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As cats age, their nutritional needs change. A diet that once kept them energetic and healthy may no longer be sufficient for maintaining muscle mass, joint health, and overall well-being. To ensure your senior cat thrives in their golden years, it’s important to understand what to feed—and what to avoid.
This guide will walk you through the essential nutrients senior cats need, which ingredients to steer clear of, and the best food choices to keep your aging feline happy and healthy.
What Senior Cats Need in Their Diet
1. High-Quality Animal Protein
Protein is critical for maintaining muscle mass and supporting organ function. However, aging cats may have difficulty digesting lower-quality proteins, making highly digestible, animal-based protein the best option.
Best Sources:
Lean meats like duck, chicken, and venison
Novel proteins like kangaroo or lamb (great for sensitive stomachs)
A protein-rich diet like Addiction Duck Royale (Cat) provides essential amino acids to help maintain muscle tone while being gentle on digestion.
2. Healthy Fats and Omega Fatty Acids
Fats provide energy and support skin, coat, and brain function. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are especially important for reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and promoting a glossy coat.
Best Sources:
Fish oil (rich in DHA and EPA for brain health)
Flaxseed and sunflower oil (support coat and skin health)
Chicken fat (a natural source of essential fatty acids)
For senior cats, a diet with ample omega fatty acids, like Addiction Wild Islands Highland Meats Recipe, can help maintain healthy skin and coat while supporting overall vitality.
3. Moisture-Rich Foods for Kidney and Urinary Health
Senior cats are more prone to kidney disease and urinary tract issues, making hydration essential. Dry kibble alone may not provide enough moisture, so incorporating wet food or hydration-boosting diets is crucial.
Best Sources:
Canned wet food
Adding Addiction Wild Islands Canned Cat Food to your senior cat’s diet can help increase moisture intake and support kidney function.
4. Joint-Supporting Nutrients
Aging cats often develop arthritis and joint stiffness, making movement painful. Certain nutrients help protect joints and maintain mobility.
Best Sources:
Omega-3 fatty acids (reduce inflammation and joint pain)
Green-lipped mussels (a natural source of joint-supporting compounds)
Cats that struggle with mobility may benefit from foods naturally rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients that support joint health.
5. Fiber and Digestive Support
As cats age, their digestive system slows down, leading to constipation or difficulty absorbing nutrients. Adding fiber and probiotics can aid digestion.
Best Sources:
Pumpkin (natural fiber source that aids digestion)
Prebiotics (support gut health)
A balanced diet with digestible fiber sources can help maintain regular digestion in senior cats.
What to Avoid in a Senior Cat’s Diet
1. Excessive Carbohydrates
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal-based diets. Many commercial pet foods contain too many carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and digestive issues.
Avoid:
High-carb fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
Starchy ingredients like potatoes and peas in excess
Diets that prioritize animal protein over carbohydrates help support lean muscle and maintain healthy weight in aging cats.
2. Artificial Additives and Fillers
Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors offer no nutritional benefit and may contribute to allergies, sensitivities, or digestive upset.
Avoid:
Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
Artificial colors and flavors
Natural pet foods with clean ingredients are gentler on aging cats and promote long-term health.
3. Low-Quality Protein Sources
Some commercial cat foods contain meat by-products or rendered meats, which can be lower in nutritional value and harder to digest.
Avoid:
Meat by-products (lower quality and inconsistent nutrient content)
Selecting pet food with named, high-quality proteins ensures better digestibility and sustained energy for senior cats.
4. Excess Sodium and Phosphorus
Senior cats are at higher risk for kidney disease, and excessive sodium or phosphorus can stress kidney function.
Avoid:
Highly salty treats or table scraps
Excess phosphorus (often found in low-quality fish meals and additives)
A diet with controlled sodium and phosphorus levels can help protect kidney function in older cats.
Best Addiction Pet Food Options for Senior Cats
1. Addiction Duck Royale Entree
Made with premium duck, a lean and highly digestible protein
Low in allergens, making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs
Supports muscle maintenance and overall vitality
2. Addiction Wild Islands Highland Meats Recipe
Contains omega-rich proteins to support joint health, brain function, and coat quality
Grain-free and high in protein, catering to a cat’s natural carnivorous diet
3. Addiction Wild Islands Canned Cat Food
Provides essential hydration to support kidney and urinary health
Features high-quality meats with natural flavors cats love
