High Calorie Cat Food
Are you the owner of a beloved cat who has gone from a very happy customer to a picky eater, refusing to chow down on the food he’s usually fed? Or, is your cat still following his usual diet, but still seems to be losing weight regardless? You need a cat food advisor guide.
There are several reasons why your cat could be losing weight which, you will be glad to hear, can typically be fixed by a simple dietary adjustment, such as introducing high calorie cat food.
Read on to learn more about this common problem, the common explanations and potential solutions for weight loss, including the best cat food for weight gain.
Contents
- High Calorie Cat Food Comparison Table
- Origen Cat & Kitten Food
- BLUE Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food
- Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken
- HALO Spot’s Ground Chicken Paté Food
- Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Food
- Wysong Geriatric Senior Feline Formula Dry Food
- What is a Healthy Weight for a Cat?
- Why is My Cat so Thin?
High Calorie Cat Food Comparison Table
| Name | Main Ingredients | Protein | Fat | Fiber | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orijen Cat & Kitten Food | Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel, chicken liver, turkey liver | 40% | 20% | 8% | Click Here |
| BLUE Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Tapioca Starch, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas | 40% | 18% | 4% | Click Here |
| Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food | Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | 38% | 12% | 5% | Click Here |
| Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken | Chicken, Brewer's Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Wheat Flour, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols | 34% | 13% | 2% | Click Here |
| HALO Spot’s Ground Chicken Paté Food | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Dicalcium Phosphate, Carrots, Salt, Spinach | 11% | 9% | 0.75% | Click Here |
| Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Food | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein | 11% | 4% | 2% | Click Here |
| Wysong Geriatric Senior Feline Formula Dry Food | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Fish Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oat Groats, | 34% | 15% | 6% | Click Here |
All cats have a need for protein rich foods to fuel them, and by providing them with Origen’s blend of pure, good ingredients, you can be sure you are giving them the nutrition they deserve:
Origen Cat & Kitten Food is a biologically appropriate cat food made with fresh regional ingredients such as free-range chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish and nest-laid eggs.
It is loaded with nourishing meat ingredients which all cats need to thrive and has a huge 463kcal per 8oz. cup, with 39% from protein, 19% from vegetables and 42% from fat, so this is some of the best cat food for weight gain.
Origen’s blend is grain free, which eliminates a common allergy source and contains no by-products, rendered meats or preservatives. This food was also featured on our ultimate cat food advisor post, as it ticks all boxes.
Pros
- Does not contain grains, a common feline allergen.
- No bad ingredients: just pure meat, fish and vegetables.
- The ingredients match the diet a cat would have in the wild.
- The kibble is small, so it’s easy to eat and digest.
Cons
- The bag is not re-sealable.
- It is dry, so there is no moisture source in the food.
BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food provides a hefty 447kcal/cup, which definitely qualifies as a high calorie cat food. It is a chicken-based cat food, meaning it is packed with protein, with sweet potatoes which provides a good source of healthy carbohydrates for your cat, which are ideal for helping your kitty gain weight.
BLUE’s natural blend helps aid muscle growth and development, supports a healthy immune system and promotes a healthy weight, with calories carefully balanced between proteins and fat.
This dry food includes BLUE’s ‘LifeSource Bits’ which are a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help promote digestive and overall health.
The food contains no artificial preservatives, poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy, and is a great alternative for a raw food diet, which some cats live off.
Pros
- It is grain and gluten free, so there are no allergen concerns.
- Added protection from BLUE’s ‘LifeSource Bits’.
- Carbohydrates are easy for your cat to digest and can promote weight gain.
- 36% crude protein.
Cons
- Dry food can be troublesome for some cats.
- The food is not organic, but ‘natural’.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food is packed with a high concentration of quality animal protein, along with nutrient-rich superfoods and supplements, which provides everything your kitty needs to thrive!
Containing added glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for joint support, this protein rich kibble contains only premium, all-natural ingredients with no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products or artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
It is also infused with antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy coat and promote good dietary health.
Coming in two, five and eleven-pound bags and a variety of blends, Wellness CORE certainly have provided a versatile dry food solution for your skinny kitty, especially when the food weighs in at a huge 502kcal/cup, it is one of the best cat food for weight gain.
Pros
- Does not contain grains, a common feline allergen.
- The kibble is coated with probiotics to promote a healthy digestive tract.
