If your cat is approaching 10 years, it is getting old and you should consider switching to the best senior cat food available in the market today. Senior cats are cats that from age 9 and I dedicated tens of hours analyzing the nutritional components and I have reviewed the best cat food for older cats in 2022.
In addition, I have also shared some helpful insight into the nutritional requirements of aging cats and have listed the essential ingredients you should look out for in the buyer guide below.
You may consider your cat to always be your little kitty but they do age, just like any other animal. As they age, they become less active and you’ll notice their preference for food will change. In this post, we’ve researched the cat’s aging progression and have sought to understand the food older cats prefer.
Here is an interesting fact. As cats get to their 64th year in human terms, their actual age is 12. From the age of 8 to 12, the cat is considered elderly or senior which in the human years is the age 50 and above. At this age, it may start shedding its coat. If your cat has extensive shedding, you should consider these 5 best cat food for shedding and hair loss.
Below is a chart showing cat age in human years:
As they approach this older age, you need to consider changing their diet to ensure they are getting all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that an aging body needs. In so doing, you are going to provide the best senior cat food for them.
With that in mind today, we are going to take a look at what foods older cats should eat, why they need to eat them, and we’re going to make a few food recommendations that are great for cats by exploring different classes such as wet, dry, grain-free, and the best senior cat foods reviews that have been rated very highly.
What is senior cat food?
Cat diet is different based on their ages which determines the nutritional needs they have from their kitty, adult, and senior stages.
Senior cat food is a type of diet that has been specifically formulated with an older cat in mind to meet their nutritional needs for a healthier happy life. As your cat ages, his nutrient needs change as well which is why most senior cat diets are typically high in fiber but lower calorie content. Often, senior cat foods will comprise supplements and antioxidants for joint and overall body health.
Feeding senior diets should commence once your cat approach their 7th birthday.
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Is senior cat food easier to digest?
According to research, the ability to digest micronutrients such as protein and fat contents in cat foods declines as they age. As such senior cats have a greater nutritional requirement for these micronutrients which is why they must be derived from highly digestible sources to increase energy capture from the diet. The protein should also contain high moisture content to make easier for their aging organs to digest.
Senior cat food difference
Cats eating habits changes with advance in age and so does their desire for food. There is also a substantial difference between senior diets and that of kittens and adults. And while kits and adults can eat ‘all life stages’ cat foods, it is not an ideal choice for senior cats due to different dietetic requirements. So, what makes it better for senior cat food?
As cats get older, they become susceptible to kidney damage. As such, senior cat foods are naturally lower in sodium and phosphorous to help keep vital organs healthy. In addition, the foods have high fiber content but low in calories and contain supplements to support your senior cat’s joint health. Senior cat foods should also be soft.
To be a better cat parent, you should be able to understand the nutritional differences in cat food based on age.
Ideal Ingredients
Senior cats have very specific nutritional requirements that are very different from when they were kittens and adults. These dietary needs result from some health conditions that might affect senior cats, including diabetes, constipation, colitis, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, and IBD. This causes a significant change in ingredients and feeding schedules too.
Here are the senior cat food ingredients that should constitute every senior cat diet:
- High-quality protein
- Digestible carbs
- Vitamins & minerals
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- Fatty acids
These ideal ingredients for senior cat foods help promote overall body health.
Table of Contents
10 Best Senior Cat Food Reviews 2022 – Picks for Older Cats
1. Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Cat Food
The overall best cat food for senior cats in this 2022 list is the Now Fresh Gain-Free Senior Cat Food which is excellent for weight management. It’s a combination of organic ingredients that are fresh and uses 100% market-fresh turkey, salmon, and ducks as the main ingredients. These three kinds of meat combined supply a dose of fats and essential oils that are needed for a kitty.
It’s a weight management formula that means that it’s calorically controlled (and is appropriate for indoor cats). It gets its broad assortment of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, including peas, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. And this soft dry cat food also is infused with prebiotics and probiotics (while still being liberated of grain, corn, and soy) for a wholesome gut and easy digestion.
2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Senior Farm-Raised Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
This is a great food that has been specifically designed for senior cats. The recipe is calorie-controlled, which ensures that if your kitty isn’t busy, you can nourish them a complete meal without them placing weight.
