Over the years, chubby cats have gained a reputation on social media for being irresistibly adorable with their squishy bellies and round cheeks – so cute you can’t help but squeeze them!  

However, there’s a dark downside to having a tubby tabby. The problems associated with feline obesity are anything but cute. Obese or overweight cats are at higher risk for a whole host of illnesses that can deter their quality of life, including diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. 

Nearly 60% of cats in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese — a figure that veterinarians and animal nutritionists consider highly concerning. If your cat belongs to this statistic, it’s time to take charge and get her to shed those extra pounds. 

Now the first step you need to take in doing this is changing your cat’s diet and switching to cat food that’s specially formulated for weight management. To help you along, we’ve come up with a list of the 5 best cat foods for weight loss that will allow your cat to achieve a healthy weight so she can live a longer, happier life! 

Choosing the Best Cat Food for Weight Loss: A Quick Guide 

Not all cat foods are created equal. It’s extremely important to be thorough in checking the cat food you choose to help your feline friend lose weight. Make sure to read the label to help you assess whether the food you’re about to purchase will aid in your weight management plan for your cat. 

Here are a few qualities that make up the ideal weight-loss food for cats:

Low in Calories

Just like in humans, a caloric deficit does wonders in helping cats lose weight. Cat food specially formulated for weight loss typically contains fewer calories than regular cat food. However, it’s vital to check whether the weight loss food you’re about to purchase is lower in calories than the food you’re already feeding your cat. 

Your veterinarian will help you determine your cat’s ideal weight and how many calories she should consume daily. On average, going for 70% of your cat’s ideal daily caloric intake based on her current weight is ideal for weight loss. 

High in Protein, Low in Carbohydrates & Fat

Studies have found that feeding cats high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat food is the most effective option for weight loss. This is because they help cats shed excess pounds without contributing to the loss of their lean body mass. 

Remember that you don’t need to cut out fat and carbs from your cat’s diet entirely. All you have to do is ensure that the protein content of the cat food you’re feeding her is higher than its fat and carbohydrate content. 

Foods with 30% to 45% protein content are ideal, but take note that the protein has to come from high-quality sources like lean meats. 

High in Fiber

High-fiber food will leave your cat feeling full for longer, and help give her an energy boost to encourage more activity as well. Fiber also aids in healthy digestion and fast metabolism, helping improve your cat’s digestive health.

No Fillers

Corn, soy, and animal by-products are among the ingredients that serve as low-cost fillers in some cat food brands. These offer no nutritional value to your cat and may even contribute to weight gain. 

Top 5 Best Cat Food For Weight Loss

1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Light for Healthy Weight: Proven Effective by Cat Parents

Formulated to help cats achieve and maintain healthy weights, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food comes highly recommended by many pet parents whose cats struggle with weight problems. Its primary ingredient is chicken, from which it derives its 38% protein content. 

This low-calorie, high-protein cat food features plenty of natural fibers that are easy to digest, helping cats feel full and satisfied without packing on the pounds. This allows them to go longer and stay energetic between meals. It also contains L-carnitine, an amino acid nutrient that has been proven to facilitate weight loss in overweight cats. 

Besides being beneficial for weight management, this dry cat food is also loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that promote overall health. It has vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat, as well as natural ingredients like apples, carrots, and broccoli for complete nutrition.  

Pros:

• Visible weight changes in as early as 2-10 weeks
• Helps cats achieve ideal weight
• Promotes shiny fur and healthy skin
• Contains high amounts of protein  
• Features easy-to-digest ingredients

Cons:

• Not suitable for senior cats 

2. IAMS Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food: Helps With Weight Loss & Reduces Hairballs

Specially designed for indoor cats, the IAMS Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is ideal for overweight or obese cats who are less active. It offers all the nutrients your cat needs with fewer calories at around 302 calories per cup. 

Chicken and turkey feature as this product’s main sources of protein, making it lean enough for cats on a strict diet while offering a delicious meaty taste they’ll love. Its recipe also includes L-carnitine to help burn fat and enhance metabolism. Plus, it has a unique fiber blend that contains beet pulp which aids in healthy digestion and also reduces hairballs! 

This cat food comes packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, including calcium and potassium that supports heart health — ideal for overweight cats who are at risk for heart disease. It also contains vitamin E that boosts immunity and omega-6 fatty acids that promote coat health. 

Pros: 

• Ideal for weight control diets
• Made from high-quality protein sources 
• Speeds up metabolism and burns fat
• Offers superior hairball control

Cons: 

• Lower protein content compared to other weight loss cat foods 

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Weight Control Dry Cat Food: Inspired By Wild Cats’ Diets

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Weight Control Dry Cat Food mimics the lynx’s carnivorous diet — rich in protein and free of grains. This wilderness-inspired food is made with real chicken as its first and main ingredient, providing the high protein content that your cat needs to lose weight and build lean muscle. 

