Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Fumipets
9 Best Senior Cat Foods in 2023
Senior cat foods are specially formulated diets designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of older cats. As cats age, their dietary requirements change, and senior cat foods are tailored to support their overall health and well-being during this life stage.
Key Points:
- Nutritional Changes: Senior cat foods typically contain adjusted levels of key nutrients such as protein, fat, and fiber to accommodate the reduced activity levels and potential health issues of older cats.
- Joint Health: Many senior cat foods include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, as arthritis and mobility issues become more common in aging cats.
- Digestive Health: These diets often feature easily digestible ingredients to alleviate digestive problems that older cats may encounter.
- Weight Management: Senior cats are prone to weight gain, so these foods may be lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Oral Care: Some senior cat foods have unique kibble shapes or textures to promote dental health, as older cats may be more susceptible to dental issues.
Best Senior Cat Foods
You bring home this small ball of fluff and watch them grow into a large, gorgeous cat. It could have occurred in the blink of an eye. But, before you realize it, their senior years will arrive, and it will be time to make the last diet switch.
To sustain their bodies’ natural decline, seniors need a distinct diet. Thus, picking the best senior meals for your elderly loved one might be a bit difficult while you’re shopping. We’ve reviewed eight of the top cat meals available for elderly cats in this article. Look at what we discovered.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
BEST OVERALL |
 |
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription | No fillers, artificial flavors, or dyes The texture is ideal for cats with bad teeth Reduced-price sample box available | Check Price |
BEST VALUE |
 |
Fancy Feast 7+ Variety Pack | Assorted flavors High protein Excellent for dental issues | Check Price |
 |
 |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ | 7+ formula Extra moisture Whole protein | Check Price |
| BEST FOR OVERWEIGHT SENIORS |  |
Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus 7+ | Added microflora Total wellness recipe Proprietary blend | Check Price |
 |
Purina Pro Plan Focus 11+ | Double protein source Packed with valuable nutrients Transparent ingredients | Check Price |
The 9 Best Senior Cat Foods
1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Type: | Fresh food |
| Calories: | 1229/kg |
| Crude Protein: | 15% |
| Crude Fat: | 6% |
| Crude Fiber: | 0.5% |
| Moisture: | 72% |
In addition to meeting the stringent safety requirements of the USDA and FDA, processed cat food must pass all the same demanding testing as human-grade cat food. Smalls produces products that are tasty, healthful, and of the highest caliber by adhering to or even exceeding all these recognized standards of quality for fresh and freeze-dried cat food.
Your senior cat will still obtain the nutritious protein, fat, fiber, and minerals they need while consuming less calories as a result of their less active lifestyle by being fed smaller quantities of Smalls fresh cat food. Real veggies like green beans and peas, along with premium herring oil, goat’s milk, and other all-natural ingredients, are added by Smalls to their fresh cat food to strengthen it with nutrients that are suitable for cats of any age.
You may offer your adult cat the tastes they want by using fresh cat food, which is available in chicken, turkey, or beef. The pate-like texture of the Smooth recipes makes them simple to consume and digest, making them perfect for cats who may have difficulty chewing due to dental issues. It could take some getting used to if your cat has never eaten fresh food, but Smalls provides a trial box with samples of their meals so they can test them out and pick which they like before you get their favorite foods.
Pros
- Great source of taurine
- No fillers, artificial flavors, or dyes
- “Get Started” questionnaire to help choose the best recipe
- The texture is ideal for cats with bad teeth
- Reduced-price sample box available
Cons
- Fresh, wet food needs to be refrigerated
- Not available in Alaska or Hawaii (yet)
2. Fancy Feast 7+ Variety Classic Pate Minced – Best Value
| Type: | Wet food |
| Calories: | 75-96 |
| Protein: | 11.5-12% |
| Fat: | 5% |
| Fiber: | 1.5% |
| Moisture: | 78-79% |
The Fancy Feast 7+ Variety Pack Traditional Pate Minced is without a doubt deserving of an honorable mention among the excellent cat meals for our cherished senior cats. The tastes, which include a variety of beef, chicken, and tuna flavors, appear to be highly desired by cats.
