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Best Cat Food for Overweight Cats 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 02/19/2024, edited: 01/24/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Is your cat carrying a bit of excess weight? Obesity is a serious problem for our pets, with an estimated 5-10% of cats classed as overweight and a worrying 40% classified as obese. And this serious problem can contribute to a wide range of health issues, ranging from arthritis and diabetes to heart disease.
If your kitty is a little on the plump side, your vet may recommend switching them to a weight control diet. These foods typically have fewer calories than regular cat food and are high in fiber to help your cat feel full for longer after eating.
If you need to switch your cat to a weight control food, keep reading for our guide to the best cat food for overweight cats.
Overview
- Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Chicken and Brown Rice
- Solid Gold Weight Control with Alaskan Pollock
- Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Salmon and Lentils
- Orijen Fit & Trim
- Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control Recipe
- Blue Buffalo True Solutions Healthy Weight
- FAQ
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Chicken and Brown Rice
5
Best vet recommended overall
Blue Tastefuls Weight Control is our top pick if you’re searching for the best cat food for overweight cats. Combining high-quality ingredients with a reasonable price, this recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient. It features protein to promote lean muscle development and is lower in calories to help your fur-baby stay at a healthy weight.
Blue Buffalo is also a vet-recommended brand, with Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants, recommending Blue Buffalo cat food to her clients.
“Blue Buffalo provides wet and dry recipes tailored to various life stages, including high-protein and grain-free choices,” she says. “Catering to special dietary needs, they offer limited ingredient varieties such as Blue Basics without common allergens such as chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs. With real meat, omega fatty acids and plenty of antioxidants, Blue Buffalo recipes are a good option for felines with delicate digestive tracts. Be mindful of the higher carbohydrate and low moisture content with some formulas if your cat has specific medical conditions.”
If you’re searching for the right food to help your cat shed an excess pound or two, give Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe a try.
Blue Buffalo Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Made in the USA using natural ingredients.
- Features LifeSource Bits to support a strong immune system.
- More affordable than other brands on this list.
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents claim their pet suffered diarrhea or vomiting after eating.
- Some buyers report that their cat refused to eat this food.
- Some pet parents report that their cat would like larger kibble pieces.
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Weight Control
"Chewy is the only place I can find this particular food on a consistent basis. Blue is better than average quality has never let us down. Always a good report from the vet as far as diet. Full disclosure, we have 1 adopted dog and 4 rescued cats that are a part of our family."
"all my 4 babies including my toothless old boy seem to be enjoying this food. I tasted it to make sure he could gum it. (all his teeth were removed due to severe recurring stomatitis from FIV). It breaks down pretty easily with saliva alone. It's still early to tell if they are losing weight. I am trying this first before putting my 1-year-old chubby girl (17lbs) on a prescription metabolic diet."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
Solid Gold Weight Control with Alaskan Pollock
4.5
Vet recommended
Solid Gold’s Fit as a Fiddle Weight Control recipe is worth a look if you’re searching for a grain-free, lower-calorie diet for your cat. It features Alaskan pollock as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source as well as important fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah recommends Solid Gold cat food for her furry clients. “Solid Gold cat food offers high-protein options with superfoods, antioxidants, and added probiotics for optimal feline nutrition. It is affordably priced, providing grain-free and tailored recipes to cater to various dietary preferences and needs,” she explains.
This recipe also features pre- and probiotics to support a healthy gut, which is essential for a strong immune system. And because it’s low in calories, this Solid Gold recipe can help your kitty stay in tip-top shape.
Solid Gold Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- 90 million living probiotics per pound to support optimal gut health.
- No artificial preservatives.
- More affordable than other brands on this list.
Considerations & concerns
- Some reports of upset stomachs.
- Some pet parents might like to see a lower carb content.
- Several buyers report that this recipe is not a hit with their picky cats.
What pet parents say about Solid Gold Weight Control
“This is one of the most nutritious cat foods I have worked with. My two indoor cats eat it willingly and it has given them high-quality health. I have been able to keep both of them with a good weight.”
