5 Best Homemade Cat Food To Gain Weight (Vet approved)

As a dedicated cat parent, I strive to keep my feline friends healthy and happy. Sometimes, though, they need extra help maintaining or gaining weight.

That’s where homemade cat food to gain weight comes in handy. I’ve spent years perfecting nutritious and appealing recipesickiest eaters.

By using fresh ingredients and adjusting the nutritional balance, I can ensure my cats get the necessary calories without compromising their health.

Just like humans, cats can sometimes struggle with maintaining a proper weight, and as responsible pet owners, we need to ensure their well-being.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore the best 5 homemade cat food recipes specifically designed to promote weight gain in cats.

Here, I will give you the best ideas about how to gain weight from homemade cat food.

Let me share my tips and recipes to help your cat thrive.

Why is Weight Gain Important for Cats?

Before we dive into the best homemade cat food recipes for weight gain, it’s crucial to understand why weight gain is significant for cats.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your cat’s health and well-being. Underweight cats could be more prone to illnesses such as a compromised immune system, organ dysfunction, and dietary deficits.

Providing your cat with balanced and satiating food can boost its energy levels, fortify its immune system, and elevate its quality of life.

Factors Influencing Cat’s Weight Gain

Several factors can contribute to a cat’s difficulty gaining weight, including age, metabolism, underlying health conditions, and stress levels.

Addressing potential health concerns and consulting with a veterinarian before implementing dietary changes is important.

Best 5 Homemade Cat Food To Gain Weight

Here, I have the best 5 homemade cat foods for weight gain:

Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon fish oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken and brown rice.

2. Drizzle olive oil and fish oil (if using) over the mixture.

3. Mix chicken broth until the desired consistency is achieved.

4. Serve the chicken and rice delight to your cat in an appropriate portion.

Recipe 2: Salmon and Quinoa Surprise

Ingredients:

• 1 small can of salmon (in water, not oil)
• 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Drain the water from the can of salmon and flake the fish using a fork.

2. combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, and olive oil in a mixing bowl.

3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

4. Serve the mixture to your cat, dividing it into small portions.

Recipe 3: Salmon and Sweet Potato Feast

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked salmon (flaked)

• 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

• 1/4 teaspoon salmon oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. mix the cooked salmon, mashed sweet potato, and plain yogurt in a bowl.

2. Add salmon oil (if using) to enhance the omega-3 fatty acid content.

3. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Offer your cat the salmon and sweet potato feast, ensuring proper portion control.

Recipe 4: Beef and Pumpkin Medley

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef

• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

• 1 tablespoon cooked carrots (mashed)

• 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the cooked ground beef, canned pumpkin, and mashed carrots in a bowl.

2. Add coconut oil (if using) to increase the calorie content.

3. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Serve the beef and pumpkin medley to your cat, monitoring the portion size accordingly.

Recipe 5: Salmon and Quinoa Surprise

Ingredients:

• 1 small can of salmon (in water, not oil)

• 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa

• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Drain the water from the can of salmon and flake the fish using a fork.

2. combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, and olive oil in a mixing bowl.

3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

4. Serve the mixture to your cat, dividing it into small portions.

Why is My Cat Losing Weight?

If you’ve noticed that your cat is losing weight, it’s essential to understand the potential underlying causes.

Cat owners must act quickly if they see weight loss because it may indicate a serious health problem.

There may be some causes for your cat’s weight loss. A veterinarian should be consulted for a correct diagnosis and treatment, as weight loss in cats might indicate an underlying medical problem.

However, here are a few possible reasons for weight loss in cats:

◉ Poor diet or inadequate nutrition: losing weight can occur if your cat’s diet lacks essential nutrients or if they are not eating enough.

◉ Dental problems: Cats with dental issues may have difficulty eating, leading to a decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss.

◉ Gastrointestinal problems: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, or gastrointestinal infections can cause weight loss in cats due to poor absorption of nutrients.

◉ Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase a cat’s metabolic rate, causing weight loss despite increased appetite.

◉ Diabetes: Cats with diabetes may experience weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite.

◉ Cancer: Weight loss can be a symptom of various types of cancers in cats.

◉ Kidney Disease: Cats with chronic kidney disease often experience weight loss, increased drinking and urination, and a decreased appetite.

