As cats age, their nutritional needs change. Senior cats require a diet that is specifically formulated to meet their changing needs. The best cat food for senior cats should be easy to digest, contain high-quality protein, and be rich in vitamins and minerals.
When choosing the best cat food for senior cats, it’s important to consider their age, weight, and any health issues they may have. Senior cats are more prone to dental problems, so wet food or smaller kibble may be more suitable. Additionally, senior cats may require a diet that is lower in calories to avoid weight gain.
We spent hours researching and testing various cat foods to identify the best cat food for senior cats. Our top picks are based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and palatability. Keep reading to discover which cat foods made the cut and why they are the best options for senior cats.
Best Cat Food for Senior Cats
As our feline friends age, their dietary needs change. Senior cats require a diet that is easy to digest, low in calories, and rich in nutrients to support their aging bodies. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best cat food for your senior cat. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best cat food options for senior cats. Our list includes both wet and dry food options, so you can find the perfect fit for your furry friend’s needs.
1. ACANA Senior Entree Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats (7+ Years), Free Run Chicken and Turkey Recipe, 4lb
If you want to provide your senior cat with a nutrient-dense grain-free diet, then ACANA Senior Entree Dry Cat Food is a great choice.
Pros
- Made with free-run chicken and turkey
- High protein cat food recipe with 65% animal ingredients
- Contains a blend of protein, fiber, and probiotics to support cat digestive health
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Not all cats enjoy the taste
- Some cats may experience digestive issues
We tried this cat food with our senior cat and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The recipe is made with free-run chicken and turkey, which provides the animal protein senior cats need to support their nutritional needs as they age. We also appreciate that it is a high protein cat food recipe with 65% animal ingredients and 35% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals for a balanced diet.
The kibble also contains a blend of protein, fiber, and probiotics to support cat digestive health, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support joint health, and essential nutrients for eye and heart health support. Our cat seemed to enjoy the taste, but we have heard some cats may not like it.
The only downside is that it is a relatively expensive dry cat food. Additionally, some cats may experience digestive issues when switching to this food. However, overall, we would recommend this cat food for senior cats who need a high-quality diet.
Markdown link: ACANA Senior Entree Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats (7+ Years), Free Run Chicken and Turkey Recipe, 4lb
2. Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Senior Dry Cat Food
We highly recommend the Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Senior Dry Cat Food for senior cats who need a balanced diet full of nutrients.
Pros
- This dry recipe features real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing a good balance of protein and fat for senior cats.
- It is formulated with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip & joint health, which is important for older cats.
- The recipe is crafted with antioxidants to support strong immune systems and balanced nutrients for optimal energy, digestion, and hydration.
Cons
- This cat food is a bit pricey compared to other brands on the market.
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
- The bag size is relatively small, so it may not last very long for households with multiple cats.
We’ve been using this cat food for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our senior cat’s overall health and wellbeing. She has more energy to play, her coat is shinier, and she’s had no issues with digestion or urinary tract health. We appreciate that the recipe is crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits, and that it is made in the USA.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality cat food that is specially made for senior cats and provides a lifetime of wellbeing, the Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Senior Dry Cat Food is definitely worth considering.
3. Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
If you’re looking for a convenient and delicious cat food option for your senior cat, the Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Wet Cat Food Variety Pack is a great choice.
Pros
- Variety pack with four delicious flavors to keep your cat excited about feeding time
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for cats aged 7 or older
- Contains antioxidants, taurine, and high levels of vitamin E to support your senior cat’s health
Cons
- Some cats may not like all of the flavors in the variety pack
- Pull-tab cans can be difficult to open for some people
- May not be suitable for cats with certain dietary restrictions
We recently tried out this cat food variety pack for our senior cat and were impressed with the quality and taste. Each can contains a generous portion of high protein cat food that supports strong muscles and overall health.
Our cat particularly enjoyed the beef and tuna flavors, but we appreciated that there were both Classic Pate and Minced recipes included in the variety pack to provide different textural experiences. Plus, the addition of antioxidants, taurine, and vitamin E in each recipe gave us peace of mind that we were providing our senior cat with the nutrition she needs.
