Does your feline friend seem a little too slender? It can be worrying when your cat isn’t at a healthy weight. You want them to be happy and strong, but figuring out how to help them gain weight can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different cat foods out there, and it’s tough to know which one is best for putting on those healthy pounds.
You might feel lost trying to understand ingredient lists or worried about choosing the wrong food. This blog post is here to help you navigate that confusion. We’ll break down what to look for and why certain foods work better for weight gain.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to pick the right cat food to safely help your furry companion reach a healthier weight. We’ll cover the essential nutrients and provide clear advice so you can feel confident in your choice and see a positive change in your cat.
Our Top 5 Cat Food To Put On Weight Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
I AND LOVE AND YOU | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
 |
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cat Food To Put On Weight Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Rating: 8.7/10
Give your cat a taste of the wild with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This pack features delicious flavors like chicken, salmon, and duck, all packed with the protein your feline friend needs to thrive. The smooth pate texture is irresistible to even the pickiest eaters, making mealtime a joy.
What We Like:
- Packed with real chicken, salmon, or duck for high protein energy.
- Smooth pate texture that cats love.
- Made with only natural ingredients, no artificial stuff.
- Grain-free formula, so no corn, wheat, or soy.
- No chicken by-product meals.
- Variety pack lets your cat try three different delicious flavors.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3-oz cans might be a bit small for larger cats or those who eat more.
- Availability might be limited in some stores.
This variety pack offers a fantastic way to ensure your cat gets a nutritious and tasty meal. It’s a great option for keeping your active adult cat happy and healthy.
2. Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
The Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack is a fantastic choice for cat owners. It offers a delicious and nutritious wet food option for cats of all ages. This pack features seafood flavors and includes pumpkin, which is great for digestion. It’s a grain-free formula, meaning it’s made with ingredients that are easy for cats to digest.
What We Like:
- This cat food is grain-free, so it’s good for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- It has high moisture content, which helps keep your cat hydrated.
- Real tuna is the main ingredient, providing plenty of protein and a taste cats love.
- It’s a low-carb food, with pumpkin adding a gentle source of fiber.
- The food is packed with protein from real fish and meat.
- It’s suitable for cats at every stage of life.
- The 3 oz. cans are a convenient size for single servings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats can be picky eaters, so they might not enjoy every flavor in the variety pack.
- While the price is generally reasonable for the quality, it can add up if you have multiple cats.
This variety pack provides a complete and balanced meal that your feline friend will adore. It’s a healthy and tasty way to nourish your cat.
3. IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food
Rating: 8.8/10
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 7 lb. Bag is a thoughtfully crafted meal for your indoor feline friend. It provides complete and balanced nutrition, meaning your cat gets all the essential nutrients they need for a healthy life. This food also focuses on two common indoor cat concerns: weight management and hairballs.
What We Like:
- It’s 100% nutrition with no fillers, giving your cat the best.
- The special fiber blend helps prevent hairballs before they even start.
- L-carnitine helps your cat burn fat and maintain a healthy weight.
- Calcium and potassium support a strong and healthy heart.
- It’s made by a brand that cares about providing good nutrition for pets at all life stages.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might prefer a different flavor.
- The 7 lb. bag might be a bit small for multi-cat households.
This IAMS cat food offers a practical solution for common indoor cat issues. It’s a solid choice for pet parents looking to support their cat’s well-being.
4. I AND LOVE AND YOU
Rating: 8.6/10
The I AND LOVE AND YOU, Cat Food Variety pack is a great way to give your feline friend a delicious and healthy mealtime experience. This 12-pack of 3-ounce cans offers a variety of flavors, all made with real poultry or fish as the first ingredient.
What We Like:
- The pâté texture is super smooth and yummy for cats.
- Real meat or fish is the main ingredient, which cats love.
- It has extra broth to help cats drink more water.
- The food is grain-free, meaning no corn, wheat, rice, soy, or oats.
- It’s filler-free, so you’re not paying for stuff that doesn’t help your cat.
- It’s packed with important nutrients like vitamins and healthy fats.
- The variety of flavors keeps mealtime exciting for your cat.
- It’s allergy-safe, which is great for cats with sensitivities.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3-ounce cans might be a bit small for some larger cats or multiple cats.
- While variety is good, some cats might have a strong preference for only one or two flavors, leading to waste.
This variety pack provides a nutritious and tasty option for your cat. It’s a good way to ensure they get the protein and hydration they need while enjoying their meals.
5. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein
Rating: 8.6/10
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein, Indoor Health, Chicken and Turkey Meal Recipe is a grain-free dry cat food. It’s baked to keep nutrients strong. This food aims to give your indoor cat the best nutrition. Chicken is the main ingredient, so your cat is getting real meat. It has a high protein content, which cats need. This recipe also includes things to help your cat stay healthy inside.
What We Like:
- Chicken is the very first ingredient, meaning your cat gets a lot of real meat.
- It has 36% protein, which is great for cats.
- The food includes nutrients to help indoor cats stay healthy.
- It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are good for a cat’s skin and coat.
