What's the Best Food for Senior Cats?
TL;DR: Senior cats require a diet rich in high-quality protein, joint-supporting nutrients, and easily digestible ingredients to maintain mobility, energy, and overall health. A fish-first diet provides essential Omega-3s, vitamins, and lean protein to support aging cats’ needs. Choose a high-quality seafood-based cat food for optimal nutrition.
Main Points:
- Higher Protein Content: Supports muscle mass and mobility; aim for 30%-40% high-quality animal protein.
- Joint Support: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3s help with mobility and overall health.
- Digestive Health: Easily digestible proteins with prebiotic fiber and probiotics reduce stomach sensitivity.
- Age-Related Issues: Reduced mobility, lower energy, and weight management require tailored nutrition.
- Best Senior Cat Food: A fish-first diet provides lean protein, Omega-3s, and hydration support.
The saying goes, “Cats have nine lives.” They are agile, independent creatures that seem to find good luck wherever they go!
While your furry friend may make it to old age with minimal issues, doesn’t mean their dietary needs won’t change over time. Joint stiffness, sensitive digestion, and lower energy levels often necessitate an easily digestible, protein-packed diet tailored to their needs.
What is the best food for senior cats?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the changing nutritional needs of aging cats, the most common age-related dietary concerns that may require a more therapeutic diet, and finally, we’ll share our top recommendation for the best foods for older cats.
Here’s a hint—our pick really reels in the nutrients that aging cats need! Keep reading to make the best dietary decision for your older cat.
The Nutritional Needs of Senior Cats
Just like humans, cats experience physical changes as they age. The right nutritional adjustments can help make their transition into a new life stage seamless and comfortable. Here’s what to expect as your cat gets older and how to support their well-being.
Higher Protein Content
Muscle mass tends to decline as cats (and humans) age. That means strength can decline and some cats experience a change in mobility. You might notice your cat isn’t as quick to climb to their favorite perch or race to their food bowl.
You can support your cat’s muscle maintenance and mobility by providing them food with higher protein content. We recommend a food with 30%-40% high-quality animal protein. Lean proteins, like fish, are ideal for senior cats since they’re rich in amino acids and easy to digest, while providing additional health benefits.
Additional Joint Support
Health issues like joint stiffness and arthritis become more common as cats age, impacting their mobility and comfort. However, the right dietary support can help alleviate these issues, allowing your cat to stay active.
Key joint-supporting nutrients include:
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Help maintain cartilage and joint function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Omega-3s offer benefits beyond joint comfort, including:
- Promoting a Healthy Coat & Skin
- Boosts Heart Health
- Aiding Brain Function (and may help prevent age-related cognitive decline)
- Enhancing Eye Health
- Supporting Kidney Health
- Improving Digestion
Needless to say, the best dry cat food for senior cats will be rich in these fatty acids. You can read more about the benefits of Omega-3 rich seafood on our blog.
For optimal support, choose a senior cat food rich in these essential nutrients.
Digestive Health Concerns
While some cats are picky eaters from birth, older cats have a good excuse for finicky eating. Reduced enzyme production may cause stomach sensitivity as they age. Likewise, cats are more likely to develop food intolerances as they age. The foods they used to love may now cause discomfort.
The best cat food for senior cats with sensitive stomachs should include easily digestible proteins. Ideally, they’ll be a source of prebiotic fiber and probiotics to support enhanced gut health. Avoid food with fillers and opt for a protein-first formula. Fish is an excellent choice that ticks all the boxes.
Age-Related Dietary Concerns for Senior Cats
Many age-related health issues can be managed with a thoughtful change in diet. Here are a few of the most common changes that pet parents notice as their cats age.
Reduced Mobility
As discussed, some cats experience joint pain and stiffness as they get older. Suddenly, your playful, active middle-aged cat has become the nap champion of the world. As activity levels decrease, paying attention to weight management becomes even more important.
The easiest way to manage an aging cat’s weight is by choosing a food that’s high in lean protein and low in carbohydrates. The best food will contain Omega-3s and glucosamine, which help reduce inflammation and support joint function and mobility.
With the right diet, your senior cat may rediscover their love for playtime!
Low Energy
Senior cats can sometimes struggle with maintaining energy levels. This can result from the factors we’ve already discussed, like reduced muscle mass and mobility concerns. Older cats also tend to have slower metabolisms and may absorb fewer nutrients from their food. Furthermore, underlying health conditions that become more common with age can also play a role.
Thus, the best wet cat food for senior cats should contain:
- Hydrating ingredients to support digestion and kidney function.
- Essential vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, which aid in boosting energy production.
The Best Cat Food for Older Cats
By now, the conclusion should be clear. The best food for senior cats includes high-quality protein, joint-supporting nutrients, and easily digestible ingredients — making a fish-first diet an excellent choice.
Fish-first pet foods are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial vitamins and nutrients, and lean, high-quality protein. Senior cats thrive when they enjoy a delicious fish dinner!
Choosing the Right Fish-Based Cat Food
Not all fish-based cat food is created equal, however. Here’s what to look for:
- Fish as the first ingredient to ensure a premium quality, protein-rich formula.
- A recipe formulated for All Life Stages to provide comprehensive nutrition.
- Moisture-rich options to support hydration and digestion.
If you choose dry food, consider adding moisture and extra Omega-3s with a fish oil food topper.
For the healthiest possible senior cat, consider making fish-first pet food your main catch. Explore our full collection of seafood-based cat food and find the perfect option today!
