What is the healthiest food for a senior cat

7 Best Healthy Cat Foods for Senior Cats

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Senior cats need delicious, calorie-dense meals that are loaded with high-quality nutrition. That entails plenty of ultra-digestible protein, anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe achy joints, and a soft texture thats easy on bad teeth.

After researching the needs of senior cats and studying the market, weve chosen Smalls Smooth Bird Fresh Cat Food as the best cat food for senior cats. With an abundance of nourishing animal-based protein, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and not too much phosphorus for aging kidneys, this food has all the qualities we seek in a senior diet.

Here, we cover our top choices for food for senior cats, and what to consider when shopping for your aging feline.

At a Glance: Best Senior Cat Food To Buy

Overall Best

10.0

Picked by 25 people today!

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Smooth pate texture is easy for cats to chew
• Rich in hydrating moisture

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Best Wet

9.8

Picked by 21 people today!

• Low in phosphorus to support kidney health
• Flavorful gravy many cats find appealing
• Rich in animal-sourced protein

Best Dry

9.6

Picked by 18 people today!

• Calorie-dense to support lean muscle mass
• Easily digestible animal ingredients
• Relatively low carbohydrate content

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

9.4

Picked by 18 people today!

• Rich in digestible animal protein
• Very low in carbohydrates
• Soft texture is easy for cats to chew

Budget Pick

9.2

Picked by 31 people today!

• Affordably priced under $0.35 per ounce
• Smooth pate texture is easy to chew
• Moderate fat and calorie content

Best for Picky Eaters

9.0

Picked by 31 people today!

• Flavorful multi-protein recipe
• Good source of hydrating moisture
• Rich in animal-sourced protein

Best for Weight Loss

9.0

Picked by 31 people today!

• Reduced calorie formula to support weight loss
• Good source of animal-based proteins
• Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotic fiber

Why Trust Cats.com?

We spent hours researching the cat food market and consulting feline nutrition experts on the needs of senior cats before selecting products to test for this review. The following foods earn their place with outstanding ingredient quality, nutritional merits, and safety records. These foods are rich in biologically-appropriate animal protein, feature minimally processed ingredients, and have a soft, moist consistency thats easy to eat.

All of the foods on this list were chosen with senior needs in mind then purchased at full retail price and tested with our own cats. During testing, we make observations about the foods appearance, texture, aroma, and packaging. Our cats provide their input on flavor and general appeal. We also consult consumer reviews to get an idea of overall customer satisfaction with the product.

Best Cat Foods for Older Cats

Our top pick for senior cats is Smalls fresh cat food. Made with human-grade ingredients in a protein-rich, high-moisture formula, this recipe is nutritious and easy for older cats to chew.

We consider a variety of factors when making our recommendations. While Smalls is our top pick in this category, there might be better options for your specific cat. Every cat has different needs and preferences, so weve categorized our recommendations to help you choose the right food for your senior cat.

What To Look for When Shopping for Food for Senior Cats

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) , a cat enters the senior stage at age 10. That said, many practitioners consider a cat a senior starting at age 8. While nutritious food is essential for your cat at any age, its particularly important as they enter their golden years.

Your cats core nutritional requirements dont change after they transition from kitten to adult, but key aspects of senior cat health might affect their ideal diet. Heres what to consider when looking for healthy food options for your older cat.

Look at the Animal-Based Protein Content

Protein is essential for many bodily functions, such as metabolism and tissue repair. And while protein is the cornerstone of every cats diet, its doubly important for senior cats as their ability to absorb nutrients and metabolize energy declines.

Maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly difficult with age. An estimated 50% of senior cars are underweight. Providing a protein-rich diet helps spare the breakdown of body proteins. Animal-sourced protein is the most biologically valuable to your cat and its more digestible than plant-sourced protein.

Make Sure Its a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Kidney failure is the most common condition ailing senior cats. While you dont necessarily need to put a healthy senior cat on a prescription renal diet, all senior cats can benefit from a kidney-friendly diet.

