• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Mom Love Pets

Mom Love Pets

  • Home
  • Buying Guide
  • Dogs
  • Other Animals
  • Animal Tips
best cat food for older cats, high protein cat food for older cats, soft dry cat food for older cats

Best Cat Food for Older Cats in 2022 – Top 10 Healthy Food Reviews

March 3, 2019 By Linda Barnes

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.

[toc]

Top 3 – Best Cat Food for Older Cats

IMAGE NAME FEATURES PRICE
rachael ray cat food Nutro Dry Cat Food
  • Weight: 2.8 Ounce
  • Form: Wet
  • Flavor: Chicken Purrcata
Check Price
hill’s science diet Merrick Purrfect Bistro Cat Food
  • Weight: 5.12 Pounds
  • Form: Wet
  • Flavor: Chicken
Check Price
purina pro plan focus cat food Iams Senior & Mature Cat Food
  • Weight: 12.5 Pounds
  • Form: Dry
  • Flavor: Turkey
Check Price

Here Are Some of the Best Cat Food for Older Cats Reviewed 2022

  1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food
  2. HILL’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food
  3. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Cat Food
  4. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
  5. Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food
  6. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food
  7. Amazon Brand Wag Wet Cat Food
  8. Purina Pro Plan Wet Cat Food
  9. Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity Cat Food
  10. 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.

rachael ray cat food, liquid cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Customers can choose between two flavors
  • Glucosamine is added
  • Rich in vitamins
  • Long shelf life compared to other wet cat foods
  • Great customer support
  • White sauce is made from cream and milk
  • Lacks a strong scent so cats with a bad appetite might not eat it
  • Leftovers will need to be stored in the refrigerator
  • Low in carbohydrates and fats

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.

hill’s science diet, best cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • High in magnesium
  • Help get rid of and prevent hairballs in the future
  • The formula was developed by veterinarians
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Economy pack of 24 cans
  • Bad food consistency that looks like soup
  • Some cats were said to have refused to eat it
  • Several batches were reported to have arrived damaged
  • Limited choice of formula

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.

purina pro plan focus cat food, best dry cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • New formula
  • Rich in beneficial ingredients such as taurine and magnesium
  • Affordable
  • Fast shipping
  • Helps maintain optimal weight
  • Cats may not like the smell
  •  The packaging is not airtight
  • Limited flavors
  • Lack of online customer support

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.

merrick purrfect bistro review, cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • The formula was developed with the help of veterinarians
  • Rich in omega 3 acids, taurine, vitamins, and minerals
  • Packed with antioxidants and probiotics
  • Gluten-free
  • Manufactured in the US
  • Some cats were reported to have refused to eat this food
  • Long shipping
  • Available in one flavor only
  • Suitable for cats above 7 years only

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.

blue buffalo cat food, soft dry cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Enriched with vitamins and minerals
  • High in taurine and vitamin E
  • Prepared over a long period of time using low temperature
  • Available in three different formulas
  • Does not contain any traces of chicken
  • Some cats refused to eat it as it is virtually without any scent
  • Some cats developed bloody stool
  • Not suitable for cats with urinary tract problems

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.

nutro senior cat food, best cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • 100% GMO-free
  • Rich in vitamin E and B6
  • Made with farm-grown chicken and brown rice
  • The formula was specifically developed for senior cats
  • High in taurine
  • Some cats were reported to get constipated
  • Might cause allergies in some cats
  • Some packages were reported to have arrived expired
  • Limited formulas for seniors

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.

amazon brand wag cat food, moist cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Amazon brand
  • Made in Canada
  • Made with tuna, chicken, and fish
  • Contains glucosamine
  • Some cats were reported to experience stomach acidity while on this food
  • Available in one formula only
  • Contains by-products

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.

purina pro plan entree, high protein cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Does not cause allergies
  • Tested and certified
  • Known brand
  • Affordable
  • Available in one formula only
  • Not suitable for cats with urinary problems
  • Low in carbohydrates

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.

purina one cat food, best canned cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Airtight packaging
  • Made with real chicken and whole rice
  • Enriched with magnesium that is needed for a healthy urinary system
  • Full of vitamins and minerals
  • Pricey
  • Lots of counterfeit packages
  • Some customers have reported getting expired bags

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.

iams cat food, best wet cat food for older cats
Check Price on Amazon
  • Specifically designed for mature and senior cats
  • Rich in protein and omega 3 acids
  • Customers can choose from three different formulas
  • Small kibbles are easy to chew and swallow
  • Not available in small packages
  • Made with fish only
  • Low taurine percentage
  • Some cats might not like the smell

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.

Filed Under: Cat Foods, Foods

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 · Aspire Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in