These recipes were created particularly to assist the maintenance and aging processes of cats who are 7 years of age and older. Since it’s wet food, it’s also simpler for your elderly pets to consume if they have dental problems, which are typical with felines.
Per can, there will be between 75 and 96 calories in this dish. In addition, there are 5% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, 11.5% to 12% crude protein, and 78% to 79% moisture.
Each meal has a significant amount of protein to nourish the muscles in your senior. Real meat is always included as the first component in the formulations. The majority of seniors will be supported by it, and it won’t break the bank, in our opinion.
Pros
- Assorted flavors
- High protein
- Excellent for dental issues
Cons
- Might not work for all food sensitivities
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Cat Food
| Type: | Dry Kibble |
| Calories: | 500 |
| Protein: | 27% |
| Fat: | 16% |
| Fiber: | 3.5% |
| Moisture: | 8% |
If money is no obstacle, keeping your senior behaving like a kitten is made possible with the Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+. The natural elements in this mix work together to improve your cat’s skin, coat, and immune system.
The ingredients in this recipe were chosen specifically to feed cats who are 7 years old and older. They may thus continue eating this food for the rest of their lives after you change their diet. The first component is chicken, which provides a complete protein for healthy muscles. Moreover, it has enough vitamin C to promote strong immunity.
This cat food has 500 calories per serving. It contains 8% moisture, 16% crude fat, 27% crude protein, and 3.2% crude fiber. This dry kibble may be given to senior citizens as a regular diet or you can try giving it to them with a wet food topping to provide more moisture to their diet.
This recipe is excellent, but it does include items like wheat, maize, and soy, which some cats may be sensitive to. You may want to try a different brand first if your cat has any allergies.
Pros
- 7+ formula
- Extra moisture
- Whole protein
Cons
- Contains potentially triggering ingredients
- Pricey
4. Purina Pro Prime Plus 7+ – Best for Overweight Seniors
| Type: | Wet food |
| Calories: | 106-111 |
| Protein: | 9-10% |
| Fat: | 7% |
| Fiber: | 1.5% |
| Moisture: | 78% |
Try the Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus 7+ if your cat is on the plump side and your doctor suggests weight management cat food. In order to promote weight control, it has the ideal combination of nutrients without sacrificing the nourishment that your senior urgently needs.
This dish will feed your senior’s body and promote holistic wellbeing. Always the primary component, meat offers specialized vitamin mixes that enhance the health of older cats. Microflora has been introduced to boost gut health and help with digestion.
There are 106 to 111 calories in one can. This product has 9% to 10% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 78% moisture according to the guaranteed analysis.
All of the dishes are devoid of grains, and we believe they contribute significantly to the healthy weight that many seniors need. Unfortunately, not all dietary limitations or feline palates will be accommodated by the recipe.
Pros
- Added microflora
- Total wellness recipe
- Proprietary blend
Cons
- Won’t work for all dietary restrictions
5. Purina Pro Plan Focus 11+ Chicken & Beef
| Type: | Wet food |
| Calories: | 91 |
| Protein: | 10% |
| Fat: | 6% |
| Fiber: | 1.5% |
| Moisture: | 78% |
With superior nutrition to assist your senior cat’s aging body, the Purina Pro Plan Focus 11+Chicken & Beef Enrée is a premium wet cat food. Another benefit for many owners is that it suits most budgets.
They get a tasty protein combination thanks to the beef and chicken in gravy in this specific Purina Pro Focus container. Furthermore, liver meat and salmon are used in this dish. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like taurine and biotin to keep your cat’s body working properly.
91 calories, 10% crude protein, 6% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 78% moisture are included in this dish. Taurine and vitamin E are also included in a decent amount to safeguard the health of the muscles, skin, and coat.
There aren’t many ingredients either. To see everything on the list, rapidly scan it. From our perspective, fewer ingredients are usually preferable. The moist chunks also make it much simpler for elders who have dental difficulties or hunger challenges. That may not work for all seniors since it is 11+. However, this is the finest senior cat chow on our list.
