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As a seasoned cat sitter and a proud owner of a cat, I understand the importance of providing nutritionally balanced cat food for your feline pet.
My British shorthair, Foofi, loves her wet cat food made from wild-caught salmon and wild Pacific salmon. Adding healthy ingredients like garbanzo beans, coconut oil, and prebiotic fibers in her food has greatly contributed to her healthy skin and weight management. But it took me a while to find the right brand. Since British shorthair and Maine Coon, both rely on large-sized kibbles, their food choices resemble a lot. Thus, I”m here to help you choose the best cat food for your Maine Coon.
So, whether you’re dealing with a Maine Coon who won’t touch canned food or one who needs specific nutrition for healthy brain growth and development, keep reading. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll review the top 12 cat food brands for Maine Coon cats in 2023.
Our Top 12 Cat Food for Maine Coon
1. Royal Canin Feline Breed
Undeniably, Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition has been a game-changer in Foofi’s diet. This product has been specially formulated to support the unique dietary needs of Maine Coons, making it an excellent choice for your feline friend.
Highlights
The Royal Canin Feline Breed cat food stands out due to its unique features. It has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are essential for a Maine Coon’s healthy skin and coat.
The kibble is designed to be easily grasped and chewed, making it perfect for Maine Coon’s larger jaws. This feature alone has made meal times a joy for Foofi, who can sometimes be a picky eater.
Pros
- The food contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat.
- It is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of Maine Coon cats.
- The kibble is easy to grasp and chew, suitable for Maine Coon’s larger jaws.
- Promotes healthy digestion and helps manage weight.
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste
2. Purina Cat Chow
Purina Cat Chow is a popular choice among cat owners, and not without good reason. It’s an affordable yet high-quality cat food that’s perfect for Maine Coons at all life stages.
Highlights
Farm-raised chicken is the primary ingredient, ensuring your cat gets a protein-rich diet. But it’s not just about protein- this cat food is also packed with 25 essential vitamins and minerals.
Best used in conjunction with a high-quality wet food, Purina Cat Chow provides a well-rounded diet for your Maine Coon.
Pros
- High protein content
- Suitable for all life stages
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- It may contain fillers or by-products
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Cat Food is a high-protein, grain-free option designed to satisfy your Maine Coon’s primal cravings. Deboned chicken, the first ingredient, provides the protein crucial for your cat’s health.
Highlights
Blue Buffalo Wilderness stands out from the crowd with its unique features. Its grain-free formula contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, making it a natural, wholesome choice for your Maine Coon.
This food also features LifeSource Bits—a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—to support your cat’s overall health and well-being.
Pros
- High protein content supports rapid growth
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- LifeSource Bits provide essential nutrients
- Grain-free recipe for sensitive stomachs
Cons
- It can be a bit pricey compared to other brands
4. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain
The Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Cat Food offers a unique flavor experience with roasted venison and smoked salmon.
Highlights
This grain-free formula boasts a high protein content of 42% to cater to your Maine Coon’s dietary needs. It also includes probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics to support digestive health and boost the immune system. This truly wild-tasting food will surely be a hit with your furry friend.
Pros
- High in protein
- Supports digestion health.
- Highly recommended by Maine Coon owners and vets
Cons
- Some cats may not like the taste
5. Instinct Original
Instinct Original cat food is a trusted brand popular among cat owners. It boasts an impressive ingredient list with high protein content, making it ideal for Maine Coon cats.
Packed with multiple nutrients and supplements, it offers what your feline friend needs for a healthy life. It is all-natural, emphasizing quality that sets it apart from its competitors.
Highlights
Instinct Original has been carefully crafted to provide your cat with the best nutrition possible. It features 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils, with the remaining 19% comprising fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients.
Pros
- High protein content for muscle development
- Contains natural probiotics for digestive health
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Includes natural omegas and antioxidants
Cons
- Pricier than some other brands
6. Royal Canin Feline Breed
Renowned among Maine Coon owners and vets, the Royal Canin Feline Breed cat food is a top choice. It is a high-quality product specifically crafted to meet the dietary needs of Maine Coons.
Highlights
This cat food has been designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Maine Coon kittens up to 15 months old. It’s packed with protein and is known to support digestive health, making it an excellent addition to your Maine Coon’s diet.
Pros
- Designed for the long growth period of Maine Coon kittens
- It provides immune support with an exclusive complex of antioxidants
- Highly trusted and recommended by Maine Coon owners and vets
Cons
- It may not be suitable for cats with specific dietary needs
- Some cats might have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients
7. American Journey
The American Journey cat food is a well-received product among Maine Coon owners for its natural ingredients and high protein content. Its primary components are turkey and chicken, providing a balanced and healthy diet for your Maine Coon.
Highlights
American Journey cat food stands out due to its all-natural ingredients, with no unnecessary additives. It’s packed with nutrients, including DHA and ARA, known for supporting healthy brain and eye development in cats.
This product emphasizes protein, making it a perfect choice for Maine Coon cats who require a protein-rich diet.
Pros
- High protein content suitable for Maine Coons
- All-natural ingredients with no unnecessary additives
- It contains nutrients to support brain and eye development
Cons
- It may not be suitable for cats with specific dietary needs
- Some cats might have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients
8. Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle
Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle cat food makes a noticeable difference in the health and vitality of Maine Coons. Its unique formulation is designed to cater to the breed’s unique dietary needs.
Highlights
One of the standout features of this food is its first ingredient: sustainably sourced, omega-rich, fresh-caught Alaskan pollock. This delivers a taste cats love and provides essential fatty acids for a healthy coat.
The food is also crafted with combined fiber-rich prebiotics and protected probiotics, aiding digestion and promoting overall gut health.
