Has your kitty gained a lot of weight recently?
Obesity is one of the significant problems for domestic indoor cats, and over 25% of cats come in the obese category. Of course, a more substantial percentage of cats also go in the overweight variety. Excessive weight gain comes with many problems, such as hormonal imbalance, diabetes, increased heart rate, and other significant issues.
So, ensuring your cat is within the standard weight limit is essential. The vet determines the average weight limit, considering the cat’s size, breed, special requirements, activity level, etc. If you have a fat cat, you must put her on a diet to lose weight and return to her ideal body weight. So, you’ll have to put her on a caloric deficit and introduce exercise.
This blog post will review the best diet cat foods for overweight cats and several other things you need to know.
Let’s get started!
Kitty and Diets: How Does it Work?
A diet for your cat works similarly to a diet for a human. This means that the primary motive for the diet is to get your cat to shed a few pounds and reach her ideal weight. This means that you have to:
- Introduce exercise to your cat’s daily routine
- Feed less than maintenance calories
It would be best to create a nutritional deficit, meaning you have to feed your cat less and ensure she is more active.
Maintenance calories mean the number of calories you need to feed your cat daily to maintain her current weight. When you create a deficit, you purposefully underfeed your cat so that she loses the excess weight. But that’s not all. You need to make sure that your cat is getting proper nutrition. This means:
- Carbohydrates should be sourced from high-quality ingredients like sweet potato, brown rice, etc.
- Good sources of fat, like avocado, animal fat, etc., should be used
- High-quality sources of protein like eggs and real meat should be given to the cat
- The food should be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Putting Your Cat on a Diet: Making a Plan
If your cat has put on an awful amount of weight in a short time, it is essential to put her on a diet immediately. Remember that you shouldn’t make a diet plan for your kitty by yourself as it can be counterproductive, cause various medical issues, and even hurt your furry friend. It is always a good idea to seek a vet’s help.
First, the vet will determine the maintenance calories for your kitty while considering the cat’s age, activity level, breed, family history, health conditions, etc. Once the maintenance calories are determined, the vet will create a healthy deficit and put your cat on a diet for her to progressively lose weight.
It is important to note that losing too much weight too fast can cause some problems for your cat. So, sticking with what the vet suggests is a good idea. After all, a healthy kitty is a happy kitty.
Top 7 Best Kitten Food Brands
Of the hundreds of kitten foods available on the market, which ones are the best for kittens? This blog post section will quickly overview the top 7 best kitten foods functional in 2018. I’ll review each of these cat foods individually in the following section.
So, take a peek:
| Food Name | Key Features | Our Rating | Prices |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food | ● The recipe is developed explicitly for indoor cats
● Made from high-quality ingredients that contain prebiotic fiber that supports the kitten’s digestive health ● Contains a blend of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and C, for a healthy immune system ● Doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives ● Trusted and recommended by vets ● Good for cats over the age of 1 and under the age of 7 |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Purina Fancy Feast Gourmet Dry Cat Food With Ocean Fish and Salmon | ● The kitten food contains authentic seafood flavors that are loved by cats all over the world
● Garden greens are added to the cat food to add some variety to the color ● The lightly cooked food features a delicate and crunchy finish ● The combined flavors have a taste that kittens love |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food | ● The food contains sweet potatoes, which are a good source of healthy complex carbohydrates
● This food contains carrots, blueberries, and cranberries, which are excellent sources of antioxidants ● The kibble doesn’t contain filler ingredients such as wheat, soy, or corn ● No chicken by-products or poultry by-products are used to make the food |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| IAMS Proactive Health Specialized Care Adult Dry Cat Food | ● Helps the cat maintain a healthy weight and controls the growth of hairballs
● The critical ingredient of this kibble is chicken, which provides the cat with all the essential nutrition ● Formulated with essential nutrients, including potassium and calcium ● Provides a 100% complete and balanced meal for cats |
4.3 Stars | Check Prices |
| ● The cat food contains real chicken as the #1 ingredient
● The kibble doesn’t contain filler ingredients such as wheat, corn, or soy, and no poultry or chicken by-products are used in the food ● The food is made from essential and natural ingredients ● Doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives ● Made of high-quality ingredients |
4.4 Stars | Check Prices | |
| Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Recipe | ● The ingredient list for this cat food consists of simple ingredients and has one animal and one vegetable protein source
● The cat food is made of farm-raised duck or rabbit meat, which is easily digestible and rich in nutrients ● The food doesn’t contain corn, soy, wheat, preservatives, added colors, etc. ● Made in the United States of America |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Nutro Max Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food | ● Specially curated for indoor cats
● The cat food is fortified with vitamins and minerals ● Contains no chicken by-product meals, soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives ● Made of high-quality materials ● Supports healthy skin and coat |
4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
Now, let’s take a closer look at these kitten foods, shall we?
