Just as little drops make a mighty ocean so do small amounts of unneeded fat make an overweight kitty. There are many approaches used to help chubby cats drop some pounds.
One major approach is to check on what they are consuming and making adjustments, for example reducing the calorie intake levels. The best cat food for weight loss helps check on the calorie intake in your feline. Healthy body weight plays a vital role in ensuring excellent quality of life for your pet.
Once you are aware your cat is carrying extra pounds, it is important to switch to foods formulated for weight loss to safely slim down. There are a variety of cat foods in the market available for this purpose.
With numerous options comes the problem of picking the right option. We are here to help, we have reviewed some of the best brands to help you bring the best cat food for weight loss during this transition. Let’s jump right in!
8 Best Cat Food for Weight Loss
1) Avoderm Natural Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food
For cats that love lying around with minimal engagement in activity, this Avoderm formula will be cherished by their bodies. It is made with a focus on the delivery of high protein content with relatively low-fat levels. This cat food uses protein from poultry or fish combined with other natural ingredients for a healthy stoutly built body.
Avocados grace this food giving your cat’s skin access to omega acids to keep it healthy. Avocados also bring in plant protein to help with muscle formation. To make it complete and balanced, this cat food is well supplemented with antioxidants, taurine, minerals and vitamins for a strong immune system. As you set off on the weight loss path, this is one of the best cat foods you should sample.
Benefits
- Contains easy to digest all-natural ingredients good for cats with sensitive bellies
- High protein content with low fat intake to promote weight loss
- Loaded with essential oils for healthy skin and coat
- Well supplemented with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants for boosted immunity
2) Halo Holistic Healthy Weight Indoor Dry Cat Food
Help your chunky cat shed some weight with this delicacy from Halo that guarantees maximum nutrition with reduced calories. Meat from naturally reared chicken is used as the primary protein source for muscle and energy retention.
Chicken liver is good for kitties that suffer from blood deficiency. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for whole-body health. This grain-free recipe contains L-carnitine that supports metabolism to burn as much fat as possible for cats to attain their ideal weight.
Taurine is added to the food to help with vision, digestion and heart function. Taurine is good for fetal development in pregnant cats. All other ingredients listed in this food are sourced from natural, safe sources and are highly digestible which is why it features among the best cat foods to get for weight loss purposes.
Benefits
- Uses whole meat from naturally raised chicken for energy and muscle development
- Contains highly digestible ingredients
- Formulated with reduced calories to help overweight cats attain and maintain their target weight
- Is grain-free with added L-carnitine for boosted metabolism and taurine for good vision, digestion and heart function
3) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Weight Control Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
If your feline friend has a sensitive gut and is carrying extra pounds, then you should try feeding him this grain-free cat food made by Blue Buffalo, to assist him to shed a couple of pounds.
This crunchy textured food has chicken in it as the first ingredient. Chicken is lean meat therefore your cat gets a low-calorie count with a rich supply of protein. Amino acids from this protein help fuel your fur friend all day.
For healthy skin and coat, the ingredients sourced release omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Chelated amino acids, minerals and vitamins are inclusive of the nutrient profile for a healthy body functioning with strong defenses against diseases.
Blue Buffalo foods contain LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of ingredients, that support immunity as well. It is also made without meat by-products, grains, corn, or soy.
Benefits
- Protein-rich cat food with a low-calorie count
- Abundant with omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Contains vitamins and chelated minerals combined with LifeSource Bits to strengthen the immune system
- Free of grains and available in different bag sizes
4) 9Lives Lean and Tasty Dry Cat Food
9Lives Lean and Tasty Dry Cat Food is particularly made to help pudgy cats shed some weight. For pet parents that love to feed a grain-rich meal to their companions, this is the best cat food to select.
This food uses whole ground corn, whole wheat and soybean meal as part of its ingredient makeup. These wholesome grains have good digestibility providing the body with carbs for energy and fiber for great digestion.
Your cat will look forward to mealtimes as this food brings to the bowl the alluring taste of salmon and chicken. These are rich in protein for lean muscle development.
L-carnitine in the food assists your pal to burn extra fat while retaining good muscle form. This food is antioxidant-rich to keep off diseases with plentiful omega fatty acids for soft-to-touch healthy skin.
