Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

7 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats with Bad Teeth in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat teeth resorption

7 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats with Bad Teeth in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

cat teeth resorption

Did you know that many cats can develop oral diseases, primarily gingivitis, by the age of three years old? As your cat ages, the risk of health issues will only increase, and they may have trouble maintaining their weight. Don’t let dental problems be added to your list of senior cat health concerns!

To avoid dental disease dilemmas, it’s critical to feed your senior feline food specially formulated for older cats with oral-related issues. In this article, we have reviews of the eight best cat foods for older cats with bad teeth, and take a deep dive into how you can properly care for your cat’s tooth troubles.

3 cat face divider

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription Service Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription Service
  • Made from fresh, human-grade ingredients
  • Free from any preservatives or coloring
  • Three proteins to choose from
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging
  • Affordable
  • Long shelf life
  • Good for immune systems
  • Third place
    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care
  • Full of vitamins and nutrients
  • Made in the USA
  • Vet recommended
  • Petcurean Now Fresh Grain-Free Petcurean Now Fresh Grain-Free
  • Grain-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Includes omega 3 and 6 oils
  • Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental
  • Made for older cats
  • Helps with urinary system health
  • Unique shape helps combat dental problems
  • The 7 Best Cat Foods for Older Cats with Bad Teeth

    1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription Service – Best Overall

    a tabby cat looking at a bowl of smalls smooth bird recipe

    The Smalls Fresh Cat Food is the best overall cat food for older cats with bad teeth. All of the Smalls fresh food comes in two textures, smooth or ground, and both are suitable for cats with bad teeth.

    Smalls cat food is packed full of human-grade food and animal protein to nourish your cat’s body. Unlike many other brands, it has plenty of protein. There are three protein sources: chicken, turkey, and beef. All three flavors are all-natural, human-grade, and safe for older cats with bad teeth. All you need to do is select the flavor that your cat will enjoy the most.

    Pricewise, Smalls is a bit more expensive than traditional brands, but you get what you pay for with this food. The recipes are slightly more expensive due to their superior quality and preparation, making them well worth the price for most cat owners. Luckily, you can get 40% off your first order.

    All around, Smalls cat food is the best cat food for older cats with bad teeth because of its superior quality and variety.

    Pros
    • Made from fresh, human-grade ingredients
    • Free from any preservatives, color, etc.
    • Three proteins to choose from
    • Two textures to choose from
    Cons
    • More expensive than supermarket varieties

    2. Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food – Budget Buy

    Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food

    Buffalo Blue Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food is undoubtedly the best cat food for older cats with bad teeth for the money. The long shelf life and low cost make it extremely affordable. Buffalo Blue’s recipe is all-natural and contains no artificial flavors or by-products. The main ingredient is chicken, and the flavor will make even the most fussy cat’s mouth water.

    Additionally, it contains vitamins to boost their aging immune system. However, the formula is available in only one flavor, so if your cat doesn’t like it, you’re out of luck.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Made from natural ingredients
    • Doesn’t contain any by-products or artificial flavors
    • Good for immune systems
    • Long shelf life
    Cons
    • Only available in one flavor

    3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food

    As your kitty ages, nutrition-packed cat food is crucial for her health. Many experts advise owners of elderly cats to feed them soft, dry food since it is easy to chew and will not go rancid immediately.

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food is an ideal choice. It is brimming with the vital nutrients your old cat needs and includes vitamins for healthy skin and coats and fiber to aid digestion.

    While the cost is on the higher end of the spectrum, vets highly recommend it. Hill’s food is made in the USA, and you can rest easy since it has wholesome ingredients.

    Pros
    • Fiber makes it easy to digest
    • Full of vitamins and nutrients
    • Made in the USA
    • Vet recommended
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Petcurean Now Fresh Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Petcurean Now Fresh Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    If you’re looking for grain-free cat food for your senior cat, look no further than Petcurean’s Now Fresh Cat Food. Your cat will enjoy the decadent fresh salmon, duck, and turkey. The recipe also contains wholesome veggies and fruits, including alfalfa sprouts, carrots, kelp, lentils, and spinach.

    The formula does not contain grain, gluten, by-products, artificial flavors, or any other fillers. It is suitable for cats over the age of seven and aids in weight management. Petcurean’s Now Fresh is expensive but provides excellent nutrition.

    Pros
    • Grain-free and gluten-free
    • Includes 100% fresh duck, salmon, and turkey
    • Includes fruits and veggies
    • Great for cats over the age of seven
    • Includes omega 3 and 6 oils
    Cons
    • Pricey

    5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Cat Food

    Since it’s made with old cats in mind, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Dry Cat Food contains premium kibble that creates a unique brushing effect as the cat chews due to its gently abrasive texture and cube shape.

    It will keep plaque, tartar, and other dental troubles at bay while giving your feline the vital vitamins and nutrients they need to flourish. It also boosts their urinary system health. This Royal Canin cat food is very expensive and requires authorization from your vet before purchase.

    Pros
    • Made for older cats
    • Unique shape helps combat dental problems
    • Full of vital vitamins and nutrients
    • Helps with urinary system health
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Need a vet authorization before you can buy

    6. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Senior Cat Food

    Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food

    If you’re wondering what you should feed your old cat with bad teeth, this product may be your solution. Specially formulated for older cats with sensitive gums, Royal Canin’s thin meat slices can be eaten easily.

