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A veterinarian-formulated, freeze-dried raw metabolic support diet for cats with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic conditions. The Medicus Metabolic Diet delivers 92% meat-based protein ingredients and less than 8% carbohydrates, deriving energy from gluconeogenesis rather than glucose - the metabolic pathway cats are physiologically designed to use. Made with high-quality, animal-sourced whole foods including salmon, chicken, sardines, and eggs, with no fillers or synthetic additives. AAFCO complete and balanced for adult cat maintenance. Intended for use under veterinary guidance.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Who This Diet Is For
- Cats with obesity or weight management needs
- Cats with diabetes mellitus
- Cats with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
- Cats whose veterinarian has recommended a high-protein, low-carbohydrate therapeutic diet
Diet Overview
As obligate carnivores, cats are metabolically adapted to derive energy from protein and fat rather than carbohydrates. In cats with obesity and diabetes, high dietary carbohydrate loads contribute to blood glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance. The Medicus Metabolic Diet addresses this at the nutritional foundation level: by delivering 92% meat-based protein ingredients and keeping carbohydrates below 8% of the diet (5.5% of kcal), the formula supports energy metabolism through gluconeogenesis - the body's natural protein-to-glucose pathway - rather than dietary glucose spikes.
- 92% meat-based protein ingredients
- Less than 8% carbohydrates (5.5% of kcal)
- Healthy Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio: 0.99:1
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult cat maintenance
- Freeze-dried raw to preserve nutritional integrity
- No fillers, no synthetic additives
How It Works
- High animal-based protein (92%): Salmon, chicken, eggs, sardines, and chicken liver support lean muscle mass, satiety, and sustained energy through gluconeogenesis - the metabolic pathway appropriate for obligate carnivores and particularly important for cats with diabetes, where dietary carbohydrate minimization is a primary nutritional goal
- Ultra-low carbohydrates (less than 8%): Energy is derived from protein and amino acids rather than glucose, avoiding the blood sugar spikes associated with high-carbohydrate diets. This is the metabolic approach most aligned with feline physiology and most consistently recommended for cats with diabetes mellitus
- Healthy fat ratio: An Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.99:1 from marine and whole-food sources supports a balanced inflammatory response - relevant for the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction
- Clean, digestible whole foods: No fillers, rendered by-products, or synthetic additives; every ingredient contributes meaningful nutrition
The Right Nutrients From the Right Sources
Many metabolic and weight-management diets achieve their macronutrient targets through heavily processed ingredients, protein concentrates, and synthetic fiber additions. The Medicus Metabolic Diet achieves its ultra-low carbohydrate, high-protein profile through ingredient selection alone - real, whole animal proteins that are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in bioavailable nutrition. Because the quality of the protein source affects digestibility, amino acid completeness, and metabolic outcome, ingredient sourcing matters as much as the macronutrient numbers.
Ingredients
Salmon, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Egg, Flaxseed, Sardines, Ground Krill, Sea Salt, Potassium Salt, Ground Egg Shell, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Kelp.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Key Ingredient Highlights
- Salmon: The primary protein source; a rich source of complete protein, EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. In Western nutrition, salmon is a high-value protein for metabolic diets due to its favorable amino acid profile, anti-inflammatory omega-3 content, and very low carbohydrate load. In TCVM, salmon is Neutral to slightly Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood - supportive for cats with obesity who commonly present with Spleen Qi deficiency and Phlegm-Damp accumulation from long-term dietary excess
- Chicken: A highly digestible complete protein supplying essential amino acids to support lean muscle maintenance during weight loss. In TCVM, chicken is Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and supporting the digestive transformation function needed to resolve Phlegm and Damp accumulation associated with obesity
- Chicken Liver: A nutrient-dense organ meat providing concentrated vitamins A, B12, iron, and micronutrients in small portions - meaningful nutrition without requiring large meal volumes, which is important for calorie-controlled feeding. In TCVM, liver is Neutral with Liver organ affinity, nourishing Liver Blood and Yin and supporting the smooth flow of Qi - relevant for the Liver Qi stagnation and Liver-Spleen disharmony patterns that often accompany chronic metabolic dysfunction
- Egg: A complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids with high bioavailability and a very low carbohydrate load. In TCVM, egg is Neutral and nourishes Yin and Blood - appropriate for cats with diabetes who may present with Yin deficiency from chronic Heat and fluid depletion associated with polyuria and polydipsia
- Flaxseed: Provides plant-based ALA omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber supporting normal digestion and healthy bowel function. In TCVM, flaxseed is Cool and moistens the intestines, nourishes Yin, and supports Blood - complementary for the dryness and Yin deficiency patterns seen in cats with diabetes mellitus
- Sardines: A small, sustainable marine fish providing complete protein, EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, and naturally occurring vitamin D. Sardines contribute meaningfully to the anti-inflammatory omega-3 profile of this formula. In TCVM, sardines carry a Neutral to Cool nature with Spleen and Stomach affinity, nourishing Qi and Blood
- Ground Krill: Marine-sourced EPA and DHA with naturally occurring astaxanthin - a potent antioxidant. Krill-derived omega-3s are highly bioavailable due to their phospholipid-bound form. In TCVM, marine ingredients carry a Salty, Cool nature with Kidney affinity, supporting fluid metabolism and nourishing the Kidney Yin - relevant for cats with diabetes, where Kidney Yin deficiency is a common underlying TCVM pattern
- Ground Egg Shell: A whole-food calcium source supporting bone mineral density and balanced mineral intake. Contributes calcium without the phosphorus load of bone meal or synthetic calcium sources
- Potassium Salt: An essential electrolyte supporting normal muscle function, nerve conduction, and fluid balance. Cats with diabetes may experience electrolyte shifts with insulin therapy; adequate potassium intake supports normal cardiac and skeletal muscle function
