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To help a cat lose weight, remember that food alone is not the complete solution. Instead, take a holistic approach that includes monitoring your cat’s calorie intake to ensure they consume fewer calories than they burn daily.

While a consistent weight-loss plan and monitoring are essential, the right food can make the process easier. Weight-loss-friendly foods are typically low-calorie density, so wet foods are often better. Wet food usually has 20-35 calories per ounce, making cats feel fuller than the 100-calorie-per-ounce average of dry foods. Most recommended foods are wet options, but one dry food is included for variety.

Why cats gain weight?

Weight gain in cats can result from various factors. Overfeeding or a high-calorie diet without proper nutritional balance is a primary cause. Lack of exercise also contributes, as cats need physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Medical conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes may lead to weight gain, so sudden changes should prompt a vet visit. Stress, often triggered by environmental changes, can cause overeating. Lastly, aging reduces activity levels, increasing the risk of weight gain, making it essential to adjust diet and encourage exercise as cats grow older.

Also Read : Why My Cats Gaining Weight?

Why Wet Food is Better for Weight Loss?

Wet food is highly beneficial for cats, particularly for hydration and weight management. Cats’ kidneys are often their weakest link, and dehydration can exacerbate kidney issues. As desert animals, cats have adapted to get most of their water intake through prey, which naturally contains high moisture levels. Because of this, they don’t always recognize when they’re thirsty or drink enough water. While this may not affect all cats, some struggle, like one of mine, does.
This becomes a problem when cats are fed dehydrated kibble with very little moisture content. Wet food, on the other hand, provides essential hydration and supports kidney health. It’s also ideal for weight loss because its high moisture content helps cats feel full while consuming fewer calories. Wet food typically contains around 20 to 35 calories per ounce, whereas dry food is much more calorically dense, with approximately 100 calories per ounce. As a result, cats on a wet diet often feel satisfied sooner, making it easier to manage their weight effectively.

Differences Between Wet Cat Food and Dry Cat Food.

Main Differences Between Wet Cat Food and Dry Cat Food

Category	Wet Cat Food	Dry Cat Food
Moisture Levels	Contains approximately 70% water compared to dry matter.	Contains approximately 10% water, with 90% being dry matter.
Manufacturing Process	Made with fresh or frozen meats blended with water, fats, and vitamins. Heated in a can to destroy pathogens.	Meats, vitamins, and fats are cooked at high temperatures and pressure. Fat is often sprayed for palatability.
Nutrients	Typically contains less carbohydrates. Protein and fat content can vary.	Contains more carbohydrates and may include probiotics. Protein and fat content can vary.

Best Five wet cat food for overweight indoor cats (I Tried Them All)

1. Tiki Cat Luau Wet Food Adult Cats & Kittens.

This food is ideal for weight loss, being very brothy and low in fat, with only 25 calories per ounce. The recipe is chicken-based, though Tiki Cat also offers fish varieties for protein variety. It’s pricier than most wet foods. Due to its low-calorie density, you may need to feed your cat more, increasing the expense. For a more budget-friendly option, consider

Tiki Cat Food has made a noticeable difference in my cat’s health. The high-quality, grain-free ingredients provide excellent nutrition, with visible chunks of real meat and fish. Since switching, my cat’s weight has been healthy, his coat is shinier, and his energy levels have improved. I trust Tiki Cat for its lack of artificial additives or fillers, and the positive impact on my cat’s well-being is clear.

2. Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Wet Cat Food.

This soft, delectable cat food, served in individual trays, comes in an irresistible gravy that cats love. The trays are easy to use—just snap, peel, and serve. And the best part? No messy leftovers, unlike canned cat food. Additionally, this cat food is made without grain, corn, wheat, or soy, and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for your cat.

I give my cat Drako Sheba wet food twice a day. He always has Iam dry food out, but I choose Sheba wet food because it is healthy and portioned perfectly. They don’t overdo it in servings, and they offer so many different flavors for what your cat/kitten likes. I originally bought the turkey salmon and chicken and found that my cat does not enjoy turkey or chicken, so I wanted to have them. Purchased the Sheba that had salmon, tuna, and another fish flavor. He enjoys it, he stays at a healthy weight, and it nourishes his body; it’s great for his coat, it doesn’t give him any stomach – digestive issues, the texture is good, it’s fresh, the color is natural, and it’s safe for your kitten/cat to eat. It needs to be filled with byproducts or fillers that are good for your cat/kitten to consume, and it is reasonably priced for such a large quantity.

