Can eggs help a cat gain weight

Homemade Cat Foods for Weight Gain

Underweight cats are not as prevalent as obese and overweight ones. However, they are very much present in our streets and our homes.

If youve ever had to pick a stray, theres a high chance that he was likely skinny.

For those that have multiple pets at home, one cat may be eating most of the food meant for the two. As a result, one or two kitties may have a hard time putting on weight.

Besides these reasons, cats can become underweight due to certain diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, dental issues, intestinal parasites, feline diabetes, and viruses like FeLV, FIP, and FIV.

Stress, depression, and anxiety can also cause a kitty to despise food and thus lose weight.

No matter the reason for wanting your adorable kitty to gain weight, there are specific foods she can eat to do just that.

Here, we have 5 homemade cat foods for weight gain.

1. Kitten Food (Raw Chicken And Salmon Recipe)

When looking for homemade cat food to gain weight, you want to focus on giving foods rich in protein and fats.

One of the most overlooked feline foods for weight gain is kitten food.

Compared to adult cat foods, kitten meals have more protein and fat.

Ingredients

• 100gms raw chicken wings (bone-in-wings)

• 2 cups water (or more for the puree)

• One whole raw egg plus the shell

• One teaspoon powdered taurine supplement

Method

This is a raw diet, so theres no cooking involved.

Simply grind all the ingredients in a meat grinder or a high-powered blender.

Next, divide the meal in the right proportions for your cat (this depends on his size).

Refrigerate and consume within three days.

If you have excess, freeze it for longer preservation.

2. Chicken and Nutritional Supplement

Ingredients

• Full chicken including organs and bones

Method

• Using a food processor or a meat grinder, grind the entire chicken (bones included) until you get canned food consistency. You might have to repeat a number of times to achieve this.

• Add the supplement into a bowl and mix it gently using a spatula.

• Pour the supplement mixture into the ground chicken and blend it up using the spatula.
• The meal is ready!

• Divide the food into serving containers and cover them tightly. Place them in a freezer or refrigerator.

3. Scrambled Eggs

Eggs are loaded with both fat and protein making them a great homemade cat food for weight gain.

If the cat is maintaining weight, only feed egg whites. Conversely, if she needs to gain some pounds, both egg whites and yolk are necessary.

You want to make the eggs savory which in the cat world means adding no salt or seasonings. These things may kick up the flavor of food for you but your cat doesnt need them.

If you have a piece of bacon, that will help a little with the taste and add some nutrition as well.

This recipe is best for breakfast but feel free to feed it any other time of day.

Ingredients

Method

• Add the bacon slice in there and let it cook a little.

• Once the oil is heated, pour the cat mixture and stir until well cooked. Use low heat during the entire cooking process.

Scrambled eggs should be supplemented with other high-calorie foods. The diet may not offer all-around nutrition by itself.

4. Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is the go-to recipe for cats of all ages.

Those that are underweight can also benefit from it as long as the protein and fat sources are increased. For instance, rather than having boneless chicken, you can opt to include skin and fatty bits in there as well.

Also, you can add a few whole eggs to pump the protein and fat contents.

Ingredients

• 0.5-pound whole chicken (organs and bones included)

• Three teaspoons of olive oil

• One multiple vitamin-mineral tablet (crushed)

Method

• Add the rice to a pan with boiling water and let it cook

• As the rice is cooking, boil the eggs in a separate pan.

• Similarly, chop the chicken in pieces and boil them in yet another pan.

• Once everything is ready, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend things until the consistency is right for your cat. You might want to shred the chicken pieces a little to make them convenient for your kitty.

• Divide them into the right portion sizes then serve/refrigerate as per the need.

5. Fish and Eggs

Both fish and egg pack a punch in terms of protein and fat. Plus, kitties cannot avoid the taste of fish.

Ingredients

• Fish (whichever size depending on the size of your kitty). Choose one with fewer bones.

• Two crushed bone meal tablets

• One multiple vitamin tablet

Method

• Boil the fish for about 15 minutes or until the flesh is tender.

• Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix them properly.

• Serve and refrigerate the rest

Closing Thoughts

When a cat is not gaining weight as he should, most people resort to commercial cat foods to fix the problem.

