cats with diabetes and can also prevent bladder stones.
- Made for cats with diabetes, specifically
- Full of antioxidants
- Prevents bladder stones
- Low-quality meat products included
- Expensive
6. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Formula Dry Cat Food
The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Formula Dry Cat Food is formulated for diabetic cats. This formula is low-glycemic and high in protein. It is relatively low in fat and carbohydrates, and while it has several animal products, they are generally low-quality. Poultry by-product meal is the first ingredient. It isn’t as low-quality as meat by-products, but you still don’t know what type of poultry is used. It also isn’t as high-quality as a meat meal or whole meat.
Pro Plan is extremely high in protein. It is one of the highest in protein we’ve reviewed regarding dry food. However, much of the protein comes from soy protein isolate, which is a lower-quality option than meat. Cats don’t digest plant products well and do best on meat.
This formula requires a prescription from a vet, but it is a simple process. It also protects against bladder stones and supports urinary health, which is perfect for older cats.
- High in protein
- Defensive against bladder stones
- Low in fat and starch
- Expensive
- Low-quality ingredients
7. Diamond Care Weight Management Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
If your cat is overweight and diabetic, you can try the Diamond Care Weight Management Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. This is a high-protein food that contains quite a bit of chicken. It supports lean muscles while helping your feline lose weight. It contains cellulose, which is a natural fiber from plants that can help your cat stay full.
It also includes several nutrients that support your cat’s metabolism and digestive health, including high amounts of fiber. The first and second ingredients are chicken and chicken meal. Turkey meal is also included high on the ingredient list and is followed by chickpeas, lentils, and peas. Chicken fat is also included to increase the fat levels of this food.
However, Diamond Care is not specifically designed for diabetes, and the carbohydrates are at 39%, which is higher than you want for a diabetic cat.
- High-quality meats
- Natural fibers to maintain fullness
- High-protein foods included
- High in carbohydrates
- Not designed for diabetic cats
8. Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Stew Canned Cat Food
The Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d GlucoSupport Stew Canned Cat Food requires a prescription from your vet. It helps your feline maintain a healthy weight, which is important for combating diabetes. Therapeutic levels of L-carnitine are included to support a functioning immune system, which is an essential vitamin when you’re trying to help your cat lose weight.
Vets and nutritionists developed the recipe, and the first ingredient is water. This is important for felines who have trouble staying hydrated, which can put them at risk for severe health conditions. The second and third ingredients are chicken and pork liver. They are high-quality protein ingredients that are perfect for cats, including those trying to lose weight.
Hill’s formula is also somewhat low in protein, which is a bit of a disappointment. It may not be suitable for cats with diabetes for that reason. You should speak with your vet to ensure that it is appropriate.
- High in moisture
- Includes a variety of meat products
- Designed for diabetes and weight management
- Low in protein
- Expensive
9. Ketogenic Pet Foods K-K8 Keto-Kibble
Ketogenic cat food may be suitable for cats with diabetes, but it isn’t the best choice for most felines. It includes a very high level of protein and very few carbohydrates. This makes it suitable for cats with diabetes since it won’t spike their blood sugar significantly. This formula is grain-free and doesn’t contain starches, which also keeps it from spiking their blood sugar.
It is meat-based and includes chicken products as the first few ingredients. It contains a meat protein isolate, which is a high-quality option for improving the protein content of the food. However, it isn’t designed for cats with diabetes. It is also a mystery of who formulated it. We don’t know if any vets were involved in creating this formula.
There are also a few somewhat low-quality sources, like various vegetable oils.
- High in protein
- Grain-free
- No starches
- Vegetable oils included
- Not designed for cats with diabetes
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Diabetic Cat Foods
There are several factors you should keep in mind when choosing the best food for diabetic cats. While the food needs to be high-quality, it must also be appropriate for a cat with diabetes. There are many boxes to check, which can make finding food difficult.
It is essential to select a food that is appropriate for your diabetic cat since their diet is essential for controlling the disease. In the following section, we’ll look at some of the most important aspects of choosing diabetic cat food, as well as several decisions you may need to make about your cat’s food.
