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Regardless of her current weight, your cat is at her best when she eats like a lean, lean carnivore. The best food for overweight cats is high-quality protein without too much fat or starch.
That's why we recommendSmall Fresh Ground Poultryas the best overall food for overweight cats. It is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, high in moisture, satiating, and does not contain much fat or vegetable matter, which can contribute to weight gain in adult cats.
If you want to make weight loss as easy as possible,littleit is an excellent option. But it's not for everyone. To help you find a product that works for you, we've put together 8 great foods for cats that need to lose weight.
Overview: The Best Cat Foods for Overweight Cats to Buy
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Want to take a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the following comparative table, we highlight some of the most important characteristics of each product. You will find more detailed information about each product later in this article.
better overall
9.8
chosen by31people today!
Small Fresh Ground Poultry
- Fresh food made with human grade ingredients.
- High quality real animal protein
- Rich in protein and moisture, very low in carbs.
TYPE "ALLABOUTCATS" TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
value selection
9.5
chosen by25people today!
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Appetizer Wet food for cats
- Chicken is the only source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat's hydration.
- Affordable price below $0.30 per ounce
The best for indoor cats.
9.4
chosen by21people today!
- Formulated for indoor cats and low in calories.
- Made primarily from highly digestible animal protein
- Most cats enjoy the taste.
see the price
best ethical source
9.4
chosen by31people today!
Open Farm Grass Fed Meat Rustic Mix Wet Food
- Made with a single source of premium quality animal protein.
- Formulated with 100% human grade traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture that your cat needs to hydrate.
Enter "AAC20" to get 20% off your first autoship order
The best for lovers of sauces.
9.3
chosen by18people today!
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender Comida para gatos
- Made primarily from animal protein
- very low in calories
- Hydrating food helps keep your cat satisfied
see the price
The best for the sensitive stomach.
9.2
chosen by31people today!
Vital Essentials Mini Rabbit Burgers
- Made primarily from rabbit, a new protein for many cats
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Contains herring oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
see the price
Best for portion control.
9.1
chosen by31people today!
Nutro Perfect Portions Grain-Free Chicken Pate
- Packed with protein, first ingredient of real chicken.
- Rich in moisture, highly digestible.
- Contains fish oil for omega fatty acids
see the price
The best selections explained
Why should you trust us?
Last year, we reviewed over 198 different brands of cat food, including most of the biggest brands on the planet. We read customer reviews, talked to market experts, and field-tested foods.
Based on that research, we bring you an up-to-date list of the best cat food brands and products in the industry. The following foods earn their place with excellent quality ingredients, nutritional merits, and safety records.
Here's how to choose the best food for overweight cats
Before we get into the comments, let's talk more about the qualities of the best food for overweight cats.
The ideal diet for weight loss is high in protein with moderate levels of fat and minimal carbohydrates.
In general, if your cat is overweight, she may have been eating the wrong food for a long time. For overweight cats, simply switching to a species-appropriate diet is often enough to make a difference. This type of diet helps prevent obesity, and the transition alone may be enough to help your cat lose a few extra pounds.
A species-appropriate diet mimics the nutritional content of your cat's prey.
It is rich in the correct amino acids, contains low to moderate levels of animal fat, and has little to no starch. This distribution of macronutrients is at the heart of all good cat food. Helps cats maintain lean muscle mass, achieve proper blood sugar levels, and experience general well-being.
Wet cat food is ideal for weight control.
Most overweight or obese cats live on dry cat food, leaving them understimulated, overly sugary and at risk of serious health problems.
Unlike kibble, high-moisture cat food is bulkier and will help your cat feel full longer, even if she's eating fewer calories. Think of it like a plate of grapes versus a handful of raisins. You'll get fewer calories from the bowl of grapes, but it feels more substantial and will keep you full longer.
Switching to wet food can be challenging, especially if your cat has been eating kibble since she was a kitten. But in the long run, it's the best option for maintaining your cat's healthy body weight.
