Smalls Fresh Raw Other Bird Cat Food Best Overall
Although the dietary requirements of a senior cat are like those of an adult cat, seniors require meals that are lower in fat and higher in protein. Smalls Fresh Other Bird is a human-grade meal that uses raw turkey as its primary source of protein, and its our choice for the best overall cat food for senior cats.
Skin-on turkey thighs account for an impressive 91% of the protein, and the remaining 9% comes from chicken liver. With a crude fat content of 6.6%, Fresh Other Bird has the lowest fat of any Smalls fresh meals. The recipe is enhanced by a supplementary vitamin and mineral mixture that supports aging joints and muscles.
- Peas are an unnecessary ingredient
Hills Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Dry Senior Cat Food
Protein: 28.0% | Fat: 18.0% | Fiber: 3.5% | Moisture: 8.0%
This senior cat food formula from Hills Science Diet is one of the best cat foods for older cats available today, without a doubt. Hills recently revised their formula to better cater to the needs of older cats, and the response from the community looks to be excellent. Chicken remains the number one ingredient and is coupled with natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants to support your cat in its old age. Hills manufacturer their foods in the USA, with a focus on excellent ingredient quality. Their focus on delivering deliciously healthy senior cat food is reflected in opinions of the 95% of buyers on Chewy who would recommend this food. Hills Science Diet Adult 11+ Senior Dry review.
Why Do Older Cats Need More Protein
Cats need plenty of protein in order to be healthy, but older cats have trouble processing protein as they did in their younger days. Thats why it is so important to select a cat food that is full of high-quality protein.
High-quality proteins are ingredients like beef, chicken, turkey, or fish. Many times senior cats require a higher-end brand of food because they require so much pure protein.
Giving your feline friend the right amount of protein will keep them from becoming lethargic and listless. It will also help them maintain their muscle tone well into older age.
Also Check: Cheapest Phone Plans For Seniors
What Serious Disorders Can Senior Cats Develop
Some parts of aging, however, are not considered natural. While cats of any age can develop serious disorders or diseases. If your cat is more than just a little fatigued, or develops any of the above behaviors or conditions to a degree, he or she is in pain or not eating, of course, you need to consult with a vet. But aside from this, cats can also potentially be more prone to diseases and disorders as they hit their elderly years, including:
Natural Balance: Original Ultra Senior Chicken & Salmon Meal Dry Cat Food
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salmon Meal
Natural Balances recipes are designed for whole-body health and contain natural nutrient-rich ingredients. This recipe by Natural Balance contains ample protein from chicken and salmon, while lentils provide fiber. It contains lean proteins and fewer calories for senior cats that struggle with maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, superfoods such as pumpkin, spinach, and cranberries add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to this recipe for immune support.
This recipe is simple and delicious and contains all the right nutrients for your senior feline such as taurine, omega fatty acids, and biotin.
Read Also: Tracfone Unlimited Plans For Seniors
Best With Probiotics: Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Dry Cat Food With Probiotics
Amazon
Weight: 16 pounds| Form: Dry | Flavor: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
-
Helps maintain a healthy coat
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials is a high-protein cat food developed with digestive health and immunity in mind. The primary ingredient is real chicken or salmon, combined with brewer’s rice and a blend of live probiotics and prebiotics. This dry cat food also has omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. The ingredient list also has eggs, animal fat, amino acids, and a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
The best overall premium dry cat food is the Crave Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food. It boasts a protein-rich blend of high-quality meat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it comes in multiple feline-approved poultry and fish recipes. However, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food is another great choice. The vet-approved formula is packed with meat, whole grains, animal fat, fish oil, and veggie fibers.
The Spruce Pets / Jordan Provost
Wellness: Complete Health Deboned Chicken Grain
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Herring Meal, Potatoes
The first ingredient in this senior cat food by Wellness is real deboned chicken. It also contains additional protein from herring, while potatoes and peas provide fiber and digestible carbohydrates. The cranberries are a great addition for senior cats that suffer from urinary infections or kidney issues. This grain-free recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote your cats immune health.
This recipe includes ample fiber and L-carnitine for senior cats who have slower metabolisms. Additionally, the glucosamine, taurine, chondroitin, probiotics, and omega fatty acids present in this kibble provide whole-body nutritional support to your feline.
Also Check: Free Dental Care For Seniors In 2021
Best Indoor Cat Food Formulas Reviewed
There are many brands and types of food for indoor cats. With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the right one for your feline friend. To make things easy, we have selected and reviewed the best cat food for indoor cats.
Summary: Smalls is a cat food subscription service company that opens with a one-minute survey to determine your cats needs. From there, they recommend a cat food option that is made fresh with fresh human-grade ingredients or freeze-dried raw and shipped right to your door, making this one of the best cat food brands. It satisfies the cats nutritional needs, prevents obesity, and has excellent moisture content. Plus, based on the needs, it can be made as cat or kitten food.