Its primary component is whole poultry that supplies your kitty with all oils and essential fats required for healthier living. Besides, it comprises a high amount of organic fibers, which will decrease the hairball formula (and its got added calcium for bones and joints).
3. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Healthy Senior Recipe Dry Cat Food
This is a food that has been designed for elderly cats produced by the well-respected brand Merrick. Its key ingredients are a combination of fats and protein from chicken and turkey (that make up 70% of that food). It’s completely grain-free, which is going to help significantly with sensitive stomach difficulties, plus it contains Yucca Schidigera, which further helps with digestion, compared to bulk cat food.
It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals (including Taurine for eye and heart health), plus it is also calorie controlled to stave off obesity without your kitty feeling as they are fed half a meal.
4. Wellness Complete Health Senior Health Deboned Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe
Chicken is the principal ingredient in this senior cat food out of Wellness Complete. It is the very first product we are saying that is perhaps not specifically designed for indoor cats, and as such, the caloric content is nearer to regular food compared to the others. But, it can help prevent obesity and contains fewer calories than standard food.
It’s got a whole lot of probiotics and prebiotics, and it also comprises a dose of l carnitine to help with metabolisms. It’s manufactured in the united states possesses corns, no carbohydrates soy, which should make it suitable for kitties with sensitive stomachs.
$32.29 in stock
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5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach Food
If a cat is vomiting, you should schedule an appointment. It’s instead an indication of an underlying acute health issue (such as kidney disease) that needs medical care.
Once you’ve got the, then that is a food you need to consider to limit vomiting. It has been designed to be more gentle in the stomach and has a soothing blend of minerals and vitamins to overall health.
$49.99 in stock
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6. Senior Cat Food for Constipation: American Journey Minced Chicken Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, and Dried Egg White
Nutritional Info: Protein – 9%, Fat – 4%, Fiber – 1%, Moisture – 82%, & Calorie Content – 889 kcal/kg
Are you looking for the best senior cat food grain free diet for your feline friend? Your cat will love this American Journey minced chicken recipe. It starts with real meat from chicken as the first ingredient covered in mouthwatering savory gravy. This animal-based protein helps promote lean muscles and offers vital amino acids to your cat’s body.
In addition to being nutrient-rich, this senior cat food wet formula is packed with taurine which supports eye and heart health. I love the wholesome ingredients like blueberries & cranberries, omega-3 & 6 fatty acids that promote immune and skin health plus shiny cat coat. This senior cat food for picky eaters is also enriched with minerals & vitamins that support your cat’s overall body health.
Buy on Chewy
7. Senior Cat Food for Weight Loss: Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Spinach, and Dicalcium Phosphate
Nutritional Info: Protein – 18%, Fat – 4%, Fiber – 0.8%, Moisture – 73%, & Calorie Content – 1194 kcal/kg
If you have an overweight cat and need low carb high, protein-rich senior cat food to help maintain a healthy weight, this chicken cuisine from Nom Nom is worth a try. This diet is prepared by certified vet nutritionists in the US with the dietary levels approved by AFFCO food nutrient profiles. It features real chicken and organs as the primary ingredient and protein source for lean, strong cat muscles.
What I like most apart from the premium ingredients of this senior cat food soft diet from Nom Nom is that it has never been recalled. This home-made-style senior food is rich in nutrients with pieces of veggies such as carrots, spinach, asparagus, and cantaloupe which makes it look like chicken salad. That is tasty, right? Ask you cat when you feed her today.
Buy on Chewy or Amazon
8. Senior Cat Food for Joints: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+ for Joint Health
First 5 Ingredients: Pork By-Products, Pork Liver, Chicken, Chicken Liver, and Wheat Flour
Nutritional Info: Protein – 9%, Fat – 2.5%, Fiber – 1.8%, Moisture – 82%, & Calorie Content – 834 kcal/kg
Our best cat food for promoting joint health in the list today is senior cat food Royal Canin for joint health. Prepared for cats above 12 years old, this wet cat food formula has everything your cat needs to meet his nutritional requirements making it one of the most vet recommended senior cat food on the market.
