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
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Premium Choice
3. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces |
Best Dry Cat Food
4. Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best For Kittens
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best For Seniors
7. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior Dry Cat Food |
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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 |
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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 |
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Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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Food Type
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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.
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
- 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
- Fairly expensive
- Doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs
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.
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
- 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%)
- Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
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.
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
- High-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw bites
- Several sources of premium animal protein
- Grain-free and low in carbohydrates, very digestible
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Some cats are sensitive to chicken ingredients
It comes in several protein options and is supplemented with beneficial ingredients like chicken fat, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, and probiotics.
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
- Contains several sources of premium animal protein
- Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Contains some plant proteins (pea and potato protein)
- First source of fat is plant- not animal-based (canola oil)
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.
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
- 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
- Expensive to feed as a staple diet for larger cats
- Sometimes doesn’t appeal to picky eaters
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.
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
- 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
- Some kittens develop food allergies to chicken
- Contains some plant proteins (pea protein)
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.
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
- Formulated for indoor senior cats to manage weight
- Farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
- Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
- Some cats develop allergies to chicken
- Not a grain-free recipes, some cats may be sensitive
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.
