As cats age, their dietary needs change, which may require a shift to different cat foods to address their specific health requirements. There’s a ton of different formulas out there tailored to issues such as muscle maintenance, kidney disease, and joint health. In this article, we'll explore what to look for in a senior cat food and give you our picks for the best senior cat foods on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat food features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a feline nutritionist, veterinarian, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.
Tip: If your cat lives indoors, it’s also worth checking out the best indoor cat foods.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Senior Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Food
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are chicken-based, low carbohydrates, no fillers, dietary fiber to aid digestion, salmon oil for omega-3s, affordable price point, high moisture content, low phosphorus, human-grade ingredients |
| Cons | not available in pet stores |
| Calories | 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz |
2) RAWZ Senior Chicken, Green Mussels, and Pumpkin Cat Food
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 4 ingredients are chicken-based, low carbs, good moisture content, dietary fiber to aid digestion, green mussels for omega-3s, low phosphorus |
| Cons | not widely available |
| Calories | 187 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 34 cal/oz |
| Price | $82.99 for 24 x 55-oz cans = $0.63/oz |
3) Koha Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are fish-based, low carbs, high moisture content, affordable price point, dietary fiber to aid digestion, green mussels for omega-3s, low phosphorus |
| Cons | low fiber, contains xanthan gum |
| Calories | 137 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $52.56 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.40/oz |
4) Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are chicken-based, human-grade ingredients, dietary fiber to aid digestion, cod liver oil for omega-3s, convenient subscription service |
| Cons | pricey, low moisture content, not available in pet stores, food ships frozen, little info on phosphorus content |
| Calories | 200 cal/5 oz pack = 40 cal/oz |
| Price | $4.00 per 5 oz pack = $0.80/oz |
5) Honest Kitchen Minced Salmon & Cod
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 3 ingredients are fish-based, low carbs, high moisture content, dietary fiber to aid digestion, salmon for omega-3s, low phosphorus |
| Cons | contains sunflower oil, fish can have inconsistent P & Mg levels |
| Calories | 137 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $39.48 for 12 x 5.5 oz box = $0.60/oz |
What Is Senior Cat Food?
Senior cat food is designed with nutritional considerations for aging felines. Technically, AAFCO has not set any defined nutritional requirements for senior cats. Cats are generally considered seniors when they reach around 10 years of age, although individual cats may enter their senior years earlier or later depending on factors like breed and overall health.
Senior cat food formulations typically contain adjusted levels of key nutrients to support various aspects of aging, such as:
- Muscle maintenance
- Joint health
- Dental health
- Kidney health
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
What to Look for In a Senior Cat Food
Overall Digestibility
Aging cats may experience a reduction in their ability to digest and absorb nutrients, making it essential to select foods that are highly digestible and have bioavailable nutrients. Look for senior cat foods formulated with easily digestible ingredients like high quality animal protein and low carbohydrate content (both of which are covered down below).
High Quality Animal Protein
Protein is critical for maintaining skeletal muscle mass in aging cats, who commonly suffer from a condition called sarcopenia. As cats age, the breakdown of body proteins happens at a faster rate than the building of body proteins, which results in the loss of lean body mass. Lean body mass acts as a storage site for amino acids, which your cat will use when it needs to build proteins in response to stress or illness, so it's really important for your cat's overall health and longevity. Because digestive efficiency of protein also decreases with age, it’s essential to offer senior animals highly digestible and high protein diets.
The best high protein cat foods will have clearly-named, easily digestible animal meats as the first ingredients (e.g. chicken, salmon, turkey liver). Avoid foods that rely on animal byproducts, animal meals, or plant proteins for their protein content, as these can contain less digestible components.
Healthy Animal Fats
In addition to protein, healthy animal fats play a vital role in your senior cat's diet. The best senior cat foods get fat from animal sources rather than plant oils. It’s also great to have a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon meat or cod liver oil, which reduce inflammation and contribute to a lustrous coat.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
Low Carbohydrates
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diets should be low in carbohydrates and rich in animal-based protein. Senior cat foods should contain minimal carbohydrates to mimic a cat's natural diet and prevent potential issues like weight gain and blood sugar spikes. The feline digestive system is much better suited for digesting and absorbing nutrients from protein sources than carbs, and this is especially pronounced in older cats whose digestive efficiency has declined.
