Is your furry friend slowly losing weight? Well, while you may not think it’s a big deal, being underweight increases your cat’s risk of serious health problems.
The good news is that there are so many foods available that can help your feline regain healthy body weight. But what is the best cat food for weight gain?
According to experts, the right food should address the root cause of your pet’s weight problem and should contain:
- Plenty of high-quality protein
- Higher animal-sourced fat content
- Micronutrients
- Wholesome natural ingredients
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best canned cat food for weight gain. Also, we have delved deeper into the causes of fat gain in cats according to vets.
11 Top-Rated Canned Cat Food for Weight Gain – Comparison Table
Want a quick glance at our top recommendations for the best cat food for weight gain? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted the key features of each product.
| # | Name | Flavor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feline Health Nutrition Aging by Royal Canin | Pork | Check Price |
| 2 | Delectable Delights Wet Cat Food by Natural Balance | Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula | Check Price |
| 3 | Wet Cat Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Cats by Hill’s Science Diet | Chicken | Check Price |
| 4 | Grain Free Tuna Variety Cat by AvoDerm | Seafood | Check Price |
| 5 | Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Kitten Food by Royal Canin | Chicken | Check Price |
| 6 | Senior Canned Wet Cat Food by Purina Pro Plan | Salmon & Tuna | Check Price |
| 7 | Healthy Gourmet Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food by Blue Buffalo | Turkey & Chicken Pate Entrée | Check Price |
| 8 | Best Feline Friend Grain-Free Natural Canned Wet Cat Food by Weruva | Tuna & Pumpkin Valentine | Check Price |
| 9 | MAX Wet Cat Food by NUTRO | Chicken & Liver | Check Price |
| 10 | Adult Cat Wet Food by Purina ONE | Chicken | Check Price |
| 11 | Metabolic Weight Management Wet Cat Food by Hill’s Prescription Diet | Chicken | Check Price |
What Causes a Cat to Lose Weight Uncontrollably?
It can be frustrating to watch your furry friend suffer from abnormally low weight. Being seriously underweight can be just as dangerous as being obese for your kitty.
That said, below are some of the most common causes of unhealthy loss of weight in cats:
- Dental problems
- GI infections
- Age-related diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Low-calorie intake or low-quality diet
- Skin old cat syndrome (SOCS)
- Poor appetite
- Intestinal parasites or worms
So, if you notice your furry friend is losing too much weight, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine what is the cause of unhealthy weight loss.
You see, different root problems of your kitty’s weight loss demand unique nutritional needs. For instance, a cat with kidney disease needs low levels of phosphorus in its diet.
Weight Boosting Canned Food for Pussycats: Detailed Reviews
And now it’s time to take a closer look at the foods of choice for those who would like to have their pets put on some weight. Read on.
1. Royal Canin Feline Care Canned Food
Offering complete and balanced nutrition, this canned cat food is one of the best for underweight cats. The food is formulated with nutrients like omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support your feline’s shiny and soft coat.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s more? It contains a precise balance of both minerals and vitamins to ensure the optimal health of your kitty. More so, the food is packed with pork and chicken by-products along with pork and chicken liver.
But here is the best part; the food features a macronutrient profile that is best suited for adult cats. So, if you’ve got an adult feline, this formula will help her maintain a healthy weight.
Pros
- Combination of wet and dry food
- A perfect balance between fats and proteins
- Offers moderate energy level
- Supports positive oral health
Cons
- Some cats may not like the pork flavor
2. Natural Balance Original Wet Cat Food
Created by Natural Balance’s expert nutritionists, this food is formulated for all cat breeds in all life stages. The best part is that the formula is made with gluten-free ingredients to help nourish your feline from head to toe.
Additionally, the food is packed with natural fiber from vegetable and grain sources to support proper digestive health. On top of that, it contains an optimal balance of high-quality proteins for healthy muscle development.
More importantly, like it is with every batch of food from Natural balance, this formula has undergone safety tests. Therefore, you can buy with confidence knowing you’re feeding you pet safe food.
Pros
- Made with premium quality ingredients
- Ideal for kittens and adult cats
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Chicken, salmon, and duck flavor
Cons
- Quality control might be an issue
- May result in stinky poop
3. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Food
Here is yet another high-quality canned food designed for senior cats. It contains high-quality proteins, including chicken, pork by-products, and turkey giblets to help your adult cat maintain lean muscle.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And you know what the best part is? It features precisely balanced nutrition to support your cat’s kidney and vital organ health. More so, the formula boasts thoughtfully sourced ingredients to sustain healthy skin, coat, and stool.