With the right balance of calories, fat, and protein, it gives your cat the high-quality nutrition she needs for overall wellness. Its recipe is free of corn, soy, and wheat, all of which are more difficult for cats to break down and digest. 

Plus, it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants sourced from cranberries, blueberries, and carrots that boost immune system health. Pet parents have also praised this product for helping cats with urinary issues. 

Pros:

• Holistic, protein-rich dry food 
• Aids in weight loss and healthy digestion
• Made with real meat that’s palatable to and healthy for cats
• Grain-free formula with no chicken or meat by-products
• Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals 

Cons:

• Contains complex carbohydrates

4. Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Wet Cat Food: Delicious & Appetizing Food For Weight Management

Getting cats to eat food formulated for weight loss can be a challenge when it’s bland, which is why the Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Wet Cat Food is designed to deliver a delicious experience with each bite. It’s made with a weight management formula that features real turkey as its main ingredient, helping overweight cats enjoy every tender, moist morsel while losing fat.

This food is designed to facilitate weight loss while maintaining healthy muscle maintenance, so you can be sure your cat isn’t losing out on any valuable nutrients. It has 10% fewer calories than other Pro Plan formulations but still offers complete and balanced nutrition to help cats sustain optimal health and high energy levels. 

Plus, it also offers other health benefits for cats. It has natural prebiotic fiber that encourages the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria to aid in digestion, as well as vitamin A and taurine that support healthy vision. 

Pros:

• Aids in weight loss while supporting muscle mass maintenance
• Contains real turkey 
• Delicious taste and appetizing texture 
• Great for picky eaters and senior cats
• Packed with essential nutrients and minerals

Cons: 

• Contains meat by-products

5. Royal Canin Weight Care Wet Cat Food: Best For Slightly Overweight Cats 

Recognized among pet parents for its high-quality products, Royal Canin is a cat food brand that offers special formulations for a wide range of health issues in cats — including weight management. The Royal Canin Weight Care Wet Cat Food is designed to encourage weight loss in overweight cats, promising visible results in as little as 2 months. 

Its formula includes L-carnitine which aids in increasing cats’ metabolic rate, along with high protein content that helps maintain healthy muscle mass. This is especially beneficial for senior cats who are overweight since they may be at risk for muscle loss when put on certain diets. 

This food also features a fiber blend that helps cats feel full and satisfied, limiting hunger and excess food intake. Plus, it contains an ideal balance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E, B1, B12, and D3. With this, you can be certain that your cat loses weight in an optimal way without compromising her nutritional needs. 

Pros:

• Visible weight loss results in 2 months
• Maintains muscle mass while helping cats achieve ideal body weight
• Has a soft texture and delicious taste to make mealtime more enjoyable
• Contains L-carnitine and fiber to aid in digestion and metabolism
• Offers complete nutrition with vitamins and minerals

Cons: 

• May not be suitable for obese cats 

3 Ways to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Besides feeding your cat a low-calorie and high-protein diet specially formulated for weight management, there are a few more measures you can take to help her get into shape. These simple steps will not only help her lose a few pounds but also make her more active, add more years to her lifespan, and contribute to her overall happiness! 

Here are a few easy ways to help your cat achieve her ideal weight: 

Limit treats

It can be tempting to give your feline friend some food off your plate or spoil her with treats, but the bad news is that both human food and cat treats can contribute to weight gain. 

Instead of buying treats, consider investing in high-quality cat food and fun toys that’ll encourage her to get active. 

Make mealtime controlled yet interactive

Free feeding is a huge no-no for overweight cats. It’s best to stick to a regular feeding schedule so you can take better control of your cat’s portion sizes. 

Using interactive meal-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders to feed your cat can motivate her to play and move in order to get her food. Not only will this aid in weight loss but it’ll also provide necessary mental stimulation. Moving her food bowl to different locations around your house can also encourage more activity.

Incorporate fun activities into your cat’s daily routine

Cats are sedentary creatures who love to sleep and lounge around, which is why cat owners have to be a bit more creative in getting them to move around.  

Many cats love climbing up high and running around on different surfaces, so you can use cat trees to encourage more movement. Mouse toys, on the other hand, can help your cat harness her hunting and stalking skills. 

Make sure to set aside some time in your schedule to play with your cat. Cats don’t really enjoy prolonged activities, so 5 to 10 minutes every day should suffice in keeping your feline friend active. 

In Closing

Being overweight or obese can weigh down your cat in more ways than one; it can make her less energetic and even lead to serious health conditions down the road. Feeding your cat specially formulated food designed for weight loss is the first step in helping her achieve her optimal weight. 

Make sure as well to consult with your vet to get a personalized weight loss program for your feline companion and help her enjoy a happy and healthy life to the fullest!