Benefits
- Uses lean meats with high protein content
- Specifically made to help cats shed weight
- Contains whole grains that are broken down to provide the body with energy and fiber for smooth digestion
- Supplemented with L-carnitine to support metabolism and help retain healthy body weight
5) Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dry Cat Food
Purina as a leading producer in the pet food industry gives you a wide array of the best cat foods to choose from. This formula is one of those and it is uniquely put together for adult cats struggling with extra weight in their bodies. It has a 20% fat reduction in comparison to the Purina Pro Plan Adult Chicken and Rice Formula making it ideal for weight loss.
High protein for lean muscle mass is derived from chicken. Rice is fairly easy to digest in cats and it complements the energy supply from protein. Vitamins and minerals are carefully compounded to help body organs function as required.
Natural prebiotic fiber in the food guarantees smooth digestion of all nutrients from ingredients for 100% nutrition. This food ensures lean muscles are retained while excess fat is eliminated from the body. Should your buddy be a picky eater this food goes well with Purina Pro Focus Healthy Metabolism Formula Canned Food.
Benefits
- Focuses on fat reduction making it ideal for weight loss in overweight cats
- High protein cat food made with chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains natural prebiotic fiber to aid digestion
- Quality nutrition with zero artificial fillers
6) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
This Hill’s Science recipe works well for both cats that want to slim down and those that have an ideal weight and are keen on maintaining it. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food strikes a good balance in its ingredients to provide quality nutrition for cats that require lower calories in their diet. The tasty kibble is made with real meat such as chicken as the key ingredient.
Fresh fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants keep the immune system strong. They also contain numerous beneficial minerals and vitamins for a healthy body. Coconut oil is used in food to reduce the chances of flakiness in the skin. All ingredients are sourced naturally guaranteeing your feline chap a healthy body to enjoy his in and outdoor escapades.
Benefits
- Made with real meat from the chicken as the key ingredient
- High protein kibble packed with antioxidants that boost immunity
- Coconut oil addition to keeping skin and coat healthy
- Uses all-natural ingredients specially blended to help cats achieve and retain ideal body weight
7) Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Indoor Natural Dry Cat Food
Nutro feed clean philosophy is one of the main reasons it ranks highly as the best cat food manufacturer. The feed-clean philosophy translates to the elimination of all artificial additions in their foods.
The ingredients are grown naturally and supplied from different farms. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Indoor Natural Dry Cat Food starts with real chicken to supply quality protein for lean muscle formation with sufficient energy to keep your pet active. The food is high in natural fiber for great digestion.
For skincare, your pet derives omega-6 fatty acid from this food. Complete and balanced with vitamins and minerals, this cat food gives internal and external nourishment essential for the maintenance of healthy body weight.
Natural preservation through the use of mixed tocopherols or citric acid ensures the nutrients in the kibble remain intact with retention of their yummy taste as well.
Benefits
- Made with high-quality protein sourced from chicken
- Eliminates all artificial additions and uses natural ingredients, flavors and preservatives
- Complete and balanced diet fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Rich with fiber for digestion and omega-6 fatty acids for skincare
8) Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food
This high protein cat food is custom made with fewer calories than other Wellness Complete recipes for felines that need to lose weight or those that are on low-calorie diets.
Protein is drawn from real meat such as deboned chicken and integrated with that sourced from plant sources. L-carnitine supports metabolism for effective weight loss. The kibble is conveniently sized to ease chewing and keep teeth clean.
The food is crafted with the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Select fruits and vegetables provide the body with fiber and omega fatty acids. This keeps digestion running well and promotes lustrous skin.
They also supply the body with a rich blend of vital vitamins and minerals. This grain-free food is naturally preserved with rosemary extracts that are also endowed with antioxidants that help the body fight infections. Serve your cat this delicacy and watch him lick the bowl squeaky clean.