This senior cat food with glucosamine is created with the most ideal balance of proteins, carbs, and fats making it yummy and healthful. In addition, the slices are tender and thin in gravy making the food soft in case you senior cat has sensitive gums and teeth. It is packed with high levels of omegas, DHA, and EPA for your cat’s general health. I also love it since I can use it as a dietary complement to dry kibble and has low levels of phosphorous to help promote kidney health.
Royal Canin is also one of the recommended brands for the best senior cat food hairball control. Check out this product on Chewy if your cat is coughing hairballs or Nulo’s here.
9. Senior Cat Food Dry: Earthborn Holistic Feline Vantage Natural Dry Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Pea Protein, Oat Meal, and Dried Egg Product
Nutritional Info: Protein – 36%, Fat – 14%, Fiber – 5%, Moisture – 10%, & Calorie Content – 3770 kcal/kg
If you want the best diet for cats with food allergies or sensitivities, Earthborn senior cat food is what you are looking for. The Feline Vantage Natural Dry Cat Food formula features chicken meal as the first ingredient that is highly-digestible protein that fuels his every day activities. That is not to mention lip-smacking palate in a nutrient-rich, antioxidants-rich cat diet.
In addition, the recipe is packed with fruits and veggies such as cranberries, apples, blueberries, and spinach to support a healthy immune system. Your senior cat will admire the vitamins, probiotics, omegas, and taurine that helps promote his whole body health.
10. Senior Cat Food Low Protein: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Early Care Kidney Function Feline Formula Adult Dry Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal, Tuna, Barley, Whole Grain Corn, and Soybean Meal
Nutritional Info: Protein – 33%, Fat – 13%, Fiber – 5%, Moisture – 12%, & Calorie Content – 4041 kcal/kg
Cats with kidney disease should consume diets that are low in protein content and this senior cat food Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets formula is a perfect choice. The great-tasting dry formula is among best senior cat foods for early kidney care as it specifically made to promote kidney function by vets, researchers, and nutritionists.
With moderate quantity of high-quality protein, this senior cat food kidney disease solution is also low in phosphorous and an ideal choice for cats of all breeds. I also love that it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids for vision and brain health plus antioxidants for immune health. Your senior cat will enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits packed in this recipe.
Buyer Guide for the Best Senior Cat Food/for Aging Dogs
What To Search For in a Fantastic Food For Elderly Cats
There’s nobody size fits all solution if you’re searching for the best senior cat food. Some cats will be suffering from some health issues, and different cats will likely probably undoubtedly be afflicted by several other health problems (and as such, they have distinct conditions ). We will list some concerns under, but remember, not all cats will need all of the things we’re going to pay.
Moisture
One of the most frequent issues that cats face is tooth sensitivity and loss. Just like humans, as cats era, the enamel on their teeth fractures, and through time tooth loss is inevitable.
When they simply have one or two missing teeth, this might well not be such a significant issue, but if tooth loss is intense (or they’re experiencing discomfort when eating), you are going to want to correct their diet. You will be able to provide the best canned cat food for older cats that is easier to consume than food to them.
Ingredients
Again, like humans as adults age, their stomachs can grow to be very little sensitive to specific ingredients, and mild allergies can form. This may mean that foods that they once enjoyed can cause nausea, nausea, or an upset stomach. It may be due to stomach sensitivity if you discover some of these indications in an ageing cat. There are lots of foods available on the market which comprise a low quantity of ingredients to accommodate cats using these kinds of problems.
Not all foods designed for elderly cats possess a tiny number of ingredients. Some just avoid the most common blisters. In the event you do not desire to try out the minimal ingredient varieties, then pick. All these are often the ingredients, and you will give your kitty a more happy tummy through the elimination of them.
Minerals and vitamins
Most of the best cat food for older cats that are available on the market are packed full of minerals and vitamins, which can be intended to make sure that your cat stays healthy and happy. Yet may often have them larger quantities. The specific vitamins and minerals differ from brand to brand, and there is nothing you should be explicitly searching for (unless you are advised otherwise by your vet).
The exception for that is pro-biotics. Many cat foods designed for cats comprise probiotics that help boost a healthy gut and gastrointestinal system. This can considerably assist with stomach problems. If your older kitty has a sensitive tummy, then you should try and receive yourself a food.
