Does your furry friend look a little too skinny? Maybe they’re recovering from an illness, or perhaps they’re just naturally a picky eater. Whatever the reason, seeing your cat underweight can be worrying. You want to help them put on healthy weight, but navigating the world of cat food can feel overwhelming. So many brands, so many different ingredients – how do you know which one is truly best for helping your cat gain weight safely?
Choosing the right cat food for weight gain isn’t just about picking the most expensive bag. It’s about understanding what your cat needs to thrive. You want food that is packed with good nutrition, easy for them to digest, and, of course, something they’ll actually enjoy eating. It can be frustrating when you’ve tried different foods only to see your cat still not putting on those much-needed pounds.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in a weight-gain cat food. We’ll break down the key ingredients, discuss different feeding strategies, and even share some tips for picky eaters. Get ready to discover how to help your cat reach a healthy weight and feel their best!
Our Top 5 Cat Food For Weight Gain Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Cats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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INABA Churu for Senior 10+ | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Purina ONE High Protein | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Under The Weather Pet | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cat Food For Weight Gain Detailed Reviews
1. Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Cats
Rating: 9.1/10
When your cat needs a little extra help to get back on their paws, Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Cats is a vet-approved solution. This high-calorie powder is designed to boost weight gain and stimulate your cat’s appetite, making it a fantastic energy booster. It’s packed with important vitamins and minerals and comes in a chicken flavor that cats find irresistible.
What We Like:
- Helps cats regain essential calories and prevent weight loss.
- Stimulates appetite, encouraging cats to eat more.
- Provides 20 calories per serving, plus 9 essential vitamins and 6 vital minerals.
- Supports underweight cats, seniors, and kittens.
- Savory rotisserie chicken flavor cats love.
- Manufactured in the USA without artificial flavors or dyes.
- Vet-formulated for optimal results.
What Could Be Improved:
- The expiration date format (MM/YY) might be a bit small on the label for some to read easily.
This supplement is a great way to support your cat’s health and well-being during recovery or times of stress. It’s a simple yet effective tool for ensuring your feline friend gets the nutrition they need.
2. INABA Churu for Senior 10+
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your senior cat a tasty and healthy treat with INABA Churu for Senior 10+! These lickable treats are made with real tuna and are packed with good stuff to help your older feline friend feel their best. They are also a great way to keep your cat hydrated.
What We Like:
- Made with high-quality ingredients like real tuna.
- Helps keep senior cats hydrated with 90% moisture.
- Low in calories, with only 7 calories per tube.
- Includes Omega-3 from salmon oil to support brain health.
- Taurine is added for overall health.
- Vitamins E & C are included to boost the immune system.
- The tubes make it fun to feed your cat by hand.
- Can be used as a topper for dry food or to hide medicine.
- Comes in a variety of flavors for picky eaters.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might not like the tuna flavor.
- The tubes are small, so they might go quickly for multiple cats.
Overall, INABA Churu for Senior 10+ treats are a fantastic option for pampering your aging cat while supporting their health. They offer a delicious and interactive way to bond with your furry friend.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your feline friend a taste of the wild with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This pack features three delicious flavors: chicken, salmon, and duck, each packed with the protein your cat craves. It’s a grain-free option made with real meat as the first ingredient, ensuring your cat gets the energy they need for all their playful adventures. The smooth pate texture is something cats can’t get enough of, making mealtime a true delight.
What We Like:
- Packed with Real Protein: Each can is loaded with high-quality chicken, salmon, or duck to fuel your cat’s active lifestyle.
- Delicious Pate Texture: The smooth, irresistible pate is a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with the finest natural ingredients, enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.
- Grain-Free and No Fillers: This food is free from corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meals, making it a healthier choice.
- No Artificial Additives: You won’t find any artificial flavors or preservatives in this cat food.
- Variety for Picky Eaters: The 12-count variety pack offers a great selection, so your cat can enjoy different flavors throughout the week.
What Could Be Improved:
- Can Size: Some owners might prefer larger can sizes for convenience, though the 3-oz size is good for portion control.
- Price Point: While high-quality, it can be a bit pricier than some other cat food options on the market.
This Blue Buffalo Wilderness variety pack offers a fantastic, protein-rich meal option that cats love. It’s a great way to ensure your cat receives wholesome nutrition with every bite.
4. Purina ONE High Protein
Rating: 9.0/10
Is your feline friend looking a little too fluffy? Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Plus Ideal With Chicken Dry Cat Food Control Formula is here to help! This 7 lb. bag is packed with good stuff to get your cat back to a healthy weight, all while tasting great.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making it super tasty and providing quality protein.
- It’s designed to help cats burn fat, with L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism.
- The crunchy kibble is good for strong teeth and healthy gums, thanks to added calcium.
- Four sources of antioxidants help boost your cat’s immune system.
- It’s easy to digest, so your cat’s tummy will be happy.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives means you’re feeding your cat only the best.
- Purina ONE is a brand vets recommend, and it’s made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for weight control, some cats might need a different flavor if they’re picky eaters.
- The 7 lb. bag is a good size, but for multi-cat households, a larger option might be more convenient.
Overall, this Purina ONE formula offers a delicious and effective way to manage your cat’s weight. It’s a solid choice for pet parents who want to see their furry companions thrive.
