If you have an underweight cat, you may start asking yourself “How to get a cat to gain weight” without upsetting their stomachs. The easiest way you can help your cat gain weight is to give them a diet with higher calories.
The best high-calorie cat food does not use harmful ingredients to help your cat bulk up. Instead, they use cat safe and tasty ingredients to help your cat gain the weight they need. There are specific cat foods with high-calorie diets, like Eukanuba cat food or Evo dry cat food, but they may be pricey or hard for some people to get.
Instead, we have put together a list of affordable and easy to obtain cat food with a high-calorie count. Any of the foods we have suggested will be great diet options when you want your cat to gain weight at a slow pace that will not harm them or upset their stomach.
Best High-Calorie Cat Food
Instinct Freeze-Dried Mixers gives your cat the calories and raw boost their bodies crave.
Key Features
- Contains 4,352 kcal/kg
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Supports a healthy body
Instinct uses cage-free animal proteins as the main ingredient. Each kibble contains high amounts of calories alongside non-GMO vegetables and fruits. All the ingredients have been freeze-dried to remove moisture but maintain a high volume of nutrients.
The diet will support proper digestion, healthy skin and coat, provide energy, and provide vitality. No grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial colors, or preservatives are ever used in this diet.
Pros
- Available in chicken and rabbit flavors
- Available in 1-ounce and 6-ounce bags
Cons
- May have a high amount of fruit and vegetable-based fillers
Improve your cat’s overall health by adding Instinct Freeze-Dried Mixers to their current diet.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
To ensure your indoor cat has the calories they need, feed them Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Diet.
Key Features
- Contains 410 kcals/cup
- Contains no questionable ingredients
- Utilizes Blue’s LifeSource Bits
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient used that packs plenty of calories and protein for your cat to enjoy. You will not find any grains, by-products, artificial flavors, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy ingredients that do not benefit the health of your cat.
You will find Blue’s LifeSource Bits in the dry food that boosts your cat’s immune system, meets life stage requirements, and provides oxidative balance.
Pros
- Available in 5 and 11-pound bags
Cons
- Contains chicken, so not an ideal diet for cats with poultry-based allergies
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Diet is packed with healthy calories for your cat to gain weight and maintain their energy.
3. Instinct Ultimate
Instinct Ultimate Protein Wet Food gives your cat the calorie boost in a pate texture they will enjoy.
Key Features
- Contains 1,239 kcal/kg
- Animal protein first ingredient used
- Contains no filler ingredients
Cage-free animal proteins are the first ingredients used in this wet food, so you can be sure that your cat is getting a high calorie and high protein diet that their bodies need. The high amount of animal protein will help with strong and lean muscles.
A high-calorie content will keep your cat active or help boost their weight. You will not find and grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives in this wet food.
Pros
- Available in chicken and rabbit proteins
- Comes in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans
Cons
- Not ideal for cats with a sensitive stomach
See how much energy your cat will have when they eat Instinct Ultimate Protein Wet Food.
4. AvoDerm
AvoDerm Wet Food is a tasty option if you want your cat to have a high-calorie diet.
Key Features
- Contains no filler ingredients
- Has 824 kcal/kg
- Uses high-quality ingredients
In this line of food offered by AvoDerm, tuna is the first ingredient used, which is a lean yet high protein animal diet. This diet is nutrient-rich so that your cat will get all the nutrients their bodies need to be healthy.
AvoDerm does not use grains or other filler ingredients that could be harmful or not provide any nutritional value to your cat.
Pros
- Comes in three different flavors
- Available in 3-ounce and 5-ounce cans
Cons
- Cats have been reported not to like the flavor
Stop worrying if your cat is getting the energy they need, feed them AvoDerm Wet Food.
5. Sheba Perfect Portions Pate
Sheba Perfect Portions Pate gives cats the flavor they crave and the calories they need.
Key Features
- Contains 1,010 kcal ME/kg
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Ideal for all life stages
Giving your cat the right amount of wet food cat be difficult, but Sheba has portioned their wet food into easy to serve packs. Animal protein is the first ingredient used, and there are no filler ingredients ever used.
You can feed this diet to cats of all stages so long as you feed them the right amount according to their weight.