Our boys love this cat food. I love how easy it is to open, the perfect portion size, and the best value around. It is so much easier to deliver it to our door than grocery store hassle! I love the variety of flavors; it comes in a cut-or-paste style.

3. Purina Fancy Feast Flaked Fish & Shrimp Feast

This fish-based food is low in calories, with 26 calories per ounce. It is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and supports a carnivorous diet, making it ideal for weight loss. Cats enjoy this food, and its moisture content helps with satiety. It’s also affordable.

The Fancy Feast “Flaked” Fish & Shrimp variety is made from real fish, not processed meat or gluten, making it a superb, budget-friendly alternative to pricier brands like Tiki Cat. With 15% protein and only 2% fat, it’s ideal for diabetic or overweight cats needing low-fat wet food. However, it shouldn’t be fed exclusively, as cats need a variety of proteins like chicken and organ meats. Be cautious of shipping damage, as cans may arrive crushed or leaking.

4. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food.

This wet cat food offers three mouth-watering options: savory chicken entrées, savory turkey entrées, and liver entrées. Each option is designed to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support an ideal body weight. Made with easy-to-digest ingredients, it ensures proper nutrient absorption to help keep your cat fit and healthy. This food is especially recommended for adult cats aged 1 to 6 years old

I bought Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight to help my 15-year-old, 18-pound cat, Shawn, lose weight. Shawn has always been a foodie, earning him the nickname “Fatty McFat,” he’s even been known to steal food off my plate if I’m not careful. At first, he wasn’t impressed with the new food and gave me a “What is this?” look, but soon enough, he gave in and ate it. Surprisingly, he didn’t finish the entire can, which is rare for him, so his slimmer brother, Gus, helped. While I haven’t noticed much weight loss, Shawn’s fur has become silky smooth, a big improvement from its usual coarse texture. With time and consistent feeding, I’m hopeful he’ll shed a few pounds and get closer to a healthier weight.when I update this review in a few more weeks, I’ll see some weight loss. Now, if only I could do something about his constant meowing obsession!

UPDATE: After using this food for a month, he has lost a pound. It had been impossible to get him to lose any weight before. I highly recommend this food for weight loss—it’s the best cat food I’ve tried so far.

5. Royal Canin Feline Weight Care Canned Adult Wet Cat Food.

Royal Canin Feline Weight Care Wet Cat Food offers complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats prone to weight gain or those needing to lose a bit of weight. Over 90% of slightly overweight cats fed this food lost weight within two months. It contains L-carnitine to support fat metabolism and adapted protein to maintain muscle mass while promoting healthy weight loss. The food also features a fiber blend that helps cats feel full and limits further weight gain. With its soft texture and thin slices in gravy, it’s highly palatable and can be paired with dry kibble for additional feeding options.

A friend of mine, Jack, had a similar struggle with his cat, who was overweight and picky about food. His cat preferred dry food, but he wasn’t very active like mine, leading to weight gain. Jack’s vet recommended switching to more soft food to promote weight loss, but finding one his cat would eat was a challenge. After trying several brands, Jack finally found Royal Canin Weight Care Wet Cat Food. It was the only soft food his cat would eat consistently, and within a few months, his cat slimmed down and reached a healthier weight. While the price is higher than regular dry food, Jack says it’s worth it for his cat’s health.

Best Five Dry cat food for overweight indoor cats (I Tried Them All)

1. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food.

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry cat food is packed with 47% protein, mimicking a cat’s natural diet. It’s made with high-quality, meat-based ingredients and contains no animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or grains like rice and potatoes. Baked to retain nutrients and enhance flavor. This non-GMO food is perfect for your cat’s health and weight loss. The crunchy kibble is minimally processed, offering your cat the nutrition they need as natural hunters.

While wet food is usually better for weight loss, Tiki Cat’s Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken and Egg Recipe is an excellent dry option for cats accustomed to kibble. It has around 170 calories per ounce and keeps carbohydrates below 20% on a dry matter basis. Made from precise, meat-based ingredients, it’s a carnivore-friendly choice priced at about 25 cents per ounce.

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore kibble has proven to be a hit among cats, even picky eaters. Unlike other brands full of fillers like corn or artificial flavours, this grain-free, high-protein food is made from quality ingredients like herring, salmon, and chicken fat. Cats seem to love its strong fish scent and enjoy the kibble’s round shape, which is easy for bigger cats and kittens to eat. Its high omega-3 and omega-6 content also benefits coat and immune health.