Nothing wrong with that except some commercial diets are filled with toxic stuff.

Homemade foods, on the other hand, are safe and easy on the pocket.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Hi! I am Eleanor Price. I started this website after my cat, Louie, almost died from a case of botulism (a type of food poisoning often caused by bacteria that grow on food items). Turned out that my cats diet was the problem. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines health and wellbeing. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers.

How to Help a Cat Gain Weight: Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Feline

If you have a feline who is on the skinny side, you might be wondering how to help them gain weight. In this guide, Ill explore the secrets of helping your cat achieve a healthy weight gain. This post is all about how to help a cat gain weight.

Here are the highlights if you keep reading this guide:

How to Help a Cat Gain Weight Highlights:

• Understanding the Feline Feast:Exploring why your cat might be on the slimmer side.
• The Right Fuel for Fluff:Unveiling the ideal diet to bulk up your kitty.
• Tempting Treats and Snack Hacks:Fun ways to sneak in those extra calories.
• Workout? More like Cat-nap!:Discussing the role of exercise (or lack thereof) in weight gain.
• Pampering and TLC:How love and attention contribute to a healthy weight gain routine.
• When to Worry:Signs that indicate its more than just a weight issue.

Understanding the Feline Feast

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should consist mostly of meat. However, some cats may be picky eaters or have underlying health issues that affect their appetite and digestion. If you notice that your cat is not eating as much as they should, its important to identify the root cause. Some common reasons for weight loss in cats include dental problems, gastrointestinal problems, parasites, and anxiety.

The Right Fuel for Fluff

To help your cat gain weight, its important to provide them with a high-quality kitten or adult cat food that is rich in protein and fat. Wet food is often a good option as it has a higher moisture content and can be more palatable for cats. You can also consider adding supplements or high-calorie cat foods to their diet, but make sure to consult with your vet first.

Tempting Treats and Snack Hacks

If your cat is a picky eater, you can try to entice them with treats and snacks. However, its important to choose healthy options that are high in calories and nutrients. Some good options include cooked chicken, canned tuna, and high-quality kitten food. You can also try to incorporate these treats into their feeding routine to increase their calorie intake.

Workout? More like Cat-nap!

While exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle, cats are not as active as dogs and may not require as much physical activity. However, playtime and interactive toys can help stimulate their appetite and encourage them to eat more. If your cat is older or has health issues, its important to consult with your vet before starting an exercise routine.

Pampering and TLC

Love and attention can go a long way in helping your cat gain weight. Spending quality time with your cat, petting them, and giving them treats can all contribute to a healthy weight gain routine. However, its important to avoid overfeeding or giving them too many treats, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

When to Worry

If your cat is not gaining weight despite your best efforts, or if they are losing weight rapidly, its important to consult with your vet. Your vet can perform a thorough check-up and identify any underlying health issues that may be affecting your cats weight. Some common health issues that can cause weight loss in cats include dental disease, intestinal parasites, and hepatic lipidosis.

With these tips in mind, you can help your furry friend achieve a healthy weight gain and live a happy, healthy life. Remember to always consult with your vet before making any changes to your cats diet or exercise routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best supplements for a cat to increase weight?

There are several supplements that can help your cat gain weight. Some of the best supplements include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These are found in fish oil and can help improve your cats coat and skin while also promoting weight gain.
• Probiotics: These can help improve your cats digestion and nutrient absorption, which can aid in weight gain.
• Lysine: This amino acid can help boost your cats immune system and promote weight gain.

Which high-calorie foods are recommended for underweight cats?

If youre looking to help your cat gain weight, there are several high-calorie foods you can try:

• Canned cat food: This is often higher in calories and moisture than dry food, making it a good option for weight gain.
• Cooked chicken or turkey: These lean meats are high in protein and can be a healthy addition to your cats diet.
• Kitten food: This is often higher in calories and nutrients than adult cat food, making it a good option for underweight cats.

Are eggs a good dietary addition to help cats put on weight?

Eggs can be a good addition to your cats diet to help with weight gain. They are high in protein and healthy fats, but should be cooked before feeding to your cat to avoid the risk of salmonella.