Pros
- Available in eight different flavors
- Comes in 1.3-ounce packs
Cons
- Customers claim some of their cats did not like the flavors
Each pack of Sheba Perfect Portions Pate makes it easy for you to give the right amount of food to your cat.
6. Solid Gold
Your cat will love the taste and energy they will get from eating Solid Gold High Protein Diet.
Key Features
- Provides optimal gut health
- Grain and gluten-free
- Contains 20 superfoods
Some cat food diets do not offer enough protein or vitamins for your cat to enjoy, but Solid Gold uses a combination of cage-free animal proteins and 20 Superfoods to provide your cat with the optimal balance of nutrients.
You will not find any grains or gluten in this diet, which some cats can be allergic to. And to help your cat with their stomach health, the dry food will cleanse with good bacteria, balance with 90 million living Probiotics, and fuel their body inside and out.
Pros
- Available in 3,6, and 12-pound bags
Cons
- Contains chicken, so not ideal for cats with poultry allergies
If you are looking for your cat to gain weight at a healthy level, feed them Solid Gold High Protein Diet.
7. Instinct Raw Boost
Indoor cats who are active need a high protein diet, like the Instinct Raw Boost Indoor Cat Diet.
Key Features
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Made with no filler ingredients
- Contains 3,861 kcal/kg
The animal protein used in this formula is raised cage-free and freeze-dried raw to trap all the nutrients while removing excess moisture. This may have fewer calories compared to the other diets, but that is because it is made for indoor cats who are not as active but still need the calorie intake.
There are no filler ingredients like grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, or soy, making this diet highly digestible.
Pros
- Available in rabbit and chicken flavors
- Comes in a 5-pound bag
Cons
- Not ideal for cats with a low activity level
Your cat will feel full and happy when they eat the calorie-packed Instinct Raw Boost Indoor Cat Diet.
8. Natural Balance Platefulls
Provide your indoor cat with a balanced diet by feeding them Natural Balance Platefuls Wet Food.
Key Features
- Has 725 kcal/kg
- Grain-free
- Uses High-Quality ingredients
Each pouch of wet food contains high-quality animal proteins that have been sourced from trusted sources. The combination of multiple animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables gives your cat the wholesome diet that will keep their body healthy and moving around.
The chunky meat and hearty gravy will entice your cat to eat every drop.
Pros
- Available in 3-ounce packets
- Comes in 13 different flavors
Cons
- Has a strong odor some cats may not like
Natural Balance Platefuls Wet Food is meant to give your cat the calories they need to stay active.
9. Purina Beyond
Purina Beyond Wild Wet Food is an ideal addition to your cat’s diet if they need more calories.
Key Features
- Contains 1,155 kcal/kg
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Has essential nutrients
This pate styled diet uses only the highest quality of animal protein as the first ingredient, which will ensure that your cat will have the best protein and calorie content to eat. While this diet mainly uses animal proteins, some vegetables have been added to provide your cat with natural vitamins.
Pros
- Available in two flavors
- Comes in 3-ounce cans
Cons
- May not be ideal for picky cats
Every ingredient is essential in Purina Beyond Wild Wet Food to provide your cat with the nutrient balance their bodies require.
10. Natural Balance Original
Natural Balance Original Ultra-Premium Formula is specially formulated for cats who are active in their homes.
Key Features
- Supports full-body health
- Contains 400 kcal/cup
- Ideal for high energy cats
Each cup of this dry food contains a high number of calories that is perfect for fueling the indoor cat that loves to climb, jump, and explore. You can give this diet to both kittens and adult cats that are always on the go. This dry food also provides support to your cat’s whole body.
Your cast will have healthier eyes, stronger bones and teeth, boost their brain health, and provide them with antioxidants to protect their cells.
Pros
- Available in 6 and 15-pound bags
Cons
- Customers have claimed the diet upset their cat’s stomach
- Contains grains
Keep your cat’s body active and moving by feeding them Natural Balance Original Ultra-Premium Formula.
11. Merrick Purrfect Bistro
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Food is specially formulated to give your cat the weight gaining boost they need.
Key Features
- Contains 410 kcal/cup
- Animal protein is the first ingredient used
- Has balanced nutrients
Real animal meat is always the first ingredient used and makes up 70% of this diet and the remaining 30% is made up of fresh fruits and vegetables. The fresh fruits and vegetables provide cats with balanced nutritional content that will keep their bodies up and active throughout the day.
