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Although it’s always important to watch what your pet eats, it becomes a higher priority as they get older. Cats can especially benefit from having the right food in their bowls to help manage the changes their bodies undergo as they age. Which is why researching the best senior cat foods is important.
“One of the biggest challenges in providing proper nutrition to an older cat is determining when a cat has reached that life stage,” says Kathryn Dench, DVM, veterinary surgeon and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. “Senior cats—usually over the age of 11—also experience reduced activity levels but are more likely to experience weight loss and reduced muscle mass. Therefore, senior cat diets should be more high in protein and enriched with vitamins and minerals to support overall health, including joint support and kidney function.”
However, perusing the pet food aisle can be confusing when trying to make the best choice. Fortunately, there are several specially formulated senior diets that address the unique nutritional needs of the aging cat. Read on for the best senior cat foods, according to veterinarians.
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It can be difficult to accept that your beloved pet is getting older and perhaps slowing down as they get older. But if you really want to keep your cat healthy, changing their diet should be something you consider with input from your veterinarian.
“Senior cats have different nutritional needs compared to their younger counterparts,” says Dench. “They often require higher protein content to maintain muscle mass, joint support to manage arthritis, and ingredients that promote kidney health.”
Changing your cat’s habits after years of routine can be difficult, but switching to improved food can yield significant results.
“About 60 percent of the senior cats I see in clinics benefit greatly from switching to these specialized senior diets,” Dench says. Best Life. “Owners report improved energy levels, better weight management, and a noticeable improvement in their cats’ overall well-being.”
Most pet owners agree that it’s best to tailor your cat’s diet to help prevent some of the more common health problems that occur with age. That’s why Dench says Hill’s Science Diet Senior Cat Food is a great option for cats who look healthy.
“These include high levels of taurine and controlled levels of phosphorus, which support kidney and heart health,” says Dench. “It also provides a balanced blend of nutrients and is fortified with antioxidants to support the immune system.”
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Cats need their essential vitamins and minerals as they age, just like people. According to Hannah HartDVM, veterinarian at Chewy, this makes Iams ProActive Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food a good choice.
“In addition to omega-3 fatty acids and a good balance of protein and fat, this diet contains appropriate levels of calcium and potassium for heart health and prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion,” says he. “And vitamin E in formulas is an antioxidant for immune health.”
Anyone new to senior diets may want to start with a brand that covers many nutritional concerns. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food has many essential nutrients to target certain ailments.
“It’s tailored to a precise balance of vitamins and minerals, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health,” says Dench. “And this brand offers diets that target specific health issues common to older cats, such as kidney support and weight management.”
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It’s not just about which formulated diet you feed your cat: Simply choosing between wet or dry food can be an important decision.
“Wet food can be a good choice for older cats due to the higher moisture content than dry food to support kidney function, as well as being easier on the teeth for older cats with dental issues,” Hart explains. “Wet food is also easy to reheat to make it more appealing for older cats with appetite issues, and it’s easy to mix things into wet food, like Fortiflora probiotic powder, to make it more appetizing while improving digestive function .”
He recommends Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus 7+ Classic Chicken Grain-Free Entree Canned Cat Food as a place to start for your senior pet. Not only is the food suitable for cats in their prime years, it is also packed with a number of essential nutrients.
“This wet food features fiber from chicory root for digestive health, taurine for healthy vision and heart function, and beta-carotene as an antioxidant,” she says. “It also contains 78 percent moisture to increase water intake and promote healthy kidney function.”
Caring for a cat with dietary restrictions? Dench explains that Blue Buffalo Senior Cat Food can be suitable for both indoor and outdoor cats, even providing grain-free options for sensitive stomachs.
“This option is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, as well as cognitive function,” says Dench. “It includes high-quality proteins and essential nutrients without artificial additives, which are beneficial for maintaining general health in senior cats.”
After a certain age, cats enter a different stage where they need more attention to food. Hart says Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging Spayed/Neutered 12+ Dry Cat Food is a good option in this case.
“This food is specifically designed for cats 12 years of age and older (older than the general senior) and contains ingredients such as L-carnitine for heart and muscle function as well as fat metabolism and lycopene as an antioxidant to boost immune function and protect against free radical damage to cells,” he says Best Life.