Sadly, many cat foods contain several times the minimum requirement of phosphorus. Growing research done in recent years suggests that excessive dietary phosphorus is linked to kidney damage in cats.Keeping phosphorus close to AAFCOs minimum required amount(0.5% on a dry matter basis) will help prevent and control your kittys kidney damage.

Consider Foods That Are Palatable and Easy To Chew

Because many cats lose their interest in food as they age, its important to stimulate their desire to eat. Warm, moist foods with strong aromas can point your cat in the right direction. A sprinkle of bonito flakes or a splash of bone broth can also encourage your older cat to get the food they need.

Dental problems can make chewing a challenge for senior cats, so its a good idea to select moist, soft foods that are easy for your cat to chew and digest. As senior cats have a higher predisposition toward dehydration, high-moisture foods can also help your kitty get the hydration they need.

Include Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Bone and joint problems become increasingly common as cats age, so including anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting ingredients in your cats diet is essential. Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids from animal sources. Salmon oil, krill oil, menhaden fish oil, and green-lipped mussels are excellent sources of these inflammation-easing fatty acids.

Your senior cats food also shouldnt contain anything that will make inflammation worse. Avoid potentially-inflammatory ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and carrageenan.

The right diet plays a vital role in ensuring that your cat is at his best through every stage of life. In addition to the foods listed above, any nutrient-dense, meat-based food will help your senior thrive. Consult with your veterinarian if you need help finding the diet thats most appropriate for your senior cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is best for senior cats?

The best food for senior cats should be nutrient dense, meat-based, support kidney health, help control inflammation, and are very easy to eat. Plus, they should be moist and easy on the stomach.

How can I keep my senior cat healthy?

Routine veterinary checkups are essential for senior cat health. Its also important to provide a high-protein, calorie-dense diet that provides the nutritional balance required for adult cats. Consider as well whether it may help your cat to make adjustments to their environmentlike making their food and litter box easier to reach. While a senior cats energy might dip, daily play and mental stimulation is still a must.

Is wet food better for senior cats?

Wet food may be easier for older cats with dental problems to chew. The additional moisture also helps boost hydration and support healthy digestion.

Best Senior Cat Food: 5 Top Brands for 2024 Revealed!

When you welcome a kitty into your family, there's one hope you probably have above all else:

That she'll have a long, healthy, happylifeas close topurr-fectas she can get.

And trust us when we say we want that for your cat, too!

And for good reason: by the time your sweet feline reaches her senior yearstypically, around 7 to 11 in human yearsit's all you can do to not swoon over her every day. After all, there's something so special and sweet about animals in their golden age and we want to provide them with the best care we can.

But you may be wondering something:

Does my older cat have different dietary needs compared to her younger siblingsor even compared to when she herself was younger?

The answer is almost definitelyyes.

In this review, Best Senior Cat Foods, we're going to talk about the unique nutritional needs of your senior feline, things to consider when choosing the best senior kitten food, what senior cat food is exactly, and which food brands are the best of the best based on price, customer reviews, ingredients, and of coursekitty feedback.

at a glance: our top 5 picks for senior cat food

Our Top Recommendations

A Review of The Top5 Best Senior Cat Food Brands

By this point, you hopefully have a better idea of what a solid nutrition plan looks like for your senior kitty. Now's the time to figure out which brand of senior kitten food is best for your animal and easy on your budget.

Without further ado, let's take alook at our topfive recommendations:

1. Nutro Senior Indoor Cat Dry Food
2. Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe
3. Now Fresh Senior Weight Management Recipe
4. Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Pate
5. Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Canned Cat Food Recipe

1. Nutro Senior Indoor Cat Dry Food

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This senior formula is catered to the needs of an indoor-only cats. Made from real chicken with a good dose of Taurine to support aging heart system.

This Nutro dry cat food is great for senior cats, especially senior kitties who live indoors all the time. It's been fortified with essential fatty acids and nutrients like taurine, as well as healthy antioxidants for a strong immune system.