Pros
- Available in three different flavors
- Comes in 4,7, and 12-pound bags
Cons
- Customers have claimed the food leads to bad smelling waste from the cat
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Food will ensure that your cat will have the calories they need to stay active and gain the weight required.
12. “I and Love and You”
Provide your cat with wet food they will love with Naked Essentials.
Key Features
- Contains between 82-105 kcal/ounce
- High protein
- Contains no fillers
Animal meat is always the first ingredient used, no matter what flavor it is. The high amount of animal ingredients ensures that your cat will have the calorie source they need to gain weight or stay up and active. No fillers are ever used as they will only hinder your cat’s health rather than supplement it.
Pros
- Comes in nine different flavors
- Available in 3 and 5.5-ounce cans
Cons
- Has a high amount of protein that can upset some cat’s stomachs
Naked Essentials Wet Food is sure to give your cat the calorie boost they need to live happily.
13. Crave
Crave High Protein Cat Dry Food is meant for cats who need the extra calories.
Key Features
- Has 479 kcal/cup
- Animal protein first ingredient used
- Contains added supplements
In all of the formulas, you will find a high amount of animal meat used, which is the leading calorie supplier. 41% of the diet is made up of animal proteins, while the remaining percent is made up of helpful fruits and vegetables.
The added supplements will give your cat the remaining nutrients that they need the animal protein cannot supply on its own; your cat will then have a nutrient-rich and high-calorie diet to benefit from.
Pros
- Comes in four different flavors
- Available in 2,4, and 10-pound bags
Cons
- High protein source not ideal for less active cats
Crave High Protein Cat Dry Food is meant for the active cat that burns calories quickly.
14. Iams Proactive
Start your kitten off on a high-calorie diet by feeding them Iams Proactive Health Kitten Formula.
Key Features
- Contains 512 kcal/cup
- Supports your cat’s health inside and out
Kittens are highly active and need a diet with high-calorie content that will help them keep their energy up and aid in their overall growth. Chicken is the first ingredient used, so your kitten will have a tasty meal and a high protein source.
The other ingredients and vitamin additions will support your kitten’s overall health as they grow from their digestive system, immune system, skin and coat, heart, and muscles.
Pros
- Available in 3.5, 7, and 16-pound bags
Cons
- Contains by-products and grains
Iams Proactive Health Kitten Formula is specially formulated to keep up with the high energy needs kittens have.
15. Purina Fancy Feast
Purina Fancy Feast Broths is a wonderful supplement to your cat’s current diet to get the extra needed calories.
Key Features
- Contains 480 kcal/kg
- Contains meat and vegetables
- Contains no fillers
Cats don’t require much, so the meat and vegetables offered in this broth should satisfy their appetites and provide them the calorie source they need to bulk up or keep their energy going.
You will not find any filler or by-product ingredients used in this diet. Swirl the ingredients in the pouch before opening and serving it to your cat.
Pros
- Available in 13 different flavors
- Comes in 1.4-ounce pouches
Cons
- Does not contain the necessary nutrients to be a stand-alone diet
Your cat will love the taste, and you will enjoy the calorie content offered by Purina Fancy Feast Broths.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are a variety of foods that you can offer your cat if you want them to gain weight. High-calorie diets are also great for cats that are very active and burn off calories faster than the average house cat.
If you do not want to change your cat’s dry food diet, use one of the topper options or supplement their diet with one of the high-calorie wet foods suggested.
Every cat is different, so you need to be sure that you are giving them a diet that matches the calories that they burn; otherwise, you risk raising an obese cat rather than a properly weighted cat. But as long as you have the proper diet figured out for your, you will be sure to have a healthy and active cat in your home.
The Review
High Calorie Cat Food
Read through our detailed reviews for the best high calorie cat food to help your feline gain weight.
Review Breakdown
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Instinct Mixers
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness
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Instinct Ultimate
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AvoDerm
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Sheba Perfect Portions
-
Solid Gold
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Instinct Raw Boost
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Natural Balance Platefulls
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Purina Beyond
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Natural Balance Original
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Merrick Purrfect Bistro
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"I and Love and You"
-
Crave
-
Iams Proactive
-
Purina Fancy Feast
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