◉ Stress or anxiety: Cats that are stressed or anxious may have a decreased appetite, leading to weight loss.

These are only a few reasons for your cat’s weight loss; a veterinarian can perform a complete examination, order tests as needed, and diagnose the issue.

To ensure your cat receives the right care, ask a professional veterinarian for help.

How To Make Your Cat Gain Weight?

Focusing on nutritional strategies and addressing any underlying health issues is important to help your cat gain weight safely and effectively.

Here’s a table that outlines the key features and their corresponding values or strategies:

Features	Values/Strategies
Consult a Veterinarian	Rule out any underlying health issues (like parasites, hyperthyroidism, or dental problems).
High-Calorie Cat Food	Opt for high-calorie, nutrient-dense cat food specifically designed for weight gain.
Wet Food over Dry Food	Wet food is generally more palatable and contains more fat, which can help with weight gain.
Frequent, Smaller Meals	Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to stimulate appetite.
Supplemental Feeding	Consider adding calorie-dense supplements or kitten food to regular meals, which are higher in protein and fat.
Treats and Snacks	Provide healthy, high-calorie treats in moderation, such as freeze-dried meat or specialized weight-gain treats.
Food Temperature	Warm the food slightly to enhance aroma and palatability, making it more appealing to the cat.
Comfortable Feeding Environment	Ensure the cat eats in a calm and stress-free environment to encourage eating.
Meal Enhancers	Use meal toppers or flavor enhancers like tuna juice or chicken broth to make food more enticing.
Monitor and Adjust Portions	Please keep track of your cat’s weight weekly to ensure they are gaining weight at a healthy rate.
Hydration	Ensure your cat is well-hydrated, as dehydration can reduce appetite.
Gradual Weight Gain	Aim for a slow and steady weight gain to avoid digestive issues or other health complications.
Exercise and Play	Engage in moderate play to stimulate appetite and muscle growth, ensuring the cat remains active.
Dental Health	Maintain good dental health, as dental problems can hinder eating.
Regular Monitoring	Keep track of your cat’s weight weekly to ensure they are gaining weight at a healthy rate.

Note: Weight gain should be approached gradually to prevent health issues. Always consult a veterinarian to develop a plan tailored to your cat’s needs.

Best Cat Food For Weight Gain

Here’s a table listing some of the best cat foods for weight gain, along with their key features:

Brand/Name	Features/Values
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight	High-calorie, high-protein formula designed for gradual weight gain. Contains natural ingredients.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein	Grain-free, rich in protein and fat, with real chicken as the first ingredient, ideal for building muscle.
Royal Canin Recovery RS	Veterinary diet designed for recovery and weight gain; highly palatable and energy-dense.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN	Concentrated nutrition with high protein and fat content, designed for weight gain and recovery.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe	High in protein and fat, with real meat as the primary ingredient, supporting healthy weight gain.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original	High-protein, grain-free formula with added DHA for brain development, good for underweight cats.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight	Contains lean proteins and whole grains, with added fiber to maintain muscle mass while gaining weight.
Iams Proactive Health Kitten	Kitten formula with higher calories and protein, suitable for adult cats needing weight gain.
Solid Gold Let’s Stay In	High-calorie formula with added superfoods, designed for weight management and muscle maintenance.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free	Grain-free with high protein content and omega fatty acids, helps promote weight gain and overall health.
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+	Designed for senior cats, high in fat and protein to support weight gain in older cats.

Additional Tips:

✔ Mix and Match: Sometimes, mixing a higher calorie wet food with dry food can help increase overall caloric intake.

✔ Wet vs. Dry: Wet food is often more calorie-dense and palatable, but dry food can be left out longer, encouraging snacking.

✔ Transition Gradually: When switching foods, transition gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Note: Always consult with a veterinarian before starting your cat on a new diet, especially if they have underlying health issues.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The above homemade food recipes are just some of the many you can try to help your cat lose weight.

One of the finest ways to increase your cat’s health and vigor is to feed it homemade cat chow. Maintaining the right weight is crucial for your cat’s health and well-being.

By incorporating these best 5 homemade cat food recipes for weight gain into their diet, you can provide them with the necessary nutrients and calories to achieve a healthy weight.

Never significantly change your cat’s food without seeing your veterinarian; always monitor their development and well-being.

With the right care and balanced food, your feline companion will flourish and have a happy, healthy life.