How quickly can a cat safely gain weight?

Cats should gain weight slowly and steadily to avoid health problems. A healthy rate of weight gain is about 1-2% of their body weight per week. This means that a 10-pound cat should gain no more than 0.2 pounds per week.

What should I feed my kitten to help with weight gain?

If your kitten is underweight, you can try feeding them kitten food, which is often higher in calories and nutrients than adult cat food. You can also try adding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics to their diet.

Why might a cat be underweight despite having a good appetite?

There are several reasons why a cat might be underweight despite having a good appetite. Some possible causes include:

• Dental problems: If your cat has dental issues, they may have difficulty eating and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Parasites: Parasites like worms can cause weight loss and malnutrition in cats.
• Illness or disease: Certain illnesses or diseases can cause weight loss in cats, so its important to have your cat checked by a vet if they are consistently underweight.

This post is all about how to help a cat gain weight. For more content like this, check out these posts.

Are Black Olives Bad For Cats?

From Paws to Tentacles: Can Cats Eat Squid?

Can Cats Eat Jam? Debunking the Myths and Unraveling the Truth

Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk? Decoding Disapproved Beverages

How Many Eggs Should You Eat To Gain Weight? A Coach Answers

How many eggs are too many when it comes to your bulking diet?

While eggs are great for gaining weight, theres definitely a limit, especially if you want to maximize lean muscle mass (and limit fat gain).

The answer depends on a few personal factors.

Key Takeaways

• The number of eggs needed to gain weight will depend on your metabolism, activity level, and what else you eat throughout the day.

• Calculating your daily calorie, protein, and fat requirements according to your bulking goals is important to determine how many eggs you should eat.

• Eggs alone will not lead to weight gain. You need to eat them alongside other proteins (e.g., meat), fats (e.g., avocado), and carbs (e.g., oats) for a healthy and balanced diet.

How Many Eggs To Gain Muscle? 4 Steps To Find Out

Step 1: Determine Your Calories

The first step is to determine what your calorie and macronutrient targets need to be for you to gain weight.

You need to eat more calories than you burn to gain weight, called a calorie surplus.

Without a calorie surplus, you will not gain weight no matter what foods you eat.

Also, a calorie surplus is necessary to build muscle optimally (even as a beginner).

So, lets determine how many calories you need and calculate your surplus.

One straightforward option is to use our TDEE calculator.

Lets say you calculate your TDEE to be 3,000 calories.

This would be the number of calories you must eat to maintain your body weight.

Its time to add 150-250 additional calories to your TDEE to create a surplus.

Step 2: Determine Your Protein & Fat Needs

To ensure you gain muscle (as opposed to fat), you must also eat enough protein while in a surplus.

Research recommends 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram or 0.7-1 gram per pound.

For example, weighing 180 lbs would be 126 to 180 grams of protein daily.

Next, we have dietary fats, which are essential to a healthy diet, as they are involved in hormonal production, the absorption of certain nutrients, and overall health.

One option is to aim for 0.3 to 0.4 grams per pound.

Alternatively, aim to get 15-20% of your calories from fats.

Both options should result in identical fat intake goals.

For example, if you weigh 180 lbs, that would be an intake of 54 to 72 grams of fat.

As exercise physiologist Brad Dieter notes:

A high-fat diet can suppress appetite since it is highly satiating, leading to decreased caloric consumption.

So, having too many dietary fats (beyond the above recommendations) wouldnt be ideal because it could make you feel overly full and unable to eat enough calories to gain weight.

Step 3: Understanding the Macronutrient Breakdown Of Eggs

One large egg offers 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbs.

You can use this to understand how many eggs it would take to hit your protein and fat targets.

Lets say you want to eat 150 grams of protein and 65 grams of fat daily. That would mean eating 25 eggs, which is not ideal because it would also result in 125 grams of fatabout twice the amount you need.

A better approach would be to determine how many eggs youd like to eat and how many you can fit into your dietary fat targets and fill in the gaps with other foods.

For example, lets say you want to eat four large eggs daily. That would be 280 calories, 24 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat.

