Cat Food For Overweight Cats
Cat food for weight loss or management is meant to help them get down to a healthy weight, and then maintain this thereafter. Essentially, food made for overweight cats or those who need to lose weight is low in calories.
It will also be high in protein which encourages fat burning while keeping their muscles in good condition when this is occurring.
High levels of fibre will help your cat to stay fuller for longer as well, so they are more likely to stick to their usual two meals per day and resist the treats.
Many brands also feature other additions, such as urinary security to keep kidney or urinary infections at bay, which are more common in overweight cats. These could be worth bearing in mind if your pet’s weight has affected other parts of their life, too.
Weight management is all about losing the excess until they are at a healthy point and then continuing this lifestyle. Depending on how much they need to lose, they may need a specific form of food.
Buying Cat Food For Weight Management
Never buy any of this food without the recommendation of your vet. If you have noticed that your cat is putting on weight, you should go to your vet anyway so they can check for other issues.
There are always several different kinds of medical food too, such as ones which help with weight but also heart issues or urinary issues, and using one which is slightly different or doesn’t use the ingredients your cat needs could mean the whole thing is pointless (or maybe even fatal).
The idea of buying any medical pet food online is simply that it is cheaper as opposed to buying it directly from the vet, especially if they will be eating it over a long period. When buying, you may be asked some questions to ensure you know how to use the product on the site before you reach the checkout.
Ensure your vet has given you the precise brand and model to look out for, or at least a guidance on the ingredients needed.
Ingredients To Look Out For
Not all foods will contain the below, and your vet may actually say some aren’t as necessary, but in general, cat food for weight management should contain:
Fibre
These help your cat to feel fuller for longer, so they won’t be as hungry as soon after they have eaten and will be less keen on eating or wanting treats. It also regulates bowel movements
Protein
This helps your cat to maintain their muscle mass throughout their weight loss journey, so they can remain active and strong
Meat Derivatives
Cats are omnivores and it isn’t recommended they avoid meat so it is still an important ingredient for their wellbeing
Grain-Free
There is a higher chance that the food is more naturally nutritious if grain-free, and is also less likely to cause stomach upsets or intolerances. But do check with the vet that this is okay for your cat first
Taurine
Great for a healthy heart and eyes