Tip: Check out our list of the best low carb cat foods and best grain-free cat foods (yes those are different things!)
Sufficient Moisture Content
Adequate hydration is essential for senior cats, as they may be prone to kidney issues and dehydration. Wet or canned senior cat foods are often preferred over dry kibble due to their higher moisture content, which helps support kidney function and urinary tract health. Additionally, placing extra water fountains/bowls around the house can make water more accessible for senior cats with poor mobility.
Tip: High moisture content is a common feature of foods for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Soft Texture
Many senior cats may have dental issues, making it challenging for them to chew hard kibble. Opt for senior cat foods with a soft or wet texture that is easy for older cats to eat and digest. These formulations are gentle on the teeth and gums, ensuring that your senior cat can enjoy their meals comfortably. If your senior cat’s teeth are in good condition, then a supplementary amount of kibble can help clean their teeth and provide some extra calories.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
Low Phosphorus & Magnesium
Senior cats are more susceptible to kidney issues, including chronic kidney disease, which can be exacerbated by high phosphorus levels in their diet. Choose senior cat foods with reduced phosphorus content to help support kidney function and minimize the risk of kidney-related health problems in aging cats. This also applies to magnesium, which can increase the risk of struvite urolithiasis (bladder crystals).
Note: Growing kittens have a higher need for phosphorus, so don’t feed kitten food to a senior cat as it can be hard on their kidneys.
Meets AAFCO Nutritional Standards & Life Stage Requirements
When selecting cat food, always check if it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that the food is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for your cat. AAFCO compliance is a crucial indicator of the food's quality and suitability for your cat's overall health.
Additionally, check the AAFCO statement on the label to ensure it’s appropriate for your cat's specific life stage. A cat’s different life stages have different nutritional requirements. For example, kittens need a higher calorie diet than adult cats to support their rapid growth, while senior cats benefit from diets that maintain muscle mass.
Senior cats don't have their own specific life stage requirements set by AAFCO, so they fall under the umbrella of adult "maintenance". However, senior cats may benefit from adult "maintenance" foods that are adjusted for known senior conditions.
Here are the key AAFCO terms you’ll see on a label:
- Complete and Balanced – “Complete” means the product contains all the nutrients required. “Balanced” means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios.
- “Growth” life stage – Early life stage when kittens have greater nutritional needs to fuel their growth and development.
- “Maintenance” life stage – Adult cats who are no longer growing only require nutrition for maintenance of a healthy body weight.
- “Gestation/lactation” life stage – Pregnant/mother cats who need to feed their kittens have greater nutritional needs than non-pregnant, non-lactating adult cats.
- All life stages – This means the food is appropriate for both kittens and adult cats, though feeding directions will vary depending on your cat’s life stage.
Tip: Read about when to switch from kitten to cat food if you’re concerned about transitioning your young cat off of kitten food.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Senior Cat Food
- High quality animal protein – All foods on this list prioritize animal proteins as their first ingredients rather than animal byproducts.
- Healthy fats – Good senior cat foods should have a moderate amount of animal fats, as well as supplementary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Moisture content – High moisture content in food helps senior cats avoid the health problems associated with dehydration, especially kidney issues.
- Carbs & plant-based content – Cats are obligate carnivores who should be eating primarily animal protein, so we prefer foods with low carbohydrate content and low plant material content.
- Meets AAFCO Standards – All foods on this list are formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for either “maintenance” or “all life stages”.
