John Seeberg

Written by John Seeberg

Updated: February 5, 2025

What are the best cat foods for weight gain?

Updated: February 5, 2025

If you need to help your cat gain weight, look for high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods with quality protein, which are essential for muscle growth

Healthy cats need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oil, flaxseed, chicken fat, in their diet for extra calories and to support skin and coat health. Animal fats (eg beef tallow, duck fat) provide extra energy too.

High-calorie carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, peas, brown rice, and oats provide digestible energy. But avoid foods with excessive fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, which may cause digestive issues.

Essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12 and taurine help a cat’s metabolism and muscle maintenance.

And probiotics and digestive enzymes from ingredients such as pumpkin, probiotics (Lactobacillus, Enterococcus) improve digestion, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach.

Reasons your cat might need to gain weight

There are several reasons why a cat might need to gain weight, including medical conditions, dental issues and infections. 

Cats recovering from surgery or major illnesses often need extra calories to regain strength.

And senior cats (10+ years old) naturally lose muscle mass and may need extra calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Some cats can be picky-eaters, simply refusing to eat certain foods, and stray or rescued cats often need high-calorie diets to rebuild muscle and fat reserves.

If your cat is losing weight unexpectedly or struggling to gain weight despite eating well, it’s best to consult a vet to rule out underlying health conditions.

Additional Tips to Help a Cat Gain Weight

  • Feed smaller, frequent meals (3–4 times a day).
  • Use calorie-dense wet food or add kitten food to their diet.
  • Supplement with a little cooked chicken, turkey, or salmon if your cat tolerates it.
  • Try appetite stimulants (if recommended by your vet) if your cat is reluctant to eat.
  • If your cat is losing weight unexpectedly, consult a vet to rule out underlying health issues like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or dental problems.

Below we have put together a list of the best cat foods for weight gain - as recommended by our team of advisors, made up of veterinarians and pet nutritionists - which we hope will help you make the best choice for your cat.

  • pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

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    Highly Recommended

    PawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Beef Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    It is one of three recipes in this product range made by PawTree, an online company founded by Roger Morgan in 2012 and based in Southlake, Texas. 

    This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef and our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 39.4% protein, 36.2% fat and 16.5% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 92%.

    The food provides an excellent source of quality protein derived from animal meat. It is limited in its ingredients and gently freeze-dried at low temperatures to preserve the nutrients.

    Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food range here
    Main Ingredients Beef, beef liver, beef hearts, garbanzo beans, dried sweet potatoes
    Texture Dry
    Type Freeze-dried
    Protein Percentage 39.4%
    AAFCO Standards All life stages
    Best For All cats

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    Sample buyer review...

    "I ordered this for my 3 cats. I use this as a topper for their regular dry food. They love it! This is very rich so I am careful not to give them too much!"

  • FreshPet Vital (Fresh)

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    Recommended

    Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken Recipe with Antioxidant-rich Vegetables & Eggs received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest  rating: 4.5 stars.

    It is one of two formulas in this Freshpet product line. Freshpet was founded in Secaucus, New Jersey, in 2006 by Scott Morris, John Phelps and Cathal Walsh. It opened a factory in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in 2006 and another in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 2013. 

    Freshpet Vital Grain-Free chicken recipe with antioxidant-rich vegetables & eggs recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 48.6% protein, 31.4% fat and 12% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 65%.

    This food provides cats with an excellent source of protein. The fresh ingredients are locally sourced, are preservative free and gently cooked to lock in the nutrients. 

    Read our review of the full FreshPet Vital (Fresh) range here
    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, natural flavors, pea protein, eggs
    Texture Wet
    Type Fresh
    Protein Percentage 48.6%
    AAFCO Standards All life stages
    Best For All cats

    Save up to 35%

    with Autoship
    See discount in cart

    Sample buyer review...

    "I decided to give this a try and I’m so happy to say my cat goes to the food bowl as soon as I put it down and licks the bowl clean! He loves this stuff 😃 I am one happy mama! "

  • Wysong Optimal Line (Dry)

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    Recommended

    Wysong Optimal Vitality received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    It is one of two recipes in this product range made by Wysong, a family run business that was established in 1979 by Dr Randy Wysong. 

    Wysong Optimal Vitality recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken meal and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.6% protein, 15.6% fat and 20.9% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 28%.

    This recipe provides high protein content and good-quality animal protein, with added vitamins and minerals. Designed to be holistic in its composition, it contains low levels of carbohydrate, multiple organic ingredients, probiotics and natural omega-3. A good diet option to consider.

    Read our review of the full Wysong Optimal Line (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Chicken meal, organic chicken, turkey meal, pea protein, potato protein
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 55.6%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult cats

    Save up to 35%

    with Autoship
    See discount in cart

    Sample buyer review...

    "Wysong was founded by a veterinarian, and they are an ethical company that bases their formulas on science rather than marketing hype. I have raised several generations of healthy cats on this food."

  • Blackwood Bounty (Dry)

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    Recommended

    Blackwood Bounty Dry Cat Food Grain Free Red Meat Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars.

    It is one of six foods in this product range made by Blackwood, a family-operated brand that’s based in Ohio.  Founded around 20 years ago, the company offers super premium wet and dry dog and foods. 

    Blackwood Bounty Dry Cat Food Grain Free Red Meat Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.7% protein, 22.2% fat and 23.1% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.

    This recipe is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different stages of life. It has a mix of natural ingredients and uses a slow-cooking process to enhance the flavor and preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients. 

    Read our review of the full Blackwood Bounty (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Lamb, salmon meal, whitefish meal, egg product, salmon meal
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 46.7%
    AAFCO Standards All life stages
    Best For All cats

    Save up to 35%

    with Autoship
    See discount in cart

    Sample buyer review...

    "My picky cats actually gobbled up this food, which is a miracle in itself. I switched to it because I was feeling guilty about all the fillers in their old food, and this one seems to have way better ingredients. Their coats look shinier, and they seem more energetic since we made the switch."

  • Tom & Sawyer (Fresh)

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    Highly Recommended

    Tom & Sawyer Bento Box Fresh Cat Food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    It is one of three recipes in a product range made by Tom & Sawyer,  a company founded by  Kristin Matthews and Peter Zakarow in 2015. The duo work with nutritionists, vets, and labs, along with chefs, to formulate their nutritionally balanced recipes.

    This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 37.6% protein, 45% fat and 9.4% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 120%.

    The food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and a mix of antioxidants and omega 3 oil. A freshly cooked recipe, such as this, can support a softer and more shinier coat, in addition to fewer allergic reactions.

    Read our review of the full Tom & Sawyer (Fresh) range here
    Main Ingredients Ground turkey meat, atlantic salmon, sweet potato, egg, spinach
    Texture Wet
    Type Fresh
    Protein Percentage 37.6%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult cats

    Sample buyer review...

    "My cat, who can be picky with raw and gently cooked foods, LOVES these meals! They are quite expensive though, so will unfortunately only be able to feed this as a special treat."

Sources

Cat Food Advisor

Protect Your Cat