To pick the best cat food for Bengals, you must understand what a healthy diet for any cat looks like. All kitties have similar nutritional needs. They’re obligate carnivores that need meat and can’t thrive on plant-based nutrition.
Whether your cat is small, large, stray, feral, or domesticated, all felines need animal-based protein. But one question that brings everything into perspective is:
How can you meet your Bengal’s need for a meat-based diet?
As a proud cat owner, I’ve tried different cat food in the past 10 years. And I recently:
- Analyzed hundreds of cat commercial food
- Assessed their ingredients
- Examined the macronutrient proportions
- And then separated those that closely mimicked the natural diet of a cat from the rest
I then scored the best options for Bengals based on nutrition and value for money. One of the best foods your Bengal can benefit most from is the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal Adult Dry Cat Food. Besides providing the nutritional value your cat needs, it has additional minerals to maintain healthy and glossy skin and coat.
With strong options available at all price levels, you can pick wet food, an option for weight control, or a formula for a Bengal with a sensitive stomach. In other words, there’s an option for every cat owner.
A Look Into The Best Food For Bengal
| Product Name | Ratings | Product Form | Lifestage | 5 Main Ingredients |
1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal Adult Dry Cat Food | Best Overall | Dry Cat Food | Adult | Chicken by-product mealWheat glutenWheatChicken fatCorn Gluten meal |
| 2. Friskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food | Best Value For Money | Dry Cat Food | Kittens | Ground Yellow CornCorn Gluten MealPoultry By-Product MealSoybean MealAnimal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols |
3. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original with Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients Dry Cat Food | Best For Weight Control | Dry Cat Food | Adult | ChickenCorn Gluten MealChicken By-product MealRiceSoybean Meal |
| 4. Fancy Feast Classic Poultry & Beef Feast Variety Pack Canned Cat Food | Best Wet Cat Food | Wet Cat Food | Adult | Chicken BrothLiverMeat By-ProductsChickenFish |
| 5. Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle Dry Cat Food | Best For Sensitive Stomachs | Dry Cat Food | Adult | Turkey By-product MealCorn Gluten MealSoybean MealRiceChicken By-product Meal |
| 6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food | Best For Sensitive Digestive Tracts | Wet Cat Food | Kittens & Adult | Brewers RiceChicken By-Product MealCornChicken FatCorn Gluten Meal |
The Top 6 Best Cat Foods For Bengal
1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal Adult Dry Cat Food: The Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Wheat, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal |
| Protein content | 38.0% min |
| Fat content | 16.0% min |
| Calories | 411 kcal/cup |
| Fiber content | 5.4% max |
| Moisture content | 8.0% max |
The Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal Adult Dry Cat Food is a formidable option for a good reason. The formula specifically suits the Bengal pure breed’s nutritional needs without costing you a fortune.
Why it ranks 1st: While the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal is a dry food, its crude content proportion is above the minimum requirement to suit your cat’s diet. In my opinion, this is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, your cat gets nearly all the nutritional requirements. On the other hand, you won’t need to spend a fortune.
While all cats are obligate carnivores, Bengals are large, sleek, and muscular—well-known for a huge appetite for meat. With the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal, you get highly digestible proteins to maintain the athletic body and prebiotics for sensitive stomachs.
However, the high-quality ingredient makes Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal more expensive than most dry foods.
Pros
- The food is tailor-made for Bengal’s nutritional needs
- Highly digestible proteins to support lean body muscles
- Specialized kibble size fits into the Bengal’s wider jaw and supports oral care
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids maintain healthy skin and glossy coats in cats
- Added prebiotics make it suitable even for cats with sensitive digestive systems
Cons
- Contain grains that are biologically unnecessary in your cat’s diet
2. Friskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food: Best Value for Money
| Main ingredients: | Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols |
| Protein content | 30.0% min |
| Fat content | 11.0% min |
| Calories | 388 kcal/cup |
| Fiber content | 3.0% max |
| Moisture content | 12.0% max |
The Friskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food is the best cat food for Bengals for cat parents on a budget. With real salmon, tuna, and shrimp in the ingredient list, you can be sure your kitty is getting the essential fatty acids that maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Why it ranks 2nd: With the 100% balanced nutrition complete with taurine, essential minerals, and vitamins, it’s right to conclude that Friskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food offers the best bargain. However, your Bengal will get slightly lower protein than our first recommendation.
