6 Best Cat Food for Weight Loss 2024: Full Guide

Cat food delivery services streamline your pet's healthy diet. However, with numerous options available, selecting the best cat food for weight loss can be overwhelming. I've conducted thorough research to identify the best choices for your cat's weight management needs.

My selections adhere to AAFCO standards, ensuring they are nutritionally complete and balanced. Each product uses high-quality ingredients specifically formulated to support weight loss in cats. You can trust these picks for their nutritional integrity and effectiveness.

I recommend Smalls for your cat's weight loss journey. Its fresh food is not only nutritionally balanced but also offers the convenience of home delivery. Smalls caters to diverse preferences with different textures, making it easier for you to find an option that your cat will love.

The Best Cat Food for Weight Loss Reviewed

1. Smalls – Best Overall Cat Food for Weight Loss

Smalls provides a specialized cat food range ideal for weight loss. It features fresh, human-grade ingredients. Its 5 recipes are not only rich in protein and low in carbs but also have a high moisture content, aligning perfectly with the needs of cats on a weight loss diet.

What’s on Offer?

Smalls' recipes cater to various feline tastes. Options like Bird and Other Bird are available in Smooth, Ground, and Pulled textures. All other recipes – Pig (pork), Fish (cod and salmon), and Bird & Fish (chicken and salmon) – are available only as a Smooth pâté. This diversity is great for accommodating picky eaters who require a weight loss diet.

Nutrient preservation is key in Smalls' preparation process. By gently cooking and then freezing the cat food, Smalls ensures each meal is nutritious. This approach is particularly beneficial for cats on weight loss diets, maintaining essential nutrients.

High protein, low carb, and high moisture are Smalls' nutritional hallmarks. Such a balance is vital in cat food for weight loss, helping maintain muscle mass while reducing fat. Additionally, the moisture content helps keep cats hydrated and satiated.

What Makes It Special?

USDA-certified ingredients elevate Smalls' recipes. These high-quality ingredients are particularly appealing to picky eaters. This is crucial for a successful weight loss diet in cats.

Efficient energy conversion is a highlight of Smalls' diet. A cat consuming Smalls' food utilizes more of their intake for energy, an important aspect of weight loss diets. This effectiveness speaks to the quality of Smalls' formulations.

The brand's customer service is outstanding. When we tested Smalls, the team's friendliness and helpfulness made the transitioning to a Smalls diet easy and reassuring. This level of support is particularly valuable for those managing a cat's weight loss, and more details are available in our full review.

Is It Good Value?

Smalls’ pricing is on the premium side. With prices beginning at <$2 per meal, and the first order delivered free, followed by a $10 flat rate, it's an economical choice for ongoing weight management in cats.

The subscription offers notable perks. Signing up for a subscription with Smalls not only ensures regular deliveries but also includes free treats for life, adding value for those committed to their cat's long-term weight loss management.

2. The Honest Kitchen– Best Range of Cat Food for Weight Loss 

The Honest Kitchen offers a diverse range of cat food options tailored for weight loss. It provides dry, dehydrated, and wet cat foods, along with additional items like toppers, treats, and supplements. This variety ensures that there's something suitable for every cat's weight loss needs.

What’s on Offer?

It offers a variety of cat food types. These include dry, dehydrated, and wet options, catering to different feline preferences and requirements for weight loss diets. Read our in-depth review for more details.

A wide selection of proteins is available. Choices like chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and duck cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. For weight loss, you can filter the menu to find low-calorie, low-carb, and low-fat recipes, making it easier to choose the right food.

Toppers, treats, and supplements complement the main meals. These additional items can enhance the nutritional value of your cat's diet and support their weight loss journey, making mealtime enjoyable and health-focused.

What Makes It Special?

Recipes can be filtered for allergens. If your cat has allergies, you can easily find suitable options free from eggs, gluten, grains, and more, ensuring a safe and effective weight loss diet.

An easy-to-complete quiz helps find the perfect recipe. This tool simplifies the selection process, ensuring your cat gets the ideal food for their weight loss needs.

Feeding guides on every product provide valuable information. For a more tailored approach to your cat's diet, especially for weight loss, Smalls offers personalized recommendations that might be more suitable.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing is competitive, starting at $5.99 for dry food. Shipping is free on orders over $49, making it a cost-effective choice for those managing their cat's weight loss on a budget.

A rewards program adds extra value. You can earn points for shopping and other activities, enhancing the overall value of choosing The Honest Kitchen for your cat's weight loss diet.

3. Raised Right – Best Fresh Cat Food for Weight Loss

Raised Right specializes in fresh cat food that is highly suitable for weight loss. Its lightly cooked, human-grade recipes, including chicken and turkey, are tailored to support a healthy weight reduction in cats.

What’s on Offer?