5. Under The Weather Pet
Rating: 9.0/10
When your feline friend isn’t feeling their best, Under The Weather Pet’s Ready Cal for Cats is a great way to help them get back on their paws. This high-calorie supplement is designed to boost appetite and promote healthy weight gain. It’s packed with essential nutrients to support your cat’s well-being.
What We Like:
- Stimulates your cat’s appetite when they’re not eating well.
- Helps cats gain weight by providing necessary nutrients.
- Boosts energy levels with a good mix of vitamins, minerals, carbs, and omega fatty acids.
- Veterinary-formulated and tastes great, making it easy to give to picky eaters.
- Made in the USA with no artificial flavors or dyes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 100cc size might be a bit small for longer-term use if your cat needs significant weight gain.
- While the taste is generally well-loved, some cats might still be resistant to taking any supplement.
Ready Cal for Cats is a solid choice for pet parents looking to support their cat’s recovery and vitality. It offers a targeted approach to nutritional support when your cat needs it most.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Helping Your Feline Friend Pack on Pounds the Healthy Way
Is your furry friend a little too skinny? Do you worry they aren’t getting enough nutrients? Sometimes cats need a little extra help to reach a healthy weight. This guide will help you choose the best cat food for weight gain. We’ll look at what makes good food and what to avoid.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for weight gain cat food, keep these important features in mind:
- High Calorie Content: This is the most important thing. The food needs to have more calories per serving to help your cat gain weight. Look for foods that are specifically labeled for “weight gain” or “high calorie.”
- High Protein: Protein is essential for building muscle. Cats are carnivores, so they need a lot of animal-based protein. Look for a named meat source like chicken, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient.
- Healthy Fats: Fats provide energy and help with nutrient absorption. Healthy fats like those found in fish oil or chicken fat are beneficial.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Even when trying to gain weight, your cat still needs a balanced diet. Make sure the food contains vitamins like A, D, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
- Palatability: This means the food should taste good to your cat! If your cat doesn’t like the flavor or texture, they won’t eat enough to gain weight.
Important Ingredients to Consider
The ingredients list tells you what’s actually in the food. Here are some you want to see:
- Named Meat Sources: Chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb, beef. These provide the protein your cat needs.
- Animal Fats: Chicken fat, fish oil. These are good sources of energy.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Some foods might include grains like rice or oats. These can provide energy, but they shouldn’t be the main ingredient.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Look for a comprehensive list of added vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients to be cautious of:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy can be used to bulk up food but offer less nutritional value for cats.
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: These aren’t necessary and can sometimes cause sensitivities.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a weight gain cat food great or not so great?
Factors that Improve Quality:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: The better the meat quality, the better your cat will absorb the nutrients.
- Balanced Nutrition: A food that provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals in the right amounts.
- Vet Recommended Formulas: Many brands work with veterinarians to create their formulas.
- Positive Reviews: Hearing from other cat owners can be very helpful.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Low Protein Content: If protein isn’t high on the ingredient list, it’s not the best choice.
- Excessive Fillers: Too many grains or plant-based ingredients can dilute the nutritional value.
- Unclear Ingredient Sourcing: If you can’t tell where the ingredients come from, it might be a sign of lower quality.
- Artificial Additives: These offer no nutritional benefit.
User Experience and Use Cases
When do cat owners use weight gain food?
- Recovery from Illness: Cats that have been sick or had surgery often lose weight. This food can help them regain strength.
- Underweight Kittens: Kittens that aren’t growing as they should can benefit from calorie-dense food.
- Senior Cats: Older cats sometimes have trouble maintaining their weight due to changes in digestion or appetite.
- Fussy Eaters: If your cat is picky and doesn’t eat much, a highly palatable, calorie-rich food can help.
Most users find that these foods are highly effective when used as directed. They often report seeing a visible difference in their cat’s body condition and energy levels. It’s important to transition your cat to a new food slowly to avoid digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with their old food, gradually increasing the 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 help underweight cats safely and healthily gain weight by providing more calories and nutrients.
Q: How quickly should I expect to see results?
A: Results vary, but many owners see improvements within a few weeks of consistent feeding.
Q: Can any cat eat weight gain food?
A: While it’s designed for underweight cats, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first to ensure it’s appropriate for your cat’s specific needs.
Q: What if my cat is overweight but needs more protein?
A: This food is for cats that need to gain weight. If your cat is overweight, you should look for a different type of food, possibly a high-protein, lower-calorie option, after consulting your vet.
Q: How should I introduce this food to my cat?
A: Introduce it gradually over 7-10 days. Mix a small amount of the new food with their current food, slowly increasing the new food and decreasing the old.
Q: Should I feed my cat more of this food than their regular food?
A: Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, but your vet might suggest a specific amount based on your cat’s needs.
Q: What are the signs my cat needs weight gain food?
A: Visible ribs, hip bones, or spine, lack of energy, or a vet recommending weight gain are common signs.
Q: Is wet food or dry food better for weight gain?
A: Both can be effective. Wet food often has higher moisture content and can be more palatable, while dry food is convenient and can be left out for grazing.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the taste?
A: Try warming the wet food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth (vet approved) to dry food to make it more appealing.
Q: Can I mix weight gain food with other cat food?
A: It’s generally best to feed a consistent, balanced diet. Mixing too many different foods can disrupt digestion. Stick to the recommended food unless your vet advises otherwise.
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 Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!