Rating of the best foods for older cats for 2022

As cats age, their needs change. Teeth weaken, coat quality and digestion deteriorate, and the likelihood of developing urolithiasis and gaining excess weight increases. Taking into account the characteristics of older cats, many manufacturers of dry and wet food have developed special diets that optimally meet the needs of an aging cat. They contain less fat, more protein, and are supplemented with various additives to stimulate digestion. A senior animal can be considered a pet over seven years old. It is advisable to choose food with the participation of a veterinarian, but in the rating you can find the best dry and wet food for older cats.

Food and more

For a pet to have a long, happy life, it is important to normalize its diet. With age, it becomes necessary to introduce a balanced diet. It should contain such useful substances as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, micro-macroelements. They are found not only in natural products, but also in premium cat food.

A properly balanced diet will help your four-legged friend become more active. His eyes will sparkle, his appetite will improve, and his coat will regain its lost thickness.

Natural nutrition

From the age of 6 years, your pet’s diet should include protein. By nature, cats are predators. Therefore, you should eat meat, fish, and dairy products. Remember, food should be varied. Therefore, it is worth adding carbohydrates to proteins. Found in porridges and boiled vegetables. But fiber should make up 20% of the diet. Its consumption will help improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Valuable acids contained in oil, fish, and meat fat prevent the occurrence of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Industrial food

Of course, it is very difficult to feed an animal with cereals and vegetables. No matter how the owner mixes healthy natural products, his four-legged friends may not touch it. Therefore, many people switch to industrial food.

Dry, crunchy food saves time for cat owners. They have a long shelf life. They can be stored in any dry place, and the packaging lasts a long time.

The best foods for older cats

The rating of quality food was developed based on the opinions of customers who left their reviews in pet stores. The popularity of the models is determined by their effectiveness, completeness of the composition, naturalness, lack of artificial additives, as well as cost.

The review presents ratings of the best dry and wet food for older cats.

TOP 5 best dry food

Nutram S5 with chicken and salmon

Brand – Nutram (Canada). Country of origin: Canada.

Food rich in healthy elements for outdoor cats and older pets. Selected ingredients ensure proper digestion and improved well-being from the inside out. The fluid balance is regulated by celery seeds (a diuretic) and cranberries (a natural acidifier). Their complex work prevents the development of urolithiasis.

Offered at prices ranging from 514 to 690 rubles per kilogram.

Nutram S5 with chicken and salmon

Advantages:

• easily digestible components;
• promoting digestion;
• taurine enrichment to support vision and cardiovascular health;
• increasing immunity;
• reduces ammonia levels in the body, reducing unpleasant odor;
• no potatoes, corn, wheat, soybeans.

Flaws:

• not sold everywhere.

Schesir Cat Mature mono-protein

Brand – Schesir (Italy). Country of origin: Italy.

Complete, super-premium food for older pets. Satisfies many needs, pleases with high quality with the correct ratio of nutrients. A good balance of nutrients ensures optimal muscle mass and weight, as well as strong bones. Beneficial effects on the body thanks to a unique complex of herbal ingredients. Supports joints due to the introduction of glucosamine and chondroitin.

The food is packaged in 400 gram or 1.5 kg packages.

Sold at a price of 335 rubles per 400 gram package.

Schesir Cat Mature mono-protein

Advantages:

• monoprotein soft composition to support physiological processes in the body;
• soy and wheat free;
• good digestibility;
• optimal content of fatty acids and B vitamins;
• ensuring healthy skin and beautiful coat;
• powerful antioxidants slow down aging.

Flaws:

• not always available for sale.

Meowing Heads "Wise of the Years" with salmon and egg

Brand – Meowing Heads (UK). Country of origin: Great Britain.

Specially formulated food for four-legged pets living indoors. The recipe, enriched with taurine, includes a great combination of fish and chicken eggs, as well as other high-quality natural ingredients. Joint support is provided by a unique combination of natural antioxidants, easily digestible elements, prebiotics FOS and MOS, as well as plant fiber. Promotes hair removal. Round granules of medium size, approximately 6-7 mm in diameter, are easy to chew.

You can buy it for 540 – 637 rubles per 450 gram package.

Meowing Heads "Wise of the Years" with salmon and egg

Advantages:

• optimal ratio of fats and proteins;
• natural composition;
• taurine enrichment;
• joint care;
• low calorie content;
• improves the digestion process;
• not allergenic;
• for removing wool;
• veterinarian approved.

Flaws:

• a little hard for weak teeth;
• high price.

Video review of Meowing Heads dry food:

Brand – Canagan (UK). Country of origin: Great Britain.

A specially formulated super-premium grain-free food with high levels of fresh, boneless Scottish salmon fillets, as well as herring and salmon meal. The unique combination of taste and benefits is ensured by a high content of healthy proteins with many healthy berries and herbs, as well as a low proportion of carbohydrates.

Price range: from 3,511 to 5,364 rubles.

Canagan Grain Free with Scottish Salmon

Advantages:

• grain-free composition;
• selected ingredients;
• large share of fish;
• balance of carbohydrates and proteins;
• easy absorption by the body;
• great taste.

