Older cats are at risk for bad teeth.
As cats age, they are prone to the same dental problems humans experience. Dry cat food can help scrape plaque away, as can chew treats. Brushing your cat’s teeth can help as well. But by the time a cat is a senior, it is likely to develop teeth problems, and in addition to being uncomfortable, bad teeth can affect your pet’s health in other ways. Painful teeth can mean that grooming becomes uncomfortable, leading to matted fur and skin problems. A senior cat whose teeth hurt may experience greater pain while eating, and in some cases, the cat will even begin to lose weight.
It’s important to select foods for your senior cat with care.
Any time your cat is having health problems, step one is a visit to the vet. Dental work is costly and can be risky for older cats, but you can make that decision together with your vet. Regardless, you can help your cat simply by changing its food.
Weight loss is the most serious issue older cats with bad teeth face. While dry food sometimes has more concentrated nutrition, the discomfort it causes can discourage your cat from ingesting enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. Wet food, on the other hand, has several benefits. Most wet foods contain higher protein than dry. Most cats prefer it to dry, it provides much-needed hydration, and it is far more comfortable for a tender mouth. However, it is important to select canned food with care in order to ensure the best ingredients and nutritional value.
A word on protein: While adequate protein (25%+) is helpful to maintain muscle mass, too much protein may put a strain on the kidneys in older cats. Ideally, your vet will check you older cat’s kidney function and make a recommendation regarding protein intake. If you are unable to have your senior cat’s kidney function evaluated, it’s probably better to err on the side of lower protein foods. It’s for this reason that we’ve included on our list quality foods with a variety of protein content.
Our Picks: 16 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats with Bad Teeth
All of the cat foods below pass our standards for quality, safety, and nutrition. Read the features carefully when making your choice, and you and your kitty will be happy with their new canned food in no time.
Halo Grain Free for Indoor Cats
- Whole Chicken Fish, or Meat. No Rendered “Meal.”
- Grain Free
- Non-GMO Vegetables
- Minimum Crude Protein 11%
- Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
- No Artificial Colors, Preservatives, or Flavors
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO
- Available in Seven Flavors
- Whole Quail or Rabbit. No rendered “meal.”
- Highly Digestible
- Grain Free
- Non-GMO Vegetables
- Minimum Crude Protein 11%
- Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
- No Artificial Colors, Preservatives, or Flavors
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO
- Available in Quail or Rabbit Flavors
Hill’s Science Diet Cat Food, Adult 7+, Tender Chunks and Gravy
- Minimum Crude Protein 39%
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- Highly Digestible
- Vitamin E and Omega 6 Fatty Acids Promote Healthy Skin and Fur
Hill’s Science Diet Cat Food, Adult 7+, Healthy Cuisine
- Minimum Crude Protein 39%
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- Highly Digestible
- Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, for a healthy immune system
- Three Varieties
Hill’s Science Diet Cat Food, Adult 7+, Senior Vitality
- Minimum Crude Protein 38%
- Supports brain function, Energy & Vitality
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- Highly Digestible
- Vitamin E and Omega 6 Fatty Acids Promote Healthy Skin and Fur
- Four Varieties
I and Love and You Canned Cat Food: Naked Essentials
- Grain Free
- Whole Poultry, Fish and Meat
- No Fillers, Artificial Flavors, Preservatives, or Colors
- Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids for Healthy Skin and Coat
- Minimum 10% Crude Protein
- 12 Varieties to Please Finicky Kitties
NUTRO MAX Wet Cat Food: Perfect Portions
- Grain Free
- 11% Crude Protein
- Small Portions = NoWaste
- Recyclable Container
- No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives
- Added Vitamins and Minerals Including Vitamin D3 and Folic Acid
- Minimum 10% Crude Protein
- 12 Varieties to Please Finicky Kitties
Royal Canin Adult Feline Care: Digest Sensitive
- 7.5% Crude Protein
- Highly digestible proteins help cats absorb nutrients, decrease stool odor
- Added Vitamins and Minerals for Balanced Nutrition
- Detailed Portion Guidance for Weight Maintenance
- Appropriate for All Adult Cats
- Thin Slices in Gravy for Cats Who Prefer Liquid with Food
Royal Canin Adult Feline Care: Aging
- 8.5% Crude Protein
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Healthy Joints
- Controlled phosphorus levels support Kidney Health
- Tailored to Senior Cats Age 12+
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO
Royal Canin Adult Feline Care: Weight
- 9% Crude Protein to maintain lean muscles
- Contains L-carnitine for healthy metabolism and weight management
- 15% less fat than other formulas for maintaining a healthy weight
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO
Weruva Grain Free Natural: Classic Recipes
- 10% Crude Protein
- Grain Free
- Preservative Free
- Free Range Chicken
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO
- Family Owned and Operated
Weruva BFF OMG! – Best Feline Friend, Oh My Gravy!
- Hydration Focus
- Grain Free, Preservative Free, All Natural
- Easy-Open Pouches
- 6 Delicious Flavors
- Sustainably Sourced Ingredients
- Added vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants
- Family Owned and Operated
Weruva Cats in The Kitchen Grain-Free Natural
- Hydration Focus
- Grain Free
- Preservative Free
- 4 Delicious Flavors
- Sustainably Sourced Ingredients, Cage-Free Chickens
- Added vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants
- Family Owned and Operated
Purina Pro Plan: Focus Adult 11+
- Crude Protein 10%
- Added Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Immune Function
- Real Chicken and Beef
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO for Adult Maintenance
Purina Pro Plan Plus: Longer Life 7+
- Grain Free
- Proprietary Formula Proven To Improve And Extend The Life Of Cats Age 7+
- Improved Microflora to Support Healthy Digestion
- Protein is #1 Ingredient
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO for Adult Maintenance
- 9 Delicious Flavors
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS: Sensitive Skin and Stomach
- Grain Free
- Natural Pre-Fiber Support Healthy Digestion
- Fortified with Essential Vitamins And Minerals, Plus Taurine, An Amino Acid
- Protein is #1 Ingredient
- Meets Nutritional Levels Established by AAFCO for Adult Maintenance
- Helps Support Healthy Skin and Coat
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