Healthy Treats for Diabetic Cats
Diabetic cats need to be given treats too. You can make it fun and healthy for them by being careful about the choice of treats. When giving treats for diabetic cats, the important factor is that the protein content should be high and carbohydrates kept to a minimum. The treats should not be more than 10 percent of the diet and they should be given in intervals. The options for treats can be freeze-dried chicken, tuna, salmon, beef and liver which are high in protein. The benefits of giving such treats to diabetic cats depend on certain features of the treat.
Benefits of giving treats to diabetic cats
One of the tips for buying healthy cat treats is to check whether it is beneficial to the health of the cat. The treats are low in calories and hence will not add to the weight of your cat if your cat is overweight. They are less in carbohydrates and fats and are mostly a good source of protein, which is ideal for diabetes. They are grain-free and gluten-free and so will not cause allergies in cats that have sensitive stomachs.
Features to look out for in diabetic cat treats
Make sure the healthy treat you buy has the following contents. This is also an important tip you need to consider before buying healthy cat treats.
- High in protein
You have to check the protein content and it has to be high, while carbohydrate and fat content have to be less. Some treats have hydrolyzed protein, which is easier for your cat to digest.
- Fewer calories
When planning a treat for a diabetic cat that is overweight, you have to feed it treats with very few calories. There are treats available for less than 2 calories per snack.
- Crunchy or soft texture
According to the sensitivity of your cat’s teeth, you can choose between soft, moist treats or crunchy treats. Crunchy treats help to keep the teeth healthy.
- Supplements
Choose treats with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They promote the health of your cat. Some of these added supplements are taurine which is good for the heart and vitamin B is good for the skin and coat of the cat.
Some great choices for diabetic cat treats
- Royal Canin Veterinary diet Hydrolysed Protein Feline Cat Treats : A very good option for overweight, diabetic cats and cats with a sensitive stomach.
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Cat Treats : With a calorie count as low as 1 calorie per treat it is a great supplement to a weight loss plan for your cat.
- Nutrisentials Lean Treats Nutritional Cat Treats : Made with real chicken and formulated with taurine to support a healthy heart.
- PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats : It is grain-free and gluten-free healthy treat and it is made only with chicken. No flavors or additives are added. They are crunchy and good for sensitive teeth.
- Meat Mates Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats : Grain-free and made of pure lamb meat and organs, these treats are packed with protein. They are good for kittens with sensitive stomachs too.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Cat Treats : It is made of pure meat without any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. It is grain-free and has only 1.5 calories per treat. They are soft and tender treats.