Diabetes mellitus in cats arises when the body either fails to produce enough insulin or doesn't respond properly to the insulin it produces. Factors such as excess weight and obesity can contribute to the development of this condition. Royal Canin Feline Diabetic diets are formulated to address the specific needs of adult cats diagnosed with diabetes. These diets aim to regulate blood glucose levels, support healthy weight management, and protect cartilage, offering a comprehensive approach to managing feline diabetes.
Understanding the Nutritional Composition
Royal Canin Feline Diabetic is available in both dry and wet formulations. Understanding the ingredients and guaranteed analysis of each form is crucial for informed dietary management.
Dry Food Composition and Analysis
The dry kibble form of Royal Canin Feline Diabetic boasts a complex composition designed for optimal glucose control and satiety. Key ingredients include:
- Dehydrated poultry protein: Provides a concentrated source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass.
- Barley: A carbohydrate source with a lower glycemic index compared to some other grains.
- Wheat gluten: Contributes to the high protein content and helps with kibble structure.
- Maize gluten: Another source of protein, also aids in kibble formation.
- Soya protein isolate: A highly digestible protein source.
- Tapioca: A carbohydrate source.
- Animal fats: Provide energy and essential fatty acids.
- Hydrolysed animal proteins: Proteins broken down into smaller peptides for easier digestion, especially beneficial for cats with sensitive digestive systems.
- Vegetable fibres: Promote satiety and healthy digestion.
- Chicory pulp: A source of prebiotics, supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Minerals: Essential for various bodily functions.
- Fish oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin, coat, and joint health.
- Psyllium husks and seeds: A source of soluble fiber, aiding in glucose regulation and promoting satiety.
- Fructo-oligo-saccharides: Prebiotics that support gut health.
- Soya oil: A source of omega-6 fatty acids.
- Marigold extract (source of lutein): An antioxidant that supports eye health.
The guaranteed analysis of the dry food provides a detailed breakdown of its nutritional content:
- Crude Protein (min.): 44.0% - High protein content to support muscle mass and promote satiety.
- Crude Fat (min.): 10.0%
- Crude Fat (max.): 14.0% - Provides energy.
- Crude Fiber (max.): 6.7% - Aids in digestion and promotes satiety.
- Moisture (max.): 8.0% - Low moisture content, typical of dry kibble.
- Dietary Starch* (max.): 24.0% - Controlled starch levels to manage blood glucose.
- Sugars* (max.): 5.4% - Low sugar content for glycemic control.
Additionally, the dry food contains: Chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried chicory root, psyllium seed husk, potassium chloride, sodium pyrophosphate, calcium sulfate, vegetable oil, fructooligosaccharides, choline chloride, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, biotin, riboflavin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], potassium citrate, L-arginine, taurine, salt, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), L-carnitine, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
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Wet Food Composition and Analysis
The wet food version of Royal Canin Feline Diabetic offers an alternative texture and higher moisture content, which can be beneficial for some cats. The ingredients include:
- Water sufficient for processing: Provides the necessary moisture.
- Chicken liver: A palatable and nutritious source of protein and vitamins.
- Chicken: Another source of high-quality protein.
- Pork liver: Similar to chicken liver, provides protein and nutrients.
- Pork by-products: Provide protein and other nutrients.
- Chicken by-products: Similar to pork by-products.
- Powdered cellulose: Insoluble fiber that adds bulk to the food and promotes satiety.
- Pork plasma: A source of protein and helps with palatability.
- Gelatin: A protein that helps with texture.
- Modified corn starch: Used as a binder and to adjust the texture.
- Wheat flour: A carbohydrate source.
- Natural flavors: Enhance palatability.
- Calcium carbonate: A source of calcium.
- Sodium tripolyphosphate: A mineral.
- Calcium sulfate: A source of calcium.
- Guar gum: A thickener.
- Potassium chloride: An electrolyte.
- Taurine: An essential amino acid for cats, important for heart and eye health.
- Sodium silico aluminate: A mineral.
- Carrageenan: A thickener derived from seaweed.
- Vitamins: A blend of essential vitamins, including L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), niacin supplement, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement.
- Wheat gluten: A protein source.
- Marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.): Source of lutein, an antioxidant.
- Trace minerals: A blend of essential minerals, including zinc oxide, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate.
- L-carnitine: Supports fat metabolism.
The guaranteed analysis of the wet food is as follows:
- Crude Protein (min.): 7.5% - Provides essential amino acids.
- Crude Fat (min.): 1.5% - Provides energy.
- Crude Fiber (max.): 2.4% - Aids in digestion.
- Moisture (max.): 84.5% - High moisture content to support hydration.
- Dietary Starch* (max.): 2.6% - Low starch content for blood glucose control.
- Sugars* (max.): 2.4% - Minimal sugar content for glycemic management.
Key Benefits of Royal Canin Feline Diabetic Diets
Both the wet and dry formulations of Royal Canin Feline Diabetic diets offer several key benefits for diabetic cats:
- Regulation of Blood Sugar: The reduced levels of starch and the use of low glycemic index sources help manage postprandial blood glucose levels, leading to more stable blood sugar. The specific carbohydrates and starch in the diet contribute to this stabilization.
- Maintenance of Muscle Mass: The high protein content helps maintain muscle mass, which is particularly important for diabetic cats.
- Weight Management: The diets are designed to help cats maintain a healthy weight. The dry food’s high protein content promotes a feeling of satiety, potentially reducing overall food intake. The low calorie content in both wet and dry food aids in effective weight loss, as overweight cats tend to be less sensitive to insulin's effects.
- Cartilage Protection: Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (though not explicitly listed in the provided ingredient lists, they are often included in formulations for joint health) help protect the cartilage, addressing the increased risk of joint problems in diabetic cats.
Feeding Recommendations and Important Considerations
- Veterinary Guidance: Royal Canin Feline Diabetic diets should only be administered under the guidance of a veterinarian. A vet can properly diagnose diabetes, determine the appropriate diet, and monitor the cat's response to treatment.
- Monitoring Blood Glucose and Insulin Response: It is highly recommended that blood glucose and insulin response are monitored when starting or changing the diet so that insulin dosage can be adapted.
- Digital Food Scales: It is recommended to use a digital food scale for measuring daily food allowance.
- Body Condition Score (BCS): Once glycemic control is reached, nutritional management should be guided by assessment of the Body Condition Score. If the BCS is 6 or less, continue with the DIABETIC diet. If the BCS is 7-8-9, transition to SATIETY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.
- Feeding Schedule: Dividing the daily food amount into at least two meals is recommended.
- Water Availability: Always provide sufficient drinking water with the feed.
- Individual Needs: The amount of food may need to be adjusted according to the activity level, breed, and age of the cat.
- Mixed Feeding: Mixed feeding (combining wet and dry food) can be beneficial to encourage a regular and consistent food intake. However, it’s essential to follow feeding guidelines to ensure the cat receives the correct amount of both wet and dry food for complete nutrition.
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