- Price
Deep Dive: The Best Senior Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Food
Price: $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz
Calories: 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat food here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat foods on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other food on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for the best senior cat food is tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food. This formula emphasizes easily digestible animal protein with chicken as the primary meat source, and rabbit as a secondary source. Together these two meat sources provide essential amino acids and fatty acids, particularly taurine and arachidonic acid which are both especially vital to cats. As cats age their ability to digest and absorb nutrients decreases, so easily digestible ingredients are of the utmost importance. The salmon oil provides a boost of omega-3s to aid immune function, reduce inflammation, and assist in brain and eye health. There are no filler carbs (e.g. flours, potatoes), and each plant-based ingredient is there to provide either specific vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or dietary fiber. The high moisture content and low phosphorus level ensures this food is easy on the kidneys. Cat parents will also appreciate the convenient subscription service and affordable price tag of $0.52/oz.
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Ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin puree, rabbit, carrots, ground golden flaxseed, natural flavor, tricalcium phosphate, agar-agar, salmon oil, dandelion greens, potassium chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate), vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), magnesium amino acid chelate, choline chloride, taurine, minerals (copper amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, zinc amino acid chelate, sodium selenite), sea salt. |
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2) RAWZ Senior Chicken, Green Mussels, and Pumpkin Cat Food
Price: $82.99 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.63/oz
Calories: 187 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 34 cal/oz
Life Stage: adult maintenance
We can typically trust RAWZ to offer easily digestible cat foods with high quality animal protein, and this senior specific formula is no exception. The first four ingredients are chicken-based, followed by green mussels which are a fantastic source of omega-3s. The carb content is low and there are a few sources of dietary fiber to help with digestion. We also appreciate the supplement of microalgae oil for extra omega-3s. The price point is reasonable at $0.63/oz.
The main inconvenience with RAWZ as a brand is that their foods are not available at major online retailers and big box stores. This can make it a bit annoying to track down if you don’t have a local pet store that stocks it.
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Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Green Mussels, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Fenugreek Seed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Dandelion Greens, Miscanthus Grass, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Marine Microalgae Oil (Source of EPA & DHA), Magnesium Proteinate, L-Carnitine. |
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3) Koha Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats
Price: $52.56 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.40/oz
Calories: 137 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 25 cal/oz
Life Stage: adult maintenance
Koha’s Minimal Ingedient Turkey Stew for Cats is an excellent option for cat parents who are on a budget, but still want to provide quality food for their senior cat. It’s the cheapest food on the list at $0.40/oz, but it still prioritizes easily digestible animal protein in the form of turkey, turkey liver, and porcine plasma. The addition of green mussels provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are key for maintaining immune health and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, plasma can be a good source of antibodies, which help boost the immune system. We also love the high moisture content of 82%, which makes this food easily digestible and hydrating.
The main weakness of this food is the low fiber content—0% on a dry matter basis according to Koha’s website. This is surprising considering the presence of fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin, dandelion greens, and kale. Clearly there is some fiber, but it’s likely a very small amount that rounds down to zero. Many senior cats can benefit from a bit of dietary fiber to help regulate their digestion, so we would like to see a little more fiber in this food. There’s also the inclusion of xanthan gum, which is a thickener and filler carb that is not nutritionally necessary for cats.
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Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Vegetable Broth, Turkey Liver, Porcine Plasma, Dried Egg Product, Ground Chickpeas, Xanthan Gum, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Cranberries, Dried Kale, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Ginger, Fenugreek Seed, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid. |
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4) Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food
Price: $4.00 per 5-oz pack = $0.80/oz
Calories: 200 cal/5-oz pack = 40 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
Smalls is a reliable creator of quality fresh cat food for all life stages, and we think this Ground Bird Cat Food is a solid option for senior cats. It has the highest caloric density on this list (40 cal/oz) and prioritizes easily digestible animal protein, so it’s a great option for senior cats who need to maintain weight and muscle mass. Cat parents will like the convenient subscription service and human-grade ingredients. We also approve of the addition of cod liver oil for omega-3s and lack of filler carbs.
The main downside is that Smalls is the most expensive food here at $0.80/oz, which may not be within every cat parent’s budget. More minor inconveniences to consider are that it’s only available on Smalls’ website, has a low water content, and ships frozen, so you’ll have to thaw the food the night before feeding it to your cat. There’s very little information on Smalls’ website about the phosphorus content of their foods, but in an FAQ section they do mention that their food is too high in phosphorus for cats with later stage kidney disease. If your senior cat has an issue with their kidneys, give this food a pass.
