high protein dry food options

I am trying to find a good high-protein dry food for my two seniors, Simba and Nala. Simba is 18 and deaf, and Nala is 16 and has arthritis. They are getting a bit heavy, and I want to make sure they get enough protein without the extra carbs.

I have looked at several options, but I am not sure which ones are truly high in protein. Does anyone have a recommendation for a dry food that is good for older cats?

I keep a spreadsheet of the protein percentages for various brands. The one I use for my tortie, Vera, who is 9 and also has arthritis, has 40% protein on a dry matter basis. It is not the highest, but it is consistent.

You can see my comparison in protein % in dry food for seniors. I would look for at least 35% protein on the label, but remember that you have to adjust for moisture content.

My gray cat Cleo is 9 and has arthritis, so I understand the concern. I switched her to a grain-free option that was high in protein. The transition took a while, but she seems to have more energy now.

If you are switching, take it slow. I wrote about how I did it with my other cat in transitioning to new kibble. It is not about rushing.

Thank you, Vera and Terri. I did see the thread about transition, but I am more worried about the storage. My kitchen is a bit warm, and I do not want the kibble to go bad before they finish the bag.

Does anyone have a tip for keeping dry food fresh? I read that the oils can go rancid quickly.

I am very particular about this. I keep my bags in airtight containers in the pantry, not in the kitchen where it is warm. I also buy smaller bags so they finish faster.

You can read more about my method in keeping kibble fresh between meals. It makes a difference in the taste, too.

I have a black cat named Shadow who is 7 and shy. He is not senior yet, but I am looking ahead. I am curious about the protein content, but I also wonder if the texture matters for older cats. Does anyone know if a softer kibble is better for arthritic jaws?

I am not sure about the texture, but I do know that I want to keep the cost down. Simba and Nala eat a lot. Is there a high-protein option that is not expensive? I do not want to go into debt for cat food.

I saw a thread about budget options, but I am not sure if they are high enough in protein.