In this case, youd have 126 grams of protein and 45 grams of fat to cover with other foods.

You can eat more eggs and remain within your calorie and fat targets.

However, limit other high-fat foods (e.g., natural oils, fatty fish, avocado, and butter) to avoid going overboard.

You must also have high-carb foods since eggs only have fats and protein.

Step 4: Plan Out What Other Protein & Fat Sources You Want To Include

Now that you better understand how to fit eggs into your weight-gain diet, its time to see what other foods you can have.

Quick side note: Eating a diverse range of foods is necessary for getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, dont limit yourself to a handful of sources, obsessing over a specific protein, fat, or calorie target.

Make a list of carbs, fats, and proteins you enjoy, and decide how to combine them to form meals that will help you reach your daily calorie and macronutrient goals.

Here are some quick ideas for healthy foods with all three macronutrients:

Be realistic about how many eggs you want daily because it can get tiresome, especially when eating more calories to gain weight.

For example, if youre not a fan of eggs, to begin with, you shouldnt be forcing yourself to eat four of them per day.

Any other food that contains protein and fats (meat, fish, yogurt, etc.) can replace eggs in your diet.

Check Out Our Other Resources On Eggs

Are Eggs Good For Gaining Weight?

Eggs can help you gain weight by contributing to your calorie, protein, and dietary fat needs.

That said, eggs alone are not enough to gain weight because they are relatively low in calories (only 70 in a large egg).

Its best to consume high-calorie foods to gain weight comfortably because they tend to be lower in volume and take up less space in the stomach.

Examples of low-volume, high-calorie foods include granola, avocado, nuts and nut butter, seeds, natural oils (e.g., olive oil), and dried fruit.

You can include eggs by pairing them with a good carbohydrate source like toast, a bagel, or oatmeal, and perhaps some additional fat by cooking them in olive oil or adding cheese.

Example Meal Plan With Eggs to Gain Weight

The following 3,000 calorie meal plan is suited for someone around 180 lbs looking to gain weight steadily.

Note: This is just for example purposes and may not be your best plan.

Want a custom meal plan? Reach out to discuss options.

Breakfast

Calories: 740Protein: 36 gramsFats: 17 grams

• 3 large scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes
• 2 slices of whole-grain toast
• 1.5 cups of oatmeal with cup of berries, and a tablespoon of honey

Lunch

Calories: 810Protein: 67 gramsFats: 12 grams

• 6-ounce grilled chicken breast
• 1 cup of quinoa mixed with chopped veggies and an egg
• 1 large banana
• 1 ounce of dried fruit

Snack

Calories: 520Protein: 14 gramsFats: 5 grams

• 1 boiled egg
• 10 rice cakes
• 1 large apple

Dinner

Calories: 950Protein: 61 gramsFats: 39 grams

• 6 ounces of lean beef steak
• 2 boiled eggs
• 1 large baked sweet potato
• 2 cups of steamed broccoli
• 1.5 cups of berries

What To Read Next

References

Slater GJ, Dieter BP, Marsh DJ, Helms ER, Shaw G, Iraki J. Is an Energy Surplus Required to Maximize Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Associated With Resistance Training. Front Nutr. 2019 Aug 20;6:131. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00131. PMID: 31482093; PMCID: PMC6710320.

Stokes T, Hector AJ, Morton RW, McGlory C, Phillips SM. Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients. 2018 Feb 7;10(2):180. doi: 10.3390/nu10020180. PMID: 29414855; PMCID: PMC5852756.

Mumford SL, Chavarro JE, Zhang C, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, Pollack AZ, Schliep KC, Michels KA, Zarek SM, Plowden TC, Radin RG, Messer LC, Frankel RA, Wactawski-Wende J. Dietary fat intake and reproductive hormone concentrations and ovulation in regularly menstruating women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Mar;103(3):868-77. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.119321. Epub 2016 Feb 3. PMID: 26843151; PMCID: PMC4763493.

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About The Author

Amanda Parker

Amanda Parkeris an author, nutrition coach, and Certified Naturopath. She works with bodybuilders, Olympic weightlifters, and powerlifters to increase performance through nutrition and lifestyle coaching.

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