11 Best Cat Foods For Overweight Cats
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One of the best ways to keep your cat happy with lean muscles is by feeding him with high-quality food for weight control and maintenance.
Low carbs diets, high protein, healthy fiber, and antioxidants are often recommended for overweight cats.
Compare Best Cat Foods For Overweight Cats
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Premium Choice
3. Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best For Kittens
4. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Grain-Free Food
5. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Chicken Recipe All Life Stages Canned Cat Food |
Best Dry Cat Food
6. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food |
Best Hypoallergenic
7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food |
Most Popular
8. Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Goldie Lox Chicken & Salmon Au Jus Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Affordable
9. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food |
Best Organic
10. Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Liver Dinner For Cats |
High Protein
11. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food |
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Protein
8% Min |
Protein
8% Min |
Protein
18.4% Min |
Protein
11% Min |
Protein
9% Min |
Protein
43% Min |
Protein
9.0% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
Protein
9% Min |
Protein
9% Min |
Protein
12% Min |
|
Fat
6% Min |
Fat
5.5% Min |
Fat
2.3% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
5% Min |
Fat
20% Min |
Fat
5.0% Min |
Fat
1.6% Min |
Fat
2% Min |
Fat
6.5% Min |
Fat
7.5% Min |
|
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
0% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
1.4% Max |
Fiber
0.5% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
|
Moisture
82% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
77% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
87% Max |
Moisture
82% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
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Caloric Content
1190 kcal/kg or 185 kcal/156 g carton |
Caloric Content
185 kcal/170g can |
Caloric Content
160 kcal/6 oz can |
Caloric Content
122 kcal/3 oz can |
Caloric Content
194 kcal/5.5-ounce can |
Caloric Content
480 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
139 kcal/5 oz can |
Caloric Content
111 kcal/6-oz can |
Caloric Content
75 kcal/can |
Caloric Content
201 kcal/5.5-ounce can |
Caloric Content
199 kcal/5.5-oz can |
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Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Key Considerations When Buying Weight Loss Cat Food For Overweight Cats
There are a few considerations that you should put to heart when shopping for your pet with weight issues. These include the following:
- Low Carbs – Carbs are not really important in kitties’ diet. That is why you must always look out for the carbs content in your cat’s food. Ideally, recipes with no grain such as soy, wheat or corn are as good for obese cats.
- High Protein – Basically, cats survive on a high protein diet. And the primary source of protein is real meat. It is, however, important to look out for cat food which has real meat like deboned chicken, whitefish or salmon as number one ingredient.
- Healthy Fiber – Fiber in cats’ diet is what makes them feel fuller. These fibers serve as fillers in their food should be from healthy ingredients
Best Cat Food For Overweight Cats Reviewed And Compared
Despite the fact that there are a lot of cat foods designated for weight loss, high quality, and effective formulas are hard to come by. Our recommended products here will help you make the best choice for your kitty.
Overall Best
1.
Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 1190 kcal/kg or 185 kcal/156 g carton
- Food Type: Fresh
Pros
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Made from human-grade ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
- Made from ethically-sourced ingredients
Cons
- Fairly expensive compared to the average cat food
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
If your overweight cat enjoys fresh cat food, we can suggest Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food.
This all life stage food has a blend of turkey that most cats will love. It has 8 percent crude protein, six percent crude fat, and 2 percent fiber, with very low carbohydrates.
33 percent of the calories come from protein, 59 percent of calories come from fat, and just eight percent of calories come from carbohydrates.
The food also has 82 percent moisture so it’s similar to a canned food in that regard and can help keep your cat hydrated. We think this would be a good fresh food choice for a diabetic cat. Open Farm also has a veterinary nutritionist on staff.
This all life stage food has a blend of turkey that most cats will love. It has 8 percent crude protein, six percent crude fat, and 2 percent fiber, with very low carbohydrates.
33 percent of the calories come from protein, 59 percent of calories come from fat, and just eight percent of calories come from carbohydrates.
The food also has 82 percent moisture so it’s similar to a canned food in that regard and can help keep your cat hydrated. We think this would be a good fresh food choice for a diabetic cat. Open Farm also has a veterinary nutritionist on staff.
