Last updated Oct 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
We recommend Feline Natural freeze-dried raw cat food as the best cat food for weight gain. In addition to being a calorie-dense option rich in animal-sourced protein for healthy muscle tone, it is designed to be rehydrated which gives it a soft texture that’s easy on senior cats’ teeth.
We’ll talk more about this recipe and our other top eight recommendations later. For now, let’s discuss the qualities of the best cat food for weight gain.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Weight Gain To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Contains muscle meat and organs
- High in protein, low in carbohydrates
- Simple list of quality ingredients
Rawz 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- High moisture content supports hydration
- Very low in carbohydrates
Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Energy dense formula with limited ingredients
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe
- First ten ingredients are all animal-based
- Contains muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Air-dried rather than extruded
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Canned Cat & Kitten Food
- Economically priced in larger cans
- Top five ingredients are all animal-based
- Rich in animal protein and fat
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Rustic Blend Wet Food
- Made with a single source of premium animal protein
- Formulated with 100% human-grade, traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
Young Again ZERO Cat & Kitten Formula Dry Food
- Concentrated source of protein and calories
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Relies primarily on animal fat
Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Chicken Recipe Wet Canned Cat Food
- Made with 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver
- Highly palatable pate texture is easy to eat
- Rich in the moisture and protein cats need
Why Should You Trust Us?
We’ve reviewed over 200 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of different formulas. We’ve spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, analyzing labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with most of these foods.
How We Tested
We personally purchased and tested the products on this list. The entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
What Is the Best Cat Food for Weight Gain?
Chiefly, the best cat food for weight gain is one that helps to address the root of your cat’s weight problem.
Again, your cat’s unique situation dictates their dietary needs.
Generally speaking, an abnormally low weight is the result of either a poor appetite, mouth problems, or a condition that’s preventing the cat from maintaining a healthy weight. The latter category includes intestinal worms or a thyroid condition like hyperthyroidism.
In most cases, this means that the best cat foods for weight gain provide a combination of palatability and calorie density.
Remember that senior cats need high-quality protein to prevent muscle wasting.
Senior cats, with their tendency to lose muscle mass and become “skinny old cats”, are usually the first group to require food for weight gain. It was once recommended that senior cats eat low-protein diets due to a possible connection between excessive protein and the kidney failure experienced by so many senior cats.
More current research, however, indicates that a diet rich in high-quality animal protein can help prevent sarcopenia of aging – the muscle wasting associated with old age. Cats are still obligate carnivores, so animal-based protein is an essential part of your cat’s diet, regardless of his weight.
Click here for a list of the best cat foods for senior cats.
If your cat has a poor appetite, choose foods and supplements that help to rev up their desire to eat.
It’s terrifying to watch your cat refuse meal after meal. Because it’s so important to ensure that your cat continues to take in sustenance, you’ll need to think creatively to encourage your cat to eat.
Here are a few foods, food toppers, and supplements that have a history of encouraging picky cats to eat.
- Bonito flakes
- Bone broth
- Duck fat
- Unseasoned chicken, turkey, or beef baby food
- Chunks of raw or cooked unseasoned meat
- Canned sardines packed in water
- Canned tuna packed in water
The following are calorie-dense diet supplements that help your cat take in calories without spending much time at the food bowl:
- Egg yolks
- Purina Fortiflora Feline Nutritional Supplement
- Wysong PDG Canine/Feline Food Supplement
- Tomlyn Nutri-Cal For Cats
Click Here to Read Our Guide on The Best Probiotics for Cats
Don’t think that because it’s calorie-dense, dry cat food is necessarily the best cat food for weight gain in adult cats.
Although many cats find dry food highly palatable and it is often more calorie-dense than wet food, it’s not always the best choice for weight gain.
First and foremost, dry cat food doesn’t offer the moisture your cat requires to stay healthy and hydrated. If you choose a dry food diet for your cat, you’ll need to supplement their moisture intake in other ways.
Second, dry cat food isn’t ideal for seniors and other cats with poor dental health. If your cat has lost weight due to oral pain or other dental issues, dry kibble may only exacerbate the problem.
Finally, commercial dry food is more likely than wet cat food to contain protein sources that are not species-appropriate for cats – things like pea protein and corn gluten meal rather than whole animal proteins.
All this said, if the only thing your cat will eat is dry food, quality options do exist. Look for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate recipe with a short list of ingredients and no artificial additives.
If your cat isn’t picky, wet cat food or even freeze-dried raw food might be the best option for weight gain. These foods tend to be more carnivore-appropriate and higher in moisture than the average commercial dry food. You’ll still have to pay attention, however, to things like carb content and caloric density.
Top 8 Best Cat Foods for Weight Gain
#1 Overall Best: Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Brand: Feline Natural
- Made In: New Zealand
- Calories Per Ounce: 139
- Main Protein Source: Chicken
- Price: $37.49
Each ounce of this freeze-dried food contains about 139 calories.