Type: Fresh and freeze-dried raw
Best for: Cats of all life stages
Price: $9/11.5 oz unit
- Safe, for kittens, adults, and senior cats
Cons
- It is more expensive than other options on the list
Ingredient Analysis: The ingredients are sustainably sourced from the United States and Canada to ensure premium grade products with each order. Ingredients like chicken thigh, chicken breast and liver, green beans and peas, and only enough water to be sufficient for the production process make this one of the best and cleanest sources of nutrition for your cat on the market today.
Type: Dry cat formula
Best for: Cats of all life stages
Price: $7.99/lb
- Boosts energy levels and improves digestion
Cons
- Rich in carbohydrates and calories
Review:
Cons
Delectables Stew Lickable Treat For Senior Cats 10 Years+
Cat owners say this food is very palatable and easy to eat* the package says lickable treat, but the instructions state this is actually a cat food, not a treat food.
You can feed one packet per meal instead of dry kibble or wet cat food.
There are three recipes to choose from: chowder, bisque and stew. Cat owners say this is also a good choice for as one of the best cat food for senior cats because it is so tasty even very finicky cats will enjoy it!
Don’t Miss: Senior Citizens Low Income Apartments
What Differences Should There Be In An Older Cats Diet
Just as with us humans, old age brings many physical changes to cats and as such, their diets need to adjust. You should still always be sure your cat receives a nutritionally complete meal, but certain adjustments in nutrient levels can make their lives a little easier. The same changes are seen in dogs as we see in cats, too lowered energy levels and a calmer lifestyle call for senior dog foods to replace adult formulas.
More moisture required
As cats age, they become prone to fatigue and dehydration. This fatigue is partially caused by decreased energy levels, making them far less likely to actively seek out fresh water.
Dehydration can cause serious illness in cats, ranging from constipation to liver failure, so its absolutely vital your cat stays hydrated all year round. If you leave water out for your cat but find that they rarely drink from it, you should consider investing in a cat water fountain. Cats are more inclined to drink from running water, so these water fountains work a treat to get them drinking.
Soft wet foods for older cats
Opting for a wet senior cat food will not only aid in combating dehydration, but it will also make eating easier for cats with teeth problems. Older cats often have tooth issues that can make eating kibble a painful experience, so a softer wet cat food is kinder on the teeth.
Slightly more fiber
Lower fat content
Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque
Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque is a gluten-free liquid cat food. Each packet is a complete, balanced meal for your cat, offering the nutrients she needs for the day. Solid Gold offers this food in a variety of flavors, including chicken, salmon, tuna, and beef, all of which have a coconut milk base. Coconut milk provides plenty of calcium to support strong bones and makes the bisque especially palatable.
Also Check: Affordable Senior Housing In Georgia
Blue Buffalo Blue Freedom Grain
This blend by Blue Buffalo, offered in chicken, contains no chicken by-products or other fillers like corn or wheat. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas supply other nutrients. The bits are also specially formulated to include antioxidants to support immune health, and a healthy oxidative balance. If youre looking for wet food, Blue Buffalo also makes a similar formula with its wet rendition of grain-free indoor food, with a focus on dietary fiber, caloric balance, and even cranberries for urinary tract health.
Best Easy To Digest Senior Formula: Solid Gold Tropical Blendz With Chicken & Coconut Oil Pate Grain
As part of your cats diet, coconut oil can benefit her immune system, reduce hairballs, soothe arthritis inflammation, improve bad breath, and help with a healthy stomach. This holistic, grain-free/gluten-free wet food is specially crafted for cats of all life stages, including seniors.
Formulated with lean and tasty chicken and tuna, this food is free of fillers like corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan, meat by-products, and preservatives. Several nutrient-dense Superfoods such as carrots, pumpkin, and spinach are added to provide natural vitamins and nutrients your cat can digest.
Recommended Reading: Computer Class For Senior Citizens
Orijen: Six Fish Grain
Top Ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish
If your senior cat struggles to maintain his appetite, this Orijen recipe could be a great option. Made with six different types of fish, this recipe is rich in protein and flavor. It is a biologically appropriate diet that your senior cat will thrive on. Orijens Wholeprey approach includes meat, meat organs, and bone for complete nutrition. This recipe also includes red lentils, pumpkins, and apples for a balanced meal rich in fiber and vitamins.
Additionally, the prebiotic fiber and probiotics in this recipe make this an easily digestible kibble. Your senior cat will love this highly palatable kibble that is coated with freeze-dried cod for an additional flavor boost.
How Can I Fatten Up My Old Cat
Provide a special treat for your cat by adding other goodies to her food. The other tasty goodies can include chicken broth, crumbled bacon, and fish oil. This will not just make the food taste delicious, but your cat will also be able to explore new tastes. Don’t panic if the cat isn’t eating properly.