Best Wet Cat Food
2.
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 5.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 185 kcal/170g can
Pros
- Rich in protein and fat, low in carbohydrates
- Made from premium, all-natural ingredients
- Formulated for all life stages and breeds
Cons
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Doesn’t contain probiotics
If you want to provide your cat with the best of the best in wet cat food, Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is an excellent option. Available in several flavors, this cat food is formulated for all life stages and all breeds.
It features 93% meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels which means that it is very low in carbohydrates and rich in both protein and fat.
Every recipe is all-natural and made with premium ingredients including animal-based proteins and fats with nutritional supplements for balance.
It features 93% meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels which means that it is very low in carbohydrates and rich in both protein and fat.
Every recipe is all-natural and made with premium ingredients including animal-based proteins and fats with nutritional supplements for balance.
Premium Choice
3.
Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 18.4% Min
- Fat: 2.3% Min
- Fiber: 0% Max
- Moisture: 77% Max
- Caloric Content: 160 kcal/6 oz can
Pros
- Made from digestible high-quality ingredients
- Lean source of protein
- Supplemented with chelated minerals
Cons
- Some cats don’t like the texture
We really like Tiki Cat foods. Their canned foods are high in protein and extremely low in carbohydrates. They are complete and balanced for all life stages. And they are hand-packed. For example, Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab In Tuna Consommé has 16 percent protein, three percent fat, and two percent carbohydrates.
The first three ingredients are tuna, tuna broth, and crab. This food has 75 kcal per 2.8 ounce can. It’s typical of Tiki Cat foods.
They have lots of other fish-based canned foods as well as a line of similar chicken-based foods.
They also have some good variety packs. Their After Dark line includes organ meats. We think Tiki Cat’s higher protein and low carb canned foods would be a good choice for diabetic cats.
The first three ingredients are tuna, tuna broth, and crab. This food has 75 kcal per 2.8 ounce can. It’s typical of Tiki Cat foods.
They have lots of other fish-based canned foods as well as a line of similar chicken-based foods.
They also have some good variety packs. Their After Dark line includes organ meats. We think Tiki Cat’s higher protein and low carb canned foods would be a good choice for diabetic cats.
Best For Kittens
4.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 11% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 122 kcal/3 oz can
Pros
- Made with real chicken and chicken liver as the top two ingredients
- Naturally grain-free and low in carbohydrate ingredients
- Formulated to support healthy growth and development in kittens
Cons
- Doesn’t contain probiotic supplements
- Contains guar gum which can contribute to smelly poop
If you’re looking for a high-quality wet food to get your kitten started on the right foot, consider this Wellness Grain-Free Chicken Entrée Pate Kitten Food.
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient to provide your kitten with a lean source of premium animal protein.
It is grain-free for digestibility and free from thickeners like carrageenan as well. It features premium, all-natural ingredients and is nutritionally balanced to meet your kitten’s requirements.
Plus, it supports all aspects of your kitten’s health including growth, digestion, energy, immunity, skin, and coat.
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient to provide your kitten with a lean source of premium animal protein.
It is grain-free for digestibility and free from thickeners like carrageenan as well. It features premium, all-natural ingredients and is nutritionally balanced to meet your kitten’s requirements.
Plus, it supports all aspects of your kitten’s health including growth, digestion, energy, immunity, skin, and coat.
Best Grain-Free Food
5.
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Chicken Recipe All Life Stages Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 194 kcal/5.5-ounce can
Pros
- Made with USA organic ingredients
- Blend of omega fatty acids
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies
Cons
- More expensive than the typical wet food
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
One of the top organic pet food brands on the market, Castor & Pollux offers a variety of dry food and wet food options.
This Castor & Pollux Grain-Free Organic Chicken Recipe Canned Food features free-range, organic chicken as the first ingredient with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables for nutritional support.
It contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus plenty of moisture to support your cat’s hydration and digestion.
This recipe features USA organic ingredients in a protein-rich recipe free from added hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Simply put, it only contains the high-quality, natural ingredients your cat deserves as part of a balanced diet.