Free food is out of the question for overweight cats.
Allowing your cat to nibble freely on a plate full of food may seem like it honors her natural instincts, but few things could be less natural for a cat. Cats naturally eat several small meals throughout the day, fasting between each successful hunt.
In addition to discouraging your cat from gorging, feeding several meals throughout the day will allow you to closely monitor your cat's calorie intake.
There is no need to choose a commercialized diet for weight control.
Most specific recipes for indoor and diet cat foods follow a similar pattern. Protein and fat decrease while carbohydrate and fiber levels increase. Foods high in carbohydrates and fiber promise to keep your cat satisfied on roughage alone, but they don't meet your cat's needs as a carnivore.
On the plus side, these diets are formulated to meet your cat's minimum nutritional needs with fewer calories. Also, some of these diets are high in protein with minimal carbohydrates.
However, given the aforementioned plan, cat weight loss diets are often designed to disappoint.
By restricting protein intake, these diets can cause loss of muscle mass.
Second, because your cat is an obligate carnivore, she's programmed to feel full on protein and fat, not carbs or fiber. This means that although these diets are low in calories, they are not as satisfying as the high protein, high fat diets your cat instinctively craves.
Also read:The best brands of cat food
To help your cat lose weight while maintaining healthy muscle mass, put her carnivorous needs first.
From claws to metabolism, your cat's body is optimized for hunting and eating animals. This does not change if you are overweight, obese or underweight.
Also read:The Best High Protein, Low Carb Canned Food
How much food should you give your overweight cat to lose weight?
My vet recommends a therapeutic diet. Does my cat really need special food?
Not necessarily. Prescription diets from brands like Royal Canin, Purina, and Hill's Science Diet aren't always all they claim to be.
These brands make heavy use of carbohydrates and non-nutritive fillers that your cat would be better off without. These low-fat foods may have fewer calories than your average cat food, but in exchange for reduced caloric content, you're also compromising the quality of your cat's diet. Your cat needs whole, natural ingredients that provide real nutrients that your cat can absorb and utilize.
Simply put, it's best to stick with a high-quality cat food and promote weight loss by reducing your cat's daily serving and increasing her activity level.
Your cat should lose weight at a slow and steady rate of about 1-2% of its current weight each week. For example, if your cat currently weighs 25 pounds, he should lose between 4 and 8 ounces during the first week of the diet.
You probably won't notice such a small rate of weight loss from week to week. But slow and steady weight loss is preferable to rapid weight loss. Your cat is more likely to maintain the weight loss if it is done gradually.
Three Ways to Calculate Your Overweight Cat's Caloric Needs
- The 80% Technique
Assuming your cat maintains an unhealthy body weight, determine the number of calories your cat is currently eating and gradually reduce to 60-80% of that amount.
If you don't know how much your cat is currently eating, consult your vet or try one of the other two methods.
- The crystal ball method
The following formula will provide an estimate of your cat's maintenance caloric intake at an ideal weight. The variable "W" represents your cat's weight in pounds.
(13.6 x W) + 70 = Calories needed to maintain your cat's ideal weight
If your cat's ideal weight is 11 pounds, her maintenance intake will be approximately 220 calories per day. When your cat eats to get leaner, he's living in a calorie deficit. This encourages gradual weight loss until your cat reaches her ideal weight.
- The intuition approach
If you don't like numbers, rules and calculations, you probably prefer a common sense approach to losing weight. Feed your cat less until it reaches a healthy weight.
Remember that a highly satiating food, rich in moisture,high protein pet foodwill help you here.
Remember this: cutting calories in your cat's current diet can also reduce nutrient intake. Your cat's weight loss should not come at the expense of its nutritional needs.
Your vet will be able to provide you with the most accurate calorie count your cat will need to achieve a healthy weight.
In addition to conducting our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we send samples for analysis in aISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis laboratory.