Read Also: Best Buy Flip Phones For Seniors
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Cat Food
Made with all-natural ingredients, this dehydrated meal* contains cage-free turkey. This means all the nutrients are intact so your furry pal enjoys a less processed food thats still delicious and balanced.
Cat owners feeding their kitties with Honest Kitchens food reported seeing their kitties put on healthy, shiny fur and gain energy! Some people have seen major improvements in their cats vomiting due to sensitive stomachs.
It comes in powder format and you only need to add warm water to rehydrate before feeding it to your kitten.
The Best Cat Food For Senior Cats Supports Kidney Health
With renal failure being the most common condition affecting senior cats, a kidney-friendly diet is essential.
While you dont want to put a healthy senior cat on a prescription renal diet, all senior cats can benefit from a kidney-friendly diet. Perhaps most importantly, senior cats should eat a controlled-phosphorusthough not necessarily low-phosphorusdiet.
Manyperhaps even mostcat foods have several times the minimum requirement of phosphorus. While excessive phosphorus is generally thought to be harmless, research done in 2018 suggests that excessive dietary phosphorus may hasten damage to a cats kidneys.
Keeping phosphorus close to AAFCOs minimum required amount will help to prevent and control kidney damage.
You May Like: Mo Dept Of Health And Senior Services
Purina One Vibrant Maturity Adult Premium Cat Food
Purina One offers a senior cat food blend that checks all of the boxes without being as expensive as luxury brands. Meat is the first ingredient, there are no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives, and the blend includes carrots and peas instead. The dry food earned four and a half out of five stars by Target customers. While Purina does have many highly recommended wet cat food varieties, they are not specifically indicated for seniors.
Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken Pate
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Ground Flaxseed
Also among the best-wet cat food options is Wellness Core Digestive Health chicken canned cat food, which is specially formulated also for sensitive cats and older cats.
Chicken, chicken liver, and turkey are the main protein sources in this canned food for older cats that vomit, which has a minimum of 10% protein supply, and a moderate fiber load of 1%. But the fat level is pretty high at 7%. It also has salmon fish oil for the essential fatty acids vital for healthy skin and coat.
This wet food got rave reviews from 165 reviewers at Chewy.com, with an 89% acceptance rate. Most of the positive reviews said their older cats licked the bowls empty and that this gravy wet cat food had very admirable effects like ease on sensitive tummies and megacolon.
But some cats didn’t like it too well according to a few kitty owners, while a few pet parents did not care for its smell.
Pros:
Not to be outdone is the world-renowned feline food brand Tiki Cat with its Velvet Mousse Salmon & Pumpkin wet mousse.
Also a popular premium wet cat food, this food formula blends salmon, chicken, and pumpkin to make a highly palatable diet thats fit for your older cat. It presents a 9% minimum protein load, with moderate fat and ample fiber levels of 4% and 2% respectively.
Pros:
Pros:
You May Like: Window Replacement Grants For Seniors
The Best Cat Food According To A Veterinarian
Cat owners only want whats best for their kittens, so naturally, they want to give them a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet with the best cat food. But how do owners navigate the aisles of kibble, cans to find the best cat food?
Since studies show that proper nutrition is critical for overall health and wellbeing, in this article, we will review the seven best cat foods of 2021. We will talk about their pros and cons and reveal what other customers feel about each brand.
Read on to find out what to look for in quality cat food. Plus, we will also give you some helpful tips for accurate cat food label interpretation and explain the AAFCO standards.
Why Feed Your Cat Dry Cat Food
What are the benefits of feeding your cat dry food? Let’s take a look.
Dry cat food is convenient and less messy than wet food.
Some cats dont eat a full meal all at once they prefer to graze as they feel the need. Dry food can be left out all day without spoiling, so your kitty can pick at it as he pleases.
You can alternate between dry cat food and wet cat food to provide a varied diet that is less likely to bore your cat.
Pound for pound, dry cat food tends to be cheaper than wet cat food.
Recommended Reading: Verizon Phone Deals For Seniors
How Much Should I Feed An Older Cat
Portion sizes for older cats are very much dependent on the size and weight of your older pussycat! All cat foods vary in their calorific content so you need to be very aware of how much you are feeding them and its nutritional value.
A sensible method of managing portion size would be to invest in an automated cat feeder such as the Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect. This incredibly clever device monitors the amounts of food your cat is feeding and simply sends their feeding data to an App on your phone. Super clever stuff and VERY efficient.
Wheter you’re using an autometed feeder or not, you should always consult with your vet when getting accurate advice on how to adjust to their senior citizen diet.
If your cat needs to lose weight, there are many weight loss foods that enable older cats to do this healthily. But, to repeat, it is always best to get the vets advice before putting your elderly cat on any form of diet.