Does your furry friend seem a little too thin? You’re not alone. Many cat parents worry when their beloved companions don’t have enough “meat on their bones.” It’s natural to want your cat to be healthy and strong, and sometimes that means helping them gain a little weight. But where do you even start when looking for the best cat food to help them pack on those healthy pounds?
Choosing the right food can feel like a puzzle. You want to find something that’s not only delicious for your picky eater but also packed with the right nutrients. The shelves are full of choices, and it’s tough to know what’s truly going to help your cat gain weight safely and effectively. This can lead to frustration and worry.
But don’t fret! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a good weight-gain cat food and show you what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident in picking a food that will help your cat reach a healthy weight. Let’s dive in and discover how to get your cat looking and feeling their best!
Our Top 5 Cat Food For Gaining Weight Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Food For Gaining Weight Detailed Reviews
1. Purina ONE High Protein
Rating: 8.8/10
The Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Plus Ideal With Chicken Dry Cat Food Control Formula is a smart choice for cat owners wanting to help their feline friends manage their weight. This kibble is designed to help cats burn fat while giving them the nutrients they need. Real chicken is the main ingredient, making it a tasty and protein-packed meal that supports lean muscles and a healthy heart. The crunchy kibble also helps keep teeth strong and gums healthy. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants to boost their immune system. This food is easy for cats to digest and comes without any artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a wholesome option for your adult cat.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, providing high-quality protein.
- Includes L-carnitine to help cats burn fat.
- Crunchy kibble with added calcium supports strong teeth and healthy gums.
- Four antioxidant sources contribute to a strong immune system.
- Easily digestible and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Veterinarian-recommended brand crafted in Purina-owned U.S. facilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 7 lb. bag might not be ideal for multi-cat households or very large breeds.
- Some cats can be picky eaters, and while this food is designed to be delicious, individual preferences may vary.
This Purina ONE formula offers a balanced and delicious way to support your cat’s healthy weight journey. It’s a solid option for owners looking for a trusted, ingredient-focused cat food.
2. Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Cats
Rating: 9.2/10
Is your feline friend struggling to keep weight on? The Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Cats is a veterinarian-approved supplement designed to help cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors, boost their health and energy levels. This high-calorie powder acts as both a weight gainer and an appetite stimulant, making it a lifesaver for cats recovering from illness, experiencing stress, or simply needing a nutritional boost.
What We Like:
- Effectively helps cats with poor appetites regain essential calories and prevents weight loss.
- Stimulates appetite, especially important for cats recovering from illness or medical procedures.
- Acts as an energy booster with 20 calories, 9 essential vitamins, and 6 vital minerals per serving.
- Vet-formulated and proudly manufactured in the USA without artificial flavors or dyes.
- Comes in a delicious rotisserie chicken flavor that cats love.
- Long shelf life of 24 months from the manufacturing date.
What Could Be Improved:
- The expiration date is printed on the back of the product label, which might require a bit of searching.
This supplement offers a convenient and effective way to support your cat’s well-being when they need it most. It’s a valuable tool for ensuring your cat stays healthy and strong for years to come.
3. Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gainer for Dogs & Cats – Multivitamin Nutritional Supplement Gel
Rating: 9.5/10
The Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gainer is a versatile nutritional supplement gel designed to help dogs and cats gain weight and improve their overall health. It’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fish oil, making it suitable for pets of all ages, from puppies and kittens to seniors, and even for prenatal care.
What We Like:
- Provides a high calorie boost to support healthy weight gain in pets.
- Contains 29 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and omega-3 fish oil, for comprehensive health.
- Omega-3 fish oil promotes a healthy coat, skin, heart health, and can help with allergies and kidney disease.
- Acts as an appetite stimulant, enticing even picky eaters to consume vital nutrients.
- Easy to administer by mixing with food, as a food topper, or adding to water.
- Vet-reviewed and made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, free from harmful additives.
- Supports various needs like muscle growth, senior care, and prenatal health.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gel consistency might be a slight adjustment for some pets initially.
- While it’s a great appetite stimulant, some extremely finicky pets might still require more coaxing.
This all-in-one supplement offers a natural and effective way to support your pet’s weight gain and overall well-being. Give your furry friend the gift of health with Miracle Vet.
4. Solid Gold NutrientBoost™ Cat Food Toppers for Cats – High Protein Meal Topper & Crunchy Cat Treats for Indoor Cats w/Vitamins
Rating: 9.1/10
Elevate your cat’s meals with Solid Gold NutrientBoost™ Cat Food Toppers. This high-protein topper is packed with goodness to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. It’s a fantastic way to add extra nutrition and flavor to your cat’s diet.
What We Like:
- It’s a high-protein cat food topper.
- It uses plasma to help with gut health and immunity.
- It supports your cat’s daily energy and overall wellness.
- The ingredients are simple and holistic, with no fillers or artificial flavors.
- It’s grain-free, making it good for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- You can use it as a topper or as a crunchy treat.
- It’s suitable for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors.
- It can help picky eaters enjoy their food more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1lb bag might run out quickly for larger households.
- While versatile, some cats might prefer it mixed in rather than served alone.
This Solid Gold NutrientBoost™ Cat Food Topper is a smart choice for any cat owner. It offers a tasty and healthy way to boost your cat’s nutrition and support their well-being.
5. IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food
Rating: 9.3/10
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 7 lb. Bag is designed to help your indoor feline friend live a healthy and happy life. This food focuses on two common concerns for indoor cats: weight management and hairball reduction. It provides complete and balanced nutrition, meaning it has everything your adult cat needs without any unnecessary fillers.
What We Like:
- It offers 100% nutrition with zero fillers, giving your cat the best of what they need.
- The food includes a special fiber blend to help prevent hairballs before they become a problem.
- It contains L-carnitine, which helps your cat burn fat and keep a healthy metabolism.
- Essential nutrients like calcium and potassium are added to support a healthy heart.
- IAMS is committed to providing lifelong health through tailored nutrition for all life stages.
What Could Be Improved:
- The chicken and turkey recipe might not appeal to all cats, as some cats have strong flavor preferences.
- While it targets indoor cats, outdoor cats might have different nutritional needs.
This IAMS dry cat food is a solid choice for indoor cats needing support with weight and hairballs. It offers good nutrition to keep your cat feeling their best.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for a Healthier Kitty
Is your feline friend a little too thin? Don’t worry! Many cats sometimes need a little extra help to gain healthy weight. Finding the right cat food can make a big difference. This guide will help you choose the best food to get your kitty back to a healthy, happy weight.
Key Features to Look For
- High Calorie Count: This is the most important feature. Foods designed for weight gain have more calories per serving. This means your cat gets more energy in every bite.
- Protein Power: Cats are carnivores. They need lots of protein to build muscle. Look for foods with real meat, like chicken, turkey, or fish, as the first ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Fats are a great source of calories. Good fats help your cat absorb vitamins and keep their coat shiny. Look for ingredients like chicken fat or fish oil.
- Digestible Ingredients: Even if a food is high in calories, it’s no good if your cat can’t digest it. Choose foods with ingredients that are easy on their stomach.
- Palatability: If your cat doesn’t like the taste, they won’t eat it! Many weight-gain foods come in tasty flavors like salmon or chicken.
Important Materials
The “materials” in cat food refer to the ingredients used. The best foods will have:
- Real Meat or Fish: This provides essential amino acids and protein.
- Oils: Such as chicken fat or fish oil, for calories and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These support overall health and digestion.
- Carbohydrates: While cats don’t need a lot, some carbohydrates like rice or sweet potato can provide energy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Named Meat Sources: “Chicken” is better than “meat by-products.”
- Limited Fillers: Foods with fewer grains or corn are often better.
- No Artificial Colors or Flavors: These don’t add nutritional value.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Brands that vets trust often have good quality.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Vague Ingredient Lists: “Animal digest” or “meat by-products” can be low quality.
- Lots of Fillers: Excessive corn, wheat, or soy can make the food less nutrient-dense.
- Artificial Additives: These can cause stomach upset in some cats.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cat owners often turn to weight-gain food for several reasons:
- Elderly Cats: Older cats sometimes lose weight due to health issues or decreased appetite.
- Illness Recovery: Cats recovering from sickness or surgery often need extra calories to regain strength.
- Underweight Kittens: Kittens that are not growing as fast as they should benefit from calorie-dense food.
- Picky Eaters: Sometimes, a cat is just naturally a picky eater and needs a more appealing, calorie-rich option.
When using these foods, many users report seeing a gradual, healthy increase in their cat’s weight. Their cats also often have more energy and a shinier coat. It’s important to transition your cat slowly to a new food to avoid digestive upset. Mix a little of the new food with their old food, and gradually increase the amount of new food over a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main goal of weight-gain cat food?
A: The main goal is to provide more calories and nutrients in each serving to help your cat gain weight safely and healthily.
Q: How do I know if my cat needs to gain weight?
A: You can feel your cat’s ribs. If you can’t feel them easily, or if they feel sharp, your cat might be underweight. Your veterinarian can also give you the best advice.
Q: Is it okay to feed my cat high-calorie food all the time?
A: Not necessarily. This type of food is for cats that need to gain weight. Once your cat reaches a healthy weight, you should switch back to a regular, balanced cat food.
Q: How quickly should my cat gain weight?
A: Healthy weight gain is usually slow and steady. A veterinarian can help you set a realistic goal and timeline.
Q: Can I just feed my cat more of their regular food?
A: Sometimes, but weight-gain food is more concentrated. Your cat might need to eat a very large amount of regular food to get enough calories, which can be hard on their stomach.
Q: What should I do if my cat still won’t eat the weight-gain food?
A: Try warming the food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth. If your cat is still not eating, talk to your vet.
Q: Are there different types of weight-gain cat food?
A: Yes, there are wet and dry food options. Wet food can be more appealing and has higher moisture content. Dry food is convenient and can be left out for grazing.
Q: Can kittens eat weight-gain food?
A: Some weight-gain foods are formulated for kittens, but always check the packaging or ask your vet. Kittens have specific nutritional needs.
Q: How much of this food should I feed my cat?
A: Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging. These are usually based on your cat’s current weight and target weight. Your vet can also give you specific recommendations.
Q: When should I see a veterinarian about my cat’s weight?
A: You should always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if you are concerned about their weight. They can rule out any underlying health issues.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!