Are you looking for how to make homemade cat food for weight gain to help your feline friend bulk up in a healthy and natural way?
Perhaps your kitty is a bit skinny, and you want to help them put on some weight. Or, maybe your vet has recommended that your cat needs to put on a few pounds.
One option is to feed them homemade cat food. This can be an excellent way to ensure they get all the nutrients and calories required to help them pack the pounds.
Not sure how to get started? Here’s a quick guide to making homemade cat food to help your best friend gain weight.
Be sure to speak with your veterinarian before you add anything new to your cat’s diet.
#1 – Raw Chicken and Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
- 100g of raw chicken breast
- 100g of raw beef kidney
- 100g of raw salmon
- 1 whole egg
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to three days.
#2 – Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- Full chicken, including organs and bones
- Nutritional supplement
- 4 Egg Yolk (Beaten)
- 6 teaspoons of Sesame oil
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth ( bones included).
- Mix the supplement, egg yolk, and sesame oil in a bowl using a spatula.
- Pour the mixture into the ground chicken and blend it again.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to three days.
#3 – Bacon and Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 100g of bacon
- 100g of salmon
- 1 teaspoon of fish oil
- 1 teaspoon powdered taurine supplement
Preparation:
- Cut bacon into small pieces and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper—Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- In a food processor, combine salmon, bacon, fish oil, and taurine supplement. Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to three days.
#4 – Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white rice
- 500g of chicken
- 2 eggs
Preparation:
- Cook the rice in boiling water.
- Boil the eggs in a separate pan.
- Chop the chicken into small pieces and cook it as well.
- Once everything is cooked, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor with a few tablespoons of chicken broth and blend until smooth ( bones included)
- Serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Benefits of Homemade Cat Food to Gain Weight
Feeding your homemade cat food has many benefits, especially if they are trying to gain weight.
- You know exactly what ingredients are in the food and can avoid fillers and preservatives.
- It is easier to digest than commercial foods and can help with weight gain and other health issues.
- You can tailor the recipes to your cat’s specific needs and dietary restrictions.
- It is more cost-effective than buying commercial cat food, especially if you buy in bulk or make large batches at once.
- It is a more natural way to help your cat gain weight, and there are no side effects like there can be with some medications.
Why is my Cat Losing Weight?
There are many reasons your cat may be losing weight, even if they eat the same amount of food. Some of the most common causes include:
- Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to weight loss in cats. Other symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst, urination, and lethargy.
- Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland, located in the throat, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic processes. If the gland is overactive, your cat may experience weight loss, an increased appetite, and more frequent urination and thirst.
- An underlying health condition: Intestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or parasites can also lead to weight loss in cats. Symptoms of intestinal problems include diarrhea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance.
- Stress: If your cat is under a lot of stress, they may stop eating or be unable to properly absorb nutrients from their food. Stressful conditions can include moving to a new home, introducing a new pet or family member, or changing their routine.
- Dental problems: Dental problems can cause pain and inflammation, which may make your cat reluctant to eat.
- Cancer: Feline cancer can lead to weight loss by affecting their appetite or ability to absorb nutrients from food. Symptoms of cancer in cats can differ based on the type and where the tumor is located. These symptoms may include lethargy and vomiting.
- A change in activity level: When your cat is not as active as they used to be, they may start to lose weight.
If your cat is losing weight, take them to the veterinarian so they can determine the cause and provide treatment.
Weight loss can be a severe problem for cats and lead to other health problems if not addressed.
How to Make my Cat Gain Weight?
If your cat is underweight, there are some things you can do to help them gain weight. Some tips include:
- Feeding them a high-calorie diet: Check with your veterinarian to see if they recommend a specific food for cats who need to gain weight. There are also special dietary supplements that can help cats gain weight.
- Change your kitty’s food. Consider trying new food in case your cat has some food allergies. Some cats are also picky eaters, so you may need to try a few different types of food before you find one they like.
- Increase their portion size. If you are feeding your cat one small meal a day, try increasing their portion size or adding a meal.
- Add some wet food. Wet food is usually higher in calories than dry food, so adding some to your cat’s diet can help them gain weight.
- Talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a medical reason for the weight loss and provide treatment if necessary.
- Use kitten food. Kitten food is higher in calories and nutrients than adult cat food, so it can help your cat gain weight.
- Add some fat to their diet. A little bit of fat can go a long way in helping your cat gain weight. You can add some fish oil to their food. Do not add too much, as too much fat can lead to obesity.
Cat Weight-Gain Supplement
There are several supplements available that can help your cat gain weight. Some are designed to be added to your cat’s food, while others are given orally.
Weight-gain supplements typically contain extra calories and nutrients to help your cat lose weight. Some also contain ingredients that help increase appetite.
We suggest talking to your veterinarian before starting your cat on any supplement. If you are looking for a weight-gain supplement for your cat, we recommend trying Vetoquinol Nutri-Cal.
This high-calorie nutritional gel supplement provides cats and dogs with the extra calories and vitamins they need to gain or maintain their ideal body weight. It is also great for picky eaters who need help stimulating their appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories Should a Cat Eat to Gain Weight?
It will depend on their individual calorie needs. Some factors that will affect your cat’s calorie needs include:
- Their age
- Their activity level
- Whether they are neutered or spayed
- Any underlying health conditions
Talk with your vet to help you figure out the right amount of calories for your cat to eat in order to gain weight safely. Cats generally need about 20 calories per pound of body weight per day.
So, a 10-pound cat would need 200 calories per day. If your cat is inactive or overweight, you may need to feed them fewer calories.
Conversely, if your cat is very active or underweight, you may need to provide them with more calories.
How Often are you Supposed to Feed your Cat?
You should feed your cat as often as they need to eat to meet their calorie needs. This may be 3-4 times per day for some cats.
If you are unsure how often to feed your cat, you can ask your veterinarian for guidance.
What Should I Feed my Underweight Cat?
Underweight cats should be fed a diet that is high in calories and protein. A high-calorie diet will help your cat gain weight, but it is also essential to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced.
Dry kibble should contain at least 30% protein and 20% fat. Canned food should contain at least 10% protein and 5% fat. Kitten food will have all of the nutrients that your cat needs to stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
The homemade recipes above are great ways to help your cat gain weight. Try out a few and see which one your cat likes best.
Remember to talk to your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.
They will be able to let you know how many calories your cat needs and check that there aren’t any underlying health problems that need attention.
With patience and effort, you can help your cat reach a healthy weight in no time.