Pros
- It contains sustainably sourced, omega-rich Alaskan pollock
- Formulated with fiber-rich prebiotics and protected probiotics
- Designed to support overall health and vitality
Cons
- It may not be suitable for cats with certain dietary restrictions
9. Purina ONE
Purina ONE is a well-known and trusted cat food brand. They offer a high-protein food that has chicken as one of the main ingredients, making it a great choice for Maine Coons who require a protein-rich diet.
Highlights
Purina ONE cat food is specially formulated to support aging cats. The product boasts a healthy amount of protein, which is beneficial for maintaining muscle strength and body condition.
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient, ensuring high protein content
- 32% crude protein content to maintain muscle strength
- Gentle on the stomach, ideal for sensitive Maine Coons
Cons
- It may not suit cats with specific dietary restrictions
10. Hill’s Science Diet – Adult Urinary & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet is a premium cat food crafted to meet the specific requirements of Maine Coon cats.
Highlights:
This formula excels in promoting urinary health and managing hairballs, addressing common concerns for Maine Coon adults.
Pros
- Targeted urinary and hairball control for Maine Coon’s specific health needs
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers, promoting overall well-being
- Specially formulated to support a healthy coat and skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for cats with specific dietary sensitivities
- Higher price point compared to some other cat food options
11. Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose
Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose is a top-of-the-line cat food designed to cater to the unique dietary needs of Maine Coons.
Highlights
Its highlights include its high protein content, natural ingredients, and the well-trusted and loved brand name, which ensures quality in every bite.
Pros
- High protein content supports the unique dietary needs of Maine Coons
- Free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives and colorings
- Simple, pristine recipe with limited ingredients
- Quality ingredients ensure a taste that Maine Coons love
Cons
- It may not be suitable for cats with specific dietary needs or sensitivities
12. Nutro Wholesome Essentials
In my years of caring for cats, I’ve found that Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food offers unique benefits, especially for indoor cats like Maine Coons.
Highlights
Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food has been formulated to support a healthy weight for indoor cats. The product contains natural fiber, which aids in digestion.
It also stands out for being non-GMO, a feature that isn’t common in many cat food brands. This ensures that your Maine Coon gets wholesome nutrition without any genetically modified organisms.
Pros
- Promotes a healthy weight in indoor cats.
- Contains natural fiber for better digestion.
- Non-GMO ingredients ensure wholesome nutrition.
- Real chicken, as the primary source of protein, caters to the protein needs of Maine Coons
Cons
- The taste might not be appealing to some cats
Buying Guide
Choosing the right cat food for your Maine Coon can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. Here are some factors to consider while shopping for food for your Maine Coon cat:
Nutritional Content
Understanding the nutritional content of the cat food you’re buying is essential. Maine Coon cats, being one of the largest domestic breeds, have specific dietary requirements.
They need a diet rich in high-quality proteins to support their muscle growth and maintenance. The nutritional needs may vary based on the age and size of your Maine Coon, and it’s essential to choose cat food that caters to their stage of life.
Quality
The quality of cat food you choose for your Maine Coon can impact their health and body weight significantly. While it might seem expensive to invest in high-quality pet food, it can save you some hefty vet bills in the long run.
Conditions like kidney disease are often linked to poor diet, and feeding your Maine Coon high-quality wet cat food can help prevent such health issues.
Natural ingredients
From my experience, choosing cat food with natural ingredients has always been wise. When my Maine Coon was approaching his golden years, I noticed a slowdown in his metabolism.
However, his need for high-quality protein remained unchanged. I chose a chicken & venison formula with plenty of animal-based protein and moderate fat content. This helped him maintain a healthy body weight.
So, when shopping for cat food, I’d recommend looking for natural ingredients that cater to your Maine Coon’s nutritional needs.
Price
While it’s important to consider the nutritional content, quality, and ingredients, you also need to factor in the price of the cat food. It’s a matter of balancing your budget with the best nutritional option for your Maine Coon cat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why won't my Maine Coon eat wet food?
From my experience, some Maine Coons may not immediately take to wet food, especially if they’re used to dry kibble. If your Maine Coon resists, try introducing wet food gradually, perhaps by mixing it with their favorite dry food.
2. Are Maine Coon cats always hungry?
As a cat sitter, I’ve noticed that Maine Coons, like any other cats, can seem always hungry. This could be due to their larger size and higher energy levels.
3. Why does my Maine Coon try to bury his food?
My British shorthair, Foofi, used to exhibit this behavior. It’s an instinct for cats to try and bury their uneaten food to hide it from potential predators. However, if your Maine Coon is regularly leaving food uneaten, it might be a sign that you’re offering more than they require or they’re not enjoying their current food.
4. When should I switch my Maine Coon to adult food?
As a rule of thumb, I recommend switching your Maine Coon kittens to adult cat food around the age of one year. It’s always best to consult your vet to determine the appropriate time to switch.
Conclusion
In my years of caring for cats, I have found that the key to their long and healthy life is a balanced diet tailored to their needs. For Maine Coon cats, this means a diet high in protein and healthy fats, with high-quality ingredients like real chicken meal. Foods with ingredients that support skin and coat health, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are also beneficial.
Meow there, dear feline enthusiasts! My name is Pouyan and as a lifelong cat lover and enthusiast, my life has been blessed by the gentle purrs and undeniable charm of our feline companions. Since my early childhood, my journey has been intertwined with the graceful, enigmatic creatures we call cats.
Growing up, my family was never without the company of at least one cat. These wonderful creatures were more than just pets; they were cherished members of our family. From the moment I met my first cat, a tiny ball of fluff named Foofi, my heart was forever captivated by their elegance and mystique.