- Mixed Tocopherols: A natural source of vitamin E, maintaining freshness while providing antioxidant support - relevant for the oxidative stress associated with obesity and chronic metabolic dysfunction
- Zinc Proteinate: Chelated zinc supporting normal immune function, skin and coat integrity, and nutrient utilization. Zinc deficiency is associated with insulin resistance in some species; chelated forms provide enhanced bioavailability
- B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid): A complete B vitamin complex supporting energy metabolism, nervous system function, and cellular health. In cats with metabolic conditions, B vitamin status supports gluconeogenesis efficiency and overall metabolic function. In TCVM, B vitamins support Qi production and energy transformation
- Kelp: A natural source of iodine supporting normal thyroid function - relevant as thyroid status can intersect with feline metabolic and weight management presentations. In TCVM, kelp carries a Salty, Cold nature with Kidney affinity, softening accumulations and supporting fluid metabolism
Understanding Feline Metabolism: Why Cats Are Different
Cats are obligate carnivores with a metabolic profile fundamentally different from dogs and humans. Unlike omnivores, cats have limited ability to upregulate glucose metabolism enzymes; they are physiologically designed to derive energy from protein and fat through gluconeogenesis, not from dietary carbohydrates. When high-carbohydrate diets are fed long-term, the resulting glucose load exceeds what feline insulin response can efficiently manage, contributing to weight gain, insulin resistance, and eventually diabetes mellitus.
In TCVM, obesity in cats is most commonly understood as Spleen Qi deficiency with Phlegm-Damp accumulation - the Spleen's inability to properly transform and transport nutrients leads to pathological accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness (excess adipose tissue, fluid retention, sluggishness). Feline diabetes in TCVM is often associated with underlying Yin deficiency and Internal Heat: the polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss despite appetite, and heat-seeking behavior of diabetic cats map closely to a Kidney and Lung Yin deficiency pattern with Heat consuming fluids. The Metabolic Diet's high-protein, low-carbohydrate, marine-forward ingredient profile supports both the Western metabolic correction goal and the TCVM goal of tonifying Qi, resolving Phlegm-Damp, and nourishing Yin.
Rehydration Instructions (Strongly Recommended)
Adequate hydration supports normal digestion, circulation, and metabolic function. For cats with diabetes, hydration is especially important as increased urinary output (polyuria) is common. Rehydration also enhances aroma and palatability.
- Nuggets: Add approximately 3/4 cup of warm water per cup of food. Mix and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.
- Paté Powder Mix: Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) per cup of Medicus paté powder. Mix and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this diet require veterinary authorization?
The Medicus Metabolic Diet is formulated for cats with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic conditions - health states that require accurate diagnosis, baseline bloodwork, and ongoing monitoring to manage appropriately. In diabetic cats particularly, dietary changes can significantly affect insulin requirements, and transitions to a low-carbohydrate diet should be managed under veterinary supervision to avoid hypoglycemia. Authorization ensures the diet is matched to the right patient and used as part of a supervised care plan, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why is low carbohydrate important for diabetic cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores with limited capacity to regulate blood glucose in response to dietary carbohydrate loads. High-carbohydrate diets contribute to postprandial glucose spikes that over time promote insulin resistance and diabetes progression. By keeping carbohydrates below 8% of the diet and deriving energy through gluconeogenesis from protein and amino acids, the Metabolic Diet supports more stable blood glucose levels and reduces the dietary carbohydrate burden on an already-stressed insulin response. Many diabetic cats transitioned to ultra-low-carbohydrate diets under veterinary supervision show improved glycemic control, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Can this diet help my cat lose weight?
Yes - the high-protein, low-carbohydrate profile supports lean muscle preservation while reducing caloric density from excess carbohydrates. High protein intake supports satiety and reduces the muscle catabolism that can occur with caloric restriction in obese cats. Portion control guided by your veterinarian based on your cat's current weight and target weight is essential; the feeding amounts should be adjusted based on individual response and monitored progress, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Is this diet appropriate for a cat without diabetes but who is overweight?
The Metabolic Diet is formulated for cats with obesity and metabolic conditions including but not limited to diabetes. An overweight cat without confirmed diabetes can still benefit from the high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach for weight management - particularly if they are at risk for metabolic dysfunction. Authorization ensures your veterinarian confirms the diet is appropriate for your cat's specific health status, weight, and any concurrent conditions, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Do I need to rehydrate this food before serving?
Yes - rehydration is strongly recommended for all Medicus Veterinary Diet formats. For cats with diabetes, adequate hydration is especially important due to increased urinary output (polyuria) that is common with the condition. Increasing moisture from food is one of the most reliable strategies to support daily fluid intake in cats, who are naturally low-thirst drinkers. Rehydration also enhances aroma and palatability. See the rehydration directions above for format-specific instructions, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Will transitioning to this diet affect my cat's insulin dose?
Potentially, yes - and this is one of the most important reasons veterinary supervision is required. Transitioning a diabetic cat to a low-carbohydrate diet can improve glycemic control significantly, which may reduce insulin requirements. This is generally a positive outcome, but it requires close monitoring during the transition to avoid hypoglycemia. Your veterinarian should establish a monitoring plan - including blood glucose curves and clinical check-ins - before and during the dietary transition, or as directed by your veterinarian.
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