Pros
- Double protein source
- Packed with valuable nutrients
- Transparent ingredients
Cons
- Only for seniors 11+
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Diet – Best for Sensitive Seniors
| Type: | Dry Kibble |
| Calories: | 397 |
| Protein: | 28% |
| Fat: | 12% |
| Fiber: | 7% |
| Moisture: | 9% |
The Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet is unquestionably worthwhile to take into account if your senior has a sensitive stomach. It is specifically designed to calm the stomach and help with digestion by using a single protein source and a small number of additives.
Like with other Blue Buffalo recipes, this choice includes Blue’s patented LifeSource Bits, which are soft kibble chunks filled with antioxidants and additional nutrients. Turkey that has been deboned comes first, then turkey meal, peas, and potatoes for the belly.
This dry kibble has 397 calories per serving. This product has 28% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 7% crude fiber, and 9% moisture according to the guaranteed analysis. Its high fiber content aids in GI tract regulation, and its L-carnitine content converts fat into energy.
For our delicate furbabies, we particularly like all of the components in this dish. Nonetheless, you should consult your veterinarian before making a change to ensure that no unintentional additives would irritate them.
Pros
- Antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits
- High fiber
- Great for sensitive cats
Cons
- Might not match all needs
7. Royal Canin Feline Health Aging 12+ Senior Cat Food
| Type: | Wet food |
| Calories: | 71 |
| Protein: | 9% |
| Fat: | 2.5% |
| Fiber: | 1.8% |
| Moisture: | 82% |
If your senior cat is above 12, we recommend Royal Canin Feline Health Aging 12+. For your older man or girl to enjoy, it has the ideal texture. To help support joints, glucosamine and chondroitin have been included in this recipe.
Pork and chicken serve as the main sources of protein in this recipe, which is targeted at seniors. Nevertheless, this recipe includes by-products, so you may need to find another one if your cat has a sensitivity to them.
There are 71 calories in total in one can. 9% crude protein, 2.5% crude fat, 1.8% crude fiber, and 82% moisture are all included in the assured analysis.
For best results, Royal Canin suggests switching between the wet and dry formulations for your cat. While this may be a great beneficial technique to control your cat, it does come with an additional cost, so bear that in mind.
Pros
- Added glucosamine & chondroitin
- For much older cats
- Total body support
Cons
- Might get expensive
- Contains by-products
8. Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Cat Food
| Type: | Dry Kibble |
| Calories: | 399 |
| Protein: | 34% |
| Fat: | 17% |
| Fiber: | 3% |
| Moisture: | 10% |
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior is a budget-friendly formulation that provides your elderly cat with the right nourishment. Antioxidants found in abundance in this dish assist your senior’s immune system. For clean eating, it is devoid of synthetic colours and artificial tastes.
This recipe’s high calcium and phosphorus content helps to promote healthy bones and muscles. L-carnitine helps people keep their weight in check. The senior’s teeth can be cleaned by the crunchy kibble, but you may want to add broth or a wet food topping to make it a little softer.
The calories in one serving of this cuisine total 399. This product has 34% crude protein, 17% crude fat, 3% crude fiber, and 10% moisture according to the guaranteed analysis.
Every Iams food is produced in the USA using ingredients that can be tracked. Nevertheless, this dish is rife with maize, which some cats find irritating. Thus, if your cat won’t eat it, beware.
Pros
- Artificial flavor and synthetic dye-free
- Supports healthy muscles, bones, and joints
- Packed with antioxidants
Cons
- Contains corn ingredients
9. Nulo Freestyle Grain-free Mixed Senior Cat Food
| Type: | Dry Kibble |
| Calories: | 431 |
| Protein: | 38% |
| Fat: | 14% |
| Fiber: | 6% |
| Moisture: | 10% |
First off, although Nulo Freestyle Grain-free Mixed Senior Cat Food is a fantastic product, it is not suitable for all budgets. This cuisine is incredibly expensive. Yet, it is a fantastic dish that certain seniors may really profit from. It is especially made for elderly people who need immunological and digestive assistance.
This dish outperforms most rivals by a wide margin with a staggering 78% protein from animal sources. Moreover, it includes a proprietary live probiotic with up to 80,000,000 CFU. In the gut, these probiotics will flourish and help to develop a balanced flora.
One serving of this dish has 431 calories. 38% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 6% crude fiber, and 10% moisture are all included in the guaranteed analysis. All components are entirely non-GMO and natural, free of any dangerous additives.