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Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, water sufficient for processing, dried yeast, tricalcium phosphate, kale, magnesium proteinate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dandelion greens, dried kelp, taurine, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, cod liver oil, salt, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite, biotin. |
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5) Honest Kitchen Minced Salmon & Cod
Price: $39.48 for 12 x 5.5 oz box = $0.60/oz
Calories: 137 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
Honest Kitchen’s Minced Salmon & Cod cat food is a good choice for older cats that like fish. A bonus with fish-based cat food is the automatic inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and play a role in brain heath. There’s ample protein here and it’s easily digestible for senior cats. There are a few carbs but all of them provide important nutrients and dietary fiber. We also like the low phosphorus and high moisture content which makes this food easy to process for old kidneys.
However there are a couple downsides to this food. First is the inclusion of sunflower oil, which seems unnecessary considering the high animal fat content in salmon and cod. Second is that fish can have variable levels of phosphorus and magnesium, so feeding this food daily could pose an elevated risk of urinary issues. We think this food is best as a rotating option in your senior cat's diet, rather than their only wet food.
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Ingredients: Salmon, fish broth, cod, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, natural vegetable flavor, sunflower oil, agar-agar, dandelion greens, tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, salt, magnesium proteinate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (copper proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, potassium iodide, zinc proteinate, sodium selenite), taurine, yucca schidigera extract, turmeric. |
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Senior Cat Food FAQs
How is senior cat food different from regular cat food?
Senior cat food is similar to regular cat food but may contain slightly adjusted levels of nutrients to address the specific needs of aging cats, such as joint health, digestive support, and muscle maintenance. Every senior cat is different, so it’s more about tailoring the food to their specific health needs rather than simply buying a “senior” cat food. For example, if your cat has kidney disease you’ll need a low phosphorus, moderate protein food, which might not be ideal for senior cats without kidney disease. Conversely, senior cats with healthy kidneys who are experiencing a loss of muscle mass will benefit from a higher protein diet.
What ingredients should I look for in senior cat food?
When choosing senior cat food, prioritize high-quality animal protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish, as well as healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Look for senior cat foods with minimal fillers and additives and a focus on easily digestible ingredients to support your senior cat's health.
What should senior cats avoid in food?
Food with high phosphorus and magnesium levels should be avoided for senior cats. Phosphorus can be hard on the kidneys for older cats and lead to kidney damage and disease over time. Magnesium can increase the risk of struvite crystals in the bladder. Even if your senior cat has not been diagnosed with kidney disease or bladder crystals, it’s still worth limiting their phosphorus and magnesium intake as a preventative measure.
Is wet or dry food better for senior cats?
Wet food is often preferred due to its higher moisture content, which helps support hydration and urinary tract health and is easier to chew. However, some senior cats may prefer the texture of dry kibble or have specific dental needs, so it's essential to choose the option that best suits your cat's preferences and health requirements.
How can I tell if my senior cat likes their food?
Monitoring your senior cat's appetite and behavior can help you determine if they enjoy their food. Look for signs of enthusiasm during meal times, such as eager eating, purring, or licking their bowl clean. If your cat seems disinterested in their food or experiences changes in appetite, consult with your veterinarian to explore potential dietary preferences or underlying health issues.
Conclusion
Providing the best cat food for your senior cat requires thoughtful consideration of their unique lifestyle and nutritional needs. In general, a great senior cat food will have easily digestible animal protein, low carbohydrates, low phosphorus, and plenty of moisture. Our top pick is tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food for its mix of high quality ingredients and affordable price point. Honest Kitchen’s Minced Salmon & Cod and RAWZ Senior Chicken, Green Mussels, and Pumpkin are two great options for most senior cats with their easily digestible recipes and high omega-3 content. For cat parents on a budget, check out Koha Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew. If weight maintenance is your primary concern, Smalls Ground Bird is a healthy, high calorie option—just be mindful of your cat’s kidney health and this food’s phosphorus content. Try out a few different foods and see which one your cat likes best. Good luck!