Pros

• High protein content, antioxidant and vitamin rich, made with non-GMO ingredients

Cons

• Contains brown rice (a potential high carb source that could lead to weight gain in some animals), hard kibbles may be tough to eat

Guaranteed Analysis

2. Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

A kibble that offers loads of organic, wholesome ingredients to keep your mature kitty healthy. Packed with real chicken plus plentiful of veggies and fruits as antioxidant and fiber sources.

This senior dry cat food from Hill's offers a lot of wonderful real ingredients for a healthy older feline. For instance: cranberries support urinary health, broccoli offer healthy fibers, beets is rich in antioxidants, and real deboned chicken for first class quality protein.

It also has a new smaller kibble size and shape which makes it easier for older animals to eat and enjoy.

Pros

• Made in the USA, finest protein with a crude analysis of at least 38%, 10% moisture, affordable, no by-products or artificial fillers

Cons

• Contains grains (wheat, corn, rice) which ups the carb content, not well-received by finnicky eaters

Guaranteed Analysis

3. Now Fresh Senior Weight Management Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

A Canadian pet food brand and their food for senior cats is well-received. It's free of corn and wheat and appears to be enjoyed even by finicky kitty eaters!

One of the five pet food brands manufactured by Petcurean, this brand is a Canadian pet food brand. It is an independent pet food company that started as a small family operation in the Fraser Valley area of British Columbia, Canada.

The company is a well-respected pet food brand, and their food for senior cats is well-received. It's free of corn and wheat and appears to be enjoyed by even picky kitty eaters!

Pros

• Cats love the food and tolerate it well, isn't overly hard kibble, first class protein, gluten free

Cons

• Contains peas (potential allergen issue)

Guaranteed Analysis

4. Instinct Ultimate Protein Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This product comes in an appealing pate style and is made with several protein sources: chicken, turkey and chicken liver and in savory chicken broth.

Finally, we're getting into some of the better wet food options for senior kitties.This productby Nature's Variety comes in an appealing pate style and is made with 95% real cage-free chicken, turkey, and chicken liver.

As for the carb sources, they're mostly the water-rich ones you'd like to eat too, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, parsley, blueberries, and pumpkin.

Pros

• Has nutrient-densecarb sources, enhanced with vitamins including thiamine; moisture-rich

Cons

• Contains and eggs and fish oil, may not be aceeptable food for older kitties

Guaranteed Analysis

5. Ziwi Peak Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

While it is not budget-friendly, this brand uses the finest single-source protein from ethically raised lamb. This chunky pate, is so tasty as it also contains New Zealand green mussels, organs and bone.

Rounding out our list is another canned food for seniors. While among the pricier options from the list, this brand uses the finest single-source protein from ethically raised, free-range animals. It's also free of the usual oh-no-no's when it comes to cat food (grains, rice, soy, potatoes, agar agar, BPA, perservatives, fillers, wheat, sugars, etc.).

Pros

• Contains New Zealand green mussels which are excellent for kitty joint health; top quality, high protein content; soft and chunky

Guaranteed Analysis

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Cats

All cats have a few basic nutritional requirements, and their diet needs to be able to support and meet these needs. This is essential at every stage of life, but especially in her earliest and latest yearswhen her immune systemmay need someextra help to remain fully functioning(see the next section for dietary requirements of senior kitties specifically).

In general, here's the basic nutritional checklist for kitties:

• They need to have a lot of protein.Cats evolved as carnivores, and their bodies do best with a diet rich in animal-based protein. In fact, protein should be the bulk of their caloric intake.
• They need to have healthy fats and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.These nutrients support everything from healthy coat and skin to proper brain and muscle development.
• They need minimal carbohydrates.Ideally, the carbs they do eat will be low on theglycemicindex scale (don't spike blood sugar a lot) and are nutrient densein other words, more fruits and veggies and fewer (if any) potatoes, corn, soy,and grains.
• They need adequate hydration.Cats don't have a super strong drive for thirst. This is mostly becausethey evolved by getting most of their hydration through the moisture-rich meat which they hunted and ate. To make sure everything runs smoothly, make sure your kitty gets plenty of fresh water every day. You can entice her to drink more by using akitty fountain and keeping her water away from her food.
• They need the right amount of food. Cats need enough food to support play and exercise, but not too much to promote getting on weight and obesity. Kitty obesity is a big problem (no pun intended) that can increase an animal's risk of diabetes, arthritis, and many other health problems.