We purchased the products at full retail price and the entire testing process was funded by Cats.com with no direct input or influence from the companies involved.
Analytical tests in a food chemistry laboratory provide us with the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each recipe. The tests also look for microbial, yeast, mold and heavy metal content, helping you ensure you're putting only the best in your cat's bowl.
To access the lab reports for each food reviewed here, click the "view lab report" link below the product review.
The 8 Best Foods for Overweight Cats
All of our top picks are meaty foods that emphasize animal ingredients over anything else. They're high in protein, made from relatively high-value ingredients, and promise to keep your cat satiated without loading her up on unnecessary calories.
#1Melhor Geral: Little bird of fresh ground
TYPE "ALLABOUTCATS" TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
Read our full review of the brand View lab report
First 5 ingredients:Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, peas, water (enough to process)
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients, including premium proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish. Choose between chopped recipes or classic pâté to provide your cat with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food formulated for cats at all stages of life.
Although Smalls doesn't portion out your cat's meals for you, they do provide detailed feeding recommendations based on your cat's calorie needs. Each food package contains approximately 16 ounces of foods marked on the package in 50-calorie increments.
Small cat food is delivered frozen, so you will need to thaw the first package overnight in the refrigerator before feeding. Your subscription will be based on your cat's caloric needs and you can adjust it as needed by contacting our customer support team.
In addition to their fresh foods, Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried cat foods, treats, and meal dressings. They have also recently started selling millet and silica cat litter.
With chicken and chicken liver as the two main ingredients, this fresh food is packed with premium animal protein. Green beans, peas, and kale are the only carbohydrate ingredients and are naturally grain-free and nutrient-dense.
In addition to being high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is high in moisture, helping to support digestion and maintain healthy skin and coat. Overall, this minced chicken recipe is a high-quality, balanced source of nutrition for cats at all stages of life.
Ingredients:
Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, peas, water (enough to process), chicken heart, kale, tricalcium phosphate, canola oil, choline chloride, potassium chloride, salt, taurine, magnesium sulfate, niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Iodide Calcium and Potassium, Folic Acid, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:15,5%
Crude fat:8,5%
Raw fiber:1,5%
Humidity:72%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:55,36%
Gordo:30,36%
Fiber:5,36%
Carbohydrates:8,93%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:40,11%
Gordo:53,42%
Carbohydrates:6,47%
What we like:
- Fresh food made with human grade ingredients.
- High quality real animal protein
- Rich in protein and moisture, very low in carbs.
- Increases energy and supports skin and coat health.
What we don't like:
- Not in individual portions for your cat.
- Limited protein options (chicken, turkey, beef)
#2Value Pick: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Entrée Pate Wet Cat Food
Read our full review of the brand
First 5 ingredients:Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Brown Rice
Picky cat owners understand the importance of feeding their cats a quality diet, but that doesn't mean they don't like bargains either. If you're looking for an affordable brand of cat food that will help your cat lose weight, try Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Chicken Pate Indoor Adult canned food.
This formula features fresh chicken as the main ingredient and only source of animal protein. The food is enriched with chicken liver as a rich source of nutrients and supplemental protein.
Blue Buffalo offers a wide variety of formulas in its Healthy Gourmet line of products, so if chicken doesn't suit your cat's tastes, there's plenty to choose from. All are fortified with Blue Buffalo's patented Lifesource Bits, which help ensure nutritional balance with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
At only 97 calories per 3-ounce can, this formula is excellent for weight maintenance. You can find this recipe in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans.
Ingredients
Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, natural flavoring, brown rice, guar gum, sweet potato, powdered cellulose, tricalcium phosphate, sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate, carrageenan, taurine, fish oil, cassia gum, potassium chloride, salt, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin (Vitamin B3) Supplement , Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) ), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement , Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:10%
Crude fat:6%
Raw fiber:2%
Humidity:78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:45,45%
Gordo:27,27%
Fiber:9,09%
Carbohydrates:18,18%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:35%
Gordo:51%
Carbohydrates:14%
What we like:
- Chicken is the only source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat's hydration.