Diabetic Diet Guidelines for Cats
Diabetes affects a cat’s ability to control carbohydrates in their bloodstream since their cells become resistant to insulin. For that reason, their blood glucose (which is a gauge of how many carbs are in their bloodstream) will continue to rise. This can cause all sorts of problems, including organ damage.
A diabetic cat should be consuming a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will raise your cat’s blood sugar, and they can no longer remove it from their system promptly. Protein and fats will not cause their blood sugar to rise, and and they should be receiving most of their calories from them.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on your cat’s weight. Some cats are obese at the time of their diagnosis and may need to lose weight to decrease the effects of diabetes. Some obese cats can practically be “cured” if they lose weight.
However, other cats may be underweight. This is especially true if they were eating a high-carb diet before their diagnosis or went years before being diagnosed. If a cat has diabetes, they cannot use the carbohydrates they consume. They quickly lose their muscle mass and body fat to use as energy sources. If your cat is consuming mostly carbohydrates, they may be running at a deficiency.
However, several cats with diabetes can become healthy again with the correct diet and insulin regimen.
How Many Times a Day Do You Feed a Diabetic Cat?
Most owners must change up their cat’s feeding schedule after their diagnosis. This is large because the food needs to be consumed alongside the insulin dosages. Otherwise, your cat will be unable to properly use their calories, leading to health problems.
This eliminates the possibility of leaving your cat’s food out, as you won’t be able to provide them with the appropriate insulin when they eat. You’ll likely need to feed your cat twice a day and provide them with a specific amount of insulin at the same time. This will prevent their blood sugar from spiking and allow them to utilize the carbs in their food properly.
If your cat needs to lose weight, more meals may help them feel fuller. Generally, you will never feed your cat only once. This would result in far too many carbs entering their bloodstream at the same time, and it would require a huge dose of insulin.
Small snacks are usually better for cats with diabetes. But we understand that most owners only have enough time to feed their cats two or three times a day.
Can You Control Cat Diabetes with Diet?
Cats on a very particular diet may never need to take insulin. They may not eat enough carbs to require it, and their bodies will handle the small number of carbs they eat. However, cats that eat carb-heavy meals will need insulin. Even if a feline’s diabetes is mainly controlled, a heavy-carb snack will make them need the extra insulin.
You must always monitor your cat’s blood sugar and adjust the insulin dosage appropriately. Your cat will always have diabetes since there is no cure for it. However, their disease may be controllable with the right diet, which significantly reduces the amount of care they need to receive.
Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is important for keeping them healthy and happy. But it goes beyond the food you choose; the dishes they use also matter. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite for its unique, five-star design that protects from whisker fatigue and promotes good posture which also aids in better digestion. As an added bonus, it’s beautifully crafted and offers a modern take on the traditional cat bowl that fits seamlessly with all home stylings. Learn more about the NomNom by clicking here. At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! 
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Cat with Diabetes?
This depends on how controlled the cat’s diet is. Untreated diabetes can lead to death fairly quickly. High blood sugar can significantly injure organs, and your cat may not get enough energy from their food. However, if you feed your feline a proper diet, regularly monitor their blood glucose, and make insulin dosage adjustments, they can theoretically live just as long as they would without diabetes.
That is why diet is so important and you should speak to a veterinarian about it. It can add or subtract years to a diabetic cat’s life. If your cat isn’t reliant on insulin, their condition is easier to manage. Plus, if they don’t need much insulin, their blood sugar will not vary quite as much, which is also helpful.
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How We Selected Our List of Diabetic Cat Foods
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat foods. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat food. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best diabetic cat food, we recommend looking at Farmina Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food. It contains high-quality ingredients, including lots of meat and protein. For that reason, it works well for many felines with diabetes.
For a budget option, Tiki Cat Ahi Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. It is not designed for diabetes but is very high in protein and animal products. That is precisely what most felines need when they’re diabetic.
We hope this article helped you select the best food for your diabetic cat. Of course, you should listen to your doctor as well. Not all foods are suitable for every cat.
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Featured Image Credit: Tetiana Liubarska, Shutterstock
