This review aims to guide you to some of the best cat food for overweight indoor cats that can be found on cat food shelves.
As a feline Nutritionist and pet owner, I have bought various foods for my cats. My main concern always was; how to provide the best nutrition for my pet.
I believe that our pets deserve the best possible food that we can provide.
In this article, I aim to show:
- Top 3 best cat foods for overweight indoor cats,
- What to look for when buying best cat food for overweight indoor cats,
- Difference between diets and what they aim to treat,
- Signs and treatments.
So you can make an informed choice if particular cat food is best for your pet.
With so many options available on cat food shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
Let’s see our top picks.
Best Cat Food For Overweight Indoor Cats
3 Best Cat Food For Overweight Indoor Cats Reviewed
Find below foods that I find the best help for overweight indoor cats.
All formulas meet AAFCO Guidelines for pet food.
Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Multipack Salmon &Turkey Recipe Pate Grain-Free Cat Food Trays
First five ingredients:
Salmon Recipe: Chicken, Water, Salmon, Poultry Liver, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product
Turkey Recipe: Chicken, Turkey, Poultry Liver, Water, Turkey Broth
Type of product:
Grain-Free, Indoor, Pea-Free
Food form:
Wet food/ Pate
Best For:
- Adult cats,
- Indoors formula.
Key Benefits:
- Features 2 grain-free recipes—Salmon Recipe and Turkey Recipe,
Trace amounts of grain may be present due to cross-contact during manufacturing.
- Contains added prebiotic and dietary fiber to promote healthy digestion for indoor cats,
- Antioxidant, vitamin E, helps support a healthy immune system,
- 0% fillers and no artificial preservatives,
- Veterinary recommended.
Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
First five ingredients:
Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Pork Lungs, Trout
Type of product:
Indoor, Natural
Food form:
Wet food/ Pate
Best For:
- Adult cats,
- Indoor cat formula.
Key Benefits:
- A grain-free diet made with real chicken as the first ingredient,
- Suitable for all life stages,
- Omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat,
- Powerful antioxidants promote excellent immune system health,
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
American Journey Indoor Pate Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
First five ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Ground Flaxseed
Type of product:
Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Indoor, High-Protein
Food form:
Wet food/ Pate
Best For:
- Adult cats,
- Indoor cats.
Key Benefits:
- Smooth loaf pate with real chicken as the first ingredient,
- Formulated to support the nutritional needs of indoor adult cats,
- Balanced calories from proteins and fat help maintain healthy body weight,
- High-quality, wholesome ingredients include cranberry, flaxseed, and fish oil,
- Made without grains, corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meal,
- Designed to be the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
Signs and treatment
Is my cat obese?
Body: If you can’t easily feel the ribs, that’s a sign your cat is overweight.
If your cat is fluffy, run your hands along the body, you should feel a noticeable “waist” between the cat ribcage and hips.
Abdomen: Look at your cat from the side. If you notice a layer of low-hanging fat, that could signify that your cat is overweight.
Why my cat is gaining weight?
Many owners report that their cat is fussy. However, sometimes we are too quick to offer the cat something else, often more palatable if they appear disinterested in the food presented. The cat then learns that if they hold off, they may be offered something more tempting. (1)
Cats’ weight might increase for many reasons depending on the age and gender of the cat.
Weight gain usually occurs when a cat overeats or doesn’t exercise enough. Obesity leads to fat accumulation in the abdomen and may result in abdominal enlargement.
It is tempting to provide cats with all they can eat food, plus an additional treat. This “love” is not the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
Tip 1:
The cat food packaging guidelines are usually very generous, so start with half the amount and see if your cat is still hungry.
Tip 2:
Dry food has 20% more calories than wet food per oz.
Tip 3:
Wet food has more moisture.
This keeps the cat more satiated, helps flush out toxins, and can help the bladder, kidney, and other internal organs stay healthy.
Tip 4:
Type of food given to the cat. Cats are carnivores, which means they get their nutrition from prey in the wild. Most cat foods, especially dry kibble, have added carbohydrates, which could lead to weight gain in your cat.
Please find out more in our article 3 Best Low Carb Cat Food.
How much should I feed my cat?
This will depend on which life stage the cat is in:
- Newborn kittens (Birth- 4 weeks):
They will eat mother’s milk as much as they need.
- Kittens after about 8-9 weeks:
Ready to be weaned off mother’s milk and prepared to try cat food.
They need lots of quality protein and nutrients to sustain rapid growth and development.
- Junior Cats (7 Months to 2 years) and Prime Cats (3-6 years):
Technically cats are considered adults from the 1-year mark. However, every cat is different and might be very active in its golden years.
So the amount of food available should be measured against the cat’s activity level.
Indoor v outdoor cat. An indoor cat might be as active as a cat playing outside.
