When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best weight loss cat foods are packed with nutritious ingredients to support a healthy weight.Royal Canin; Hill's; Iams; Purina; Farmina/Business InsiderThe best weight loss foods for cats are typically lower in calories and fat than regular formulas and deliver more nutrients per serving. In addition, these foods often contain extra fiber to help cats feel full even when they're eating fewer calories.To select weight-management foods for this guide, we asked veterinarians what to look for in foods for overweight cats. Based on their insights, our top picks include Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Medley wet food and Royal Canin Weight Care dry food. Both are formulated with ingredients that support fat metabolism and help cats feel fuller for longer.All of the foods featured below meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These benchmarks are consistently endorsed by the veterinarians we consult and are essential to our recommendations. Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.Our top picks for the best weight loss food for catsBest overall wet: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Medley, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $52 at ChewyBest overall dry: Royal Canin Weight Care Adult Dry Cat Food, 6 lb. bag - $43 at ChewyBest budget wet: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Weight Control Chicken Recipe, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $36 at ChewyBest budget dry: Purina One +Plus High Protein Chicken, 7 lb. bag - $18 at ChewyBest for seniors: Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Chicken Recipe, 7 lb. bag - $17 at ChewyHow weight loss food for cats worksThe best weight loss foods for cats are specially formulated and labeled as "weight management," "weight loss," or "healthy weight" cat food. There's no one-size-fits-all food for overweight cats. Your cat's ideal diet depends on factors like their individual needs, age, ideal weight, and overall health. That's why consulting your veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet is essential. They can recommend appropriate food and help you create a safe, effective weight loss plan tailored to your cat.It's also helpful to understand factors that cause cats to gain weight, such as aging, decreased mobility, excessive calorie consumption, and limited mental and physical activity. Spaying or neutering is critical for overall health, but it can also lead to gradual weight gain.If your cat is overweight, your veterinarian can determine their daily calorie requirements and recommend an appropriate weight management diet. Proper portion control is key for weight loss and maintenance, but simply feeding your cat less can be dangerous. Smaller portions may not provide all the nutrients your cat needs, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.How we recommend the best weight loss food for catsTo pick the best weight loss foods for cats, we consulted four veterinarians, including three who specialize in animal nutrition. They didn't recommend specific foods, but they helped us determine what makes for an effective weight loss food and how to ensure your cat loses weight safely and healthily.We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and other publications and organizations linked in this guide.Best wet overallThese wet foods from Hill's, Purina, and Royal Canin contain beneficial ingredients you'll find in the best weight loss food for cats.Chewy; Purina/Business InsiderWet food contains 75% to 78% moisture, compared with just 10% to 12% in dry food. This difference is significant because cats tend to get most of their hydration from what they eat rather than from drinking water, says Dr. Debra Zoran, a small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. What's more, the higher water content in canned food can also help cats feel fuller, even when they're consuming fewer calories.Since wet and dry cat foods differ so much in moisture content, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis when comparing their nutritional content. This means removing all moisture from the wet food and calculating nutritional values based on the remaining solids. For our picks, we contacted manufacturers directly to obtain nutritional information on a dry matter basis. If you want to compare other dry and wet foods, you can use the instructions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, reach out to the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for guidance.Our recommendations for the best wet cat food for weight loss include added fiber
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