Although it’s pricier, many find it worth the cost for its nutritional benefits, and the resealable bag makes storage easy. Some users supplement it with Tiki Cat’s broth packets to support hydration. For those mindful of starch, note that it does contain peas and legumes. This high-quality food has become a staple in many households, appreciated for its non-GMO, by-product-free formulation.

2. Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Food, Rabbit Dinner Patties 8 oz

Vital Essentials Duck Dinner cat food is recommended for cats with digestive sensitivities. This freeze-dried food is primarily made from duck and includes a mix of muscle meat, organs, and bones for high digestibility. It also contains herring oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation. Each patty is about 60 calories; you can add water to adjust the consistency. This food costs approximately 2.35 cents per ounce, around four dollars daily for a typical cat.

It’s one of the few treats my cats love to eat. The patties are a bit expensive, but as you can see in the picture, my cat loves them so much that he tries to tear them open to get to them. Of course, he had to climb a shelf to get to the bag and push it on the floor to open it. I just wish the treats were affordable so they can eat them more frequently and as dinner instead of treats.

3. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, Dry Cat Food,

The ingredients in this cat food include chicken, brewer rice, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten as the primary components. It also contains powdered cellulose, chicken meal, dried tomato pomace, and dried beet pulp, along with sources of healthy fats like chicken fat and coconut oil. Additional ingredients include flaxseed, carrots, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. The formulation is enhanced with natural flavours and mixed tocopherols for freshness.

This cat food diet has been effective in helping a cat maintain a healthy weight. While he appears overweight, it becomes more apparent when picked up. Although a vet initially downplayed his weight, the reality was more precise upon handling him. The cat has been on a weight-loss plan, and while following the feeding guidelines would likely result in weight loss, he tends to seek out mischief when his food bowl is empty, complicating the dieting process.

This cat enjoys her regular food and will happily overeat if given the chance. However, larger bags have become quite expensive at local stores, and smaller bags are more challenging to find. The smaller size is recommended for cat owners with only one cat, especially since it’s easier to manage freshness, especially if the cat has a varied diet that includes canned food and other supplements.

4. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Dry Cat Food For Adult Cats, Weight Control Recipe.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control Dry Cat Food is real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing a high-protein option to help adult cats maintain lean muscle mass. This premium, grain-free kibble includes L-carnitine for metabolism support and antioxidants for immune system health. It’s enriched with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like taurine and contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Made without artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, this cat food is crafted in the USA using natural ingredients such as sweet potatoes.

Cats are avid eaters and struggle with weight, often eating anything available, including dog food, human food, and even hermit crab food. Initially, Wellness Weight Control was chosen due to brand preference, but the high-calorie count was a concern. This led to the discovery of Merrick Weight Control, which offers the lowest calories per cup in the area. However, due to pandemic-related supply issues, Availability became a challenge, prompting purchases through Amazon, which also faces stocking inconsistencies. While my female cat enjoys the food, the male is more selective, but both are fed 1/8 cup twice daily with a small amount of water. The goal is to help them consume fewer calories for better weight management. It’s hoped that Merrick will someday offer a seafood flavour, which would likely be a hit with these cats.

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Weight Control Dry Cat Food

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food provides complete nutrition without fillers. It reduces hairballs with a fiber blend, supports healthy weight with L-carnitine, and nourishes heart health with essential nutrients. Designed for adult indoor cats, it promotes overall well-being. Available in a seven lb. bag.

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care dry cat food with chicken has been a game-changer for my indoor cat. Not only does she love the taste, but it’s also helped manage her weight and significantly reduced hairballs. I’ve been impressed with the formula, which supports digestion and has improved the shine and softness of her coat. This is worth trying if you’re looking for a balanced, nutritious food tailored for indoor cats!

I’ve been feeding my cats this brand for years, and it’s been a great choice for their health and weight management. To slow their eating, I portion the food into small balls, encouraging them to chew and preventing gulping. They always finish their meals, maintain a steady weight, and stay active and healthy, though one is chunky because he sneaks food from the others. The subscribe-and-save option has been a lifesaver, ensuring a new bag arrives right when we need it, so I never have to stress about running out during my busy work schedule.

Also Read : How to help your cat gain weight?

Also Read : Here is some food for cat weight gain.

Conclusion

That’s about it for my list of the top Six best foods for cats who need to lose weight. I hope that you found it helpful. Your cat’s food is just one piece of the weight-loss puzzle. It will be most important to monitor what your cat is eating closely and their weight as it changes over time to ensure that you’re going in the right direction.