- Mature Cats (7-10 years) and Senior Cats (11-14 years):
Cats might become a little fussier with their food choices, and you’ll need to ensure they get the nutrients they need while staying hydrated. Make sure to have fresh water available at all times.
In this stage of life, owners need to watch the cat’s weight as their activity level might decrease, leading to obesity.
Calory-rich food formulated for kittens and young adults should be avoided. Watching ideal weight helps to stay clear of weight problems and helps reduce the risk of diseases, such as kidney disease, certain cancers, and osteoarthritis.
Geriatric Cats (15+ Years):
Cats become less active and more affectionate. This should be taken into consideration when preparing meals. Their food needs to be low in calories and fiber.
They might prefer softer meals as their teeth might be worn out or missing.
Speak to your cat’s veterinarian to see what options they advise for the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
How do I exercise my cat?
Depending on the life stage, most cats will want to play.
If you have an indoor cat, provide a ray of toys they might like. Bear in mind that not all cats like the same thing.
A scratching post is a must in a cat household. Not only will cats be able to stretch and shed their nails, but they will probably leave your furniture alone.
Keep their food and toilet apart, if possible, on different floors, where your cat would have to use stairs, this will be an excellent additional exercise for them.
Water- make sure that your cat has water available. They will feel fuller after drinking and might not overeat.
Tip:
If your cat likes to scratch on a specific corner of a bed, sofa or armchair, put a scratching post close to this favorite spot. Sometimes it is not only for a good nail trim but also for territorial marks.
You don’t need to invest in expensive toys. A simple rubber ball, a bird feather from the park, a cardboard box, or a pine cone will spark their playfulness.
Note:
Cats usually are most active at night, so it has to be something with little less noise.
Usually, cats will amuse themselves when they have extra energy. 10-30 minutes is enough, or when your cat lays down and is no longer interested in playing. However, an overweight cat might not be active, and you will have to encourage play.
Take your cat for a walk. Cats love exploring, and a daily walk will give them the exercise they need. If your cat is up for it, teach him to get used to a harness and a leash. Use treats such as boiled chicken or cooked fish pieces for encouragement.
Managing your cat’s weight when you have multiple cats
Helping a cat lose weight when you have other cats – and other food sources available – can be tricky.
Here are some tips on what to do for the best cat food for overweight indoor cats in multiple cat households.
Feed your cats separately- feed them in separate rooms or keep your overweight cat in a different room while other cats eat. Afterward, clear away any uneaten food.
Box it up to cut holes in cardboard boxes so your overweight cat is not able to access other cats food
Cats are territorial animals and will experience stress if lacking their own space. Stress may cause cats to overeat. If they are learning to live with other cats, make sure they have enough supplies like toilets, a place to rest, and toys.
Treats- We all love to give treats to our cats, and it is a great bonding experience between you and your cats. Substitute all cat’s commercial treats for pieces of cooked chicken. Some commercial treats have too many carbs and sugars, which might add to your cat gaining weight.
Best Cat food for Overweight Indoor cats
Overweight cats should never be starved or put on a ‘crash diet’ as any period of no food can very quickly be harmful. A gradual, steady decrease in body weight is ideal – it may take up to a year for a severely overweight cat to reach its ideal body condition.
Replace your cat’s food with higher-quality food with no fillers and added sugars. Best cat food for overweight indoor cats will be high in protein as the first ingredient, fat, and a small number of carbs. This means each cup is filled with the nutrition your cat needs, without the extra carbs and calories that they don’t.
Wet food ticks most boxes for the best cat food for overweight indoor cats. Choose wet food instead of dry, as they have fewer fillers and carbs in the formula (fillers like grain, corn, and rice are used to hold the kibble together). Also, wet food usually comes in small portions, ready and fresh when your cat needs it.
How can I make my cats weight loss plan a success?
Work as a team with your family and your veterinarian and be flexible.
Every pet has different nutritional needs, so we need to assess each individual and consider the program as a whole.
Helpful tips include keeping track of all the forms of food your cat gets, weighing your cat frequently with an infant scale (buying your own will make a life for you and your cat much simpler!), and being very precise in measuring the amount of food being given (many owners like to use a gram scale at home as measuring cups can be tricky to get exact).
Speak with your cat’s veterinarian for advice on the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
In conclusion.
We believe that every cat is different in its food preferences.
This is why we offer three options available of the best cat food for overweight indoor cats.
Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Multipack Salmon &Turkey Recipe Pate Grain-Free Cat Food Trays
Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
American Journey Indoor Pate Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Each of these foods is designed to make your cat feel better.
It’s essential to feed them high-quality ingredients made from whole meats and the right balance of vitamins and minerals through vegetables or whole grains.
Choose the best cat food for overweight indoor cats HERE.
