Owning a cat is a lifelong commitment, especially since cats have an average lifespan of 13-18 years, with some cats pushing their lifespan to their 20s (1). As cats get older, their diets may need to be adjusted or changed to accommodate their older and less active bodies.
Foods for senior cats contain fewer carbohydrates and less protein as their metabolism is slower, and they do not need the same amount of energy as when they were younger. The best wet food for older cats is specially formulated to keep your older cat’s body healthy and provide them the energy levels that they require without risking them getting overweight.
Soft cat food provides your cat with the appropriate protein levels that they need. Our list of senior cat food will help you get a better understanding of what diet your senior cat will need so you can start picking the healthiest wet food for them.
Best Wet Food for Older Cats
Senior cats need different nutrient content, which Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Salmon and Tuna Entrée offers.
Key Features
- Has essential vitamins and minerals
- Made of high-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
Purina Pro uses high-quality animal proteins that offers senior cats the protein they need without causing them to gain more weight than their limbs can handle. Real salmon and tuna provide fatty acids that encourage both healthy skin and a shiny coat. Each serving of wet food offers 25 essential vitamins and minerals, beneficial Taurine, and beneficial amino acids that will keep senior cats healthy and active for their lives.
The formula is also grain-free as some senior cats have a harder time breaking down grains. Since the recipe is a pate, it will be easy for cats to chew and easier on a senior cat’s older stomach to break down and digest.
Pros
- Ideal for senior cats 11 years and older
- Contains 10% of protein
Cons
- Contains meat by-products, which is a questionable meat ingredient
When you switch your senior cat to Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Salmon and Tuna Entrée, they will be more active and feel better throughout the day.
2. Blue Freedom
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Cat Formula is the perfect supplement boost for senior cats.
Key Features
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Uses high-quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
Blue uses real chicken as the first ingredient as it will provide cats with the protein source they need, and it is a simpler protein to digest. Along with the quality protein source, Blue packs hearty fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, cranberries, and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide a natural nutrient source cats can digest. As an aide for senior cats, beneficial vitamins and minerals have been added to give a complete and useful diet.
No grains, gluten, wheat, soy, or by-products have been used as they do not offer senior cats as many nutrient benefits as they do for younger cats. All of the ingredients and even the texture of the wet food is easy for senior cats to eat, digest, and absorb nutrients from.
Pros
- Comes in 5.5-ounce cans
- Ideal for indoor mature cats
Cons
- Does have a lower protein source, which may not be beneficial depending on the activity levels of different cats
Your senior cat will feel more energetic and mobile thanks to the nutrients offered by Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Cat Formula.
3. Blue Wilderness
Bring the wild diet indoors in a formula senior cats can enjoy with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe.
Key Features
- Made of quality animal protein
- Packed with healthy ingredients
- Added nutrient benefits
Senior cats still need a diet that will benefit them while best mimicking what they would eat naturally in the wild. This diet from Blue Wilderness uses real chicken as the first ingredient to promote lean and healthy muscles and comfortable for senior cats to digest. Healthy fruits and vegetables have been added to the formula for a nutrient boost.
Taurine and DHA have been added to support cognitive development and keep senior cat’s hearts healthy. The smooth texture is irresistible to eat, easy to eat, and simple to digest and pass with no strain on a senior cat’s digestive system. Your aging cat will feel as close to their ancestor’s diet as ever no matter what age they are.
Pros
- Contains no questionable ingredients such as by-products or other filler ingredients
- Available in 3- and 5.5-ounce cans
Cons
- Has a lower than average protein content compared to other senior formulas
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe will have your older cat feeling like a hunter at home once again.
4. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Formula
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Formula caters to the unique needs of senior cats in an easy to eat formula.
Key Features
- Beneficial for cats over 12
- Balanced nutrient levels
- Easy to eat portions
Royal Canin has formulated this cat food to benefit cats 12 years and older. It has a proven Macro Nutrient Profile that is preferred for senior cats. There is an optimal balance between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that provides long-term support while still being palatable for senior cats. High levels of essential fatty acids, EPA, and DHA will support your cat’s overall health. Since senior cats have a harder time digesting phosphorus, the standards have been reduced so that senior cats will have healthy kidneys.
The tender, thin slices and gravy of the wet food are easier on sensitive teeth and the gums of older cats. Your cat will love the taste of the wet food, and you will enjoy the healthy benefits the wet food will offer.
Pros
- Formulated around a senior cat’s nutritional in instinctive preferences
- Available in 3-ounce cans
Cons
- Contains by-products and filler ingredients, which have questionable nutrient content
Your senior cat will benefit from the nutrient content offered by Royal Canin Aging 12+ Formula.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna Formula has been specially crafted to provide essential nutrients to senior cats.
Key Features
- Uses hearty ingredients
- Has essential nutrients for some health issues
- Free of artificial ingredients
Hill’s Science Diet uses a variety of proteins such as chicken, tuna, pork, and beef not just to provide flavor, but for ease of digestion and to give aging felines the protein their bodies need to thrive. Vegetables such as carrots and spinach have been added for natural nutrient supply.
Since older cats are prone to significant health issues, vital nutrients have been added to help reduce kidney stress and stimulate a healthy immune system. No artificial ingredients or preservatives have been added so that senior cats will have the perfect nutritional diet and taste they will not be able to get enough of.
Pros
- Ideal for cats 11 and over
Cons
- Contains gluten and starch, which can potentially be harmful to cats with diabetes or other health concerns
Great care needs to be taken for feeding senior cats, so by feeding them Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna Formula, you will be helping them maintain ideal body conditions.
6. Iams Perfect Portion
Iams Perfect Portion Healthy Senior Chicken Recipe satisfies both the health and flavor needs senior cats may have as they mature.
Key Features
- Easy to feed portions
- Uses real ingredients
- Provides optimal nutrition
The convenient and easy to open tubs will help you give your senior cat the ideal portion of wet food recommended for their age and health. Since the shares are made explicitly for seniors, you should not have to worry about there being leftovers. Real meat is always used in this diet alongside with top ingredients that support lean muscles.
Each bite is enriched with vitamin E for a healthy immune system, and dietary fiber and prebiotic powder for a healthy digestive system. Even sensitive cats can benefit from this diet due to the nutrient content it provides and with how easy it is for them to eat and digest the wet food.
Pros
- Can be served as a complete meal or as a food topper
- Contains no grains or artificial flavors
Cons
- Contains meat by-products, which can be questionable meat products depending on the sourcing
Iams Perfect is portioned out in easy to feed trays that will prevent leftovers going cold in the fridge.
7. Fancy Feast Senior
Fancy Feast Senior Tuna Feast Formula is specially made for senior cats to help them stay mobile and keep their bellies happy.
Key Features
- Designed to meet senior cat nutritional needs
- High protein source
- Added beneficial nutrients
When cats hit seven years of age, their bodies start to change, so their diet will also need to change to support their older states. Fancy Feast makes this formula with the ideal nutritional requirements that will help your aging cat inside and out.
It has a high protein source that will keep their muscles strong, and it’s packed with Vitamin E for a shiny coat, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and Taurine to help cats have a healthy heart. Your cat will love the taste that they will eat up their whole portion and be able to digest it with no issues.
Pros
- Formulate for cats seven years and older
Cons
- Contains ingredients with questionable nutrient value, such as soy flour, corn starch-modified, and meat by-products
- Contains artificial flavors
While Fancy Feast Senior Tuna Feast Formula contains some questionable ingredients, it will still provide senior cats with the nutrients their older bodies need.
8. Authority Mature
Authority Mature Ocean Fish Formula is a quality wet food catered for the nutritional needs elderly cats need.
Key Features
- Contains high-quality proteins
- Optimal nutrient levels
- No artificial ingredients
Salmon and Ocean fish have been used in this formula as it will provide older cats with the omega fatty acids they need for healthy skin and a shiny coat. The addition of chicken will help to maintain strong, lean muscles, and help them have a healthy beating heart. Authority has made sure that this formula meets the nutritional needs of senior cats, including a plentiful supply of vitamins, minerals, and Taurine.
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives have been used as it can harm your senior cat more. This diet is best used as a supplement to your cat’s dry food since senior cats need the protein boost dry food cannot provide alone.
Pros
- Made in the USA with domestic and imported ingredients
Cons
- Contains a non-specified animal liver ingredient
Keep your senior cats in the best health possible for their age by feeding them Authority Mature Ocean Fish Formula.
9. Chicken Soup for the Soul
Since older cats aren’t as active, they may be prone to gaining weight, which is what Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight and Mature Formula is going to help with.
Key Features
- Low-calorie diet
- Uses real ingredients
- Nutrient-dense
Older cats are not as active as they used to be, so they need a low-calorie diet that will not risk them getting overweight. Real chicken is the first ingredient used as it is easy to digest and a low-calorie protein.
Turkey, duck, and salmon have also been included to make the formula delicious and packed with essential nutrients that a senior cat need. DHA has been added for proper brain maintenance, while Taurine has been added to maintain healthy eyesight. Your cat will look great and feel great thanks to this diet.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Contains no filler or artificial ingredients
Cons
- Contains a variety of animal proteins, so be cautious when feeding cats with known protein allergies
Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight and Mature Formula will help your cat maintain their weight and health in one formula.
10. Merrick Purrfect Bistro
Give your indoor cat a formula meant for their age and activity level by feeding them Merrick Purrfect Bistro Indoor Pate.
Key Features
- Rich in animal protein
- Packed with essential nutrients
- Contains zero filler ingredients
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient used to guarantee that aging cats have an optimal protein source that is easy for their older stomachs to digest. This diet is loaded with antioxidants to maintain the immune system, omega fatty acid for healthy skin and coat, other healthy vitamins, minerals, and Taurine for all-around body health.
For senior cats who are not as active as they used to be, this diet is also low in calories to help senior cats maintain a healthy weight. No grains, gluten, or corn ingredients have been used as it can be harder for elderly cats to digest these ingredients.
Pros
- Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients
- Contains no artificial ingredients
Cons
- Contains legumes, which some believe has low nutritional value to cats
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Pate is an easy to eat, digest, and tasty wet food any senior indoor cat can benefit from.
11. Purina Pro Plan Prime
Once cats reach the age of seven, their diets need to change to meet their new dietary needs. So feed your cat Purina Pro Plan Prime to provide elderly cats those nutritional needs.
Key Features
- Made with real chicken
- Nutrient blend ideal for senior cats
- Supports all around body health
Chicken is always the first ingredient used since it makes the wet food tasty for even the pickiest of cats, and provides cats with a low-calorie protein. Even though chicken is low-calorie, it will still promote lean muscles and optimal body weight.
A senior-specific blend of nutrients provides a balanced diet that aids in a healthy body from the fur, immune system, digestive system, and anything in-between. You can feel confident that your aging cat will have one of the better diets for them as Purina Pro has had this diet scientifically tested for prime nutrient content.
Pros
- Grain-free recipe
- Ideal for cats seven years and older
Cons
- Contains meat by-products, which can be a questionable ingredient depending on the quality and sourcing
- The ingredient list does not specify what the “other ingredients” used are
Keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding them the nutrient pack diet offered by Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Chicken Formula.
12. Purina One Vibrant
Purina One Vibrant Maturity Chicken and Ocean Whitefish Formula is tasty and offers many health benefits.
Key Features
- Precisely formulated for cats seven years and older
- Uses real animal proteins
- Added nutrient for a balanced diet
Chicken is the first ingredient used for an easy to digest protein source. Ocean Whitefish and pork lungs have also been added for flavor and the protein needed for your senior cat to have reliable and lean muscles.
Since senior cats need a different diet to maintain their older bodies, Purina One has gone the extra mile to ensure all the vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients in this wet food will support a senior cat’s overall body health. If your cat has trouble drinking enough water, do not worry, this wet food is moist enough to keep elderly cats hydrated and their stomachs happy.
Pros
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Easy to eat and digest
Cons
- Diet does not specify the “other ingredients” stated on the ingredient list
Be sure that your feline has the diet their bodies need for a healthy lifestyle by feeding them Purina One Vibrant Maturity Chicken and Ocean Whitefish Formula.
13. Royal Canin Veterinary
As cats age, some parts of their bodies weaken, like their kidneys, so they need a diet like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support to maintain their health.
Key Features
- Supports kidney health
- Ideal for picky eaters
- Calorie rich for weak appetites
It is not surprising to learn that your cat may not have the healthiest kidneys due to their age, or that their appetite has gone down. To combat these issues, Royal Canin has developed this Renal Support formula. The food uses energy-dense soft morsels and gravy so that cats will get the nutrients and calories they need, even if they only eat a little. Appetite-stimulating ingredients will help coax cats into eating without needing to force them.
Carefully curated antioxidants, fish oil, fatty acids, low phosphorus levels, and targeted protein levels all come together to promote healthy kidneys. So, if you are worried about your cat’s eating and kidney health, talk to your vet about starting them on this Royal Canin wet food diet to add alongside your cat’s current dry food diet.
Pros
- Easy to eat and digest ingredients
Cons
- Needs veterinary authorization, cannot be bought over the counter
- Contains by-products, which can be questionable depending on the quality
Know that your cat’s kidneys are in good hands when you feed them Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support.
14. Blue Healthy Gourmet
Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Mature Canned Food will help cats stay active and healthy for the remainder of their years.
Key Features
- Added nutrients for senior-specific health
- Uses wholesome ingredients
Blue Buffalo uses high-quality chicken as it provides an easy to digest protein source that will aid in maintaining healthy muscle mass. Hearty fruits and vegetables give extra nutrients cats need in a natural form. Elderly cats do need additional nutrients, though, meant to help maintain their overall health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin have been added so cats can maintain their mobility and joint health. Some may not like pate wet food due to the texture, which is why Blue has made this diet in meaty morsels, flaked, and grilled so that every cat gets the taste and texture they love.
Pros
- Available in 3-ounce cans
- Contains no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial ingredients, or preservatives
Cons
- Contains some grains and potatoes, so be sure your senior cat can eat and digest them before feeding the diet to your senior cat
You know that you’re helping your cat maintain a healthy body and promote a long, happy life when feeding them Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Mature Canned Food.
15. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Consult has been specially formulated by veterinarians to help with positive overall body health.
Key Features
- Specially formulated for senior cats
- Helps maintain an optimal body weight
- Fortified with essential nutrients
Veterinarians have come together to formulate this unique diet specifically for aging cats regardless of breed. A reduced phosphorus level and an ideal mix of nutrients provide senior cats with the dietary needs that will keep them mobile. Exclusive fibers and prebiotics keep cats regular and will help them maintain their weight since they typically are less active and burn fewer calories. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been added for healthy joints and reduces the chance of having severe mobility issues.
Older cats can also suffer from bladder issues, so Royal Canin added their Urinary S/O Index to prevent the formation of urinary crystals and so that cats can continue using their litter box regularly. Royal Canin has taken every step they could to provide a wet food diet perfect for cats to age gracefully and as healthy as possible.
Pros
- Can be fed on its own or supplemented with a cat’s current dry food
Cons
- Needs veterinary authorization to be purchased, cannot be bought over the counter
Senior cats need a special diet so that their bodies age well and have the best health possible, which is what Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Senior Consult aims to do.
Bottom Line
Now that you have an idea of the different diets you can choose the one that will best benefit the health and activity level of your senior cat.
Some of these wet foods are considered to be the top-rated senior cat food, so they are also some of the healthiest canned cat food options you can invest in.
Before picking a wet food for your senior cat, you need to consider a few things, like if you need the best cat food for older cats with bad teeth, or if you need the best cat food for indoor cats.
When you have taken your cat’s behavioral and health conditions in mind, it will be easier for you to narrow down your options of wet food until you find the right one for your senior cat.
Once you have the found the best option, you’ll be able to continue to support them for however much longer you have to spend with them. For more cat reviews visit the PetStruggles homepage!
References
- Wikipedia. 2020. Aging in Cats. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_in_cats
The Review
Wet Food for Older Cats
Finding the best wet food for your aging cat is easy with our detailed reviews & ratings.
Review Breakdown
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+
- Blue Buffalo Freedom
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- Royal Canin Aging 12+ Formula
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+
- Iams Perfect Portion
- Fancy Feast Senior
- Authority Mature
- Chicken Soup for the Soul
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro
- Purina Pro Plan Prime
- Purina One Vibrant
- Royal Canin Veterinary
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
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