- Balanced nutritional ratios and mineral levels.
Cons
- This food is geared more towards indoor cats who are less active.
- There is a smaller fat content in this brand.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken is a dry cat food recommended by veterinarians due to the specially blended formula, which supports your cat’s general health! This dry food blend is packed full of Omega-6 fatty acids which support a healthy skin and promote a shiny, vibrant coat. Real, wholesome chicken is the primary ingredient which gives it a high protein content, helping to support your kitty’s existing muscle, and build new ones.
Its nutritional content is 100% complete and carefully balanced to promote a healthy immune system by providing everything your cat needs, including vitamins A, B-12 and D-3, zinc, taurine and calcium.
With crude fat and protein at 34% and 13% respectively, and 396kcal/cup it is not the bulkiest of cat foods on our list, but it is still a good food to help your kitty start piling on some extra pounds!
Pros
- The food is a mix of tender meaty morsels and crunchy kibble.
- Although it is dry food, there is a good amount of moisture in the food.
- Their Tender Selects range has a flavour for every feline palate.
Cons
- Contains soy and grains, which can be an allergen for some cats.
- Contains artificial colouring and poultry by-product.
HALO Spot’s Ground Chicken Paté Food is a wet paté-style cat food recommended for senior cats, but also works wonders for younger cats and kittens who are looking a little bit thin and need to add on some excess weight.
This wet food is a real whole chicken blend. With no rendered meat and by only using whole, real chicken, HALO’s food is easily digestible and is balanced nutritionally, meaning that your cat only gets the good stuff.
It does not contain any rendered meat meals such as chicken by-product, fillers or grains, so no need to worry about allergens.
HALO have also added real, non-genetically modified carrot and spinach in with their chicken blend, meaning your cat gets some extra good stuff on top. 202kcal/can (5.5oz) is a lot for such a small tin, and could go well paired with some of the dry food mentioned above.
Pros
- HALO donates a bowl of cat or dog food to shelters for each purchase.
- No artificial colours or preservatives.
- Contains added vitamins and minerals such as biotin and taurine.
Cons
- Cats who have not had paté before may struggle trying to eat it.
- It contains some salt, which some owners may not like.
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Food is made in North America and backed by the ‘Wellness Guarantee’ – your cat will love it, or your money back.
Primarily catered towards indoor cats, Wellness CORE’s formula is naturally grain free and rich in proteins such as turkey and chicken, with lower calories (148kcal/can) to help indoor cats achieve and maintain a healthy weight; indoor cats require less calories as they are less active.
This food only contains premium natural ingredients, with no corn, soy, wheat or meat by-products, which, again, means there are no allergen concerns to be had.
It is made up of 65% protein ingredients, supporting your cat’s lean body mass, helping to build and maintain muscle. It also contains Omega fatty acids and added vitamins, minerals and probiotics for overall better health and a healthier skin and coat; it is a great high calorie cat food.
Pros
- Specially formulated for indoor cats which need to gain weight.
- Contains real nutrients: flaxseed, cranberries and probiotics.
- Backed by a guarantee, allowing your cat to try the food risk free.
Cons
- Again, it is a paté which some cats may have trouble with.
- Contains Carrageenan, which some pet owners believe is bad for cats.
Wysong Geriatric Senior Feline Formula Dry Food is a nutrient dense natural food, specially formulated for senior cats. However, it is just as suitable for younger felines, too! This food contains fresh, whole and natural ingredients, plus a comprehensive number of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, with a crude protein and fat of 34% and 15% respectively.
Although the food contains no additives, non-nutritional ingredients or artificial flavours and preservatives, there is a high amount of high frozen and dried meats, protein and fats, including animal organs.
Pros
- Suitable for cats of all sizes and ages with bite-size kibbles.
- It is nutrient-dense and has everything your kitty needs for growth and health.
Cons
- Some pet owners may be put-off by the inclusion of dried and frozen food.
What is a Healthy Weight for a Cat?
How would you know if your kitty needed to shed a few pounds, or pile on a bit of weight? Fat cats are very common, and you may not even realise that your cat is overweight, or thin. But, it is something to take seriously.
- Domestic cats, in general, should weight around ten pounds, but this can vary depending on your cat’s build or breed. For example, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a Siamese cat can weigh as little as five pounds, but a Maine Coon can be more than twenty pounds and beyond!
