Before we explore the best senior cat food options for more mature felines like Hootie, let’s first take a look at the specific dietary requirements for adult cats. Andrea Fascetti, Ph.D., VMD, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California, says that compared to other mammals, cats have some unique nutrition requirements. “Scientific research has shown that cats have obligatory requirements for nutrients that are not essential for many other mammals,” she says. Turns out our feline friends have good reason to be finicky. No matter their age, cats require protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and water—but they require some very specific amino acids and vitamins, according to the National Research Council Committee on Animal Nutrition (NRC). Here’s what they recommend for each nutrient: Proteins and Amino Acids: Because cats are carnivorous animals, they should derive most of their protein from meat, fish and other animal products. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids, including arginine and taurine, all of which cats require but can’t make on their own. The NRC recommends an adult cat’s diet contain at least 12.5 grams of crude protein (for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories). Fats and Fatty Acids: Dietary fats are also a must for cats. They’re derived from animal fats and seed oils, and they supply essential fatty acids that cats require but can’t make on their own. Fats serve as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins, play a role in cell structure and function, keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy, and make food taste good. The NRC recommends an adult cat’s diet contain at least 5.5 grams of total fat. (Again, for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories.) Carbohydrates and Fiber: Carbs, such as cereals, legumes and other plant foods, aren’t essential in a cat’s diet, but they do provide an abundant source of energy, which they use to sustain the normal activities of the daily lives. Vitamins: Vitamins in your cat’s food include vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These organic compounds take part in a wide range of metabolic activities. It’s also vital to note that some vitamins are not only essential in small doses, but are also toxic in large amounts, according to the NRC. Minerals: Cats require 12 minerals in their diets, too: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iodine. Pet food manufacturers typically add a vitamin-mineral mix into their formulas to ensure the diets contains the correct amounts of each ingredient. Water: Though they have a weak thirst drive, cats also require free access to fresh, clean water, according to the NRC. They typically drink 2 milliliters of water for every gram of dry food they eat. When it comes to selecting a particular diet, Dr. Fascetti says that quality does differ across various brands, but a consultation with your veterinarian can help you choose the right one for your individual cat. “The vet knows you, knows your situation, and will be able to help you pick a diet that’s right for you,” she says. “There are certainly good products at every level—grocery store, pet store, veterinary office—that can be used to healthily support a cat’s dietary needs. There’s no reason why somebody shouldn’t be able to find a good quality cat food.”,Jump to section Nutritional Requirements for Adult Cats Understanding Cat Food Labels What Is “Senior” Cat Food? When to Switch to Senior Cat Food Other Senior Cat Food Factors to Consider Senior Cat Foods for Common Issues The Best Senior Cat Foods What Not to Feed Senior Cats Individual Cats, Individual Needs
