Senior cats are best put on 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 cat’s 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 that will lead your senior cat to gain too much fat thus lead him to possibly suffer from joint pain, difficulty breathing and high blood pressure.
Cat food for senior cats is made with 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 it with your cat’s regular food over a period of two weeks, this will help your cat’s digestion system get used to new ingredients and lower fat content. Also, senior cats are best fed small amounts during the day as opposed to two large meals.
However, if you are feeding your cat with 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 resealable 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.
Why Low-Calorie Diet is Important for Senior Cats?
As mentioned above, senior cats can develop obesity which can lead to health problems concerning the heart system, urinary system and could lead to arthritis. Hence, it is important to ensure that your cat will get enough protein, carbohydrates and vitamins but will be limited in the intake of fats.
Comparison of 10 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats in 2019
| Images | Brand of Senior Cat Food | Type | Weight | Ingredients | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nutro | Dry food | 14 lb. | Brown Rice/Chicken | Check Price |
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Merrick | Dry food | 7 lb. | Deboned Chicken/Rice | Check Price |
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IamsoHH | Dry food | 700 grams | Ocean Fish | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo | Dry Food | 7 lb. | Chicken/Brown rice | Check Price |
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HILL’s Science | Wet Food | 2.9 Oz. | Salmon/Barley | Check Price |
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Purina Pro Plan | Dry Food | 7 lb. | Chicken/Rice | Check Price |
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Purina One | Dry Food | 7 lb. | Chicken/Oats | Check Price |
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Rachael Ray Nutrish | Wet Food | 2.8 Oz. | Chicken Purrcat | Check Price |
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Purina Pro Plan | Wet Food | 3 Oz. | Salmon/Rice | Check Price |
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Amazon Brand | Wet Food | 3 Oz. | Tuna Giblets in Gravy | Check Price |
Top 10 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats Reviews in 2019
#1. Nutro Senior Dry Cat Food with Chicken and Brown Rice
Nutro is the best cat foods for older cats is made with farm-grown chicken and brown rice which is a rich source of carbohydrates that are needed for energy. 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.
Also, this cat dry food contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin B6 that are needed for healthy skin and fur coat. All ingredients used in the manufacturing have been tested and certified as 100% GMO-free.
- 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
#2. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry Cat Food with Chicken and Vegetables
Made with fresh deboned chicken and GMO-free vegetables, Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry cat food is the best cat foods 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 healthy digestive system as well as taurine for better blood circulation and kidney filtration.
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.
- 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
#3. Iams Senior and Mature Dry Cat Food with Ocean Fish
Dry food specifically developed for mature and senior cats that are prone to obesity and arthritis. It 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.
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.
- 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
#4. Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Natural Recipe Dry For Senior Cats
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.
Moreover, customers have reported that Blue Buffalo has some of the highest taurine percentages. Also, customers can choose from three different grain formula 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.
- 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
#5. HILL’s Science Diet Adult Senior Cat with Urinary and Hairball Control
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.
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.
- High in magnesium
- Helps 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 formulas
#6. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach 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 are 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.
Plus, it contains vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin, coat and strong immune system. Moreover, it has a high percentage of taurine as well.
- New formula
- Rich in beneficial ingredients such as taurine and magnesium
- Affordable
- Fast shipping
- Helps maintain optimal weight
- Cats may not like the smell
- Packaging is not airtight
- Limited flavors
- Lack of online customer support
#7. Purina One Vibrant Maturity for Senior Cats
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.
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.
- 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
#8. Rachel Ray Nutrish Natural Wet Food for Senior Cats
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 in mature age while the deboned chicken is a great source of lean protein and will help maintain the right weight.
The kibbles are medium-sized and fairly soft while the packaging is made to prevent sunlight passing through thereby prolonging the shelf life of this cat food.
- Customers can choose between chicken and meat
- 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 strong scent so cats with bad appetite might not eat it
- Leftovers will need to be stored in the refrigerator
- Low in carbohydrates and fats
#9. Purina Pro Plan Entrees in Sauce Adult Canned Wet Food
This 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 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.
- 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
#10. Amazon Brand – Wag Wet Cat Food 3 oz
The first three ingredients in this 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. Moreover, it has a short shelf life because no preservatives or additives are added.
The Wag wet cat food is manufactured in Canada under strict quality control of Amazon hence they offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the cat food.
- 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
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 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 ensure that the water bowl is always full of fresh water. 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.