Senior or old cats need special dietary considerations and it is an important aspect of their health. When cats age, food moves slowly through digestive tracts that means slow metabolism. More often than not, intestine and stomach do not do a good job of digestion. This, in turn, can lead to malnutrition in cats. Taste buds of older cats begin to fail and they do not enjoy food a great deal. If your pet is losing interest in eating, you should opt for the best dry cat food for senior cats. It can entire your four-footed animal into eating again.
Senior cat food is not a gimmick as it contains an altogether different formula that is ideal for an aging feline. Giving you pet this type of food means that they will get the right amount of calories, special supplements, and other vital vitamins. At the same time, the food will be easier for them to chew and digest properly as it is important at this advanced age. Your feline might look the same from the outside but it is very different from the inside. Just like humans, cats also get old and you need to take proper care of your pet diet wise. It will help your pet to stay healthy and free from any diseases. At the same time, it will increase longevity and your cat will have a long life span.
Finding the Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats
Some cats can eat whatever food you give them to eat. While there are some cats who turn their nose for almost everything. When you are giving food to your cat, pay proper attention to the ingredients (more about Nulo cat food ingredient)narrow down the food based on your cat’s age and health. There is some best canned cat food for older cats. At the same time, there are organic foods best suited for their kidney and digestive problems. For general nutritional value, read the labels and do other research so that your cat is happy and healthy.
Dietary Recommendations for Aging Cats
By the time your cat reaches 10 years, it is time to change the diet of your senior feline. Your pet requires high-quality food that can help with their physiological changes. While looking for the best dry cat food for senior cats, make sure it is rich in fiber. It should have high-calorie content with rich fat. The ideal diet would be food with plenty of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Selenium. Do not forget to add nutritional supplement or probiotics in the diet program of your four-footed animals. Vitamins will help in strengthening the dying cells. At the same time, it will help boost the immune system and provide immunity against diseases. While shopping for the nutritional supplements, go for food products with glucosamine and Omega-3. They are best for alleviating the pain in muscle joints that is a common problem with senior cats.
Top Three Branded Food Products for Senior Cat
There are large numbers of best canned cat food for older cats available in the market and online retail store. Here are top three items that serve as the best dry cat food for senior cats:
- Whiskas Wet Meal Adult Cat Food: It is hundred percent complete and balanced diet for your old cat. Made with high-quality ingredients, there are no artificial flavoring and preservatives. You will find a perfect balance of vitamins and minerals. This product is meant to feed twice a day and do not forget to give clean drinking water with each meal.
- Royal Canin Persian 30 Adult Cat Food: This food product comes with all the necessary nutrients required for your senior feline. It is loaded with amino acids, minerals, proteins and vitamins. The food is healthy and provides a wholesome meal for your pet. Moisture does not have any effect and you can store it for a very long period. This food comes in a pack of two and is sufficient to last for a month.
- Drools Adult Cat Food Tuna and Salmon: This is another great product that promotes healthy skin and beautiful coat for your aging pet. It is a balanced diet for the senior cats as it can deliver optimum energy to keep your pet healthy. The ingredients contain omega-3 fatty acids, real tuna, eggs and salmon with plenty of organic minerals.
Protein Rich Food Can Harm Senior Cats
No doubt, cats are carnivores and like eating protein-rich meat like fish, chicken, and beef. A significant amount of protein is required for their optimal growth and for repairing muscular tissues. As compared to the younger feline, senior cats require less amount of protein because of their weak vital organs. While consuming protein-rich food, the digestive system breaks down the protein so that the body can absorb nutrients. This breakdown process often releases toxic products that are harmful to liver and kidney. With the passage of time, the vital organs in senior cats deteriorate. A large amount of protein intake can put a lot of strain on kidney and liver.
As such, their body will not be able to flush out the harmful toxins. Once your pet reaches the age of ten years, minimize the intake of protein rich food. You can purchase the best canned cat food for older cats online or from any pet store. These foods are ideal for the senior feline and have low protein content. It is advisable to buy a live aid for your pet, as it will surely boost the functioning of the liver. Do not forget to consult the veterinary doctor, as they are the best people who can assess the health conditions of senior cats. At the same time, they will help you in prescribing the correct food and suggest a proper diet plan for your aging pet animal.
Why Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats is Important
One reason your feline will benefit is that they will not require the same amount of calories like before. Kittens need it the most because they are growing and it is the opposite with senior cats. Your pet will eat the same amount of food but the only difference is the amount of calories. If you are not regulating on calories, your pet will become obese and get prone to diseases. Another reason for feeding senior cat food is that they have various nutritional needs. It has sufficient amount of calcium that is vital for the aging bones. With the passage of time, the teeth become weak and cats are not able to chew properly. The dry cat food for senior cats is soft and perfect for pets with possible teeth problems. At the same time, it can be easily digested and improve the bowel movement.
You will find there are hundreds of different manufacturers making their own version of best dry cat food for senior cats. It is up to you to decide which brand will be the best for your feline. As your cat gets older, s/he will have special needs. Your vet is the best person who will give you the correct advice on cat food for the aging pets. The foods they recommend might be expensive than those available on store shelves but they are worth it. In fact, you should be glad that you are giving the best choice for your cat and choosing quality over money. It is important that you feed the right amount of food as prescribed by the vet. Also, encourage your cat for some daily exercise that will keep him/her fit and healthy.
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!