Maine Coons are the famous & largest domestic felines all around the world. And, just like other pets, a well-balanced and healthy diet is important for Maine Coon cats as well. I would like to share that Maine Coons always need the premium-quality kibble food in order to maintain their good health & active personalities. I have sorted through different options & found the top products currently available in the market. All the products have been selected on the basis of quality of ingredients used, nutritive value, taste, and other related factors.
Eating Habits of Maine Coon Cats
It is vital to mention that Maine Coon felines do not need any special kind of diet even though they are natural huge felines. The recommended practice is to give them good quality dry food along with occasional wet food a number of times in a well in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the growing Maine Coon. Moreover, they need a diet that is low in carbohydrates and sodium but high in protein.
What To Feed A Maine Coon Cat
A healthy and happy Maine coon is an active one who loves playing around in their home environment. They are also very social animals which means they enjoy spending time together as a family unit. This makes it important for owners of these felines to provide them with proper nutrition so that they can live long and be happy lives.
The first thing you should do before starting any new food regimen on your pet is to consult with your vet about what type of foods he or she recommends.
Maine Coon Food Ingredients List
While considering the food packaging label, always ensure that the ingredient list contain the following:
- Firstly, real meat for instant fish, turkey, beef or chicken as the 1st ingredient
- Soy, wheat or corn must be further down the ingredient list
- In case the word meal is also included then, it should be from a real source of meat including salmon, beef or chicken.
Another important consideration while offering the cat food to Maine Coon is the perfect balance between dry and raw food. Because the majority of felines have a habit of not drinking much water.
Dry vs. Wet Food
Whether pet parents feed their Maine Coons dry or wet food is surely a matter of personal choice.
- Dry food is easy to prepare as compared to wet food & allow a Maine Coon to use her teeth
- Well, wet food has a high moisture content. And, this will serve the best purpose for those Maine Coons who are prone to kidney problems.
- A mix of dry and wet food will help ensure a perfect balance for Maine Coon
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats
Cats who spend their time indoors tend to eat less than those who live outdoors. This may seem counterintuitive because they don’t see any grass or trees outside, so why would they want more? However, this is due in part to the fact that an indoor kitty has access to all sorts of tasty treats like birdseed, which isn’t available to them when living out on the range.
How Often Should Pet Owners Feed their Maine Coon Felines?
Most felines always do well with 2 meals in a day however, active breeds such as Maine Coons can do well with more than 2 meals particularly, kittens. While determining how much to feed the Maine Coons, remember that the shared recommendations on the food package are often made for the entire day. Well, the basis for all healthy Maine Coon cats is surely a healthy diet that can support their large bodies & healthy coats.
Reviewed: Best Food for Maine Coon Cats
As mentioned earlier, Maine Coon cats are the largest cat breeds & can easily upto 9 pounds of the total body weight, & in few cases even more than that. Due to its body structure, pet owners should give Maine Coon a balanced diet. With that said, Maine Coon owners can select the one from the below-discussed options.
Royal Canin Food
Costly but well worth it, the pieces are quite smaller than other competing brands so pet parents do not have to grind them up in order to fit tiny mouths of Maine Coons. The kibble is extremely delicious and easy to eat. In fact, the Royal Canin food is also best for those Maine Coons who are finicky eaters & those with sensitive stomachs.
The ingredient quality is superb as well. The 15 IB packaging is pretty convenient so pet parents do not have to be worried about running out of Maine Coon food very often. In short, this is a great & trustworthy brand that carefully tests their products in order to ensure the best quality the vets recommend & sell. Moreover, Royal Canin has food for every stage of Maine Coon life, so pet owners cannot go with this amazing food. This also promotes healthy skin and it contain most essential minerals.
Pros:
- Support immune system
- Highly digestible
- Easy to chew
- Support healthy development
- Give the best value for money
Cons:
- Not grain free
Iams Proactive Cat Food
It is worth sharing that there is surely something magical about this Maine Coon food, not only clever marketing. After struggling a lot to get cat food that is both healthy and delicious without fillers for Maine Coons, I got my hands on this wonderful brand. And just like humans, felines also need proper exercise & portion control.
But with a feline with an apparently bottomless stomach, the Maine Coon seems to prefer this food, without feeling hungry in between meals. Compared to other cat food brands, this aroma is not as potent. The best thing is that this cat food also helps with cat hairballs & dandruff. So, every Maine Coon lover who is looking for a decently healthy and tasty food that does not cost an arm & leg then, this would be a great brand to use.
Pros:
- Help support strong muscles
- Maintain healthy metabolism
- Complete & balanced nutrition
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Vet recommended
Cons:
- Few felines might experience vomiting
Instinct Grain Cat Food
After trying different combinations of dry and wet food items, this particular cat food can be declared as the best one. In fact, this is the only cat food that can surely meet all the goals & does not cause Maine Coon to puke. Another noticeable thing is that the food has different options including rabbit, chicken, and duck protein flavors and sources.