Flaws:

• there is no zip fastener;
• high price.

Hill's Science Plan Youthful Vitality with Chicken and Rice

Brand – Hill's (USA). Producing countries: the Netherlands, USA, Czech Republic.

A branded series of premium balanced food to prevent the signs of aging. The patented formula uses high-quality ingredients to help maintain the activity and overall vitality of your senior pet. Optimal digestion is ensured by easily digestible elements, and vitamin E and Omega-3, -6 fatty acids nourish the skin and give the coat a shiny, healthy appearance.

The round, small granules are quickly digested and also easily absorbed. The poultry flour they contain (about 20%) attracts with its aroma and taste. Contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.

In stores it is offered for 1,325 – 1,664 rubles.

Hill's Science Plan Youthful Vitality with Chicken and Rice

Advantages:

• the presence of powerful antioxidants to maintain brain activity;
• sufficient protein and L-carnitine content to improve motor functions;
• easy absorption of high-quality natural ingredients with excellent taste;
• maintaining a healthy urinary system and kidneys with controlled levels of minerals;
• excellent composition and material for luxurious wool;
• durable packaging;
• veterinarian recommendations.

Flaws:

• not always on sale.

comparison table

TOP 5 best wet food

Eukanuba Top Condition with chicken (pieces in sauce)

Brand – Eukanuba (USA). Country of origin: Russia.

Complete natural super-premium food with a unique Top Condition formula and high-quality animal protein to keep older cats in good shape. The antioxidants it contains support the animal's immune system. Prebiotics and fiber maintain healthy intestinal microflora. The optimal combination of Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids helps maintain healthy skin, as well as preserve the beauty of the coat. A significant role in the construction of proteins and metabolism is played by the methionine contained, which is not produced by the cat’s body itself. Thanks to it, harmful toxins are neutralized and the body is cleansed, preventing liver diseases and preventing the accumulation of fats.

Packaging in pouches. Shelf life – 36 months.

The average price is 58 rubles.

Eukanuba Top Condition with chicken (pieces in sauce)

Advantages:

• immune support;
• ensuring muscle strength;
• for skin health;
• with the function of controlled acid-base balance of urine;
• no artificial preservatives or dyes;
• good price-quality ratio.

Flaws:

• some users note that there is not enough sauce;
• not always available for sale.

Royal Canin GastroIntestinal, for gastrointestinal problems (pieces in jelly)

Brand – Royal Canin (France). Country of origin: Russia.

Complete dietary food in small pieces in jelly, recommended in case of gastrointestinal upset, exhaustion, during the recovery period, including for elderly sterilized cats. According to veterinarians, natural ingredients with high calorie content are easily absorbed by the pet’s body. Protection of the digestive system is ensured by a combination of proteins, fiber, fish oil and prebiotics. Thanks to long-chain Omega-3 acids, skin reactions are reduced and the integrity of the intestinal mucosa is ensured.

Packaged in pouches. Shelf life – 36 months.

Sold for 65 – 93 rubles.

Royal Canin GastroIntestinal, for gastrointestinal problems (pieces in jelly)

Advantages:

• ensuring gastrointestinal safety;
• high degree of energy value;
• enhanced taste appeal;
• easy to digest;
• healing natural composition.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Hill's Science Plan Youthful Vitality with Salmon (pieces in sauce)

Brand – Hill's (USA). Country of origin: the Netherlands, France, Czech Republic.

A beneficial product specifically designed to combat the signs of aging in older cats. The granules contain high-quality ingredients for the health and long life of your pet. The Youthful Vitality line for attracting your four-legged friend has a pleasant aroma and excellent taste. The composition does not contain any flavors, harmful preservatives or dyes. The recipe includes only high quality natural ingredients. The addition of clinically proven antioxidants strengthens the animal's immune system.

Packaging in pouches. Shelf life – 36 months.

You can buy it in the store for 82 rubles.

Hill's Science Plan Youthful Vitality with Salmon (pieces in sauce)

Advantages:

• positive effect on the animal’s immunity and digestive system;
• energy saturation with activity support;
• useful for joint mobility;
• improvement of coat due to the presence of Omega acid;
• support active brain function;
• pleasant taste;
• appetizing smell;
• no artificial additives;
• veterinarian recommendations.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Vitakraft with pollock, pasta, tomatoes (pieces in sauce)

Brand – Vitakraft (Germany). Country of origin: Germany.

Complete premium wet food in a gentle sauce for older neutered cats. For complete enjoyment, the food contains natural high-quality fish pieces. Contains natural vegetables, which are an additional source of fiber and protein.

Packed in lamister. Shelf life – 24 months.

Sold at prices from 74 to 92 rubles.

Vitakraft with pollock, pasta, tomatoes (pieces in sauce)

Advantages:

• pieces of natural fish;
• appetizing smell;
• balanced composition of nutrients;
• no preservatives, artificial colors, sugar;
• does not contain GMOs;
• small price.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Animonda Carny with beef and turkey heart (pate)

Brand – Animonda (Germany). Country of origin: Germany.