Caloric amount
As cats age, they become active. Your ferocious kitty that once spent days hunting and prowling now loves cuddling up to you on the couch rather than going off on adventures. While this is excellent for individuals (as we have more snuggles), it will mean that your cat is going to be burning much fewer calories on an everyday basis. If they keep eating their ordinary food, there is just a good chance they will begin piling on the pounds (plus they might become obese).
Becoming obese is as bad for cats as it is for humans, especially at an advanced age. Cat foods designed for cats may frequently have a lower caloric content to deal with this. This permits you to nourish them the identical amount as they have always been fed; however, it may keep them from gaining weight.
Various types of Food For Elderly Cats
You’ll have the ability to get three distinct types of cat food on the market that are specifically designed for cats — canned as well as also dry.
Canned
Canned food is usually believed to be the kind of cat food. That is as it’s a lot simpler for them to eat and chew compared to foods that are harder Once we mentioned earlier in the day. They are also usually the most tasty from the cat’s perspective as they are frequently made from beef, fat, and water, having very little additional.
This quick and organic ingredient list (that is free of irritants like corn and soy) makes it ideal for kitties with a sensitive stomach. They are frequently more calorically dense than food — so ensure you’re maybe not overfeeding them.
Semi-Moist
Semi-moist foods have been the must-have cat food; no kitty could be without; however, their popularity has fallen drastically. As such, it’s often far more challenging to come across food that is semi-moist compared to other kinds, especially when it is a professional variety of cats.
It’s a middle ground between food an ageing kitty may appreciate if you may find some. It typically contains more ingredients than moist food (and some times contains grains), which isn’t good news for sensitive skin. However, it’s simpler for that kitty to eat compared to food.
In our opinion, there’s not a lot of point in semi-moist food. Instead of providing the benefits of both dry and wet food, it only appears to own every one of their flaws. We suggest that you devote to dry or moist and leave semi-moist out of the equation.
Dry
Dry foods will be the bread and butter of this kitty food environment. They’re tremendously common, As they can combine nutrients vitamins and minerals into a great product. They are also the most inexpensive kind of cat food in the industry.
Sterile food items can be somewhat hard for elderly cats with tooth loss to take, as we’ve mentioned. However, if your cat comes with a reasonably healthy group of teeth, there is no reason why they can’t be fed a tender food (although they’d probably prefer a moist food if given the option).
Special Dietary Considerations for Senior Cats
As we have discussed from the beginning, all cats have some fundamental dietetic requirements throughout different life stages. During their senior stage, cats have special dietary needs and the following 6 issues should be put into consideration:
- Health problems
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Dental problems
- Dehydration
- Changes in digestion & metabolism
- Lower vitamin levels
How to Switch your Senior Cat to New Food
How you switch your senior cat’s current diet to a new one is very crucial to their health and well-being. In a nutshell, you should transition your senior cat to her new food gradually by including small amounts (25% ratio) of the new food to the bowl and much of the old. This ratio should be changed slowly until your cat adjusts.
Caution: Switching your senior cat’s diet suddenly can distress her tummy and is detrimental to her health. Check out this guide by PetMed.
How Much Should I Feed my Senior Cat?
Now that you are aware of the senior cat food best for your feline pal, the next thing you should know is how much you should feed her. Feeding the right quantities ensures that your senior cat gets all the care she needs nutritionally.
As I tell many cat parents, every cat is unique which means that there is no one-portion-fits-all feeding guideline for all senior cats. My four-legged furry friend may eat slightly more while yours eats less compared to the recommended average portions. A senior cat should consume 240 calories a day for every 8 lbs. This may change as she ages and becomes less active.
That being said, the average feeding guideline is a good place to start. Remember that cat foods vary substantially in caloric density which means that a 1/8 cup can result in weight gain or loss. If you are straining with managing portions for your senior cat (it’s common), speak to your vet.
Best Senior Cat Food UK and Canada
If you live in the UK or Canada and are looking for the recommended places to buy the best senior cat foods, click this link to buy on Amazon. You can also find the products on other sites, including Chewy and Walmart.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
So that you have it, that is why they need this what your kitty needs to eat if they era. You must be knowledgeable, along with your cat. By choosing the best senior cat food and feeding them correctly, you’re going to give them a healthier, happier, and longer life.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