We also cherished the bag’s ability to be resealed in order to maintain freshness. But not every senior can use this recipe.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Resealable bag
- Added patented probiotics
Cons
- Pricey
- Only for sensitive cats
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Senior Cat Food
Your cat’s nutritional needs fluctuate as they mature. From being a healthy, competent cat that needs a maintenance formula to a cat whose function is deteriorating. What distinguishes seniors in terms of their dietary requirements, then?
What Types of Cat Food Are Available for Senior Cats?
What’s the finest cat food for aged cats? There are a ton of recipes for senior cat food available. These are some things to think about.
Dry Kibble
There are a few things to think about while choosing the finest dry cat food for senior cats. Even if there are various recipes aimed toward the health of your senior, dry kibble is often insufficient.
Wet Canned Foods
The guesswork will be eliminated for you if you wish to feed senior cats the finest wet cat food by getting an age-appropriate formula. Since it is simple to chew, it is ideal for cats that have dental issues. Also, it offers your cat the additional water their bodies absolutely need.
Broths & Gravies
Plenty of gravies and broths are added to dry kibble diets. This makes the kibble simpler for your cat to eat while also providing them with a tasty boost of water.
Raw or Homemade Diets
Many owners decide to provide their older citizens with homemade meals, raw food, and food that has only been partly cooked. You have complete control over the components, ensuring that only healthy additions are given to your senior.
Supplements
Also, you may get vitamins to fortify your senior’s physique. They have edible nutrition boosts in the form of snacks, powders, and drinks.
Potential Diet Recipes
Limited Ingredients
Cats may be sensitive to a wide range of things, and as they mature, their sensitivity might alter. Limiting the ingredients in their meals may be quite beneficial for your cat if they are beginning to show signs of sensitivity as they age.
Weight Management
Your cat’s ability to do physical activities might significantly slow down as they age. Diets for weight management may aid in regulating and controlling weight.
Sensitive Stomachs
Your cat could need a specific formula for sensitive stomachs if they had any diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal problems.
Health Issues
To help cats with health difficulties, there are several specialty diets available on the market. Diabetes, renal, liver, and heart problems are a few of them.
Dental Health
Teeth deteriorate with time, and some cats have poorer dental health than others. They create senior recipes—typically wet food—that address their oral problems while providing the right nourishment.
Beneficial Ingredients
Taurine
Taurine is exclusively present in foods made from animals. Taurine is necessary for your senior to preserve eyesight, control digestion, and maintain good heart muscle function.
L-carnitine
L-carnitine increases heart and brain function by converting fat into energy.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine strengthens your senior’s joints by reducing inflammation.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids support your senior cat’s healthy skin and hair.
Conclusion
The Smalls fresh and freeze-dried cat chow is our top pick for senior cats if you’re searching for a formula that will work for the majority of typical seniors. They manufacture goods that are tasty, healthful, and of the highest caliber by using human-grade cat chow that satisfies or even surpasses all standards of quality.
Try the Fancy Feast 7+ Variety Bundle if saving money appeals to you. We believe that your cat will enjoy all of the tasty tastes, never experiencing a bland meal. These dishes nourish your senior’s aging body and stimulate hunger.
Regardless of your choice, we hope you were able to find a dish that works best for your elderly partner. We are aware that every cat has unique requirements, so if you’re uncertain, always check with your veterinarian.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
At what age is a cat considered a senior?
Cats are typically considered seniors around the age of 7-10, although this can vary depending on breed and overall health.
Do senior cats need a different diet than adult cats?
Yes, senior cats benefit from a diet tailored to their changing needs, as it helps address age-related concerns such as joint health and digestion.
What nutrients should I look for in senior cat food?
Look for senior cat foods that contain adequate protein, lower fat content, added joint support ingredients, and easily digestible components.
Is it necessary to consult a veterinarian before switching to senior cat food?
Consulting your veterinarian before transitioning to senior cat food is advisable, as they can assess your cat’s specific health and dietary requirements.
Are homemade diets suitable for senior cats?
Homemade diets can be challenging to balance properly for senior cats. It’s often recommended to choose commercial senior cat foods formulated by experts.