- Affordable price below $0.30 per ounce
What we don't like:
- Contains guar gum and carrageenan as thickeners
- The carb content is a bit high for a wet meal.
#3Best for Indoor Cats: CORE Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken and Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Cat Food Review
Ver no Chewy View on Amazon
Read our full review of the brand
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Stock, Turkey Stock, Chicken Meal
As an indoor cat food, this recipe is formulated for cats with lower activity levels and reduced calorie needs. It has 29 calories per ounce and is among the lowest calorie foods you can buy.
Unlike most indoor foods, which sacrifice species fitness in the name of hairball prevention and weight gain, this food is a meaty, protein-packed product.
It emphasizes protein-rich animal ingredients like chicken, chicken liver, chicken meal, and turkey.
On the downside, this food is not made solely from animal protein. In addition to a variety of meat ingredients, the feed contains pea protein and ground dried peas. While not harmful, these plant-based protein sources aren't ideal for an obligate carnivore like your cat.
Each can contains approximately 12% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, making it slightly higher in carbohydrates than the ideal feline diet.
Ingredients:
Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, turkey broth, chicken meal, turkey, pea protein, ground dried peas, natural flavor, cranberry, pea fiber, ground flaxseed, guar gum, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Seaweed, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Alfalfa Meal, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Proteinate Copper, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, Calcium D Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:11%
Crude fat:4%
Raw fiber:2%
Humidity:78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:50%
Gordo:18,18%
Fiber:9,09%
Carbohydrates:22,73%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:42,78%
Gordo:37,78%
Carbohydrates:19,44%
What we like:
- Formulated for indoor cats and low in calories.
- Made primarily from highly digestible animal protein
- Most cats enjoy the taste.
What we don't like:
- Contains a variety of plant-based ingredients including pea protein, dried peas, cranberries, pea fiber, and ground flaxseed
#4Best Ethically Sourced: Open Farm Grass-Fed Rustic Beef Mix Wet Food
Enter "AAC20" to get 20% off your first autoship order
Read our full review of the brand
Each 5.5-ounce box contains 172 calories.
First 5 ingredients:Humanely raised beef, beef bone broth, pumpkin, carrots, spinach
When it comes to high-quality ingredients and 100% traceability, you can trust Open Farm. This meaty recipe wet food comes in a 5.5-ounce box and packs just 172 calories.
What makes this Open Farm formula great for weight loss is the fact that it's packed with real animal protein and hydrating moisture, yet is moderate in fat and calories. This recipe also contains more fiber than average, which can help your cat feel full longer between meals.
With humanely raised beef as the main ingredient, this recipe is rich in amino acids that help maintain your cat's lean muscle mass. Unfortunately, both of these added fats are plant-based and there are a significant amount of plant-based ingredients in general.
That being said, this recipe is still incredibly high in protein and moisture and only contains about 11% carbs on a dry matter basis, which is slightly above our recommendation of 10% or less.
Ingredients:
Humanely raised beef, beef bone broth, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, red lentils, agar agar, non-GMO blueberries, chickpeas, chicory root, sunflower oil, coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium D Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Chelate Copper Amino Acid, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Sea Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Leaf, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:8%
Crude fat:6%
Raw fiber:2%
Humidity:82%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:44,44%
Gordo:33,33%
Fiber:11,11%
Carbohydrates:11,11%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:32,56%
Gordo:59,3%
Carbohydrates:8,14%
What we like:
- Made with a single source of premium quality animal protein.
- Formulated with 100% human grade traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture that your cat needs to hydrate.
- No fillers, by-products or artificial additives.
What we don't like:
- Contains a significant amount of herbal ingredients.
- Quite expensive compared to your average cat food.