Keep in mind that, like humans and other animals, kitties do best when they don't consume artificial preservatives, fillers, and other chemicals which can disrupt normal digestive and gut health.

And while higher quality food that's free from these ingredients costs more than the typical commercial options, it really is worth it when you consider how much healthier it can make your animal over the course of her lifetime.

Read also: 10 Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Special Dietary Requirements for Senior Cats

As we've seen, all cats do have some basic nutritional needs. But if you're one of the lucky ones who has a kitty at home enjoying her old age, then you should realize her dietary needs are likely even more specific and nuanced now.

The best cat food for senior cats will take into account the following characteristics which are common to senior felines:

• Reduced ability to smell and taste: as kitties get older, they may begin to lose interest in food.This is often because they can't see, smell, or taste quite as well as they used to. You can probably imagine how not being able to experience your food fully will make it less appealing to you!
• Dental problems: Older cats often have periodontal disease (gum disease), broken, loose, infected, or missing teeth, or simply weaker jaw muscles. Understandably, such problems can make it difficult to chew, especially hard food.
• Changes in digestion: as felines grow older, it often becomes harder for them to digest fat and absorb nutrients from the food they eat. This can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even malnourishment in extreme cases.
• Age-related illnesses: Like humans, kitties are susceptible to certain diseases as they get older. This includes things like arthritis, kidney disease or liver problems, food allergies or intolerances (even to normally healthy ingredients like fish and eggs), and more. Your kitty's diet should a) help her avoid these age-related illnesses and b) help her manage her symptoms if she does develop one at some point. For example, certain illnesses and diseases require extra fiber or special supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids. But don't worry: your vet can answer your specific questions.
• Lower vitamin levels: Stress, age, and illness can deplete an animal's body of essential vitamins. And again, because older cats often tend to eat less than their younger feline peers, they may be at a greater risk for vitamin deficiencies, includingthiamine (aka B1, which is important for breaking down carbohydrates).
• Dehydration: signs of dehydration in cats are not always obvious. But because older cats tend to eat less and drink less, they are at an increased risk for potentially dangerous health problems like the kidney disease for an example.
• Changes in metabolism: metabolism tends to slow down for a kitty as she gets older. Plus, your animal may not be as active as she was in her moreyouthful days. Together, these may increase her risk for weight gain.Because of this, older kitties often don't need to eat as much as they used to. Smaller portions are key to making sure your older feline doesn't gain weight.

Of course, you know your kitty better than anyone. You may have even raised her since she was just a little kitten! But if you ever have questions or concerns about your pet's unique dietary needs, it's always a good idea to chat with your vet.

He or she can give you tailored guidance that will help you make the best possible choices when it comes to your cute little furball.

What Should I Look for in Senior Cat Food?

Now that we understand how the dietary needs for senior felines tend to change, it's time to talk about the main dish, so to say: Senior cat food.

Foods for the older kitten have been designed specifically for aging animals, and is specially formulatedto meet their uniqueneeds. To help you make sure you're selecting the right product for your pet, look for the following features of top rated senior cat food:

• More moisture: this is to combat the risk of dehydration, which as we've seen iscommon in older felines who tend to eat less than the young'uns running around.
• Slightly more fiber: since older cats tend to have difficulties with digestion, getting slightly more fiber in their diet can help them stay regular.
• Soft wet foods: a kitten won't eat her food no matter how hungry she is if it hurts too much to chew and swallow! Soft wet is usually have the ideal choice of foods for older kitties, simply because it's easier on their teeth and jaws.
• Ingredients list: again, because older kitties have a harder time digesting their food, any ingredients that are artificial, known allergens, or otherwise unhealthy may be poorly tolerated by older kitties. This may include ingredients like grains, artificial colors, corn, soy, and carrageenan. To optimize her nutrient intake and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems, you want to look for ingredients that are real, whole, and naturalreadable, in other words. It is best to avoid as many artificial ingredients as possible.