Your vet can tell you if your cat is under or overweight, but there are some signs which you can look out for as indicators.
- Cats should have an hourglass figure when you look at them from above, they should not have a bulging stomach but, on the flip-side, you should be able to feel their ribs; this does not mean they are underweight!
- Tip: Place both of your thumbs on your cat’s backbone and spread both of your hands across his rib-cage, you should be able to feel his ribs. It’s not always best practice to just look, because a cat’s coat makes a visual check difficult.
- You should also be able to feel a cat’s spine when you rub your fingers along their back. However, this is where it gets difficult, because the spine shouldn’t be overly obvious.
- Additionally, when you stand over your cat, you should be able to see its torso tuck in where its ribs finish, but an over-exaggerated or extreme tuck is a sure-sign of your cat being underweight, whereas fat cats may not have a tuck at all.
Don’t be freaked out if your cat has a curvy figure, though, it is not going to get heart disease by being a little overweight – there are plenty of bulky kitties roaming the streets!
- Extreme feline obesity is rare, but it can be very dismal. Just like humans, extra weight puts an extra strain on cats and increases the risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and high blood pressure, to name a few.
Why is My Cat so Thin?
Your cat’s environment can affect weight loss, and your cat may start eating less or refusing to eat altogether if his environment isn’t suitable or disturbs him.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Make sure mealtimes are quiet so that your kitty can eat uninterrupted, by people and other pets. Some cats can also develop anorexia, a refusal to eat, just like we humans can. This is usually due to stress or another psychological or behavioural disorder.
If your cat begins to lose weight drastically, or refuses to eat and not put on weight, you should pay your vet a visit to rule out an underlying issue such as disease.
Allergies or a Gastrointestinal
Your cat may also be suffering from allergies or a gastrointestinal issue which might cause him to lose weight. Sudden weight-loss might be attributable to allergies or a new intolerance. Long-term thinness may be caused by an infection.
Roundworm Infection
Roundworm, a common parasitic infection of the feline intestine, could be the rot cause of your cat’s slender figure. If your cat is well-known for bringing home rodents, it may well be that he has caught roundworm from one of his recent kills.
Older cats begin to show changes in weight more drastically than younger ones. Whilst some older cats plump up, others may slim down, too.
Constipation or Metabolism Changes
Elder cats may suffer from constipation or metabolism changes which could cause weight loss. A decreased sense of smell or problem with your cat’s mouth, such as a dental disease, may also be the culprit, as it will inhibit eating.
Each and every cat is unique, so it will take some careful watching and possibly a visit to the vet to figure out why your cat is thin.
How to Put Weight on a Cat
First of all, before you do anything, you should get to know your individual cat’s ideal weight and then produce a target weight. It is soooo easy to overstep the mark and turn who was a thin cat into a very fat cat, which comes with different health problems.
You should start with your cat’s diet. A cat’s gut is designed to process a high protein diet, and food source which contains a low proportion of protein is not optimal and may be hard for your cat to digest.
Consult with your vet about the right diet for your cat. Although many supermarket brands are palatable, they are made with the addition of flavourings and therefore their nutrition is less than ideal.
Raw food diets are high in water and nutrients, and can be a great alternative for your kitty. The best part about raw foods is you can make them at home – just ensure they are nutritionally complete!
Increase the amount you are feeding your cat!
Most cats opt to graze throughout the day, rather than gorge themselves all at once (though, there are certainly exceptions). Being mindful of this, feed your cat more than once, more frequently, rather than offering one single large meal. This is more aligned with your cat’s natural digestive process; he is more likely to finish multiple small bowls than a large one.
Food calorie content plays a major role here, and you should consider investing in a high calorie cat food. In general, wet canned food has a higher water content, so switching or introducing a dry kibble is a great move (which is why, above, most of the recommended foods were dry!) Remember, the lower the moisture content, the higher the calories.
You can also give your cat treats between meals. They are generally tasty and are extra calories for your kitty. Also, cats will rarely turn down a treat! Don’t over-do it, though, or your cat may refuse his next meal.
So, what now?
High calorie cat food is a great place to start if your cat is looking a little bit thin and dishevelled. Slowly move your cat off his current food and introduce a high calorie one, and watch for results. The extra calories should quickly pile on and you should notice a plumper, fuller figure.