Benefits
- Uses quality protein supplemented with L-carnitine for effective weight loss
- Has conveniently sized kibble for easy chewing and helps control plaque build-up in teeth
- A rich blend of vitamins and minerals for all-round health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to the food for healthy joints
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Best Cat Food for Weight Loss Buying Guide & FAQs
Considerations When Choosing the Best Cat Food for Weight Loss
Source of Protein
Cats are carnivores and need high-quality proteins to lead a quality life. The best cat food for weight loss should contain real meat as the first ingredient. Our felines need protein to stay healthy, active and full of health. When on a diet, cats need more protein as it the molecule needed for energy production and muscle growth.
Balanced Nutrition
When your cat is on a diet, it should not be deprived of any nutrients. For a diet to qualify as the best cat food for weight loss, it should be featuring a formulation that furnishes your kitty with balanced and healthy nutrition. The recipe should be rich in proteins and low in fats.
Ideally protein content should be at least 30% and fat content not exceeding 12%. Besides the macronutrients, the recipe should have all the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in correct proportions.
Free of Additives and By-Products
As a general rule, never feed your pet diets formulated with meat by-products, corn, wheat, artificial colors and preservatives. These additions have little nutritional value to your cat and a health risk to your kitty. An overweight cat is predisposed to several health problems and these ingredients worsen the situation.
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How to Tell if Your Cat Is Overweight
If you ask pet parents the ideal healthy weight for a cat, you will be shocked by the guesses made. Its no doubt that most owners have no idea how much their kitty weighs. Consider investing in a scale to regularly check your cat’s weight.
The ideal weight for a shorthair domestic cat is between 8 and 10 pounds. This may vary across breeds. Understanding what is considered a healthy weight is paramount before putting your fur baby on a special diet. Only then will you understand how many pounds your cat needs to shed.
Even without necessarily weighing your cat, there are other ways to tell if your furry friend is overweight. Here are some common indicators:
- Decreased Activity Levels
If your kitty starts to lean more on the sedentary life, it could be that he/she is overweight. Before putting your kitty on a diet, we recommend seeking the veterinarian’s input as there could be other reasons for inactivity.
- Visual Inspection
A cat with a healthy weight should be slender from its stomach to the hindquarters. If you observe a deviation in your cat, you need to regulate the treats. Another conspicuous sign of weight gain in cats is a swinging pouch between the cat’s hind legs.
If signs become very obvious, chances are your feline has crossed the overweight limit and is becoming obese. This is dangerous as it affects the overall wellbeing and health of your fur baby.
- Gentle Squeeze on The Ribcage
When you gently squeeze at the sides of the cat’s ribcage and feel the ribs easily, your cat has a healthy weight. However, if you press the ribs and you don’t feel them, chances are your cat is overweight.
Read: Best Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health
Health Risks and Excess Weight in Cats
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Diabetes
Cats that are overweight are more predisposed to feline diabetes than those carrying ideal weight. This happens because the body cells have more than they can handle rendering them insulin resistant. Insulin assists with the absorption of glucose in the body.
This resistance results in high blood sugar levels in the blood that is excreted without being utilized in cells leaving your cat undernourished and they begin to show symptoms associated with diabetes. Therefore, as a fur parent, it is important to help reduce the chances of your cat’s predisposition to this illness by keeping his weight in check always.
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Cardiovascular and Respiratory Complications
Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle cause weight gain in cats leaving them open to contract illnesses associated with the heart and respiratory system. Complications in the heart can be a result of a faulty valve that is pumping reduced amounts of blood or thickened heart muscles because of high fat intake that affect the heart’s pumping efficiency.
With reduced blood supply your cat may experience shortness of breath or death if the condition is severe. Unhealthy body weight also worsens the state of cats with congenital heart disease. Choosing the correct diet plays an important role in maintaining good cardiovascular health.
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Arthritis
Extra pounds in your cat’s body increase pressure on their joints which is why most overweight pets are prone to arthritis. If your little furball has ideal weight then you should work to see that it is maintained. If, however, they are overweight, you can engage in a weight loss program and grab cat food that will support this endeavor.
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Liver Failure
Obesity increases the chances of liver failure in cats. Liver failure can also occur when the digestive system is shocked by the sudden introduction of a different diet. Therefore, if you are looking to switch your cat’s food to one that promotes weight loss, slow weaning of the new food is recommended. Avoid underfeeding your pet as this increases the chances of liver failure especially in cats that love to eat and do not translate to weight loss.
