Top 3 Ways to Prevent Pet Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. Preventing diabetes in cats and dogs starts with informed choices: knowing your pet’s risk, feeding real, species-appropriate food, and keeping our pets lean and active throughout their lives. While genetics can’t be changed, daily habits go a long way toward protecting your furry family members. Let’s discuss the top 3 ways to prevent pet diabetes in cats and dogs.

1. Know the Breeds and Risk Factors

Some breeds are more prone to diabetes, so doing a little homework before bringing home a new pet can be a powerful form of prevention. Breeds with higher risk in dogs include Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Samoyeds, and some terriers, while in cats, older, overweight males and certain purebreds (like Burmese in some regions) are overrepresented. When possible, consider choosing a breed or mix without a known predisposition, ask breeders or rescues about family health history, and prioritize responsible breeders who screen for endocrine and metabolic issues.​

Even if your pet is already with you (and loved, no matter the genes), knowing their risk helps you stay proactive. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s individual risk factors such as age, weight, pancreatitis history, or hormone conditions so you can tailor diet, exercise, and screening bloodwork before problems appear.​

2. Upgrade the Bowl with Fresh Food

Diet is one of the biggest levers you control when it comes to diabetes prevention. For most dogs, a measured, high-quality diet that emphasizes lean protein, appropriate complex carbohydrates, and fiber helps maintain a healthy weight and steadier blood sugar. For cats, who are obligate carnivores, a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate, moisture-rich diet (often canned or fresh) supports insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk linked to obesity and excess carbs.

Kibble + Fresh Food Hacks​

You do not have to switch 100% to fresh food to make a difference. You can consider the following hacks if a full switch is not possible:

• Add lightly cooked or commercial fresh toppers such as plain boiled chicken or turkey, steamed green beans, plain pumpkin puree (no sugar or spices), or canned sardines to replace part of the kibble.​

• Choose a reputable gently-cooked or freeze-dried food to mix with kibble, and follow portion guidelines to avoid overfeeding. The Farmer’s Dog, Steve’s Real Food, and Green Juju are all good options for this. ​

• For cats, add canned, high-protein, low-carbohydrate food as a topper to dry food to increase moisture and protein while lowering overall carb load. Ideally, cats should be on a canned-only diet, so even the most affordable canned food (as in not the best quality) is going to be a better choice than dry kibble.

Adding New Foods

Always check with your veterinarian and introduce new foods gradually, especially if your pet has a history of pancreatitis, kidney disease, allergies, or other medical conditions that require specific diets.​

3. Prioritize Daily Exercise and a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the strongest and most preventable risk factors for diabetes in both cats and dogs. Keeping your pet at a lean body condition with daily exercise helps their body use insulin more efficiently and keeps blood sugar levels more stable. In dogs, regular, purposeful walks, play sessions, and enrichment activities burn calories and improve muscle mass; in indoor cats, interactive play, climbing options, and food puzzles fight the “couch potato” lifestyle that so often leads to weight gain.​

Consistency matters more than intensity. Aim for daily exercise tailored to your pet’s age and health, paired with measured meals (not free-feeding), limited treats, and routine weigh-ins at your vet or pet care professional’s office. Catching even small weight gains early and adjusting food or activity can prevent years of strain on your pet’s pancreas and dramatically lower their lifetime diabetes risk.​

Top 3 Ways to Prevent Pet Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, professional pet sitters and dog walkers can help support your pet’s healthy habits by providing regular walks, playtime, and enrichment when you’re busy or away. In our care, your pets can stay active, engaged, and on track with their wellness routines.​ We will follow your feeding instructions, use our visit times to engage your pets in exercise and play, and keep you informed of any concerns that pop up. We consider ourselves partners in your pet’s care and take that role very seriously!

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