The 7 Best Cat Foods For Maine Coons

Cat Food June 9, 2024
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The 7 Best Cat Foods For Maine Coons

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Not only is it the official state cat of Maine, but the Maine Coon is also one of the biggest cat breeds around. These beautiful felines have thick coats with a big ruff around the neck, tufted feet, bushy tails, and pointed ears.

They are one of the most unique cat breeds in American and likely the oldest native breed as well. The Maine Coon is an absolute treasure and should be treated as such with a healthy, high-quality diet formulated to meet its nutritional needs.

Compare Best Cat Foods For Maine Coons

Overall Best
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

1. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Runner Up
Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food

2. Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food

Premium Choice
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces

3. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces

Best Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

4. Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Best Wet Cat Food
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food

5. Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food

Best For Kittens
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Best For Seniors
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior Dry Cat Food

7. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior Dry Cat Food

Protein
37% Min
Protein
21.2% Min
Protein
43% Min
Protein
42% Min
Protein
8% Min
Protein
40% Min
Protein
36% Min
Fat
18% Min
Fat
8.05% Min
Fat
20% Min
Fat
18% Min
Fat
5.5% Min
Fat
20% Min
Fat
17% Min
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
0.4% Max
Fiber
3.5% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
1% Max
Fiber
3.5% Max
Fiber
6% Max
Moisture
10% Max
Moisture
66.1% Max
Moisture
9% Max
Moisture
10% Max
Moisture
78% Max
Moisture
9% Max
Moisture
10% Max
Caloric Content
 3840 kcal me/kg, 470 kcal me/cup
Caloric Content
550 kcal/package
Caloric Content
 480 kcal/cup
Caloric Content
 390 kcal/cup
Caloric Content
 1000 kcal/kg
Caloric Content
 457kcal/cup
Caloric Content
 385 kcal/cup
Food Type
Dry
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type

Keep reading to learn more about the Maine Coon cat breed and what its nutritional needs are. You’ll also see our top 7 picks for the best cat food for Maine Coons.

What Do You Need To Know About The Maine Coon?

The Maine Coon cat is sometimes described as a gentle giant because, while they are one of the bigger breeds around (growing 9 to 18 pounds), they are also very friendly and sweet. This cat loves to spend time with family but isn’t overwhelmingly demanding of attention.

They like to follow their humans around and will always be interested in some lap time, but they won’t pester you all day if you need your space. This breed gets along well with most people and dogs – it also does well with other cats.

One of the most defining characteristics of the Maine Coon breed is its long, beautiful coat.

In addition to being a gorgeous breed, the Maine Coon is also fairly healthy aside from some hereditary health problems such as hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and spinal muscular atrophy.

In terms of nutritional requirements, however, this cat has no specific restrictions. While keeping these things in mind, you can now start shopping around for the best cat food for Maine Coons.

Here’s what you need to know:

How To Choose The Best Cat Food For Maine Coons?

To keep your Maine Coon happy and healthy for as long as possible, it is important to choose a cat food that will provide for its unique nutritional needs.

Here are some things to look for in a cat food for Maine Coons:

  • Rich in Protein – Cats are obligate carnivores, so the majority of their nutrition must come from animal sources. Proteins like meat, poultry, and fish provide essential amino acids so these ingredients should make up at least 26% of an adult cat’s diet and 30% of a kitten’s.
  • Low in Carbohydrates – As carnivores, cats have a very limited ability to digest plant matter. Cat food should be low in carbs, containing only nutrient-rich options like fruits and veggies.
  • Healthy Fats – Fats are an essential part of a cat’s diet because they provide a concentrated source of energy as well as omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
  • Beneficial Supplements – Protein is the most important nutrient for cats, though fat is also required for balance. You should also look for a cat food that contains beneficial supplements like vitamins and chelated minerals for nutritional balance as well as other things like probiotics.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a Maine Coon cat food, you’re ready to start shopping!

Keep reading to see our top 7 recommendations for the best cat food for Maine Coons.

The Top 7 Best Cat Foods For Maine Coons Reviewed

The best cat food for Maine Coon cats will be rich in premium animal proteins and healthy fats but low in carbohydrates.

Look for beneficial supplements like synthetic vitamins and chelated minerals as well as other healthy additives like probiotics for healthy digestion.

Overall Best
1.

Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 37% Min
  • Fat: 18% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Moisture: 10% Max
  • Caloric Content:  3840 kcal me/kg, 470 kcal me/cup
  • Food Type: Dry
Pros
  • Made with high-quality ingredients to improve your Maine Coon’s digestion and nutrition
  • Rich in animal protein and naturally grain-free
  • Meals can be customized for large cats
Cons
  • Fairly expensive
  • Doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs
Open Farm is a fresh food delivery service that offers customized meals catered to your Maine Coon cat’s unique nutritional needs and made with the freshest ingredients available. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional canned cat food especially for large cats.

Your Maine Coon cat’s food will be prepared and delivered fresh on a weekly/monthly basis, sent in perfectly portioned packages that you can refrigerate or freeze.

Simply fill out your Maine Coon’s profile online to get started and choose from their recipe collection.
Runner Up
2.

Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 21.2% Min
  • Fat: 8.05% Min
  • Fiber: 0.4% Max
  • Moisture: 66.1% Max
  • Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package
Pros
  • Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
  • High in moisture for digestion and hydration
  • Free from grains and fillers
  • Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)
Cons
  • Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
  • Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Fresh food for cats offers premium-quality nutrition and higher moisture levels than the typical dry food diet. Smalls fresh food is made with human-grade ingredients, formulated to deliver optimal protein levels with limited carbohydrate content to maximize your cat’s nutrition.

Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible cat food made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.
Premium Choice
3.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces

Product Info

  • Protein: 43% Min
  • Fat: 20% Min
  • Fiber: 3.5% Max
  • Moisture: 9% Max
  • Caloric Content:  480 kcal/cup
Pros
  • High-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw bites
  • Several sources of premium animal protein
  • Grain-free and low in carbohydrates, very digestible
Cons
  • Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
  • Some cats are sensitive to chicken ingredients
If you’re looking for a healthy, high-protein dry cat food for your Maine Coon cat, try this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Cat Food. This product features a nutritious combination of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites to deliver a nutrient-rich and flavor-packed punch.

It comes in several protein options and is supplemented with beneficial ingredients like chicken fat, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, and probiotics.
Best Dry Cat Food
4.

Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 42% Min
  • Fat: 18% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Moisture: 10% Max
  • Caloric Content:  390 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Contains several sources of premium animal protein
  • Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
Cons
  • Contains some plant proteins (pea and potato protein)
  • First source of fat is plant- not animal-based (canola oil)
For maximum flavor and nutrition, give your Maine Coon this Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canyon River Recipe Cat Food. It features several premium proteins including fresh trout, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal as well as plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

It contains grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas for digestibility as well as probiotics to support your cat’s digestion. It also contains beneficial supplements like dietary fiber and probiotics.
Best Wet Cat Food
5.

Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 8% Min
  • Fat: 5.5% Min
  • Fiber: 1% Max
  • Moisture: 78% Max
  • Caloric Content:  1000 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Single source of novel animal protein to reduce risk for allergies
  • Plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Beneficial supplements like mussels, chelated minerals, and probiotics
Cons
  • Expensive to feed as a staple diet for larger cats
  • Sometimes doesn’t appeal to picky eaters
If you don’t mind spending a little more for quality, this ZiwiPeak New Zealand Lamb Recipe Cat Food is a great option for Maine Coons and overall one of the best wet cat food on the market today.

Not only is it made with a single source of premium animal protein, but it is completely free from grains, sugar, and antibiotics as well as by-products and fillers. This wet cat food is rich in protein and omega fatty acids, plus it is absolutely full of flavor.

You’ll also be glad to know that it contains green-lipped mussel as a natural source of joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin which are important for a larger cat like your Maine Coon.
Best For Kittens
6.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 40% Min
  • Fat: 20% Min
  • Fiber: 3.5% Max
  • Moisture: 9% Max
  • Caloric Content:  457kcal/cup
Pros
  • Rich in premium animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish
  • Contains 40% crude protein which is 10% above a kitten’s minimum requirement
  • Low in carbohydrates and grain-free for digestibility
Cons
  • Some kittens develop food allergies to chicken
  • Contains some plant proteins (pea protein)
As your Maine Coon kitten is growing, it needs a great deal of protein in its diet. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Kitten Food is a great option because it contains a whopping 40% protein which is 10% more than your kitten’s minimum requirement.

This recipe features fresh chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients with chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, and fish oil for omega fatty acids. It is low in carbohydrates, highly digestible, and supplemented with probiotics for digestion.
Best For Seniors
7.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior Dry Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 36% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 6% Max
  • Moisture: 10% Max
  • Caloric Content:  385 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Formulated for indoor senior cats to manage weight
  • Farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
  • Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
Cons
  • Some cats develop allergies to chicken
  • Not a grain-free recipes, some cats may be sensitive
As your Maine Coon gets older, it still needs plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass, but its needs for calories may go down. This Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Senior Cat Food recipe is a great option because it provides plenty of animal protein with moderate fat content to control calories.

It features farm-raised chicken and digestible brown rice, plus plenty of beneficial supplements like fish oil, chelated minerals, and vitamin supplements.

How Much Should You Feed Your Maine Coon?

The Maine Coon is a very large cat breed with an average weight of 9 to 18 pounds. There are stories about cats of this breed topping 30 pounds, but it is likely that those cats are overweight or obese.

This breed has a very long, thick coat that makes it look heavier than it is but, in reality, these cats do not need any more food than any other cat of the same size.

The amount of food your cat needs depends on its age, size, and activity level so refer to the feeding instructions on the cat food you choose. Remember, every cat food is different in calorie content, so you’ll need to follow these instructions.

How Many Times A Day Should You Feed Your Maine Coon?

Many Maine Coon cats do well with a free-feeding situation in which you simply keep the food bowl full and allow the cat to eat when it’s hungry. In this type of situation, a Maine Coon cat might eat up to 20 small meals a day with each meal consisting of a few bites.

If your cat has trouble moderating its own intake, you might switch to a different strategy where you feed the cat twice a day.

If you can’t decide which option is best, start with two meals a day and give your cat some treats in between if it’s hungry.

Final Remarks

The truth is that different cat breeds like the Maine Coon do not have drastically different nutritional needs.

The best way to choose a cat food for Maine Coon cats is to start with a healthy, high-quality cat food that is properly balanced and to follow the feeding instructions according to your cat’s size and activity.

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Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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