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Shorter Life Span
Cats with ideal weight are more likely to live longer than overweight ones. Being overweight they are exposed to life-threatening conditions that may lead to premature death. To keep your puss around for longer you need to stay committed to helping them lead a healthy lifestyle.
Tips to Help A Cat Lose Weight
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Spread Out Meals
Your overweight cat could benefit from feeding on smaller portions served different times a day as opposed to serving one huge meal that they gobble up and after a while start begging you for food. Spacing out meals will keep the cat full all day long and saves you the trouble of overindulging them with food at their every whim.
Also, for effective weight loss, cut out grazing by timing their feeding durations and once the time is up take away the bowl of food. Having water in unlimited access for the cat gives them something to consume too whenever they get a little bored.
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Calorie Count
To maintain ideal weight the average cat requires about 20 to 35 calories per pound. This helps you know how much the current food is delivering in terms of calories.
With that, you can measure out how much the cat should consume and get rid of the extra that is making him pack on the pounds. Switching to low-calorie foods is also another alternative that comes with being well informed on how much calorie intake is just enough.
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Keep Mealtimes Interesting
Increasing activity during feeding time will help your feline friend drop some pounds. You can hide food at different points in the house forcing the cat to move about more. This way they get to burn more calories. This works especially for the lazy cats that do not like to play. By moving around they can jumpstart their metabolism.
If they love to stay on the lowest floor of the house, that is for multiple floored houses, you can place their food on a higher floor forcing the cat to go up the steps to get the food. Other pet parents use this trick with the litter box causing the cat to go up and down the steps every time they need to relieve themselves.
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Limit Treats and Go Big on Exercise
Nixing out treats from their diet may be just what your cat needs to shed some pounds. As much as the cat loves the treats be sure to limit the intake as they also come packed with a considerable number of calories. You can choose to make your cat work for the treats and use them as rewards for accomplishments. Get the cat out for walks if they fancy the outdoors.
If they prefer the indoors, you can set up ramps or even climbing posts around the house that may encourage exercise thereby burning calories in the process. Laser pointers are great tools to help loss with weight loss in cats as well as they cause even the laziest of cats to jump about. T
he continuous chasing of the laser beam also helps with mental stimulation that kicks away boredom. Always schedule for exercise and you can always use treats to encourage participation.
See Also: Best Interactive Cat Toys
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Assess Progress
Always check on progress to confirm whether the plan is working as expected or if it needs modification. This can be through your physical assessment of their engagement in activities or through weighing her regularly.
Talking to your vet might help you know if other measures need to be taken. For example, they may recommend a new approach to the plan such as the addition of L-carnitine supplements in the diet to help breakdown more fat into energy.
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FAQs on Best Cat Food for Weight Loss
Q: When is a Cat Considered Overweight?
Cats are generally considered overweight when their current weight exceeds the ideal weight by 10 to 20%. You can use a scale to measure them or you can opt to check physically also referred to as the body condition score. Using your hands, you should be able to feel his ribs without a struggle.
The cat should have an hourglass-shaped waist with a small fat concentration in the abdomen. If you have to press to feel the ribs and there is a high concentration of fat layering in the abdomen then the cat is most likely overweight.
Q: How Much Should I Feed My Cat to Help Them Lose Weight?
You need to put into consideration various factors such as the cat’s breed before settling on how much should be fed or how much should be lost. From there you can plan for how many calories should be consumed or lost daily for them to attain their ideal weight. Also, you can decide on the frequency and portions of meals.
Q: How Can I Put My Overweight Cat on a Diet?
Coming up with a weight-reduction plan is recommended that should be reviewed from time to time to assess its effectiveness. It will encompass factors such as what, when and how much to feed, exercise necessary for maximum weight loss and regular weight checks. You may need to stop free-feeding your cat.
If you are a parent to several cats, you may be required to separate their feeding places or time. Consulting a nutritionist or a vet for guidance on this is also recommended to ensure there is no compromise on nutrition.
Conclusion
A little too much of everything is considered poisonous which is why maintaining healthy body weight in cats is important. The foods covered in this review will improve your cat’s quality of life by assisting them to shed off those extra pounds and retain ideal weight. Which best cat food for weight loss will you try first?