#5Best for Gravy Lovers: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender Cat Food
Read our full review of the brand
First 5 ingredients: Sufficient water for processing, chicken (skinless, boneless breast), tuna, duck, tapioca starch,
Of all the products on this list, this Weruva formula has the fewest calories per ounce. It's only 20.6 calories per ounce and 62 calories per bag.
This simple recipe includes shredded chicken and duck in a sauce, making it a good option for cats who prefer chunks and strips of minimally processed meat. It includes water as the first ingredient, which means that the low caloric density is due in large part to the high water content of the food.
By emphasizing animal protein, this food will help your cat maintain lean muscle mass while gradually losing weight.
Ingredients:
Sufficient Processing Water, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, Duck, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Supplement Vitamin E, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) , Vitamin D3 Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:9%
Crude fat:1,4%
Raw fiber:0,5%
Humidity:85%
Ashes:2%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:60%
Gordo:9,33%
Fiber:3,33%
Carbohydrates:14%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:62,07%
Gordo:23,45%
Carbohydrates:14,48%
What we like:
- Made primarily from animal protein
- very low in calories
- Hydrating food helps keep your cat satisfied
- Free of grains, carrageenan, antibiotics, hormones and other hot ingredients
What we don't like:
- caro
- Contains tapioca starch as a thickener.
#6Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Vital Essentials Rabbit Mini Patties
Read our full review of the brand
First 5 ingredients: Finely ground whole rabbit, rabbit heart, rabbit liver, rabbit lung, rabbit kidney
If your overweight cat has allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or other food sensitivities, consider feeding her a simplified diet that is easy to digest with a minimum of irritating ingredients.
This freeze-dried food has rabbit as the only source of protein and main ingredient. Inspired by the variety of muscle meat, organs, and blood found in your cat's prey, this food contains a wide range of rabbit parts. The ingredient list includes finely ground whole rabbit, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, trachea, and blood.
Featuring a single source of protein, and a new protein for most cats, this food minimizes your cat's exposure to potential allergens and irritants. And besides, there's not much in this meal besides rabbit. The recipe relies heavily on the nutritional value of minimally processed rabbit. Compared to the average meal, this recipe has significantly fewer synthetic additives and other complementary ingredients.
This food must be rehydrated before serving, which means that your cat's meals can have as many calories as you like.
Ingredients:
Finely ground whole rabbit, rabbit heart, rabbit liver, rabbit lung, rabbit kidney, rabbit trachea, rabbit blood, raw goat milk, water, herring oil, mixed tocopherols, D-alpha tocopherol.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:52%
Crude fat:15%
Raw fiber:3%
Humidity:8%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:56,52%
Gordo:16,3%
Fiber:3,26%
Carbohydrates:23,91%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:47,09%
Gordo:32,99%
Carbohydrates:19,92%
What we like:
- Made primarily from rabbit, a new protein for many cats
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Contains herring oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
- low carb
- It can be very low in calories.
What we don't like:
- Some cats do not like the taste of rabbit.
- One of the most expensive foods you can buy
#7Best for Portion Control: Nutro Perfect Portions Grain Free Royal Chicken Pâté
Read our full review of the brand
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pork Stock, Chicken Stock, Natural Flavor
When it comes to helping your cat reach and maintain her ideal weight, portion control is incredibly important. It's helpful to choose a recipe made with a low or moderate amount of calories, but you still need to monitor how much you give your cat.
This Nutro Perfect Portions recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient and only source of protein. It also contains other natural ingredients such as chicken liver and fish oil.
This formula is completely free of by-products and additives such as artificial colors and preservatives and contains only 43 kcal per serving. Food is divided into 1.3-ounce servings with two perfect servings in each package. This makes it easy to give your cat exactly what he needs while keeping the rest fresh.
Ingredients
Chicken, chicken liver, pork broth, chicken stock, natural flavoring, guar gum, potassium chloride, fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tapioca starch, salt, taurine , Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Sulfate copper, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, sodium bisulfite complex and menadione (source of vitamin K Activity).