The pull-tab cans were convenient for feeding, but we did find that they could be a bit difficult to open at times. Additionally, some cats may not enjoy all of the flavors in the variety pack, so it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s preferences.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Wet Cat Food Variety Pack for anyone looking for a convenient and nutritious cat food option for their senior feline friend.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food, Chicken 5.5-oz cans (Pack of 24) 5.5 Ounce (Pack of 24)
If you want a high-quality cat food that is packed with real chicken and free of grains, then Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food is a great choice for your senior cat.
Pros
- This grain-free mature cat food contains more of the chicken cats love to support healthy muscle growth and contains DHA to promote cognitive development.
- The paté style canned cat food has a smooth texture your feline friend can’t resist.
- All BLUE canned cat foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste of this wet food.
- The price of this cat food may be higher than other brands.
- The smell of the cat food may be strong to some people.
We have been using Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food for our senior cat for a few months now, and we have seen a noticeable improvement in his health and energy levels. The high protein content and natural ingredients have helped our cat maintain a healthy weight and stay active.
One of the things we love about this cat food is the real chicken that is packed into each can. Our cat seems to love the taste, and we feel good knowing that he is getting the nutrients he needs to thrive. The paté style canned cat food has a smooth texture that our cat can’t resist, and we appreciate that it is grain-free and made without any artificial preservatives or flavors.
While we have had a positive experience with Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food, we do acknowledge that some cats may not like the taste of this wet food. Additionally, the price of this cat food may be higher than other brands, and the smell of the cat food may be strong to some people.
Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food for senior cats who need a high-quality, nutritious wet food to support their health and well-being.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ Wet Cat Food Pouches, Variety Pack, Chicken and Tuna
If you are looking for a high-quality wet cat food for your senior cat, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ Wet Cat Food Pouches. This food is made with natural, easily digestible ingredients that support a healthy immune system and help maintain lean muscle in cats age 7+.
Pros
- The variety pack comes with two flavors of soft and tender chunks of chicken or tuna in a decadent gravy, making it convenient to feed multiple flavors and perfect for picky eaters.
- The single-serve pouches are easy to open and feed, and they don’t take up as much space as canned food.
- The food is made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust, and it contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Cons
- The food is a bit pricey compared to other wet cat foods on the market.
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture of the food.
- The pouches may not be environmentally friendly compared to canned food.
We have been feeding our senior cat Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ Wet Cat Food Pouches for a few months now, and we have noticed that our cat’s coat looks shinier and healthier. The food has a great taste and texture that our cat loves, and we appreciate that it contains natural ingredients that support our cat’s health.
Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ Wet Cat Food Pouches to anyone looking for a high-quality wet cat food for their senior cat.
6. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food, Chicken Entrée
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty cat food for your senior cat, you should definitely try Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food.
Pros
- The first ingredient is protein-rich chicken which supports healthy muscle maintenance for an active life.
- The savory paté featuring a smooth, silky texture is so flavorful even finicky older cats will come back for more.
- The high moisture content in this wet cat food can help your cat get their daily hydration.
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste.
- The price point may be higher than other cat foods.
- The texture may not be suitable for some cats.
We recently tried Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food for our senior cat and were impressed with the quality of the product. The first ingredient is real chicken, which is a great source of protein for our cat. The paté has a smooth texture which our cat seems to enjoy and the flavor is delicious. We also appreciate that this cat food is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support our cat’s health.
One of the biggest advantages of this cat food is the high moisture content. Our cat is not a big drinker, so we were happy to see that this wet cat food can help our cat get the hydration he needs. We also like that this cat food is made from natural ingredients and does not contain any by-product meals, corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors or preservatives.
While this cat food may be more expensive than other brands, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the price. We also understand that some cats may not like the taste or texture of this cat food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your cat’s reaction.
Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Mature Pate Wet Cat Food for senior cats. It’s a healthy and delicious option that can help support your cat’s health and wellbeing.
7. Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Pate Wet Cat Food, Beef Feast Senior 7+
If you’re looking for a high-quality cat food for your senior cat, Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Pate Wet Cat Food, Beef Feast Senior 7+ is a great choice. It provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats and cats aged 7 and up, with antioxidants for immune system health and taurine to support healthy vision. This highly palatable pate cat food has an exceptional flavor that your cat will love.
Pros
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats and cats aged 7 and up
- Contains antioxidants for immune system health
- Highly palatable pate cat food with exceptional flavor
Cons
- Some cats may not like the texture of pate cat food
- May not be suitable for cats with certain dietary restrictions
- Some cats may not like the beef flavor
We’ve been using Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Pate Wet Cat Food, Beef Feast Senior 7+ for our senior cat for several months now, and we’re very happy with it. Our cat loves the taste and always finishes her meal. We’ve noticed that her coat looks healthier and shinier since we started feeding her this cat food.