Note that this is not a true limited ingredient feline food but it is more limited than many famous brands, & the grain-free feature makes it easier on Maine Coons. Moreover, no doubt this cat food is more costly but definitely a generous portion of the cat food with plenty of tasty and higher quality ingredients. Appreciate the fact that Instinct grain is a well-priced product for the quality buyers are getting. However, this might not serve the purpose for older male Maine Coons because it can cause & exacerbate kidney failure due to high protein content.
Pros:
- Wholesome ingredients
- Support healthy digestion
- Balanced nutrition
- Improved coat and skin
- Best for picky eaters
Cons:
- Diarrhea has been reported in few Maine Coons
Purina ONE Cat Food
Another highly recommended product for Maine Coons, the Purina One cat food is the only hairball formula that truly works. In short, few anti hairball cat food just do not do what they claim but this one always does. Best for picky eaters particularly when it comes to dry food items. It offers the advantages of the premium food, with less litter box odor, less dyes for the best prices.
The best thing is related to the convenience of having quality food delivered instantly at your doorstep. The package size is great, heavy enough to last a while & yet not very heavy for one’s to lift. However, most importantly, Maine Coons love it. They always have wonderful shiny coats and skin with no hairballs. On the other hand, this formula helps short-haired Maine Coons pass hairballs but it does not help long-haired Maine Coons.
Pros:
- Help support immune system
- Easily digestible
- Helps minimize hairballs
- Promote strong muscles
- Tasty & nutritious
Cons:
- A bit pricey but well worth it
Blue Buffalo Cat Food
This will make your 6 years old Maine Coon cat act like a kitten again while supporting their lean and strong muscles. In other words, this food is actually what real pet parents feed their precious Maine Coon Cats. Moreover, the food smells great, the cat’s stool does not smell & is solid. Feeding a healthy pet diet is mandatory & a carnivore diet for Maine Coons is a must. This particular food also gives Maine Coon energy while keeping the coats shiny.
Based on personal experience, the Blue Buffalo cat food can be considered as the most recommended one. Even though the price is more upfront, pet parents can save significantly by needing fewer bags of this food & less cat litter. However, the only concern is related to the food bag that is quite difficult to open irrespective of having notches at both sides. Likewise, it is not resalable as well.
Pros:
- Help maintain less muscle mass
- Support coat and skin health
- Without artificial colors or flavors
- Ensure healthy muscle development
- Premium quality ingredients
Cons:
- Packaging is not upto the mark
Buying Guide: Best Food for Maine Coon Cats
It is worth sharing that Maine Coon’s size can create a lot of challenges that small feline breeds might never have to face when it comes to the best cat food. Hopefully, the above-discussed products together with this buying guide help Maine Coon owners make an informed decision.
What is the Healthiest Cat Food for Maine Coons?
I would like to share that Maine Coon cats are obligate carnivores & can easily get their required nutrition from the flesh and meat of the small animals particularly while living in the wild. Moreover, Maine Coons do not need vegetables or carbohydrates in order to survive. So, the healthiest diet would be something homemade.
What should be the portion limit for Maine Coons? Size Options
Meowing heads has been designed specifically for the needs of the Maine Coon cat. They have created a portion control system which allows them to feed just what each individual cat requires without overfeeding or underfeeding.
The amount of food required will vary depending upon age, weight, activity level etc., however, most cats require between 1/3rd – 2/3rds of their bodyweight as daily requirement.
Food Nutritional Considerations for Maine Coon Cats
While they are still growing, kittens require a diet that consists of at least 30% protein and a minimum of 9% fat. Cats with kidney problems sometimes have trouble digesting protein so any protein in their diet needs to come from very high-quality sources. The following information will give you a better idea about what foods work best for your Maine Coons. It also includes tips on how to feed them properly and avoid common mistakes made by owners who aren’t familiar with feeding feline diets.
Protein Requirements
As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons why Maine Coons tend to get bigger over time is due to their increased appetite.
Some facts about Maine Coons:
- Maine Coon is a large breed with a fast metabolism that requires more calories than smaller breeds.
- Maine Coons are prone to obesity, so daily exercise and a high-quality diet are recommended.
- Maine Coons are a moderate- to high-shedding breed, so daily brushing is recommended.
- Maine Coons can be prone to urinary tract infections, so it is recommended to feed a food with high levels of cranberries, blueberries
- They can be big and you can find their travel backpacks here.
How Much Food Does a Maine Coon Eats?
This totally depends upon the Maine Coon’s age, level of activity, and type of diet. Kittens have small stomachs & high energy requirements thus, they will have to be fed more often. The recommended practice is to start with the Maine Coon kitten diet & follow the entire feeding instructions carefully according to his/her weight. Few Maine Coons can do well with open feeding however, pet parents should be careful of overeating as this dog breed is prone to obesity.
What Ingredients Should be avoided?
While not all of the following ingredients are guaranteed to harm Maine Coons, there are few that pet parents should not give to Maine Coons to lower the chances of health issues.
