Many newcomers focus on carbohydrate content when choosing food for their diabetic cats—and that’s important! But one equally critical factor often gets overlooked: water.
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive. In the wild, they get most of their water from prey. Dry kibble contains around 10% moisture, while canned or raw diets typically contain 70–80%.
A cat on wet food consumes roughly twice as much water as a cat eating dry—even when counting water from the bowl.
That extra hydration helps flush out the bladder and kidneys, reducing the risk of:
Yes, transitioning isn’t always easy. Cats imprint on food textures and routines. But don’t give up! With time and the right methods, many “dry food addicts” can be switched.
Here is an article written by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM on Transitioning Feline Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food.
Here is a section on Catinfo.org pertaining to Urinary Tract Diseases.
This isn’t about blame. Transitioning is tough, especially when dealing with a new diabetes diagnosis. We see your effort, and we know you're doing your best. But it’s worth considering the long-term health benefits of canned or raw food for your cat’s urinary system—especially when managing diabetes.
Let’s support each other in making informed, compassionate choices for our cats.
- Tim
Change Log:
Created on 5/18/2025.
Sources:
Feline Diabetes Message Board. "Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content." December 21, 2017. Info - Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content | Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB
Why Water Is Just as Important as Low Carbs
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive. In the wild, they get most of their water from prey. Dry kibble contains around 10% moisture, while canned or raw diets typically contain 70–80%.
A cat on wet food consumes roughly twice as much water as a cat eating dry—even when counting water from the bowl.That extra hydration helps flush out the bladder and kidneys, reducing the risk of:
- Crystals and mucus buildup
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Full blockages (urethral obstructions), which are life-threatening and painful
“But My Cat Loves Dry Food!”
Yes, transitioning isn’t always easy. Cats imprint on food textures and routines. But don’t give up! With time and the right methods, many “dry food addicts” can be switched.
Here is an article written by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM on Transitioning Feline Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food.
The Cost of Not Switching
- Urethral obstruction treatment: $2,000–$4,000+
- UTI diagnostics (culture & sensitivity): ~$200
- Ongoing urinary health issues: Stressful and expensive
Here is a section on Catinfo.org pertaining to Urinary Tract Diseases.
To Our Dry Food Holdouts
This isn’t about blame. Transitioning is tough, especially when dealing with a new diabetes diagnosis. We see your effort, and we know you're doing your best. But it’s worth considering the long-term health benefits of canned or raw food for your cat’s urinary system—especially when managing diabetes.
Let’s support each other in making informed, compassionate choices for our cats.
- Tim
Change Log:
Created on 5/18/2025.
Sources:
Feline Diabetes Message Board. "Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content." December 21, 2017. Info - Dry Food - PLEASE consider more than just carbohydrate content | Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB