Best Cat Food for Senior Cats

As cats age, their nutritional needs evolve, necessitating a change in their diet to ensure they remain healthy and active in their golden years. Senior cats face various health challenges, from weakened joints to dental issues. Providing them with the proper nutrition becomes crucial in addressing these concerns.

Knowing what to look for in healthy cat food for your senior cat can help you meet the unique requirements of older pets.

When Does Your Cat Become a “Senior?”

A cat is usually considered to be a senior between 7 and 10 years old. But age isn’t the sole marker. Their behavior and physical changes can also signal that they are entering their senior years.

You might notice reduced activity, weight changes, dental issues or cloudiness in their eyes. Regular vet check-ups can help identify when your cat is entering this new life stage and address emerging health concerns.

It can also mean that it’s time to discuss new dietary needs with your vet, like switching your cat’s dry food for wet cat food, such as Open Farm’s Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Blend. This mix is easy to chew and contains wild-caught Pacific salmon and carrots containing beta-carotene and Omega-3’s. These nutrients can boost your senior cat’s cognitive, heart and kidney health, helping them live a long, full life.

Special Food Considerations for Senior Cats

Senior cats undergo physiological changes that influence their nutritional needs, making it essential to adjust their diet. Recognizing the following unique requirements can be crucial for their overall health and well-being:

Dietary adjustments for reduced activity: As cats age, their metabolism slows and they may become less active. A calorie-controlled diet can prevent obesity while still meeting their nutritional needs. Open Farm’s kibble options for older cats, like Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish Dry Cat Food, come with feeding guidelines based on your cat’s ideal weight.

Maintain High Protein: Muscle mass often diminishes in older cats. A higher protein diet can help combat this loss, ensuring they maintain strength and vitality. Look for high-quality protein in RawMix cat food, like wild-caught salmon and humanely sourced chicken, beef and turkey.

Joint support: Aging can lead to joint stiffness or arthritis in cats. Foods with collagen from bone broth can help support joint health.

Digestibility: Senior cats can develop digestive issues or become sensitive to certain ingredients. Highly digestible foods or those with prebiotics, make digestion easier for your older feline. This can help them absorb nutrients and feel more comfortable after eating.

Essential fatty acids. Cognitive decline and skin changes are common in older cats. Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids can support brain function and skin health. These are found in fish like salmon and coconut oil.

Avoid kitten food: Food for kittens is designed for growing bodies with high energy needs. Good-quality kitten food is nutrient-dense, but some blends may not be ideal for senior cats. While kittens can eat adult cat food with the right nutrients, senior cats can also eat food meant for all age groups, like Open Farm’s Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food.

How to Choose the Right Food for Your Senior Cat

Looking for the perfect food for your senior cat? Here are some tips to guide your search and things to avoid when choosing their daily meals:

Research the source: Look for brands that prioritize sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. This ensures minimal environmental impact and high-quality nutrition. At Open Farm, we are committed to only using sustainable, humanely raised or caught proteins so you can give your senior cat the best nutrition possible.

Check the ingredient list: Prioritize foods with animal-based proteins listed as the first ingredient, ensuring your cat gets the meat-rich diet they naturally require. In addition to common proteins like turkey or chicken, you can choose herring or mackerel as an omega-3-rich option.

Beware of fillers. Avoid foods that use low-quality fillers like corn, wheat gluten and meat by-products. These don’t provide optimal nutrition and can lead to digestive issues.

Consider special dietary needs: Some senior cats may benefit from specific nutrients, like antioxidants for immune support or certain fatty acids for skin and coat health. This can include Grass-Fed Beef Rustic Blend with cranberries for an antioxidant boost.

Consult reviews and recommendations: Feedback from other cat owners and customer reviews can provide insight into how cats like a specific food and its effect on their health. At Open Farm, we display customer reviews on each product page and an overall star rating so you can get feedback before buying.

Consult your veterinarian: Always talk to your vet about what to feed your cat. They can give advice tailored to your cat’s specific health and needs.

Support Your Older Cat’s Health With Optimal Nutrition

Supporting your senior cat’s health requires more than just love and care; it demands a commitment to providing them with the highest quality nutrition. Open Farm offers a range of cat foods designed with your senior cat in mind, using sustainably sourced, humane ingredients to ensure they get the nutrients they deserve.

Explore our cat food offerings to find your older cat’s next balanced and delicious meal.

*Disclaimer: This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet's own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your cat, we also recommend consulting your cat’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your cat’s medical history best! *