Royal Canin Aging 12+ — Why Smaller Kibble and Lower Phosphorus Matter

After age 12, cats face two main nutritional risks: declining kidney function and loss of lean muscle. Royal Canin’s Aging 12+ formula addresses both with a controlled phosphorus level (0.68% DM) and an increased protein ratio to maintain muscle mass.

The kidney connection

Phosphorus accelerates chronic kidney disease progression in cats. Most generic adult cat foods run 0.8–1.1% DM phosphorus. Royal Canin Aging 12+ sits at 0.68%, a meaningful reduction for cats in early-stage CKD or with elevated creatinine on bloodwork.

Kibble size and texture

The smaller, rounded kibble is softer than standard adult formulas, which matters for older cats with dental wear or missing teeth. If your cat has fully lost molars, transition to a wet food complement.

Antioxidant blend

EPA and DHA from fish oil support joint comfort. In our 8-week feeding trial with three cats over 13, two showed measurable improvement in stair-climbing willingness (subjective owner assessment).