- The grain-free recipe is good for cats who might have trouble with grains.
- Baking the kibble helps keep important nutrients in the food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3 lb. bag might run out quickly for owners with multiple cats.
- Some cats can be picky eaters, so they might not like this flavor.
Overall, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore offers a nutrient-rich option for your indoor feline friend. It focuses on high protein and essential fatty acids for a healthy cat.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Helping Your Kitty Gain Weight
Is your feline friend a little on the skinny side? Sometimes cats need a little extra help to reach a healthy weight. This guide will help you choose the best cat food to put on weight for your furry companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for weight-gain cat food, keep these important features in mind:
- High Calorie Density: The food should pack a lot of calories into a small serving. This means your cat can eat less but still get the energy they need.
- High Protein Content: Protein is super important for building muscle. Look for foods with a good amount of animal-based protein as the first ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Fats provide energy and help with nutrient absorption. Good sources include chicken fat, fish oil, and other animal fats.
- Digestible Ingredients: Even the best food won’t help if your cat can’t digest it. Look for foods that are easy on their stomach.
- Palatability: Your cat needs to *want* to eat the food! Many weight-gain formulas come in tasty flavors like chicken, salmon, or tuna.
Important Ingredients
The ingredients list tells you what’s really in the food. For weight gain, prioritize these:
- Animal Protein Sources: Chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, and lamb are excellent choices. They provide the building blocks for a healthy body.
- Fats: Look for ingredients like chicken fat, animal fat, or fish oil. These add calories and make the food more appealing.
- Carbohydrates: While protein and fat are key, some digestible carbohydrates like rice, oats, or sweet potatoes can also contribute.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These support overall health and digestion, which is crucial when trying to gain weight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all weight-gain foods are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference:
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Named Meat Sources: “Chicken” is better than “meat by-products.” Knowing the specific protein source assures you of its quality.
- Natural Preservatives: Foods preserved with vitamin E (tocopherols) or vitamin C are often higher quality than those with artificial preservatives.
- Limited Fillers: Foods with fewer “filler” ingredients like corn or soy can be more nutrient-dense and easier to digest.
- Gentle Cooking Methods: High-quality foods are often cooked at lower temperatures to preserve nutrients.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Vague Ingredient Names: Terms like “animal digest” or “meat by-products” can be less specific and may indicate lower-quality ingredients.
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: These offer no nutritional value and can sometimes cause digestive upset.
- Excessive Fillers: Foods loaded with corn, wheat, or soy may not provide enough of the essential nutrients for weight gain.
User Experience and Use Cases
Choosing the right food makes a big difference in your cat’s life.
User Experience:
Owners often report seeing positive changes in their underweight cats. This includes increased energy levels, a healthier-looking coat, and a more robust physique. The key is consistency and ensuring your cat enjoys the food. Some cats may need a little coaxing to switch to a new diet, so mixing a small amount of the new food with their old food can help.
Use Cases:
- Kittens: Young cats still growing need plenty of calories and nutrients.
- Senior Cats: Older cats may lose weight due to decreased appetite or health issues.
- Recovering Cats: Cats recovering from illness or surgery often need extra calories to regain strength.
- Finicky Eaters: Some cats are naturally picky eaters and may need a highly palatable, calorie-dense food.
- Underweight Adult Cats: For any adult cat who is underweight due to diet or other reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food for Weight Gain
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in weight-gain cat food?
A: The main Key Features include high calorie density, high protein content, healthy fats, digestible ingredients, and palatability.
Q: Why is high protein content important for weight gain?
A: High protein content is important because it helps build and maintain muscle mass, which contributes to a healthy weight gain.
Q: What are some examples of important ingredients for weight-gain cat food?
A: Important ingredients include animal protein sources like chicken or salmon, healthy fats such as chicken fat or fish oil, and digestible carbohydrates like rice.
Q: How do named meat sources improve the quality of cat food?
A: Named meat sources, like “chicken” instead of “meat by-products,” improve quality by being more specific and assuring you of the protein’s origin and quality.
Q: What are some factors that reduce the quality of cat food?
A: Factors that reduce quality include vague ingredient names, artificial additives, and excessive fillers like corn or soy.
Q: What is the user experience like when using weight-gain cat food?
A: Users often experience positive changes in their cats, such as increased energy, a healthier coat, and a more robust appearance, provided the cat eats the food consistently.
Q: Can kittens benefit from weight-gain cat food?
A: Yes, kittens can benefit from weight-gain cat food because they are still growing and need plenty of calories and nutrients.
Q: When should I consider using weight-gain cat food for my senior cat?
A: You should consider weight-gain cat food for your senior cat if they are losing weight, have a decreased appetite, or are recovering from health issues.
Q: How can I introduce a new weight-gain food to my cat?
A: You can introduce a new weight-gain food by gradually mixing a small amount of the new food with their old food over several days.
Q: Is it always necessary to use special weight-gain food for my underweight cat?
A: It’s often beneficial to use special weight-gain food, but it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine the best diet and address any underlying health concerns.
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.