Senior cats should get a special diet instead of staying on a normal adult diet because they have higher requirements in protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates. But, more importantly, senior cats’ food has lower fat content which will help your cat maintain optimal weight and prevent any additional pressure on joints.
Dry cat food developed for adult cats has a much higher fat content. This may possibly lead your senior cat to gain too much fat and consequently lead him to suffer from joint pain, difficulty breathing, and high blood pressure. Cat food for senior cats contains smaller and softer kibbles that will help your feline enjoy the meal and get the most out of it.
However, never rush to switch your cat’s diet because that could lead to diarrhea and other stomach upsets such as gas. Start introducing new foods slowly by mixing them with your cat’s regular food over a period of two weeks. This way your cat’s digestion system will get used to new ingredients and lower fat content.
Also, senior cats do best with small amounts of food spread throughout the day as opposed to two large meals. However, if you are giving your cat wet food, keep it refrigerated and throw out any remains after 48 hours. On the other hand, senior dry food can be stored for up to 18 months provided the packaging is either re-sealable or that the food is stored in airtight containers.
If you notice your cat approaching his feeding bowl, sniffing it, and then walking away don’t be quick to think he has a bad appetite. Instead, check to see if the bowl is clean and fresh. Because the reason your cat might not want to eat from it could be smelly old leftovers.
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Top 3 – Best Cat Food for Older Cats
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Nutro Dry Cat Food |
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Merrick Purrfect Bistro Cat Food |
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Iams Senior & Mature Cat Food |
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Here Are Some of the Best Cat Food for Older Cats Reviewed 2022
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food
- HILL’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Cat Food
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food
- Amazon Brand Wag Wet Cat Food
- Purina Pro Plan Wet Cat Food
- Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity Cat Food
- Iams Senior & Mature Dry Cat Food
1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Food is made with small pieces of deboned chicken in a white sauce that your cat will love. The white sauce is made from milk and cream and will be a great source of calcium for your cat especially at mature age while the deboned chicken is a great source of lean protein and will help maintain the right weight.
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The kibbles are medium-sized and fairly soft while the packaging is made to prevent sunlight from passing through and thereby prolonging the shelf life of this cat food.
Also Read: Best Cat Shampoo Reviews and Buying Guide
2. HILL’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food
HILL’s Science Wet Food comes in a pack of 24 cans each weighing 3 ounces, the amount needed for an average cat to consume during a meal. This will eliminate the need for you to store leftovers in the refrigerator and then reheat it again like you would need to do with larger cans.
This specific formula has been developed in collaboration with veterinarians to help your cat fight any urinary infections as well as hairballs in the stomach. To support the urinary system of senior cats, the manufacturer has ensured the formula has twice the amount of magnesium normal cat food has for adults or kittens.
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The added fiber in form of lots of green vegetables will help your cat get rid of hairballs and will help prevent them in the future. Just like other HILL’s Science pet food, it does not contain any colorants, preservatives, or additives.
3. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina is a world-renowned brand that has been manufacturing various pet food including cat food. Purina’s pet food formulas have been developed with leading veterinarians and nutrition specialists thus the formula is very varied and rich in beneficial ingredients.
Senior cats require higher protein and carbohydrate intake however with lower fat and calorie count, Purina has developed cat food just for senior cats with such requirements. Therefore, this Purina Pro Plan Cat Food for seniors is rich in lean protein thanks to boneless chicken as well as high in carbohydrates because of the rice used in the formula.
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Plus, it contains vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin, coat, and strong immune system. It has a high percentage of taurine as well.
Also Read: How to Raise a Kitten – Guides for Beginners
4. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
Made with fresh deboned chicken and GMO-free vegetables, Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry cat food is the best cat food for older cats. This will definitely become a favorite with your senior cat. Plus, it is high in omega 3 acids that are needed for a healthy functioning body as well as a strong immune system.
The formula has been developed with veterinarians and enriched with many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the formula contains antioxidants and probiotics for a healthy digestive system as well as taurine for better blood circulation and kidney filtration.
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The dry food does not contain any colorants, additives, or preservatives and is free from gluten. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry Food is manufactured in the US under strict quality control that ensures each batch is made from fresh ingredients that are packed into airtight bags.
5. Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo is made with meat and vegetables specifically for cats that have allergies. Plus, it does not contain any traces of poultry by-products such as bones, beaks, and legs. The formula has been enriched with vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy body in a mature age.
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Moreover, customers have reported that Blue Buffalo has some of the highest taurine percentages. Customers can also choose from three different grain formulas including rice, oats, and barley. The dry food is prepared over a long period of time using low temperature so as to preserve valuable nutrients and prevent degradation.
6. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food
Nutro is the best cat food for older cats which contains farm-grown chicken. Brown rice is another main ingredient that is a rich source of carbohydrates. Plus, the chicken is a rich source of lean protein which is needed for optimal body mass and health.
Moreover, Nutro’s senior cat food is packed with lots of different vitamins, minerals, and taurine. Taurine is needed for healthy blood circulation and a strong immune system which tends to weaken with age in cats.
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Also, this cat dry food contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin B6 that are needed for healthy skin and fur coats. All ingredients used in the manufacturing have been tested and certified as 100% GMO-free.
Also Read: Best Raw Cat Food – Healthy Choices for Your Feline
7. Amazon Brand Wag Wet Cat Food
The first three ingredients in Wag wet food are tuna, chicken, and fish broth that is rich in glucosamine needed for senior cats. Plus, it contains plenty of chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, and beetroot. Although, it has a short shelf life because no preservatives or additives are added.
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The Wag wet cat food is manufactured in Canada under the strict quality control of Amazon, so they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the cat food.
8. Purina Pro Plan Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan series is widely known amongst pet owners because the brand has been around for many years and has proven to manufacture only high-quality pet food that is rich in nutrition and vitamins.
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Purina Pro Plan Entrees in Sauce has been tested and found to comply with all current health standards. It does contain any elements that could cause allergies or stomach upsets such as colic, acidity, or vomiting.
Also Read: Best Crystal Cat Litter – All You Need to Know
9. Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity Cat Food
Purina One Vibrant Dry Food for senior cats is made with real chicken and whole rice that will become a good source of carbohydrates. Moreover, the formula is enriched with glucosamine that will help your cat maintain healthy joints and avoid arthritis.
Plus, the formula contains other beneficial elements such as magnesium for a healthy urinary system as well as omega 3 acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Customers can choose from the two different formulas containing either meat or chicken plus you could choose whole rice or barley.
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Also, the kibbles are small enough for senior cats to chew and swallow even if they are missing teeth. The packaging bag is made with a zip-lock so that you could store the food for longer periods of time.
10. Iams Senior & Mature Dry Cat Food
Dry food specifically developed for mature and senior cats that are prone to obesity and arthritis. Iams cat food is packed with nutritious ocean fish that is rich in protein, omega 3 fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body. Customers can choose from three different formulas containing either salmon, cod, or tuna plus you could buy a small bag first to see if your cat will like the food.
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Moreover, the small kibbles should be easy for senior cats to chew and swallow even if they are missing teeth. Furthermore, Iams Senior Dry Food for Cats has been tested and found to comply with all health standards in the industry.
Also Read: Best Cat Tree for Large Cats – The Most Popular on the Market
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What to Look for in Cat Food for Older Cats?
A: You need to look especially for nutrition. Your cat needs proteins, amino acids, vitamins, fats, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber. Your cat should take one of them more, or it should definitely not have one of those. Both are possibilities. You need to know your cat’s specifications. Since it is an older cat, taste and needs should be formed by now, but some things change. Keep it updated.
Q: When Should You Switch to Senior Cat Food?
A: There is no clear answer to this question. There is no ‘age.’ It changes from cat to cat. If your older cat is doing fine with its current diet, then you do not have to change it at all. But if you noticed that it started to struggle to maintain muscle and weight, then it would be an excellent time to see a vet about a new diet.
Q: How Much Should You Feed Your Older Cat?
A: You can follow the guide on the back of the package. It is there to give you an idea, but every cat is an individual. Every cat is different. You know your cat; you need to feed it enough to maintain a healthy body. Make sure it drinks a lot of fresh water.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Senior Cat Food and Average Cat Food?
A: “Normal” cat food is usually suitable for adult cats that have grown out of their kitten stage. On the other hand, senior cat food tends to contain ingredients that help alleviate ailments that tend to show up on a senior cat. This sort of food contains vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that senior cats would likely benefit from.
Q: Should Older Cats Eat Dry or Wet Food?
A: Wet cat food. Senior cats often have trouble eating dry food because they sometimes suffer from dental issues. Since wet cat food is softer, more palatable, and flavorful, cats that turn picky with age would also benefit from it.
Conclusion
Before switching your cat to a completely new diet, stop and evaluate what your cats usually prefer because some cats might have a good appetite for chicken while others might refuse to eat chicken and instead prefer fish.
Also, see if your cat has chewing problems so that you could choose kibbles of the right size and consistency. For cat wet food, see if the consistency reminds you of cake or soup. For cats experiencing problems with teeth, the latter will be more suitable.
Moreover, regardless of whether you are feeding your cat wet or dry food ensures that the water bowl is always full of freshwater. Remember that cats are animals of habit thus always feed them at the same time of the day in a place you always did before.
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