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Maybe you’ve adopted a new cat who’s been eating a little too much or maybe you’ve just been little generous with the treats and now your buddy is a little overweight. Whatever the reason for your cat’s weight gain, there’s something you can do about it. If you transition your cat to a new food and encourage exercise and playtime, you can get your overweight cat back to their healthy physique. Here are some things you can do to help make sure your cat has a healthy weight and some recommendations for the best cat food for overweight cats.
Obesity Is A Serious Problem
Overweight cats maybe cute, but cat obesity can lead to some serious health issues. There are several chronic illnesses that can develop if you don’t get your cat’s weight under control. Some of the more dangerous issues include:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Arthritis and joint dysfunction
- Heart disease
- Urinary tract disease
So it is crucial that if your cat is overweight that you take them to the veterinarian to make sure they haven’t developed a serious illness.
Talk To Your Veterinarian
As with any dietary changes for your cat, you need to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will screen them for any health issues that may impact their ability to transition to a healthier food. They will also make some dietary and exercise recommendations to help you get your cat’s weight on track quicker. Also they will tell you what to look for in terms of a good cat food for overweight cats.
Get Your Cat On A Good Feeding Routine
Once you’ve talked to your veterinarian, you need to get your cat on a good feeding routine. About a week before making the transition to their new food, set them on a regular feeding routine. They should be fed a full serving size of their food twice a day. Typically, if your schedule allows it, you will feed them once in the morning and once at night. During this time you also need to start cutting back on treats and goodies. Then you can begin putting them on a healthy, cat food that is specifically designed for weight loss.
The Five Best Cat Foods For Overweight Cats
Cats on a weight loss diet need a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, that is also high in fiber and full of essential nutrients. Here are some of our recommendations for the best cat foods for overweight cats:
NUTRO MAX Dry Cat Food Indoor Weight Control
NUTRO MAX is a high fiber, high protein food that is low in fat and calories. It is also formulated with the amino acid L-Carnitine which helps burn fat and increase activity. NUTRO MAX is loaded with nutrients and easy to digest so your cat feels full. The food is also rated very high for flavor so it is a great choice for cats transitioning off treats.
Holistic Select Natural Dry Cat Food Indoor Weight Control
Holistic Select is another high protein, low fat food. It has a 7% crude fiber rating and contains both digestive enzymes and probiotics, so it is great for helping cats with digestive issues lose weight and feel full. Holistic Select is formulated with whole foods ingredients and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat is getting the best nutrition while on their diet. It is also loaded with B vitamins to promote energy. Holistic Select is a great option for cats with digestive issues and who need extra energy to work out.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat Food
Merrick is rated as one of the best tasting cat foods, so their healthy weight recipe is ideal for any cat who has particular tastes or has been a little spoiled on treats. Merrick Healthy Weight also has a very high crude protein rating at 36%, high fiber at 7%, and added taurine to increase energy production. So it will deliver all the energy your cat needs to burn calories while keeping them full and satisfied.
Halo Spot’s Stew Healthy Weight Grain Free Cat Food
Halo Spot’s Stew is formulated to have the optimal caloric value for weight loss. It made with both lean meats and vegetable protein to ensure your overweight cat is getting a low fat, high protein food. Fortified with tons of vitamins and minerals, Halo Spot’s Stew is a great food if you are worried about meeting your cat’s nutritional needs when putting them on a diet. It is also high in fiber and contains probiotics for easy digestibility.
Tuffy’s Pet Food NutriSource Senior Weight Management Dry Cat Food
If you are looking for a weight management food for your senior cat, Tuffy’s is a great option. Tuffy’s has all the important ingredients senior cats need like cranberries for urinary tract support, omega fatty acids for joint health, and a 7.5% crude fiber rating and probiotics so it is easier to digest. It also has a lower protein rating than some of the other weight loss foods so that it doesn’t strain your senior cat’s kidneys or liver. However, it is loaded with taurine and B vitamins to help deliver an extra boost of energy your senior cat needs to shed those pounds.
So if your cat is starting to get a little thick around the middle, it may be time to consider switching them to a healthy weight loss diet. After you’ve consulted with your veterinarian check out these five great cat foods for overweight cats and hopefully you can help your cat get back their healthy figure.