This Castor & Pollux Grain-Free Organic Chicken Recipe Canned Food features free-range, organic chicken as the first ingredient with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables for nutritional support.
It contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus plenty of moisture to support your cat’s hydration and digestion.
This recipe features USA organic ingredients in a protein-rich recipe free from added hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Simply put, it only contains the high-quality, natural ingredients your cat deserves as part of a balanced diet.
Best Dry Cat Food
6.
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 43% Min
- Fat: 20% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 480 kcal/cup
Pros
- Made from premium-quality, all-natural ingredients
- High protein kibble blended with freeze-dried raw pieces
- Beneficial nutrients like chelated minerals and probiotics
Cons
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
If you want your cat to enjoy the best that nature has to offer, feed it this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Natural Cat Food.
Not only is this formula made with premium natural ingredients, but it is a combination of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces for maximum nutrition and flavor.
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient with plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Not only is this formula made with premium natural ingredients, but it is a combination of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces for maximum nutrition and flavor.
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient with plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Best Hypoallergenic
7.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9.0% Min
- Fat: 5.0% Min
- Fiber: 1.4% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 139 kcal/5 oz can
Pros
- Good for all ages
- Grain-free
- No meat by-products, soy, wheat or corn
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste
If your cat with food allergies is able to transition to a commercial food, the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet cat foods could be something worth trying. This line of foods from Merrick is made for cats that have food issues. They have multiple recipes in canned and dry versions.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food has one kind of meat protein – turkey.It has deboned turkey, turkey broth, and turkey liver.
It also has pea protein. Other ingredients include natural flavor, organic alfalfa meal, guar gum, and flaxseed oil. Otherwise, the food is made up of added vitamins and minerals.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food has one kind of meat protein – turkey.It has deboned turkey, turkey broth, and turkey liver.
It also has pea protein. Other ingredients include natural flavor, organic alfalfa meal, guar gum, and flaxseed oil. Otherwise, the food is made up of added vitamins and minerals.
Most Popular
8.
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Goldie Lox Chicken & Salmon Au Jus Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 1.6% Min
- Fiber: 0.5% Max
- Moisture: 87% Max
- Caloric Content: 111 kcal/6-oz can
If cats could cook…your diabetic cat might cook up something like these foods from Weruva. They are carrageenan-free, grain-free, and gluten-free. Many of the most popular flavors contain chicken but there are also foods with lamb, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, turkey, shrimp, and other flavors.
Weruva Goldie Lox features chicken and salmon. It has 11.23 percent protein, 2.1 percent fat, and 0.68 percent carbs.
It contains 59 calories in a 3.2 ounce can. (One of the nice things about Weruva is that they provide detailed nutrition information about all of their foods.)
The first ingredients in this food are Chicken Broth, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, and Salmon. Weruva has a couple of other product lines and quite a few foods that could be good for diabetic cats.
Weruva Goldie Lox features chicken and salmon. It has 11.23 percent protein, 2.1 percent fat, and 0.68 percent carbs.
It contains 59 calories in a 3.2 ounce can. (One of the nice things about Weruva is that they provide detailed nutrition information about all of their foods.)
The first ingredients in this food are Chicken Broth, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, and Salmon. Weruva has a couple of other product lines and quite a few foods that could be good for diabetic cats.
Best Affordable
9.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9% Min
- Fat: 2% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 75 kcal/can
Pros
- Made with several sources of quality animal proteins
- Grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility, fiber, and nutrients
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives and byproducts
Cons
- Doesn’t contain chelated minerals or probiotics
You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot to feed your cat a decent wet food. This Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Adult Cat Food is a great option that is still very affordable.
Available in a wide variety of flavors, this cat food features premium animal proteins with grain-free carbohydrates for fiber and nutritional support.
Each recipe is made with real meat as the main ingredient and is free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives. You’ll also find beneficial supplements like vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance.
Available in a wide variety of flavors, this cat food features premium animal proteins with grain-free carbohydrates for fiber and nutritional support.
