Senior cats require different types of food due to how they metabolize, because as they age burning calories becomes harder.
Senior cat food gives your cat a focused increase of high quality protein to help adjust levels of fat, making it easier to digest carbohydrates for energy. It also offers vital minerals to help support aging joints and their immune system.
Many of the outstanding senior recipes listed below were chosen by our research team because they contain:
- Above-average protein
- Below-average calories
- No high-risk preservatives
You will also find a number of fresh or wet recipes as they are soft and easy to chew — which makes each a better option for senior cats with missing teeth or other dental issues. Here we share our list of best senior cat foods.
Our top picks
- Smalls (Fresh) Jump to review
- Just Food for Cats (Fresh) Jump to review
- Raised Right (Fresh) Jump to review
- Nulo Freestyle (Dry) Jump to review
- Hill’s Science Diet (Dry) Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet) Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet) Jump to review
- VetDiet (Wet) Jump to review
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Smalls (Fresh)
Smalls Ground Bird is a fresh food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating 5 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in a product range made by Smalls, a company founded in 2017 by friends Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn. The food is produced with a co-manufacturer in a human-grade commercial facility near Chicago.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 amino acids a cat needs to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.4% protein, 30.4% fat and 6.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Smalls (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Rich in fat and moisture
- Developed in partnership with veterinarians
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, peas, water. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.4 AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adult and Kitten 35% off your first order
Use code CATFOODADVISOR
Sample buyer review...
"My 11 year old cat decided that he was no longer going to eat any of the food we had been giving him for years. Switched to Smalls and he now screams at us everytime we walk into the room because he loves his food."
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Just Food for Cats (Fresh)
Just Food For Cats Fish & Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is formulated with high levels of animal protein such as wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken meat and organs and sardines.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from cod. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.2% protein, 17.3% fat and 28.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
As a food with high moisture levels, this food will keep your cat hydrated and is perfect for adult cats of all breeds.
Highly recommended.
Read our detailed review of the Just Food for Cats food.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Cats (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High levels of animal protein
- Moisture rich
- Gluten free
Main Ingredients Wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver, tapioca starch. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.2 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Get 50% off Just Food For Cats
first autoship orders only
Sample buyer review...
"Meggie loves this food and it’s exactly what she needed. Thank you for suggesting it"
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Raised Right (Fresh)
Raised Right Original Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four fresh foods in a range made by Raised Right which was founded by Braeden Ruud and his family, and is still family owned today.
Raised Right Original Chicken is a high quality product packed with human-grade ingredients offering an excellent source of protein. It is also free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and controversial ingredients.
This Original Chicken recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 58.8% protein, 26.5% fat and 6.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
Made with limited, human-grade ingredients and low carbohydrate content, Raised Right fresh food is formulated with the help of veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker.
Read our review of the full Raised Right (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Excellent source of protein
- Low in fat and carbohydrates
Main Ingredients Chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver, carrots, organic spearmint. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 58.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats 20% off your first 16-bag box plus free shipping
w/code PETS20 at checkout
Sample buyer review...
"My cats love this food and I have peace of mind knowing it's made with healthy ingredients. My order was delivered quickly and came frozen. I followed the directions to defrost the bag and serve, and it worked well. I was skeptical trying this new brand due to the price, but this is actually a great value because of how much food is in each bag. Will order again!"
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Nulo Freestyle (Dry)
Nulo Freestyle Senior Alaska Pollock, Duck and Sweet Potato is a grain-free dry food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating 5 stars.
It is one of six recipes in a product range made by Nulo, a company founded in 2009 by Michael Landa and Brett Montana, after they saw high rates of diabetes and other medical issues in dogs and cats while running their pet-sitting business.
Nulo Freestyle Senior Alaska Pollock, Duck, and Sweet Potato Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from pollock, a protein-rich whitefish native to the central and northeast coasts of the United States.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 42.2% protein, 15.6% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 37%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Grain-free
- Quality protein ingredients
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Pollock, chicken meal, turkey meal, yellow peas, green lentils Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 42.2 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Good food with great ingredients. Yes, it’s more expensive but worth it in the long run. My 18 year old is going strong and loves her kibble. It’s super small round pellets that are easy for her to eat at this age. Her skin and coat are great. The product is always fresh because of the great packaging. Highly recommend this food."
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Hill’s Science Diet (Dry)
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe is a dry food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s rating 4 stars.
It is one of 27 recipes in this product range made by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, an international pet food brand, known for selling scientifically developed foods.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids a cat needs to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 35.4% protein, 16.5% fat and 41.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 47%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and has added vitamins and minerals but no harmful additives.
Read our review of the full Hill’s Science Diet (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Science-led ingredients
- Wide range of products for different cats
- Quality protein ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain oats, pea protein. Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 35.4 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"My 13-year old cat is very picky with his food, we have been through a lot of different hard foods for him and we settled on this one because he really likes it."
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Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet)
Blue Tastefuls Chicken Entree for Mature Cats is a wet food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s rating 4 stars.
It is one of 25 recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo which is owned by owned by General Mills.
Blue Tastefuls Chicken Entree for Mature Cats recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids a cat needs to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.6% protein, 20.5% fat and 32.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids, made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from corn, wheat, or soy, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Real chicken listed as first ingredient
- No by-products
- No artificial flavors, or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, natural flavor, brown rice. Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 38.6 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Both kitties love this cat food pate and the 3 oz cans are the perfect size (1 for each cat) for dinner."
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Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet)
Wellness Complete Health 7+ Age Advantage Tuna and Salmon Entree is a wet food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s rating 4 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in a range made by Wellness Pet Company, which is based just outside Boston, Massachusetts.
Wellness Complete Health 7+ Age Advantage Tuna and Salmon Entree derives the bulk of its protein from tuna, an oily marine fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.7% protein, 20.5% fat and 23.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 43%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and natural glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Species appropriate meat
- Added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Tuna (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), salmon broth, chicken liver, chicken, salmon. Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 47.7 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats are picky eaters and while this brand is a bit pricey, they eat it up and never leave any behind. I’ve been a user of wellness for 3 years and they almost never mess up."
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VetDiet (Wet)
VetDiet Senior Chicken Formula received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of four wet foods in a product range made by VetLife.
This Senior Chicken Formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. It is formulated with the needs of cats aged 10 years and older in mind. It contains a rich blend of antioxidants to support a senior cat’s ageing process, along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 22.7% fat and 23.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids, made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full VetDiet (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High level protein
- Good quality protein
- Below average carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Chicken, pork liver, chicken broth, pea protein, dried egg product. Texture Wet Type Meat Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Nice quality cat food that my cat enjoys"
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Best cat foods
What makes senior cat food different?
Senior cat foods are often supplemented with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These have been shown to be beneficial to reducing symptoms of age-related changes. Vitamin E and C as well as Selenium are frequently seen added to senior cat food.
What is the suggested feeding guideline for a senior cat?
Most senior cats will have about the same caloric needs as an adult cat—roughly 280 to 360 daily calories depending on the normal lean weight—as long as they are healthy.
Should older cats eat dry or wet food?
Older cats may have a harder time eating dry food than wet, especially if gum or dental issues have set in. Canned cat food’s soft consistency may be easier for older kitties to eat than the crunchy kibble they ate at a younger age.
How many times a day do senior cats eat?
Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen. “Once cats reach adulthood, once a day feeding is fine as long as they are healthy and have no disease problems suggesting a reason to feed differently.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
