Top Cat Food Brands for Best Weight Management in 2021

You might think your kitty looks adorable with chubby cheeks and a round tummy, but we all agree that extra pounds have never been good for anyone. Luckily for you, there's no need to take your furry friend to the gym, you can reverse the problem at home with additional activity and the right diet food for cats. With hundreds of options available online and offline, you might take months of research to find the right option for the plum cat. Or you could skip this step and use this guide to pick one of the best diet cat food brands that'll make the kitty lithe and happy again.

Have you ever used those formulas to calculate your body mass index and learn whether your weight is healthy? The same can be done for your kitty. Of course, only the doctor knows the ideal weight depending on the breed, age, activity level, and other factors, but most cats should stay under 10 pounds. A couple of extra pounds might not seem so critical for you, but for your tubby, they translate into 20% extra body mass (that's 30 pounds for someone at 150 pounds).

Still not convinced your cat needs to go on a diet? Let's take a look at the long-term consequences of extra weight. These include:

• Cat diabetes. It's common among obese pets, and returning to a healthy weight may lead to full remission.
• Arthritis. With chronic joint pain, your kitty will hardly want to jump and run, resulting in a passive lifestyle and increased weight gain in a vicious cycle.
• High blood pressure. Coupled with different health issues, it might lead to internal organs failure and the loss of eyesight if left untreated.

The worst part is that the clinics are loath to treat obese cats. They are more prone to complications post-surgery, and they suffer more from anesthesia than cats keeping to a healthier weight.

As you see, choosing the best diet cat food is not a fad. It is crucial for your kitty's long-term health if you've noticed signs of weight gain. Coupled with increased activity and proper food management, diet meals will protect the cat from multiple health issues and risks.

Unsurprisingly, Hill's Science Diet Cat Food is among the best dry cat food for weight control options on the market. 97% of Chewy reviewers recommend this product, and the number of positive diet cat food reviews across the Internet is staggering. It might also be the only kibble on our list that has virtually no health-related complaints by cat owners. If that's not a solid proof of its quality and safety, what is?

However, if you believe in organic products or freeze-dried raw components, look elsewhere. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Hill's Science Diet. Over the years, it has proved to be an effective way to control feline weight gain without endangering the digestive system, urinary tract, and other internal organs.

What Makes Hill's the Best Weight Loss Cat Food?

1. Best value for money (around $40 for a 15-pound bag)
2. USA-based study proven weight loss results
3. Well-balanced nutritional value with only 300 kcal per cup
4. Alternative flavors available for increased kitty meal variety
5. Made in the USA with globally-sourced natural ingredients

If you're not sure Hill's Science Diet is suitable for your cat, don't go buying the biggest bag they offer. Start with a modest 3-pounder and move your way up once your cat becomes accustomed to the updated smell, flavor, and shape.

Only domesticated animals get overweight, and the problem is becoming more common. You are responsible for your tabby’s meals, and so you should take responsibility for her obesity.

Ideal Cat Weight

It’s not a number or a range, rather a score on a body condition scoring chart. The ideal weight is 5 on a 9-point scale. Your cat’s weight is ideal if

• You cannot see the spine or ribs but can easily feel them under a thin layer of fat.
• You can see an abdominal tuck if you look at your cat in profile.
• You can barely feel a small fat pad on your kitty’s tummy.

How to Tell if Your Cat is Obese

Visit a vet for a precise evaluation of your cat’s condition. Still, a simple examination at home with a body condition scoring chart will give you a good idea when weight management is in order.

If your tabby does not meet one of the ideal weight requirements above, she is likely overweight or obese. You will notice that the ribs are difficult, if not impossible, to palpate. When you look at your kitty from the top, you won’t see a visible waistline, and you’ll notice a rounded tummy if you look at her in profile.

Ways to Help Your Cat to Lose Weight

Negative energy balance is key to weight loss in cats. Achieve it though

• Proper portion size. Weigh you kitty and follow the feeding guideline on the cat food packaging.
• Increased daily activity. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes per day to keep your kitty on her paws or use automatic toys to do the job for you.
• Interactive feeding. Combine mealtimes with fun games using interactive feeders that will have your kitty chasing the healthy treats.

The Verdict. What Is the Best Low-Calorie Cat Food?

With hundreds of options on the market, why choose one of the three suggestions we make? That's easy!

Royal Canin Weight Care Dry Cat Food has the longest history of proven weight loss that no up-and-coming brand can beat, so it’s our choice of best diet cat food (dry).

Hill's Science Diet Cat Food offers a scientifically-designed ingredients list that upholds perfect health while lowering the weight.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management Feline Food is something your trusted vet will suggest as a safe and sure way to help your cuddly kitty let go of that extra pound or two.

What Do You Look for When Choosing Diet Wet Cat Food or Kibble?

Finally, if you have tested these brands and found them wanting, here are a couple of tips to find the perfect weight-loss meal for your cat. Quality food should possess:

• Minimum fat with heightened percentage of protein+fiber combo to ensure low caloric content
• Vitamins, minerals, L-carnitine and other stuff to support the feline health
• Delicious flavor and aroma to entice your cat into switching from current kibble
• Balanced pH to prevent urinary infections and kidney stones
• No synthetic additives to affect flavor, color, or shelf life that could hurt your kitty's health

Follow these simple rules, and your kitty will get lean, strong, and healthy in no time!