Chemicals
In the majority of cat foods, preservatives are quite common in order to enhance the shelf life. The common culprits are Propylene glycol, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and Ethoxyquin.
Fillers
The basic purpose of these is to cut costs. Common fillers are Meat by products, wheat, corn, and rendered fat.
Raisin, Avocados
Grapes, Macademia nuts, avocados, & raisins can cause acute & severe kidney failure in Maine Coons so, should be avoided
Cooked Bones
No doubt, cooked bones are quite bad in different homemade recipes & even as a treat. Because they will splinter causing intestinal issues and internal bleeding.
Maine Coons Food Related Allergies:
This cat breed can develop different food allergies or also intolerance to few ingredients usually found in the commercial feline foods. It is worth noticing that the highly common ingredients that will cause allergies are corn, fish, chicken along with grains & dairy products. And, these allergies will manifest as rashes, itchy skin, excessive grooming & digestive problems such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Still here? want to know more?
History of the Maine Coon Cat Breed
Maine Coons were originally bred as working animals on farms where their thick fur would protect them against cold weather. They also served well as hunting companions because of their ability to catch mice and rats with ease. Their thick coats made it easy for farmers to groom them without damaging their skin or hair.
In addition to being good hunters, these cats have been shown to possess an excellent sense of smell that makes them very effective ratters.
Maine Coon Health and Personality
The personality traits of this cat breed include:
- Affectionate – Maine Coons will often greet visitors with an open mouth and purr when approached.
- Friendly – Maine Coons enjoy spending quality time with friends and strangers alike.
- Playful – When given enough stimulation, these cats will engage in playful activities such as chasing toys and playing games.
- Curious – As kittens, Maine Coons are naturally inquisitive creatures.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a female is 12.5 years, and the male’s 11.9 years. The maximum recorded age for both sexes was 17 years old.
Breeding season
In captivity, breeding occurs year-round with an annual peak in March–April. In the wild, females are receptive from February through May while males can be seen mating throughout the entire month of June.
Gestation period
Pregnant females give birth between April and July.
Health
The Maine Coon has been bred as an all-purpose companion animal since its introduction into America in 1885. The first recorded breeding was done by William E. Smith at his farm near Portland, Maine. He crossed two female coon kittens named “Coonie” and “Pussycat.” These were both purebreds, but they had different colors: one was black and white; the other was gray and tan. In 1888, he sold these offspring to George W.
Kidney disease is one of the most common problems for Maine Coon cats so be careful.
Do Maine Coons Need Specific Food?
The short answer is yes!
Why would this be the case?
Well, let me explain:
When you feed your dog a certain brand of food, he will likely respond well to that particular brand because his body recognizes those nutrients as being similar to its own.
This means that even though there might be some differences between dogs from various breed groups, all dogs should benefit equally from any given brand of food.
So why wouldn’t this apply to cats too?
What Food Should You Avoid?
Maine Coons are notorious for being picky eaters, in part because they are often given human food as a treat.
Maine Coons have a sensitive digestive system, so it’s important to give them a protein-rich diet. Feeding them a diet that’s too high in carbohydrates is not recommended.
The following list includes some common additives found in commercial foods:
1) Artificial Flavorings – These flavors may seem harmless enough, but they do contain chemicals which could potentially cause problems if ingested by cats.
2) Antibiotics – While antibiotics are used as growth promoters in livestock, this practice has been banned in most countries due to its potential side effects when consumed by pets.
How We Researched The Best Cat Food For Maine Coon Cats?
The first thing we looked at was how many calories are in a can or bag. This is important because cats need about 30% more energy than dogs do
Next we researched what ingredients were used in the product. Some products have too much salt which will cause your cat’s kidneys to fail
Some contain artificial colors that may be toxic to your cat
And some use fillers like corn syrup instead of real meat protein
My Maine Coon isn’t eating, what do I do?
Your cat is not eating because he or she has been sick and needs medical attention. It’s important that you get this problem taken care of as soon as possible so it doesn’t become worse. The sooner you can find out why your cat isn’t eating, the better chance you will have at getting him/her back on track with his/her appetite.
How can I fatten up my Maine Coon?
If you’re looking to get your kitty back into shape after losing some pounds, here are three ways to do so:
1) Add extra protein and fat to their meals. Cats need about 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat in order to maintain healthy body function. If they don’t have enough of either one, they may not feel full as quickly, which means they won’t eat as much.
2) Increase fiber content by feeding them whole foods instead of processed ones.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, it can be said that it is usually an overwhelming task to find the best food for Maine coon cats because they are naturally big felines while being energetic. On the other hand, these felines are very adorable to behold & make the best pets. Just like any feline, they need a certain type of diet in order to maintain their overall health & wellness.
Pet parents should take the health of Maine coon cats seriously and try to feed them a premium quality and well-balanced diet. This cat breed does not need a special or even breed specific food so pet parents can easily start with the healthy recipe that is made from all-natural ingredients. And if they do not know where to start then, consider the above-listed recommendations.
