Does your feline friend need to pack on a few extra pounds? Watching your cat’s weight can be a worry for many pet parents. Sometimes, our furry companions are a little too lean, and we want to help them reach a healthy, happy weight. But when it comes to choosing the best canned cat food for weight gain, the aisles at the pet store can feel overwhelming. What ingredients should you look for? Are all “high-calorie” foods created equal? It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of labels and promises.
This post is here to guide you through the process! We understand the challenges you face when trying to find the right food to help your cat gain weight safely and effectively. You want what’s best for your cat’s health, and we’re here to provide clear, straightforward advice. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident in your ability to pick out the perfect canned food that will help your cat thrive and put on those healthy pounds.
Let’s dive into the world of canned cat food and discover how to make the best choice for your underweight kitty!
Our Top 5 Canned Cat Food For Weight Gain Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canned Cat Food For Weight Gain Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Rating: 8.7/10
Give your feline friend a taste of the wild with Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This pack offers a delicious trio of flavors – chicken, salmon, and duck – packed with the real meat cats crave. It’s a grain-free option designed to fuel your adult cat’s active lifestyle with high-quality protein and a smooth, irresistible pate texture.
What We Like:
- Packed with real chicken, salmon, or duck for high-quality protein.
- Grain-free formula, perfect for cats with sensitivities.
- Smooth pate texture that most cats find very appealing.
- Made with natural ingredients and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Variety pack offers a great way to let your cat explore different protein sources.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3-oz can size might be too small for very large cats or households with multiple cats, requiring frequent reordering.
- While it’s a variety pack, some cats might have a strong preference for one flavor, leading to uneaten cans of other varieties.
This Blue Buffalo Wilderness variety pack is a fantastic choice for pet parents seeking nutritious and flavorful meals for their cats. It delivers on taste and quality ingredients, making mealtime a highlight for your furry companion.
2. Purina ONE High Protein
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your feline friend the nutrition they deserve with the Purina ONE High Protein, Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This pack offers a delicious and healthy meal option for cats of all ages. It features real meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient, providing essential protein to build strong muscles. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for complete and balanced nutrition, with absolutely no fillers. Veterinarian-recommended Purina ONE creates these grain-free formulas to support your cat’s overall well-being.
What We Like:
- Real meat, poultry, or fish is the number one ingredient, powering strong muscles.
- Every ingredient serves a purpose, offering 100% complete and balanced nutrition without fillers.
- Comes in four tasty grain-free pate recipes: Turkey, Chicken, Ocean Whitefish, and Beef.
- Helps nourish a healthy skin and coat for a shiny appearance.
- Supports healthy hydration, which is crucial for your cat’s health.
- Antioxidants are included to boost a healthy immune system.
- Made by veterinarian-recommended Purina ONE, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might have a preference for certain flavors over others within the variety pack.
- While the cans are a convenient size, the variety pack itself takes up a bit of pantry space.
This Purina ONE variety pack is an excellent way to ensure your cat receives high-quality, grain-free nutrition in every meal. It offers a delicious assortment of flavors that can keep your cat excited about mealtime while supporting their health from the inside out.
3. Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
Rating: 9.5/10
As our feline friends enter their golden years, their dietary needs change. The Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Wet Cat Food Variety Pack is designed specifically for cats aged 7 and older. This variety pack offers three delicious flavors – chicken, beef, and tuna – in convenient 3 oz. cans. It’s made with high-quality ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your senior cat.
What We Like:
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for senior cats (7+).
- Includes antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system.
- Contains taurine, which is an essential amino acid for cats.
- High levels of vitamin E help promote a healthy, shiny coat.
- The high protein recipe supports strong muscles, which is important for older cats.
- Made in U.S. facilities by the number 1 gourmet cat food brand in the U.S.
- Offers the tasty flavors and textures cats love from Fancy Feast.
- Easy-to-open pull-tab cans make mealtime simple for owners.
- Tailored nutrition specifically addresses the unique needs of senior cats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some sensitive cats might experience digestive upset with certain ingredients.
- The variety pack might not suit cats with very specific protein sensitivities.
This variety pack offers a thoughtful and delicious way to nourish your senior cat. It’s a great option for ensuring your older feline companion gets the specialized nutrition they need to thrive.
4. Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry and Beef Grilled Gourmet Wet Cat Food Variety Pack – (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans
Rating: 8.9/10
Give your feline friend a taste of luxury with the Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry and Beef Grilled Gourmet Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This 24-can pack offers a delicious and nutritious meal option for your adult cat, featuring real poultry and beef in a savory gravy. It’s crafted with high-quality ingredients and developed by expert nutritionists to ensure your cat gets 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
What We Like:
- Made with real poultry or beef for a high-quality protein source.
- Features an irresistible savory gravy that cats love.
- Free from artificial colors or preservatives, making it a healthier choice.
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
- Crafted in U.S. facilities with regular quality and safety checks.
- The variety pack offers different flavors to keep mealtime exciting.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be picky about specific flavors within the variety pack.
- The 3 oz. cans might be a bit small for larger or very active cats, requiring multiple cans per meal.
This variety pack is a fantastic way to satisfy your cat’s cravings with gourmet flavors and essential nutrients. It’s a convenient and delicious option for discerning cats.
5. Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Weight Care Adult Thin Slices in Gravy Cat Food
Rating: 9.5/10
If your feline friend needs a little help managing their weight, Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Weight Care Adult Thin Slices in Gravy Cat Food is a fantastic option. This wet food is designed specifically for cats who are a bit overweight or tend to gain weight easily. It offers complete and balanced nutrition to help them reach and maintain a healthy size.
What We Like:
- Helps slightly overweight cats lose weight, with over 90% seeing results in two months in a Royal Canin study.
- Contains L-carnitine to aid fat metabolism and supports muscle mass with adapted protein.
- The fiber blend helps cats feel full, preventing them from overeating and gaining more weight.
- Features a soft texture and delicious thin slices in gravy that cats often find very appealing.
- Can be mixed with Royal Canin Weight Care dry food for flexible feeding.
- Part of a larger range of tailored Royal Canin nutrition for cats of all stages.
What Could Be Improved:
- Can be a bit pricier compared to some other cat food brands.
- Availability might be limited in some smaller pet stores.
Overall, this wet food provides a tasty and effective way to support your cat’s weight management journey. It’s a great choice for owners who want to help their cats feel healthier and more energetic.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Weight Gain
Is your feline friend a little too thin? It can be worrying when your cat isn’t at a healthy weight. Thankfully, specialized canned cat food can help your kitty pack on those pounds safely and effectively. This guide will help you choose the best option for your furry companion.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for canned cat food for weight gain, keep these important features in mind:
- High Calorie Density: This is the most crucial feature. The food needs to pack a lot of calories into a small serving. Look for options with higher calorie counts per can or per ounce.
- High Protein Content: Cats are carnivores. Protein is essential for building muscle mass. Aim for foods with a significant percentage of animal-based protein as the primary ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Fats provide concentrated energy. Look for foods that include beneficial fats like those found in fish oil or chicken fat. These fats also help make the food more appealing to picky eaters.
- Palatability: If your cat doesn’t like the taste, they won’t eat it. Many weight-gain formulas are designed to be extra tasty with rich flavors and textures.
- Essential Nutrients: Beyond calories and protein, the food must contain all the vitamins and minerals your cat needs for overall health. Good quality foods will list these clearly.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells the real story of your cat’s food.
- Meat as the First Ingredient: The first ingredient should always be a specific meat source, like chicken, turkey, or salmon. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” or grains are listed first.
- Limited Fillers: Foods with a lot of grains, corn, or soy can be less nutrient-dense and harder for cats to digest. Look for foods with minimal fillers.
- No Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are unnecessary and can sometimes cause digestive upset.
Factors Affecting Quality: What Makes Food Great (or Not So Great)
Not all canned cat food is created equal. Here’s what can make a difference in quality:
- Source of Protein: Animal protein is always best for cats. The more identifiable the meat source, the better.
- Processing Methods: Gentle processing methods help retain nutrients. Brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes often produce higher-quality food.
- Reputable Brands: Established brands with a history of producing quality pet food are generally a safe bet. They often invest more in research and development.
- Avoidance of Grains/Fillers: Foods that rely heavily on grains or other fillers are generally lower in protein and calories, making them less effective for weight gain.
User Experience and Use Cases: When to Reach for Weight Gain Food
Canned cat food for weight gain is designed for specific situations:
- Underweight Cats: This is the most common use case. If your vet has recommended your cat gain weight, this food is ideal.
- Senior Cats: Older cats can sometimes lose muscle mass and appetite. Weight-gain formulas can help them maintain a healthy weight.
- Convalescing Cats: Cats recovering from illness or surgery may need extra calories and nutrients to regain strength.
- Highly Active Cats: Some very active breeds or individuals might benefit from a calorie-dense diet to maintain their energy levels.
Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Your vet can help you determine the right food and the correct amount to feed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is my cat underweight?
A: Cats can be underweight for many reasons. They might have a medical issue, a poor appetite, or simply not eat enough calories. A vet visit is important to find out why.
Q: How much of this food should I give my cat?
A: The amount depends on your cat’s current weight, target weight, age, and activity level. Always check the feeding guidelines on the food packaging and consult your vet.
Q: How long will it take for my cat to gain weight?
A: Weight gain is a gradual process. It might take several weeks or even months to see significant results. Consistent feeding and monitoring are key.
Q: Can I feed this food to all my cats?
A: If you have multiple cats and only one needs to gain weight, it’s best to feed the specialized food only to the underweight cat. You can feed them in separate areas to ensure they eat their own food.
Q: What if my cat is a picky eater?
A: Many weight-gain formulas are made to be extra tasty. Try different flavors and textures. Warming the food slightly can also make it more appealing.
Q: Are there any side effects to weight gain food?
A: Generally, no. However, feeding too much too quickly can sometimes lead to digestive upset. Introduce new food gradually.
Q: What’s the difference between wet and dry food for weight gain?
A: Canned (wet) food is often preferred for weight gain because it’s usually more palatable and has a higher moisture content, which is good for hydration. It also tends to be more calorie-dense per serving.
Q: Should I mix weight gain food with my cat’s regular food?
A: It’s usually best to feed the weight gain food as the primary diet, as recommended by your vet. Mixing might dilute the calorie and nutrient concentration.
Q: What are some good protein sources to look for?
A: Look for chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, or lamb as the first ingredients. These are excellent sources of animal protein for cats.
Q: When should I stop feeding weight gain food?
A: You should stop feeding weight gain food when your cat reaches their target healthy weight, as determined by your veterinarian. Your vet will guide you on transitioning back to a maintenance diet.
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!