How Much Should I Feed My Senior Cat?

In addition to giving your golden girltop rated senior cat food (in other words, knowingwhatto feed her), you also should be aware ofhow much to feed her in order to properly care for her needs.

Of course, every cat is unique, which means your four-legged darling may need slightly more or less food compared to the average recommendation. That said, starting from a general guideline is a best place to start.

The typical recommendation for kitty portion controlis around 240 calories per day for anaverage 8-pound cat. But you'll probably need to decrease this amount slightly as your animal ages, since her activity level will probably go down. Use your best judgment.

That said, one good way to make sure your cat isn't too skinny nor too fat is to feel and look at her body:

You should be able to easily feel (yet not see) her ribs when you run your hands down her body. And when looking at her from the side or the top, you should see a clear narrowing at the waist area. This is the best and ideal situation but it is also wise to get advice from your vet for your specific cat depending on her health and other factors like if she is obese and needs a weight loss plan.

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What About Feeding Frequency?

Now, most senior cats do best eating one to two times per day. In fact, your kitty will probably be able tokeep eating as often as she didwhen she first became an adultthe portions may just need to be smaller.

Keeping a similar feeding routine may actually encourage your older animal to actually eat and drinkenough. Rememberkitties are creatures of habit. Change can be hard, especially for an older cat who's adorably stubborn, a bit picky, and more or less set in her ways. But we love and care for our cats so this is a task we will be willing to take.

If your cat is used to being free-fed (that is, if you leave out her chow in a dish so she can eat whenever she wants), you may be able to continue doing thisbut remember, hard dry nutrition may not be appropriate for your senior, and wet food shouldn't be left out all day.

So if you do have to make the move away from dry foods to canned food, you may also have to prepare yourself to change your feeding routine, too.

How to Introduce New Food to Your Senior Feline

Lastly, remember the trick to introducing your kitty new foodSlowly and surely.

This is especially important for older kitties who probably have more sensitive stomachs to begin with.

A basic rule of thumb is to gradually adjust the ratio of old food to new food over the course of a week and a half or so. You may want to use this template as a guideline:

• Start by mixing 25% of your cat's new food in with 75% of her old food (for a total of 100% of the calories she usually gets).
• After 3 to 4 days, adjust the ratio to 50/50: half old food, half new food.
• After 3 to 4 days of this, adjust the ratio again so she's getting 75% new food and 25% old food.
• Finally, after 3 to 4 days of 75/25, switch her fully to her new food. Watch her closely to make sure she's tolerating the switch well, and talk to your vet if you have any concerns of how she's responding.

Conclusion

Your senior kitty may be mature, but we know she still has tons of personality! Make sure you're optimizing her well-being and supporting her health from the inside out with the right type and amount of cat food.

Proper care of your cats includes the proper understanding of her diet needs because this is an essential part of her life. That way, she'll be able to show off her unique personality and enjoy her life with you for as long as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I feed my cat senior food?

Start your cat on a senior diet at about seven years of age. The main objectives in the feeding an older cat should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.

Is senior cat food necessary?

And as our cats age, their nutrient requirements change too. Senior diets, for example, are generally lower in calories but higher in fiber, and often have supplements specific to this life stage such as joint support and antioxidants. Forgo all life stage pet food for senior pets, says Dr. Vogelsang.

What is different about senior cat food?

The only real difference between regular adult formula and senior formula foods is that senior foods tend to be lower in calories and have a little less proteinbecause too much protein can lead to some health issues in older cats. And don't worry about your senior cats if they're getting into the younger one's kibble.

How much should a senior cat eat?

From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day. Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.