Let’s begin.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food
The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best cat foods available. The food is developed to meet the needs of an indoor cat. The added fiber helps promote digestion. The ingredients used to make the food are of high quality. The kibble is rich in high-quality lean protein, which allows the cat to maintain her weight and muscle mass. The kibble is ideal for cats under the age of 11.
Let’s take a look at the key points, shall we?
- The recipe is developed explicitly for indoor cats
- Made from high-quality ingredients that contain prebiotic fiber that supports the kitten’s digestive health
- It contains a blend of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and C, for a healthy immune system
- It doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Trusted and recommended by vets
- Suitable for cats over the age of 1 and under the age of 7
Let’s take a peek at the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Free from filler ingredients and artificial color, preservatives, and flavors
● Developed to meet the needs of indoor cats ● Contains essential antioxidants and vitamins for all-round growth |
● The taste may put some picky cats off |
Overall, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. The food meets all nutritional needs of indoor cats under age 11 and helps maintain weight and muscle mass.
Purina Fancy Feast Gourmet Dry Cat Food With Ocean Fish and Salmon
The Purina Fancy Feast Gourmet Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. This food features a gourmet taste that cats all over the world love. The meaty flavor and the savory taste of ocean fish and salmon are enjoyed by cats all over the globe. This cat food is basted to have a crunchy finish that helps clean and whiten the kitten’s teeth. The kitten food provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for all-round development.
Following are some of the key points to keep in mind:
- The kitten food contains authentic seafood flavors that are loved by cats all over the world
- Garden greens are added to the cat food to add some variety to the color
- The lightly cooked food features a delicate and crunchy finish
- The combined flavors have a taste that kittens love
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons!
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Features an authentic seafood flavor and is loved by cats all over the world
● The garden greens add a boost of micronutrients ● The food is lightly cooked to have a crunch |
● May cause gastrointestinal disturbances in some cats |
The Purina Fancy Feast Gourmet Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. This cat food has a gourmet taste that cats can’t get enough of and has a crunchy finish that helps keep the cat’s teeth clean.
BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food
The Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best cat foods available. The grain-free formula is high in protein and features LifeSource Bits that contain a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
Let’s look at the key features, shall we?
- The food contains sweet potatoes, a good source of healthy complex carbohydrates.
- This food contains carrots, blueberries, and cranberries, which are excellent sources of antioxidants.
- The kibble doesn’t contain filler ingredients such as wheat, soy, or corn
- No chicken by-product or poultry by-products are used to make the food
Now, let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made from high-quality ingredients
● Contains ingredients rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system ● No filler ingredients are used |
● May cause an upset tummy |
The Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. The grain-free cat food is rich in protein and meets all the nutritional needs of an adult cat.
IAMS Proactive Health Specialized Care Adult Dry Cat Food
The IAMS Proactive Health Specialized Care Adult, Dry Cat food is one of the best diet cat foods available. The food contains chicken and helps the cat to maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles, healthy skin and coat, and hairball care. The cat food is designed to meet the needs of an indoor cat.