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein:12%
Crude fat:5%
Raw fiber:1%
Humidity:78%
Ashes:3,5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein:54,55%
Gordo:22,73%
Fiber:4,55%
Carbohydrates:2,27%
Caloric weight basis
Protein:48,7%
Gordo:49,28%
Carbohydrates:2,03%
What we like
- Packed with protein, first ingredient of real chicken.
- Rich in moisture, highly digestible.
- Contains fish oil for omega fatty acids
what we don't like
- Quite expensive compared to other brands.
- Large cats may need several packs per day.
With the right food and a solid strategy, you can help your cat reach a healthy weight.
Weight loss is not a mysterious pursuit. Once you've established a solid strategy and chosen a nutritious diet, your biggest challenge will be staying disciplined and consistent.
Especially if you're converting your cat from dry food to wet food, you're bound to run into some frustrations along the way. There will be days when you want to give in to your cat's meows and give up entirely. When you feel like you're hitting the wall, take a deep breath and remember that a healthier, happier cat is waiting for you on the other side.
Track your cat's weight loss week after week. Also, talk to your vet about your cat's weight loss. If your cat's weight has plateaued, your vet may recommend trying a different food or adding additional exercise to encourage weight loss.
As for exercise, physical activity is a critical component of weight loss. Combined with fewer calories from the new diet, physical activity will help boost your cat's metabolism, helping her burn more calories.
Do you want to know more about feline obesity? Read our vet-written guide to this condition.
frequent questions
What is the best cat food for weight loss?
The best cat food for weight loss isn't necessarily a prescription diet from brands like Purina or Royal Canin. In fact, you can help your cat lose weight on almost any food, as long as it's nutritionally balanced and portion control. However, if you want to know which is the best cat food to lose weight, we recommend a wet food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, with moderate fat and calories.
How do I make my indoor cat lose weight?
Indoor cats tend to be less active than outdoor cats, so cat owners may need to be more proactive when it comes to helping indoor cats lose weight. The first step is to choose a diet that supports your cat's weight loss and determine the appropriate number of calories per day. In addition to adjusting your cat's diet, you should also strive to increase her activity level with daily play sessions.
Is wet or dry cat food better for weight loss?
Generally speaking, you can help your cat lose weight by using dry or wet food. That said, wet food tends to be the best option because it's higher in protein and moisture, making it more satisfying for your cat – you can feed less without your cat feeling deprived.
FAQs
What food should I feed my overweight cat? ›
Some weight loss diets, such as Purina Proplan OM® and Royal Canin® Calorie Control, are high protein, low carbohydrate, others such as Royal Canin® Satiety and Hills® Prescription Diet w/d have high fiber content to help the cat feel more full and stop begging for food.
What type of diet do most veterinarians recommend for overweight cats? ›Cat Weight Loss Food
High Fiber/Low Fat: A higher fiber content can support satiety and increase bulk, allowing your cat to consume more and feel fuller. High Protein/Low Carbohydrate: This diet can delay stomach emptying, which also leaves your pet feeling fuller.
Switch to Lean Meat Foods
A great way to help your cat lose weight while improving their nutrition is to switch from fatty or carb-heavy foods to a high-protein diet with lean meats like chicken or turkey.
Feeding your cat slightly less food can help them lose weight. But food reduction isn't the only weight-loss option to try. Kibble contains a lot more carbohydrates than cats need, so many cats naturally lose weight when they eat the same amount of lower-carbohydrate wet or raw food.
Is wet food or dry food better for overweight cats? ›Compared to dry food, wet food has much more moisture and therefore fewer calories per the same volume of dry food. For pets that need to lose weight, a wet food is usually best because the cat eats a similar volume of food while receiving fewer calories.
How much should an overweight cat eat a day? ›There should ideally be one dry food bowl for each cat. The location of the bowls should be visually separated from one another. Start with 3 to 6oz per day, but we may increase this to 12oz per day (as we decrease the dry food available).