“My cats love it. I inherited a very obese kitty when my mother suddenly passed. We have been trying hard and bought a brand my veterinarian recommended. Unfortunately, she ended up gaining more weight. I tried this food and she loves it and has lost a pound! SOLD.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Solid Gold Pet, LLC.
Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Salmon and Lentils
4.5
Vet recommended
This weight control recipe from Nulo is full of the goodness your cat needs to get back to a healthy weight. It provides the protein and amino acids cats need to maintain muscle, but it’s also low in calories and high in fiber to help your pet feel fuller for longer.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah notes, “Nulo is known for its high-quality, animal-based protein recipes and offers low-carb, grain-free options that are free from artificial additives and fillers. Rich in essential amino acids, it supports lean muscle development and is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats.”
Nulo Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Features probiotics for good gut health.
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- Available in 5 bag sizes to suit your needs.
Considerations & concerns
- The use of multiple protein sources won’t suit some pets.
- The fact that it’s grain-free won’t please all pet parents.
- Some complaints about small kibble size.
What pet parents say about Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim
"I use this food as a supplement/additive to their main dry food. The cats seem to like it and the smaller size makes it easier to chew."
"My indoor/ outdoor cats love it and it helps them stay trim during the winter when they are less active from not going outside."
"My cats did not hesitate at all when I switched to this food from the regular Nulu dry and seem to love it and most importantly it really works. My linebacker as I call her definitely lost and is maintaining a healthier weight."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Nulo.
Orijen Fit & Trim
5
Vet recommended
Orijen Fit & Trim provides a high-protein, low-calorie diet to help your feline friend shed those excess pounds. In fact, this recipe features 85% animal ingredients, with the first five ingredients listed being chicken, chicken liver, whole herring, turkey and turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard). Fit & Trim also includes L-carnitine to assist weight loss, and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
“Orijen is known for its high protein content, incorporating meat, organs, and bones from multiple animal sources,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “Recipes are made with fresh ingredients and avoids fillers, artificial additives, and grains. Additionally, they include a probiotic blend for digestive health. One potential drawback is that these diets are expensive; however, overall this is a high-quality, convenient diet option.”
Orijen Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- 85% animal ingredients.
- Made in the USA.
- Freeze-dried coated to make it extra tasty.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- Some complaints about upset stomachs.
- The use of multiple protein sources won’t suit all pets.
What pet parents say about Orijen Fit & Trim
“One of my cats has a tendency to gain weight and the other is a picky eater. The fact that they both like this quality food makes me very happy.”
“My cat seems to really like this food and lost about ~2 lbs over the span of a year on it! Before feeding her this food she was about 11 lbs, which was just a bit overweight for her frame, and now she is around 9 lbs, which is perfect for her. Our vet was very impressed with her weight loss and overall she’s doing great on this food.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Mars Petcare US, Inc.
Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
4.5
Vet recommended
This Healthy Weight recipe from Instinct is another option well worth considering if your kitty needs a little help staying in shape. It’s a grain-free formula that combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw chicken bites, providing 10% fewer calories than Instinct Raw Boost to help your cat shed excess pounds.
“Instinct cat food offers a species-appropriate diet with high protein content and real meat as the primary ingredient,” explains Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “With grain-free recipes and those free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, Instinct provides options that are suitable for cats with digestive sensitivities.”
This recipe features L-carnitine to help your cat convert fat into energy, and is a good source of fiber to ensure that your fur-baby feels fuller for longer. And because it’s made in the USA, you can enjoy peace of mind when you feed Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight to your pet.
Instinct Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors or preservatives.
- High in protein but lower in calories.
- Made in the USA.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- Some pet parents report that their cat doesn’t like the raw pieces.
- Some pet parents report that this food caused an upset stomach for their pet.
What pet parents say about Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
“My cat gobbles this stuff down and gets really excited when I give him food. I keep it in a jar to prevent him eating through the bag, and every time I open the lid he's trying to take bites out of the jar. However, he doesn't look like he's gained weight since being on this food! His favorite part is most definitely the freeze-dried bits, so that is what tends to go first. He seems to be doing alright and loves this food the most out of all he's had over the past 2 years. I try to switch up flavors every order so he doesn't get accustomed to just 1, in case he'll have a health issue that requires certain food later on. I definitely recommend this!”