All of its recipes are lightly cooked and human-grade. This ensures high-quality nutrition, which is essential in a cat's weight loss diet.

Variety in texture caters to different feline needs. With options like original and pate textures, it's particularly beneficial for senior cats on a weight loss regimen. Raised Right specializes in limited ingredient recipes, if you prefer more variety, check out The Honest Kitchen.

A full box contains 16 bags of food. These should be stored in the freezer and defrosted as needed, providing convenience and freshness in managing your cat's weight loss diet.

What Makes It Special?

Customization supports specific weight loss needs. You can tailor your order to align with your cat's unique dietary requirements for weight loss.

Plans are flexible and can be paused online. For any changes to your cat's details, contacting customer service is recommended.

Sustainability is a key focus. Raised Right offsets its carbon emissions, as detailed in our full review, showing its commitment to environmental responsibility alongside providing weight loss-friendly cat food.

Ingredient traceability enhances trust and transparency. Raised Right allows you to trace the origins of its ingredients on a map on its homepage. This feature is particularly reassuring for those attentive to the quality and source of your cat's food, especially when focusing on weight loss diets.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing starts at $9.99/bag. Shipping is complimentary for a full box, or $9.99 for a sample order, offering cost-effective options for weight loss diets. Special shipping considerations apply to Alaska and Hawaii. If you live here, requesting a quote is advised.

Budget-friendly plans are available. Opting for a 50% or 25% plan allows for the use of the food as a topper, making it accessible for those managing their budget while focusing on their cat's weight loss.

4. Open Farm – Best Ethical Cat Food for Weight Loss

Open Farm offers ethically produced cat food options that are ideal for weight loss. Its commitment to humane and sustainable practices is reflected in its diverse range of cat food types and formulations.

What on Offer?

It provides a variety of cat food types. These include dry, wet, RawMix (this is a blend of kibble with bone broth and raw meat pieces), freeze-dried raw, and bone broth, catering to different preferences in a weight loss diet.

A selection of proteins is available. Choices like chicken, lamb, salmon, and turkey offer diversity for your cat’s weight loss plan. Food scientists and nutrition specialists formulate these recipes, ensuring nutritional adequacy.

Meals are not pre-portioned. You will need to follow the guidelines on the packs to ensure proper serving sizes for weight loss, which is crucial for achieving the desired results.

What Makes It Special?

Open Farm partners with Terracycle for a recycling program. This initiative helps reduce waste from packaging, aligning with ethical and sustainable values. You will need to return your food storage bags for recycling.

All proteins are humanely raised. This ethical sourcing is crucial for those who prioritize animal welfare in their cat's weight loss diet.

Ingredient traceability is a key feature. As highlighted in our full review, you can trace all its ingredients, similar to Raised Right. While its quiz suggests suitable products, you have the freedom to choose your preferred options.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing is at the premium end of the spectrum, starting at $7/day . Shipping is free on orders over $50, or there's a $5.99 fee, making it a cost-effective choice for a weight loss diet.

A full refund is available within 15 days of the first order. This policy provides peace of mind when trying the product for your cat's weight loss.

Autoship offers convenience for regular orders. This service ensures you never run out of your cat’s weight loss food, simplifying the process of maintaining a consistent diet.

5. JustFoodForCats – Best Weight Loss Cat Food for Allergies

JustFoodForCats stands out for its specialized cat food recipe that supports weight loss. It is especially suitable for cats with allergies. Its fresh, human-grade recipes are designed to be both nutritious and gentle on sensitive digestive systems.

What’s on Offer?

Its Fish and Chicken recipe is tailored for cats with allergies. With limited ingredients and no preservatives, it's an ideal choice for weight loss diets in sensitive cats, containing 42 calories per ounce.

The food is gluten- and grain-free. This composition is crucial for cats with allergies and those on a weight loss diet, as it minimizes potential irritants while maintaining nutritional balance.

Its Salmon Bark treats are crafted specifically for cats. While the menu is somewhat limited, for more variety in weight loss-friendly cat food, Smalls is a recommended alternative.

What Makes It Special?

Human-grade cat food options are a hallmark. It prepares its meals in kitchens open to the public, ensuring transparency and quality. Check out our detailed review for more information on its cooking standards.

The food is lightly cooked and then frozen. This method preserves nutrition, essential for maintaining a healthy weight loss diet in cats. Delivery of these frozen meals ensures freshness and convenience.

Recipes meet AAFCO standards and are developed with specialists. This ensures the food is not only healthy but also meets stringent quality and nutritional guidelines, which are important for cats on a weight loss regimen.

Is It Good Value?

Pricing starts at $6.45 with free shipping on orders over $99. This pricing structure makes it a viable option for maintaining a weight loss diet in cats, especially those with allergies.