    Your senior feline will love the delicious gravy, while you’ll love the high levels of essential fatty acids that promote good joint function and other health benefits. Sometimes, the contents may have too much gravy and not enough protein. Since it’s a top-quality brand, it will run you a pretty penny.

    Pros
    • Easy for older cats to eat
    • Good for cats with sensitive gums
    • High in protein and essential fatty acids
    Cons
    • May contain a lot of gravy and not enough meat
    • Expensive

    7. Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food

    Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food

    Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food offers real, fresh, deboned chicken as the prime ingredient and also includes peas, chicken meal, herring meal, cranberries, and lentils to boost your aging cat’s health with every bite.

    The grain-free recipe also includes antioxidants to support the immune system and urinary tract health.  The smell of the Wellness formula can be overpowering, and it is on the pricey side. Some cats may not like the taste, but we rate it as one of the best senior cat foods.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • Deboned chicken is the main ingredient
    • Helps with the immune system and urinary tract health
    Cons
    • Strong smell
    • Some cats may not like the flavor
    • Pricier

    cat paw dividerBuyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Cat Food for Older Cats with Bad Teeth

    As your cat ages, they may get less active due to their metabolism slowing down. But just because they’re not burning as many calories anymore doesn’t mean that the cat’s need for a high-quality diet will change.

    Older cats need a good combination of fat, protein, and vital nutrients to stay in peak condition for years to come. Here are some things to consider when choosing cat food for older cats with teeth problems.

    • Premium Proteins: Cats of every age need a diet that contains at least 26% protein. However, cat food that has protein as the main ingredient is always better because it helps older cats maintain muscle mass and a healthy weight.
    • Moderate Fat: Just like us, your kitty will need help to keep the pounds off as they age. It’s important to feed food containing low-to-moderate fat to avoid obesity. However, they’ll still need 12% to 15% fat in their meals.
    • Easy to Digest: Many older cats will develop food sensitivities and allergies, so feeding them a diet that’s all-natural and easy to process is essential.
    • Added Nutrients: For a well-rounded diet, look for brands with vitamins and mineral supplements, including fresh fruits and veggies.
    • Avoid Artificial Additives: These include artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. They will only upset your senior cat’s sensitive tummy.

    How to Feed an Older Cat with Bad Teeth

    Now that you know what to feed your older cat, let’s explore how to feed one with bad teeth.  Ideally, you should purchase cat food that is made in tiny chunks. This will help your kitty chew the food. Additionally, well-moisturized cat food keeps them hydrated, and older cats often drink less water than their younger counterparts.

    How to Feed an Old Cat with No Teeth

    Chewing is hard for cats without teeth. Buying cat food for older cats with tooth problems becomes a challenge because you may wonder what to feed them other than liquid or pate food. However, these foods lack the vital nutrients that older animals need.

    You should be feeding your toothless older cat soft, dry foods. The soft texture helps grind the food without an issue, and it’s also easy to digest. Kibble also has a long shelf life, so you save money in the long run.

    Soft kibble contains water to help keep your cat hydrated. Try to avoid feeding your cat canned food because it can become stuck in their gums.

    Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
    • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
    • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
    • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

    If it’s kibble, wet, or a combination of both that your cat enjoys, choosing the right cat bowl to serve it in goes far beyond presentation. Your cat's comfort is at the forefront with the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl! The unique design benefits cats in many ways - dual stainless steel bowls are shallow and wide to aid with whisker fatigue and slight elevation for proper posture. The wide catch tray ensures that all food (and water!) stays exactly where you’d expect it to be - inside of the bowl! Click here to learn more.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Top 5 Facts About Feline Dental Problems

    Here are five important facts every cat owner should know about feline dental concerns.

    • Good nutrition is vital for your cat’s dental health. Be sure to maintain a well-balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals.
    • Cat gum disease has different stages. Like us, the first stage is gingivitis, which is gum inflammation. If left to progress further, it can cause severe damage. So, have your vet regularly check your cat’s teeth for plaque or bacteria.
    • If you ignore their dental problems, they can lead to more health issues for your cat. When senior cats can’t eat, they will lose a lot of weight.
    • Dry food will help clean your cat’s teeth.
    • As silly as it sounds, you need to brush your cat’s teeth. Their teeth can collect plaque, and it’s vital to keep them clean and healthy.

    cat paw divider

    Final Verdict

    It’s crucial to feed your senior cat with bad teeth a well-balanced meal that they can easily chew and digest. Our top reviews for the best cat food for senior cats with bad teeth are Smalls Fresh Cat Food as the best overall choice and Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food as the best value. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food is our third pick. Our top picks are packed full of protein, easy for your cat to chew, and free of fillers.

    When choosing the best dry cat food for senior cats, look for brands with high protein and low-to-medium fat content. Additionally, always select dry kibble over wet food because it will help clean your kitty’s teeth.

    We hope this review helped you find the perfect food for your older cat with bad teeth! Bon appetite!


    Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock

    Get Catster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Catster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.