Each recipe is made with real meat as the main ingredient and is free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives. You’ll also find beneficial supplements like vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance.
Best Organic
10.
Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Liver Dinner For Cats
Product Info
- Protein: 9% Min
- Fat: 6.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 201 kcal/5.5-ounce can
Pros
- Made with 95% organic chicken and liver
- Free from artificial additives
- High in protein and healthy fats
Cons
- Contains carrageenan
- More expensive than the typical canned food
The Newman’s Own brand is primarily known for human food, but also offers a selection of organic pet food products. This Newman’s Own Organic Chicken & Liver Dinner Canned Food is a great option for your cat because it features 95% organic chicken and liver, cooked in a flavorful chicken broth.
This recipe is loaded with high-quality ingredients including natural sources for key nutrients as well as chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
This formula is very high in protein and contains plenty of omega fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat. You’ll also be glad to know that, not only is it organic, but it is free from artificial additives and fillers of any kind.
This recipe is loaded with high-quality ingredients including natural sources for key nutrients as well as chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
This formula is very high in protein and contains plenty of omega fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat. You’ll also be glad to know that, not only is it organic, but it is free from artificial additives and fillers of any kind.
High Protein
11.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food
Product Info
- Protein: 12% Min
- Fat: 7.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 199 kcal/5.5-oz can
Pros
- Holistic recipe made from digestible, high-quality ingredients
- Lean source of protein (real deboned turkey & chicken)
- Supplemented with chelated minerals for nutrient absorption
Cons
- Some cats don’t like pate texture wet foods
Wellness CORE Pâté Chicken, Turkey & Chicken Liver is another canned food that could be a good choice for a overweight kitty.
This food has 12 percent protein and less than 3 percent carbohydrates. The first ingredients are Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, and Turkey Liver. It’s grain-free and gluten-free with no corn, wheat, or soy.
We think the higher protein percentage and lower carbs makes this food a food that could be good for your overweight cat.
This food has 12 percent protein and less than 3 percent carbohydrates. The first ingredients are Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, and Turkey Liver. It’s grain-free and gluten-free with no corn, wheat, or soy.
We think the higher protein percentage and lower carbs makes this food a food that could be good for your overweight cat.
What To Look For When Choosing A Food For Your Overweight Cat?
Most cat lovers know that cats are considered obligate carnivores. This means that they have to have meat in their diet.
Cats also have to have taurine which comes from muscle meat, among other sources. Taurine can also come from shellfish and fish. Cold water fish is an especially good source of taurine.
Overweight Cats also need a special form of Vitamin A. They lack the enzyme to convert regular Vitamin A into a form they can use so they must have the active form of Vitamin A that comes from animal sources.
Here’s a look at the things cats need in their diet:
- Plenty of meat protein;
- The active form of Vitamin A – retinol;
- Arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid;
- Arginine, an amino acid;
- Linoleic acid, a fatty acid;
- Niacin, a B vitamin;
- Taurine, an amino acid;
- Moderate fat;
- Low carbohydrates.
We also suggest that you try to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
The minimum percentages a healthy adult cat needs in her diet are 26 percent protein and 9 percent fat. Many people prefer to feed a higher percentage of protein.
- Most sources recommend that 50 percent of your overweight cat’s calories come from animal-based protein.
- About 40 percent of the calories should come from fat.
- 1-2 percent of calories should come from carbohydrates.
- The food should also contain plenty of moisture.
This can be harder to do if your cat is diabetic. Your cat needs to lose weight gradually and you have to be mindful of your cat’s blood sugar levels.
If your diabetic cat loses weight it can often make the diabetes easier to control.
In some cats that have had untreated diabetes, they may be underweight. In these cases the cats need to gain weight. Again, your veterinarian can help you with this kind of diet.
Final Thoughts
Finally, if your main goal is to shop for the ideal cat food for your overweight feline friend, you are surely on the right page. So many cat lovers have been frustrated while trying to get the perfect recipe for their kitties. However, our goal here is to properly guide you to ensure you get it right for your adorable friend this time.
