Low-Carb Fresh Feeding for Diabetic Dogs and Cats.

• Posted on 13 June 2025
• By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
• Posted in Fresh Feeding Pets, Holistic Pet Nutrition, Low Carb Cat Food, Low Carb Dog Food, low carb pet food, Raw Diet for Pets
• 0

Low-carb, protein-focused fresh diets help support stable energy and blood sugar in diabetic dogs and cats. Learn supportive feeding strategies from The Pet Beastro.

Low-carb, fresh food supports steadier energy and blood sugar.

When a dog or cat is diagnosed with diabetes, food suddenly feels much more complicated. Many pet parents come into The Pet Beastro feeling overwhelmed, worried they’ll make the wrong choice, and unsure what actually helps.

While diabetes always requires veterinary care, nutrition plays a powerful supporting role. Choosing the right food can help stabilize energy, support overall wellness, and make daily management feel more manageable.

What does diabetes mean for dogs and cats?

Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood sugar. When insulin isn’t working properly, sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy.

Diet matters because many commercial pet foods are high in carbohydrates, which break down into sugar. For diabetic pets, those spikes can make regulation harder.

This is especially true for cats, who are obligate carnivores and not designed to process carbohydrates in large amounts.

How Dr. Jill + our team approach diabetic nutrition

Dr. Jill and our nutrition team focus on support, not replacement of medical care. We never suggest changing insulin or treatment plans without a veterinarian.

What we do help with is building a bowl that:

• Reduces unnecessary carbohydrates
• Focuses on high-quality protein
• Provides steady, usable energy
• Supports hydration and digestion

Food won’t cure diabetes, but the right nutrition can make a meaningful difference in how a pet feels day to day.

Why low-carb fresh food matters for diabetic pets

Fresh feeding often works well for diabetic pets because it:

• Is naturally lower in carbohydrates
• Relies on protein and healthy fats for energy
• Avoids starchy fillers like corn, peas, and potatoes
• Provides moisture that supports kidneys and urinary health

Dry kibble is typically about 10% moisture. Raw and fresh foods are closer to 70%, much closer to what pets naturally need.

Best food traits for diabetic dogs and cats

Every diabetic pet is different, but many do best with food that is:

• High in animal-based protein
• Low in starch and sugar
• Moisture-rich
• Made with simple, recognizable ingredients

Some pets thrive on raw food, while others do better with gently cooked or freeze-dried options. The best choice is the one your pet tolerates well and eats consistently.

Can raw food help diabetic pets?

In many cases, yes. Raw food is often:

• Naturally low in carbohydrates
• Highly digestible
• Supportive of lean muscle mass
• Moisture-rich

That said, raw feeding should always be introduced carefully and with guidance, especially for diabetic pets. Monitoring appetite, weight, and energy is important during any diet change.

What about treats for diabetic pets?

Treats can still be part of life, they just need to be chosen carefully.

Better options often include:

• Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats
• Dehydrated fish
• Organ meat treats
• Recreational bones

Avoid biscuit-style treats or anything with added sugars, starches, or fillers.

What pet parents ask us most

“Does fresh feeding replace insulin?”
No. Insulin decisions should always be made with your veterinarian.

“Is kibble ever okay for diabetic pets?”
Some formulas work, but many pets do better with fresh food.

“Are cats more sensitive to carbs than dogs?”
Yes. Cats are especially carb-sensitive.

“How do I switch safely?”
Slowly, with a thoughtful transition plan.

Low-carb, fresh feeding supports steadier blood sugar and energy in diabetic dogs and cats. While it doesn’t replace medical care, nutrition can be a powerful part of whole-body support.

How The Pet Beastro Supports Diabetic Pets

Managing diabetes can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Pet Beastro, we help pet parents understand ingredient labels, choose appropriate foods, and build realistic feeding plans within their budget.

If you’re local to Madison Heights or Warren, Michigan, stop by the store or give us a call to talk through options or get guidance tailored to your pet!