Raw food comprised of muscle meat, organ, and bone is generally the most species-appropriate choice for cats but isn’t always convenient for cat owners. This freeze-dried cat food from Feline Natural is just about as close as you can get without sacrificing shelf stability.
This cat food features fresh muscle meat and organs from chicken and lamb, supplemented with New Zealand green mussels as a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
The downside of freeze-dried food is the low moisture content. We recommend rehydrating freeze-dried food in warm water or broth – not only does it increase the moisture content but it makes the food more appealing to many cats .
At nearly 140 calories per ounce, this freeze-dried cat food is very calorie-dense. A 10-pound cat would only need about 1 ½ ounces of the food per day to maintain their bodyweight. It would be easy to mix up a small amount of this food to give your underweight cat a boost of protein and calories during the day.
Ingredients
Chicken, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Lamb Blood, Flaxseed Flakes, New Zealand Green Mussel, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Lamb Blood, New Zealand Green Mussel
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains muscle meat and organs
- High in protein, low in carbohydrates
- Simple list of quality ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Should be rehydrated before feeding
#2 Runner Up: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Cat Food
- Brand: RAWZ
- Made In: Thailand
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Main Protein Source: Turkey
- Price: $76.56
Each ounce of this freeze-dried food contains about 139 calories.
If you prefer to simplify mealtime with a product that doesn’t need to be rehydrated, this RAWZ canned food formula is a great option. Packed with animal protein from turkey and turkey liver, it is a high-moisture, calorie-dense choice.
This formula features a short list of simple ingredients which makes it easily digestible for most cats. The soft pate texture improves palatability for kittens, older cats, and cats with dental issues while the single-protein formula makes it appropriate for cats with food allergies.
At 34 calories per ounce, this canned food is fairly calorie-dense as well. It’s also very low in carbohydrates and doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s simply a high-protein, moisture-rich canned food that offers decent caloric density and good digestibility.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- High moisture content supports hydration
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Single-protein recipe appropriate for cats with allergies
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Some cats dislike the texture
#3 Best Subscription: Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 16.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 49
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Each ounce of this fresh food contains about 449 calories.
Smalls fresh cat food is made with human-grade ingredients. Their formulas contain a limited number of ingredients, focused primarily on fresh muscle meat and organ meat from single animal sources.
What makes Smalls great for underweight cats, however, is the fact that you can customize your subscription according to your individual cat’s needs. The food comes in 5-ounce packages, delivered monthly, and you can add or remove packages from your plan as needed. All subscriptions come with a bag of Shameless Pets cat treats.
This Smooth Cow recipe is high in protein and fat but low in carbohydrates. It’s rich in moisture, as well, which supports your cat’s hydration in addition to providing a species-appropriate, concentrated source of calories and nutrition to help your cat gain weight.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Liver, Green Beans, Spinach, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Energy dense formula with limited ingredients
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Adjust your monthly delivery as needed
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#4 Premium Pick: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe
- Brand: Ziwi Peak
- Made In: New Zealand
- Calories Per Ounce: 128
- Main Protein Source: Mackerel
- Price: $33.48
Each ounce of this air-dried food contains 128 calories.
Made with fresh mackerel and lamb muscle meat, organs, and bone, this recipe is a protein-rich choice for cats who prefer dry food.
The first ten ingredients in this food are all animal-based. In addition to supplementing the protein content of the fish and lamb, New Zealand green mussel provides antioxidants and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
While this food is rich in protein and healthy fats from animal sources, it is much lower in moisture than canned food. It is an air-dried recipe, however, so the food isn’t subjected to the high heat of the extrusion process. It’s a nutrient- and calorie-dense option for cats who prefer dry food, but you should supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in their diet.
The primary downside of this cat food is the price. Some customers report their cats dislike the texture as well, though others have commented that the strong mackerel aroma is appealing to even their picky eaters.
Ingredients
Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Dried Apple Pomace, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Lamb Cartilage, Dried Organic Kelp, Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine.
Ingredients We Liked: Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Bone
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First ten ingredients are all animal-based
- Contains muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Air-dried rather than extruded
- Low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low moisture content
- Expensive
#5 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Brand: Nulo
- Made In: United States
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Main Protein Source: Turkey
- Price: $44.28
Each ounce of this wet food contains about 37 calories.
Though affordably priced around $0.30 per ounce when you buy the 12-ounce cans, this Nulo Freestyle cat food is a high-protein, fairly calorie-dense choice.
This recipe features fresh turkey and chicken as the main ingredients, supplemented with additional animal protein from turkey liver and tuna. Menhaden fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, is the primary source of added fat.
As a canned food, this recipe is rich in hydrating moisture. It also has a fairly short list of ingredients and is free from beans, peas, and legumes which helps improve digestibility. The food is, however, thickened with guar gum – this ingredient has been known to cause loose stools in some cats.