Also, worth mentioning is that the food is made without chicken by-products, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Simply put, the formula contains natural ingredients to ensure your feline gets the precise formulation it needs.
Pros
- Veterinarian recommended
- Made in the USA
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamins
- Easy-to-digest
Cons
- Picky cats may not like chicken flavor
4. AvoDerm Grain-Free Tuna Variety
Looking for canned food for your furry friend that is best suited for all life stages? This formula by AvoDerm might fit your budget. It contains an excellent blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat’s immune function.
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But here is the best place; the formula is made with carefully chosen ingredients to appeal to the pickiest of pets. On top of that, it is designed to be highly digestible making it an ideal choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.
More importantly, the food is grain-free and does not contain ant by-products meals, artificial colors, or flavors. It also does not contain any soy, wheat, or corn. This helps ensure your feline gets the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
Pros
- Perfect for picky eaters
- Contains omega-rich avocados
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Ideal for cats that are allergic to poultry
Cons
- A little pricey
- May cause vomiting in some cats
5. Royal Canin Feline Care Ultra-Light
This Ultra-Light Thin Slices food in Gravy by Royal Canin is designed to help cats achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It contains minimal calories (15%) but high protein levels to support your pet’s muscle mass.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Additionally, the formula is packed with L-carnitine to promote healthy weight management and metabolism. Consequently, this will help keep your feline active and fit.
What’s more? The food contains a precisely balanced blend of minerals and vitamins, which helps maintain your feline’s health and wellness. On the flip side, though, it is made with gelatin, wheat, and pork, which could be an issue for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Contains water for healthy hydration
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- May cause some digestive issues
6. Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Food
Containing essential nutrients, Purina Pro formulated this formula to meet the changing needs of your feline as she gets older. As such, the food is best suited for cats aged 11 and above.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And guess what? This canned food is made with real salmon and tuna to ensure your furry friend gets high-quality protein for healthy muscles. More so, each serving offers 25 essential minerals and vitamins to support your cat’s overall health.
For your peace of mind, every ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure your feline is getting complete and balanced nutrition.
Pros
- Rigorously tested for safety and quality
- Exceptional taste
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- Perfect for kitties with allergies
Cons
- Not recommended for cats with renal issues
- A little too dry for some felines
7. Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Food
Here is yet another high-quality canned cat food that offers an irresistible and delicious taste with a savory gravy. Your furry friend will most likely have a hard time resisting this unique flavor.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, what makes this food one of the best is the fact that it’s made with the finest natural and wholesome ingredients. This means it does not contain any chicken or poultry by-products, wheat, soy, corn, or artificial flavors.
Also, you will be happy to know that the formula is formulated using real turkey and chicken. This helps support your cat’s healthy muscle maintenance.
Pros
- High-quality protein and ingredients
- Best suited for senior cats
- Made without sensitive ingredients
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Makes some cats sick
8. Weruva B.F.F Grain-Free Canned Food
With a high-quality protein and limited carbohydrates, this food is probably the best you can get for your underweight feline. It is made with red meat tuna primarily from wild-caught skipjack to help your cat maintain lean muscle mass.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s more? The formula contains only sustainably sourced ingredients to provide your senior furry friend with a complete and balanced diet. On top of that, it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phosphorous to support a healthy urinary tract.
More importantly, the food does not contain GMOs, grains, gluten, corn, soy, wheat, or artificial preservatives and colors. Therefore, you can be sure that what you’re feeding your cat is safe.
Pros
- Minimally processed
- Made with ethically sourced ingredients
- Ideal even for the finickiest cats
- High in palatability but low in fat
Cons
- Consistency seems to have changed
- Has an unpleasant fish smell
9. Nutro MAX Wet Cat Food
Looking for the best cat food that offers balanced nutrition for your growing kittens? This Nutrol formula is worth considering as it is focused on ensuring your kitties grow up to be healthy and happy.
But you know what the best part is? The food is made with real chicken as the main ingredient for a savory flavor that your cat will love. Also, included are essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine to provide complete nutrition.
Also, worth mentioning is that formula has been slow-cooked in broth to ensure a guaranteed taste that your feline will adore.
Pros
- Irresistible chicken taste
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Works even for picky eaters
- No by-products, wheat or gluten
Cons
- Dries out easily if not stored properly
10. Purina ONE Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE dry cat food is formulated specifically to help your furry friend attain her ideal weight. Every serving contains real while meat chicken as the first ingredient to support your cat’s strong and lean muscles.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As if that’s not enough, the food is fortified with high-quality vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to ensure balanced nutrition. Also, included is L-carnitine to help your cat naturally convert body fat into energy for a healthy weight.