Autoship provides additional benefits. Signing up for autoship offers free shipping, a 40% discount on the first order, and 5% off recurring orders, adding significant value to regular purchases of this cat food for weight loss.

6. Chewy – Convenient Variety of Cat Food for Weight Loss

Chewy provides a diverse selection of cat food that caters to weight loss needs. It offers various types of food, including wet, dry, and specialty diets, making it a one-stop shop for cat owners. This range includes options that are specifically formulated for weight management.

What’s on Offer?

Chewy's selection includes wet and dry cat food, catering to different dietary preferences. It offers premium and raw options, ideal for cats needing specific nutritional care. This variety supports a well-rounded approach to cat weight loss.

It provides a vast range of protein options, like fish, beef, chicken, and duck. This diversity ensures that you can choose the best protein source for your cat's weight loss journey. Premium brands like Purina and Royal Canin are featured.

You can filter cat food choices by allergens, special diets, and weight loss requirements. With over 100 weight management items, including treats and toppers, finding the right food for your cat's weight loss becomes easier.

Chewy's range extends to veterinary diets. These specialized options cater to cats with specific health needs, supporting their weight loss and overall health. It's an ideal choice for cats requiring more than standard weight loss diets.

What Makes It Special?

Chewy offers great deals with subscriptions and frequent promotions. This approach not only makes cat weight loss food more affordable but also encourages regular purchases through savings. Our expert review highlights these benefits clearly.

Its expansive filter options, including food texture, life stage, and ratings, make shopping more efficient. While orders aren't personalized, you have the flexibility to select the best cat weight loss options yourself. In comparison, Smalls offers more personalized services.

Alongside cat food, Chewy offers a wide range of items, including toys and cat trees, which promote exercise for weight loss. The availability of pharmacy items adds to its specialty, offering a holistic approach to cat care.

Is It Good Value?

Chewy's cat food prices start at <$2 per meal. With no minimum order requirement, it accommodates various budget needs, making weight management options accessible to more cat owners.

Signing up for auto-ship brings an initial discount and 5% off future orders, offering savings on weight loss food. This, combined with shipping costs of $4.95 or free over $49, enhances the value of purchasing from Chewy.

It's worth noting that Chewy's cost-effectiveness extends beyond food. The combination of affordable prices, discounts on subscriptions, and a comprehensive range of weight loss products makes it a valuable choice for cat owners.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Cat Food for Weight Loss

Finding the best cat food for weight loss can be challenging due to the vast range of options available. I've gathered some tips to help you make an informed decision that suits your cat's needs and your budget.

• Consider your cat’s medical needs: Cats with specific health conditions require tailored diets. For instance, The Honest Kitchen offers options that cater to various health needs while aiding in weight loss. It's crucial to choose a diet that doesn't just reduce calories but also supports your cat's overall health. Additionally, certain ingredients can be more beneficial for cats with conditions like diabetes or kidney issues.

• Consider the nutritional information: Understanding the nutritional content is key to effective weight loss. Smalls focuses on high-protein, low-carb recipes that help cats lose weight healthily. Check for balanced nutrients in the food to ensure your cat is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in protein and fiber can help maintain muscle mass while reducing fat.

• Consider your price point: Weight loss cat food should fit within your budget without compromising quality. Every provider on this list offers solid value for money, with options for price ranges, bulk discounts, and shipping costs. Use our coupon codes to make the most of your purchase and find a balance between cost and quality. Remember that investing in quality food can lead to fewer vet bills in the long run.

• Consult with your vet: Before switching your cat's food, it's essential to talk to your vet. They can advise on transitioning to new foods and managing any digestive issues. Your vet can also recommend specific diets based on your cat's unique health profile, ensuring the weight loss process is safe and effective. Regular check-ins with the vet during the transition can help monitor your cat's response to the new diet.

FAQ

What is the best cat food for cats to lose weight?

Smalls offers an all-round healthy, balanced diet for weight loss. It provides high-protein, low-carb options that are essential for a cat's weight loss journey. The ingredients in Smalls are carefully selected to ensure they meet nutritional requirements while helping your cat shed extra pounds.  

What is the best cat food for overweight indoor cats?

Chewy has options specifically designed for indoor cats' needs. These foods are formulated to support weight loss while considering the less active lifestyle of indoor cats. It offers a balance of nutrients to prevent overfeeding and ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight. Chewy's extensive range allows you to choose from various brands.

Is wet or dry cat food better for weight loss?

It depends on your cat’s preferences and dietary needs. Both wet and dry foods can be effective for weight loss, provided they are formulated for that purpose. Check out the services on my list for a variety of wet and dry options. Wet food can be more filling with fewer calories, which is beneficial for weight loss, while dry food may be more convenient.

Best Cat Food for Weight Loss in 2024 — Final Score