Let’s take a peek at the key features:
- It helps the cat maintain a healthy weight and controls the growth of hairballs
- The key ingredient of this kibble is chicken, which provides the cat with all the essential nutrition
- Formulated with vital nutrients, including potassium and calcium
- Provides a 100% complete and balanced meal for cats
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Helps the cat maintain a healthy weight
● Contains essential nutrients, including calcium ● Contains chicken as the number one ingredient ● Provides complete nutrition for adult cats |
● May not be suitable for particular breeds
● Can cause gastrointestinal upset |
The IAMS Proactive Health Specialized Care Adult, Dry Cat food is one of the best diet cat foods available. The cat food is made of the best ingredients and provides all-round development.
Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food
The Purina Beyond Natural, Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. The cat food is made from natural and high-quality ingredients and free from added preservatives, poultry, chicken by-products, etc.
The chicken and brown rice formula provides complete nutrition for an overweight cat on a diet.
The key features of this cat food include the following:
- The cat food contains real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- The kibble doesn’t contain filler ingredients such as wheat, corn, or soy, and no poultry or chicken by-products are used in the food.
- The food is made from essential and natural ingredients
- It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Made of high-quality ingredients
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains real chicken
● No by-products and meals used, and no filler ingredients or preservatives used ● High-quality sources of carbohydrates used ● Contains natural ingredients |
● Can cause an upset stomach
● Short shelf life |
The Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food, is one of the best diet cat foods available. The food is made from high-quality ingredients and contains chicken as the number one ingredient. It is free of any artificial colors and flavors.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Recipe
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Recipe is one of the best cat foods. This kibble has a simple list of ingredients and contains one animal protein and one vegetable suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
The diet cat food doesn’t contain eggs, wheat, soy, beef, fish, chicken, corn, pork, and other undesirable ingredients. The wholesome ingredients give your cat all the necessary nutrients and help keep her healthy and happy.
Let’s look at the key features:
- The ingredient list for this cat food consists of simple ingredients and has one animal and one vegetable protein source
- The cat food is made of farm-raised duck or rabbit meat, which is easily digestible and rich in nutrients
- The fare doesn’t contain corn, soy, wheat, preservatives, added colors, etc.
- Made in the United States of America
Let’s now peek at this kibble’s pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made from farm-raised rabbit meat, which is easily digestible
● No by-products and meals used ● Made in the United States of America ● Contains all essential nutrients required by an adult cat ● Free from undesirable additives |
● Can cause an upset stomach
|
The Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Recipe is one of the best diet cat foods available. This food is excellent for cats with stomach sensitivities and picky eaters.
Nutro Max Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food
The Nutro Max Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. This food is fortified with vitamins and minerals that ensure the cat’s health and vitality. The ingredients are naturally sourced and of high quality.
The cat food doesn’t contain chicken or poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, coloring, preservatives, filler ingredients, etc., and ensures that your kitty gets the best.
Following are some key points:
- Specially curated for indoor cats
- The cat food is fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Contains no chicken by-product meals, soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Made of high-quality materials
- It supports healthy skin and coat as it contains Omega-3 and six fatty acids
Let’s take a peek at the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Curated while keeping in mind the unique needs of indoor cats
● Fortified with essential minerals and vitamins to boost the cat’s immune system and fight off diseases ● Made from the highest quality ingredients ● Doesn’t contain any filler ingredients or undesirable ingredients |
● Can cause an upset stomach
● Doesn’t have a long shelf life
|
Nutro Max Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the best diet cat foods available. This kibble is specially curated to meet the needs of indoor cats while providing them with essential nutrients.
Summing Up: The Best Diet Cat Food for Overweight Kitties
Did you know that over 58% of cats in the United States of America are obese?
The problem is linked to indoor cats’ low activity levels and a plentiful and readily available diet. Obesity comes with additional health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hormonal problems, cancer, etc., which can be fatal.
So, it is essential to check your cat’s weight.
This blog post reviewed the top seven best diet cat foods. However, even though they are the best in their class, it doesn’t mean that your cat will necessarily like the taste! Especially if you have a picky eater.
It is a good idea to pick up a small bag of the food to check if your cat likes it or has an adverse reaction. If all goes well, you get a bigger pack.
I hope this blog post answered all of your questions! If not, leave them in the comments section, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