But here is the best part; this is a moisture-rich recipe that helps ensure healthy hydration for your feline. On top of that, it is grain-free and contains 0% fillers for balanced nutrition at every feeding.
Pros
- Contains carefully chosen ingredients
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Promotes a shiny coat and healthy energy
- Premium protein source
Cons
- Some cats may experience stinky poop
- A little pricey
11. Hill’s Prescription Diet
Formulated by Hill’s veterinarians and nutritionists, this prescription diet is crafted to support your feline’s weight management. However, it can only be sold under the prescription of a qualified veterinarian.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The formula contains chicken as the first ingredient along with a blend of natural ingredients to deliver the nutrition your cat needs. More so, the ingredients are designed to naturally work with your feline’s unique metabolism.
More importantly, it is packed with powerful antioxidants to promote the overall health and wellness of your furry friend. Also, included is L-carnitine to support your kitty’s energy levels.
Pros
- Veterinarian recommended
- Irresistible and delicious taste
- Delivers powerful nutrition
- Made in the USA with ingredients you can trust
Cons
- You can only buy the food with a prescription
Buying Guide – What To Look For In The Right Canned Cat Food For Weight Gain
Helping your underweight furry friend gain weight is more about feeding her the right food. However, the best food isn’t just calorie-dense but should be able to offer balanced and complete nutrition.
So, to ensure you’re giving your cat the right food for weight gain, there are a couple of things to consider. These include:
Protein Content
Protein is the most important part of a cat’s diet whether he is overweight or underweight. But if your furry friend is losing weight, you should choose a food that contains high-quality sources of animal protein.
You can opt for canned foods that contain real meat from chicken, salmon, tuna, or poultry as the first ingredients. However, make sure the diet has at least 26% crude protein for adult cats and at least 30% for kittens.
Foods with high contents of protein help your feline maintain healthy lean muscles and weight.
Wholesome & Natural Ingredients
Also, worth considering is the quality of ingredients the canned food is made with. Generally, the more natural your feline’s food is, the easier it will be for her to digest it.
Therefore, we recommend you choose foods that contain only wholesome and natural ingredients. The ingredients should also be carefully sourced to ensure their quality and safety.
Additionally, make sure to stay away from foods that contain any by-products, artificial additives, fillers, and artificial preservatives. Such formulas don’t offer a valuable source of nutrients.
Age of your Cat
Different foods are formulated to meet the unique needs of different cats. Some formulas are made specifically for kittens while others for senior felines.
On the other hand, some foods are designed for cats of all life stages. So, before choosing any food, it’s important you determine if the food is appropriate for your cat’s age.
You don’t want to give your adult furry friend food that is meant for kittens. This is because it will probably not meet your cat’s nutritional needs. As such, your cat may continue losing weight.
Higher Content Fat
Fat is known to be very rich in calories. So, giving your underweight feline a higher fat content diet could help her gain weight.
Some of the best canned foods contain 22% to 28% fat, mostly from animal-based sources like fish oil and chicken fat.
Flavor, texture, & Smell
Let’s be honest, cats are known to be finicky eaters. One cat might find foods with a chicken flavor irresistible, while another will not dare eat it. On the other hand, some felines love their food dry and others wet.
So, we recommend trying the different recipes we’ve recommended above until you find one that your cat loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we look at some of the frequently asked questions about the best canned food for underweight cats.
Q: What can I feed my cat to help her add weight?
A: Any food that contains high protein content and fortified with minerals, vitamins, L-carnitine, and powerful antioxidants can help.
Q: Why is my furry friend so skinny yet he eats all the time?
A: It could be your cat is not getting complete and balanced nutrition. Or your feline could be suffering from a condition called hyperthyroidism.
Q: Can intestinal worms make a cat lose weight?
A: A cat with worms may lose weight and suffer from the poor coat, diarrhea, excessive hunger, weakness, and loss of energy. This usually happens even when the kitty is eating as usual.
Which Is the Overall Best Weight Boosting Canned Cat Food?
The Royal Canin Feline Care Canned Food is a favorite for many, probably because of its macronutrient profile. Besides, it contains high protein content coupled with a moderate energy level to help cats maintain an ideal weight.
Bottom Line
Cats tend to be picky, especially when it comes to what they eat. For some, the pickiness usually leads to low food intake, thereby causing weight loss. But don’t worry because the above best canned cat food for weight gain are available in different flavors to choose from. More so, they are made with carefully sourced ingredients to meet your feline’s nutrition needs.