One thing to keep in mind is that some cats may not like the texture of pate cat food. If your cat is used to a different type of cat food, it may take some time for them to adjust to this one. Additionally, if your cat has certain dietary restrictions, this cat food may not be suitable for them.
Overall, we highly recommend Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Senior Pate Wet Cat Food, Beef Feast Senior 7+ for anyone looking for a high-quality cat food for their senior cat. It’s a great choice for cats aged 7 and up, providing complete and balanced nutrition with a delicious taste that your cat will love.
8. Purina ONE High Protein, Natural Senior Dry Cat Food, Indoor Advantage Senior+
If you want to give your senior indoor cat the best nutrition, we recommend Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior 7+ Natural With Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients adult dry cat food.
Pros
- Made with real chicken as the number 1 ingredient to support strong muscles, including a healthy heart
- High fiber cat food made with high-quality nutrients and glucosamine helps support the health of cats age 7+
- Natural fiber blend helps minimize hairballs
Cons
- May not be suitable for cats with specific dietary needs
- Some cats may not like the taste or texture
- May be more expensive than other cat food brands
We’ve tried this cat food with our senior cats and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in their overall health. The high protein and fiber content helped them maintain their weight and stay active. The natural fiber blend also helped reduce hairballs, which is a common issue among senior cats.
The real chicken as the main ingredient also made this cat food more appealing to our cats. They loved the taste and texture of the kibble. However, we understand that every cat has different preferences, so this may not be the case for all cats.
Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior 7+ Natural With Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients adult dry cat food for senior cats who need optimal nutrition.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cat food for senior cats, there are a few things to consider to ensure that your furry friend gets the nutrition they need. Here are some features to look for when selecting a product:
Nutritional Requirements
Senior cats have different nutritional requirements than younger cats, so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for their needs. Look for products that are high in protein, low in fat, and contain easily digestible ingredients. Senior cat food should also be fortified with vitamins and minerals to support their overall health.
Ingredients
Check the ingredients list on the cat food packaging to make sure that the product contains high-quality ingredients that are beneficial for your cat. Avoid products that contain fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Texture
Senior cats may have dental issues that make it difficult for them to eat dry food. Wet food or a combination of wet and dry food can be a good option for senior cats who have trouble chewing. Look for products that are easy to chew and swallow.
Brand Reputation
Choose a brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality cat food. Look for brands that have been in business for a long time and have a history of producing safe and nutritious products.
Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing cat food, but it’s important not to skimp on quality. Look for products that are reasonably priced but still contain high-quality ingredients and meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
By keeping these features in mind, you can select the best cat food for your senior cat and help them enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to feed an elderly cat?
As cats age, their nutritional needs change. They require a diet that is rich in protein and low in fat. Foods that are formulated specifically for senior cats are the best option. These foods are designed to be easy to digest and contain the necessary nutrients to support your cat’s health.
Is dry or wet food better for senior cats?
Both dry and wet food can be appropriate for senior cats, but wet food is generally the better option. Wet food contains more moisture, which can help prevent dehydration and promote kidney health. It is also easier to chew and digest, which can be beneficial for cats with dental problems.
What is the best cat food recommended by vets?
There are several brands of cat food that are recommended by vets, including Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer a variety of foods that are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of senior cats.
Is Purina Pro Plan good for senior cats?
Purina Pro Plan is a popular brand of cat food that offers several options for senior cats. Their formulas are designed to support healthy aging and contain high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. However, it is important to consult with your vet to determine if Purina Pro Plan is the best option for your senior cat.
What is the best senior cat food for weight loss?
If your senior cat needs to lose weight, it is important to choose a diet that is low in calories and fat. Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin both offer weight loss formulas for senior cats that are designed to promote healthy weight loss while still providing the necessary nutrients.
What is the best wet cat food for senior cats?
There are several brands of wet cat food that are formulated specifically for senior cats, including Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These foods are designed to be easy to digest and contain the necessary nutrients to support your cat’s health. It is important to choose a food that meets your cat’s specific nutritional needs and preferences.
Featured Image by Florian Bollmann from Pixabay