“I purchased this because we have a rescue that has discovered the love of food. She is apparently making up for the first 2 years of her life that weren't so great. We got quite a stern lecture from the vet because she has gained almost 2 lbs (!) in the year we have had her, and is starting to look like a weeble wobble with legs. I did some research and this food was one of the most highly recommended for weight loss. She still begs for food every time a human walks into the kitchen, but she loves this food and has transitioned very rapidly from the old kibble. Our other cats like it too, unfortunately, since that makes it hard to judge how much she has eaten and the boys are supposed to be on CKD food. Our feeding situation has gotten quite complicated! This food is a solid hit, though, so I would recommend it for any picky eaters!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Nature's Variety.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control Recipe
4.5
Vet recommended
Last but not least on our list of the best cat food for overweight cats is this Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control Recipe from Merrick. Featuring deboned chicken as its first ingredient, this high-protein and low-calorie diet is loaded with all the nutritious goodness your pet needs to get back to a healthy weight range.
“Merrick offers high-protein diets with meat as the primary ingredient,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “Recipes are free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and rich in omega fatty acids and include probiotics for overall feline well-being.”
And because this recipe is made in the USA in facilities that follow FDA guidelines, you can feed it to your pet with confidence.
Merrick Cat Food
Why Wag! loves it
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
- L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism.
- Made in the USA.
Considerations & concerns
- Some picky eaters prefer other foods.
- Some pet parents report that their cat would like larger kibble pieces.
- There are cheaper options available.
What pet parents say about Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control Recipe
“This cat food got good reviews online and when I read the ingredients and nutritional content I was pleased also. My cat likes it, but to be honest he likes just about everything. What I'm happiest about is the low phosphorus content, which my vet advised me about. And the low fat content, as my large-framed cat is also a couple pounds overweight. He's been healthy and energetic.”
“My vet told me last year my cat was getting older and needed to lose at least 2 pounds, so it was time to switch to a low-calorie food. Over a year later I can happily say he's down 3 [pounds] and still loves his food.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Healthy Weight
4.5
Best wet food
If your fur-baby prefers the taste and texture of wet food, this weight control recipe from Blue Buffalo could be the "pawfect" addition to their dinner bowl. It features real chicken as the first ingredient, potatoes for easily digestible carbs, and flaxseed for fatty acids that promote skin and coat health.
This recipe also includes L-carnitine to help your cat reach a healthy weight, and it's a good source of fiber to stop your cat feeling hungry between meals.
And as we've already mentioned, Blue Buffalo is one of the cat food brands recommended by pet nutrition expert and Wag! veterinary consultant Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. So if you're searching for a high-quality wet food for your overweight cat, this Blue Buffalo recipe is well worth checking out.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Healthy Weight
Why Wag! loves it
- Good source of fiber to help your cat feel full.
- L-carnitine for weight control.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents might want larger can sizes.
- Not popular with some picky eaters.
- Some cats might prefer an alternative protein source to chicken.
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo True Solutions Healthy Weight
"This product is adored by my overweight cat who never did lose weight with vet-recommended kibble. He gets 1 teaspoon three times a week along with a bit less of his diet kibble and he gets very excited about it. He lost a half pound and his coat is shiny, his energy is good and he is eager to eat. I wish I had started this plan years ago."
"I find this product to be ideal for my SweetPea who thinks her real name is FOOD. I have learned a whole lot about her eating mentality in the 7 months I've had her and this food, spiced up with broths and pate toppers, works beautifully. It took me nearly 6 months to find a food that was an acceptable feeding solution for both SweetPea and me. If you have an inhaler of food, check this product out."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
FAQ
How can I tell if my cat is overweight?
What health issues can obesity cause for my cat?
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I think my cat is overweight. Should I switch them to a low-calorie diet?
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