A new generation of premium canned product with natural balanced nutrition. For the preparation, free-range meat was used, purchased from regular suppliers and processed before packaging. The composition contains natural sources of calcium and sodium chloride, and also contains drinking water. The food contains no artificial additives or other chemicals. They are distinguished by German quality, very appetizing with excellent eatability.

The average price is 136 rubles.

Animonda Carny with beef and turkey heart (pate)

Advantages:

• grain-free composition;
• without preservatives, dyes, soy, flavor enhancers;
• complete food;
• good absorption;
• made in Germany.

Flaws:

• not detected.

comparison table

Differences from regular food

The specificity of food for older cats lies in a number of features that are not suitable for pregnant, lactating and young pets:

• Changed analytical composition - total calories and fat content are reduced, attention is paid to protein quality to maintain muscle mass and prevent obesity.
• Increased digestibility of ingredients, inclusion of dietary fiber to stimulate peristalsis.
• The need to maintain kidney function is to reduce phosphorus content, introduce components to prevent the formation of stones in the urinary tract and optimize the acidity of urine.
• Inclusion of antioxidants and vitamins in the feed.
• Introduction of chondroprotectors into food (glucosamine, mussel extract, chondroitin sulfate) to maintain the musculoskeletal system.
• Reduced sodium content, as well as enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids and taurine to maintain the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• Reduced croquette sizes for easier chewing or soaking (if necessary).

How can you tell if a cat has a special stomach?

If your furry has problems with the digestive tract, it is simply impossible not to notice it. The various symptoms are too eloquent:

• frequent vomiting;
• changeable appetite;
• diarrhea and colic;
• regular refusals to eat;
• flatulence;
• terrible foul smells from the litter box;
• difficulty defecating, dry and lumpy stool.

If you notice one or more regularly recurring symptoms, then your pussy requires special attention and care. To alleviate the animal's condition, it is necessary to feed it with food for cats with sensitive digestion. Reviews from cat owners indicate that a properly selected diet in 85% of cases helps solve nutrition problems without visiting a veterinary clinic.

The correct feeding regimen also helps to improve the condition of the animal. A cat is not a dog. Two meals a day, morning and evening, are not suitable for her. But you can’t keep your cat’s bowl full all the time either. The optimal solution would be to feed the animal 3-4 times a day. And kittens up to 12 weeks are offered food up to 6 times. Only in this way will the animal develop proper metabolism and digestive problems will be minimal.

Feeding errors

Feeding an elderly cat must be organized taking into account the individual needs and the presence of chronic diseases in the pet. Periodic examinations at the veterinary clinic and advice from practicing specialists will help to avoid mistakes in preparing a diet for cats after 7 years, and will also help prevent the development of various pathological conditions that threaten the health and life expectancy of the animal.

Common mistakes made when organizing the diet of an older cat include:

• Sudden change of food . If a cat has been eating the same food for a long time and still feels normal, its body may suffer when the diet changes, since the digestive tract adapts to a specific type of food, and unusual food causes gastrointestinal disorders and stress. Based on this, it is not recommended to change a cat’s diet as it ages unless it is necessary.

A cat that has eaten natural food throughout its life does not always tolerate the changes well when switching to commercial food.

• Using medications on your own . Many drugs become famous as a result of advertising. Drugs with preventive effects and magical effects are also advertised in the pet industry. Often cat owners buy chondroprotectors (glucosamine and chondroitin) for their pets. Such components are contained in foods intended for aging cats. However, in the form of drugs, such drugs have no particular effect and are not able to prevent the development of arthrosis in aging animals.

Antioxidants are widely advertised as supposedly slowing down aging. Aging is a natural process, and nothing can stop age-related changes and restructuring of the body. The money spent on such funds is more useful and correct to spend on regular visits to highly qualified veterinary clinics, where you can receive competent advice from specialists and monitor the health of your beloved pet.

• Lack of control over the amount of water consumed . Aging cats often experience a decrease in water needs. Animals stop drinking enough liquids, which leads to metabolic and water balance disorders and the development of dehydration. The condition is quite dangerous, as it causes stress on the kidneys and heart; constipation negatively affects the condition of the skin and coat.

It is imperative to force the cat to drink, using large containers filled with clean water. For flavoring, you can add tuna juice or anchovies to the water. It is also recommended to use Vayo drink for older cats. It is more beneficial for older cats to give wet food, or soak dry granules with warm water before feeding.

Signs of aging

As mentioned above, all animals are different. But everyone has similar signs of aging. For example: loss of hearing, appetite, sense of smell, dental disease. All this leads to weight loss.

Over time, an active animal loses flexibility. Skin and fur suffer. She can't lick herself. At the same time, he suffers from pain. They may be caused by osteoarthritis. Almost all cats suffer from this disease.

The sebaceous glands do not work well, causing the coat to turn gray and visually change. The animal is often exposed to various infectious diseases. After all, her immune system reduces its work. My digestive organs suffer from this. Now the animal requires special nutrition that can support its body during aging.

As cats age, their behavior also changes. Their daily routine and sleep are disrupted. Now they do not need contact with the owner. They can spend time in splendid isolation. Sometimes they may meow loudly for no reason at night or during the day.