Overall, if you’re looking for a canned food that’s higher in calories than the average recipe but still contains plenty of animal-sourced protein and fat, this Nulo recipe is an economically priced pick.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Economically priced in larger cans
- Top five ingredients are all animal-based
- Rich in animal protein and fat
- High in moisture to support hydration
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may cause loose stools
- Not appropriate for cats with fish allergies
#6 Best Wet: Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Rustic Blend Wet Food
- Brand: Open Farm
- Made In: United States
- Calories Per Ounce: 150
- Main Protein Source: Beef
- Price: $0.54 per oz
Each 5.5-ounce carton contains 172 calories.
Formulated with a single source of animal protein and made with 100% human-grade, easily traceable ingredients, this beef stew from Open Farm is our pick for the best ethically-sourced cat food for weight gain. This wet food formula comes packaged in a cardboard carton rather than a can, making it easy for you to close the package if you don’t use all the food for one meal.
This beef recipe wet food is supplemented with a blend of functional ingredients like non-GMO cranberries for urinary support and superfoods like dandelion greens, spinach, and carrots that provide natural sources for key nutrients.
We appreciate that this recipe is made with a single source of high-quality animal protein, but we wouldn’t mind seeing other animal-based ingredients. Organ meats, for example, would be a nutritious addition to this formula, and we’d prefer to see an animal-based fat in place of the sunflower oil or coconut oil.
While this formula does contain a significant number of plant ingredients, the dry matter carbohydrate content is only around 11%. And we generally prefer to avoid beans and legumes like lentils and chickpeas in cat food.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Beef, Beef Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of premium animal protein
- Formulated with 100% human-grade, traceable ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains a significant number of plant-based ingredients
- Fairly expensive compared to the average cat food
#7 Best Dry: Young Again ZERO Cat & Kitten Formula Dry Food
- Brand: Young Again
- Made In: United States
- Calories Per Ounce: 128
- Main Protein Source: Pork
- Price: $0.34 per oz
Each ounce of dry cat food contains about 128 calories.
While dry cat food doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs, some cats simply prefer kibble. This Young Again kibble recipe is a protein-rich, calorie-dense choice for cats who need to gain weight, but its low carbohydrate content makes it a great option for many cats.
More than just being low in carbs, however, this food contains 60% dry matter crude protein, primarily from animal sources. The food contains a blend of hydrolyzed pork, chicken, and herring protein with chicken fat as the primary source of added protein.
Because this food is so calorie-dense, your cat doesn’t need a lot of it. Even if you prefer to feed your cat wet food, adding this food as a meal topper is a low-carb way to increase the protein and calorie content of your cat’s meals.
Ingredients
Hydrolyzed Pork, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Flavor, Guar Gum, Herring Meal, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, Fish Oil, Psyllium Husk (Source of Soluble Dietary Fiber), Potassium Citrate, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Brewers Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Potassium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Tryptophan, L-Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Source of Stabilized Vitamin C), L-Carnitine, Betaine Anhydrous, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Copper Proteinate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dehydrated Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Beta Carotene, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols, Potassium Sorbate and Citric Acid (Preservatives).
Ingredients We Liked: Hydrolyzed Pork, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Herring Meal, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Concentrated source of protein and calories
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Relies primarily on animal fat
- Free from potatoes, corn, and wheat
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Guar gum gives some cats loose stools
#8 Best For Seniors: Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Chicken Recipe Wet Food
- Brand: Instinct
- Made In: United States
- Calories Per Ounce: 44
- Main Protein Source: Chicken
- Price: $32.28
Each ounce of this wet food contains about 44 calories.
With its soft pate texture and high moisture content, this canned food from Instinct is a great choice for seniors. At 44 calories per ounce and 34% dry matter crude fat, however, it’s a calorie-dense option for any cat that needs to gain weight.
This recipe contains 95% chicken, chicken liver, and turkey. Egg product provides supplemental protein while tuna fish oil acts as the primary source of added fat. Tuna fish oil is a particularly rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which offer anti-inflammatory benefits and help protect your cat’s skin and coat.
Though this recipe is primarily chicken-based, it does contain turkey as a secondary source of protein. If your cat has food allergies, one of the limited ingredient recipes from Instinct might be a more appropriate choice.
This recipe does contain a handful of plant ingredients, including starchy peas. But the overall carbohydrate content is still under 10% when measured as dry matter.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Turkey, Peas, Carrots, Pumpkin, Tomato, Kale, Cabbage, Ground Flaxseed, Tuna Fish Oil, Guar Gum, Broccoli, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Parsley, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Iron Proteinate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement).
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Egg Product, Turkey, Tuna Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Concentrated source of calories and fat
- Rich in animal protein and fat
- High in moisture to support hydration
- Soft pate texture is easy for older cats to eat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a single-protein recipe
- Contains starchy peas