Otherwise, the food offers your cat a steady supply of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and essential vitamins and minerals for overall well-being. Expect your cat to get 100% complete and balanced nutritional value that suits Bengals in every life stage. More importantly, your cat will likely accept Friskies Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food as it includes a seaweed flavor that can entice even the pickiest cat.
My main concern with this food is the inclusion of grains like corn and plant-based proteins like soybeans, all of which are unnecessary filler ingredients.
Pros
- Formulated for Bengals in every life stage
- Essential fatty acids help maintain skin health and a shiny coat
- Delicious seafood flavor makes the food more palatable to cats
- High-protein content promotes lean muscle development in your kitty
- Essential vitamins and minerals maintain overall health and support growth
Cons
- The plant-based ingredients are unnecessary fillers that your Bengals can’t extract nutrients from
3. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original with Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients Dry Cat Food: Best For Weight Control
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Rice, Soybean Meal |
| Protein content | 34.0% min |
| Fat content | 13.0% min |
| Calories | 398 kcal/cup |
| Fiber content | 3.0% max |
| Moisture content | 12.0% max |
The Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original is as great as it sounds, boasting no artificial coloring in the ingredients with a promising protein content. The formula has real chicken as the main ingredient, promising a taste that nearly all Bengals will enjoy.
Why it ranks 3rd: The Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original real, farm-raised chicken and healthy carbohydrates promise enough energy for your active Bengal. Besides, your kitty will get omega-6 fatty acids to keep a healthy skin and coat. If that isn’t enough, the formula will supply 25 essential vitamins and minerals to maintain your cat’s overall health.
The 398 kcal/cup calorie content can help you control weight if you have an overweight Bengal. The relatively high protein content and limited carbohydrates are excellent for maintaining lean muscle mass while keeping your cat full. Your cat will also appreciate the 3% fiber content that improves satiety while helping in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Unfortunately, The Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original contains grains like rice, corn, and wheat, which lack nutritional value to your cat. Some cat parents report nausea and vomiting after switching their kitties to this food.
Pros
- Suitable for kittens, adults, and senior cats
- It is inexpensive and appropriate when you’re on a tight budget
- Supply omega-6 fatty acids that maintain healthy skin and coat
- The 25 vital vitamins and mineral ensures your cat’s general health
- Real farm-raised chicken and real salmons are biologically appropriate for your cat’s nutritional needs
Cons
- Some cat owners report nausea and vomiting after introducing the meal
4. Fancy Feast Classic Poultry & Beef Feast Variety Pack Canned Cat Food: Best Wet Food Option
| Main ingredients: | Chicken Broth, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Fish |
| Protein content | 10.0% min |
| Fat content | 5.0% min |
| Calories | 96 kcal/can |
| Fiber content | 1.5% max |
| Moisture content | 78.0% max |
There aren’t a lot of fillers in the Fancy Feast Classic Poultry & Beef Feast, and most of its ingredients are biologically suitable for your Bengals. The formula is mainly chicken, chicken broth, liver, meat by-products, and fish. All these are irresistible to any cat and ancestrally align with your cat’s diet.
Why it ranks 4th: The Fancy Feast Classic Poultry & Beef Feast has various ocean fish, making it excellent for Bengals with dry skin, coat problems, and other skin-related problems. The fish provide natural omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that prevent skin dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. Omega-3 reduces inflammation and contributes to shining skin.
Besides nutritional value, the formula offers palatable flavors, delightful texture, and various packs to indulge your kitty’s taste buds. You can serve this food alone or mixed with dry food to add moisture to your feline friend’s diet.
The only concern cat parents have about the Fancy Feast Classic Poultry & Beef Feast is the pungent smell.
Pros
- Excellent natural source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
- Best for cats with dry skin or skin issues
- Animal-based protein source is ideal for your Bengal’s diet
- Irresistible flavor for cats
- Essential vitamins and minerals promote overall health and well-being
Cons
- Bad fish odor
5. Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle Dry Cat Food: Best For Bengals With Sensitive Stomachs
| Main ingredients: | Turkey By-product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Rice, Chicken By-product Meal |
| Protein content | 34.0% min |
| Fat content | 11.0% min |
| Calories | 402 kcal/cup |
| Fiber content | 5.0% max |
| Moisture content | 8.0% max |
There’s a good reason to declare Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle the best option for Bengals with sensitive stomachs. First, it’s loaded with natural prebiotics fiber that support digestive health. Second, its main ingredient is a high-quality farm-raised turkey that’s naturally easy to digest for any cat.
Why it ranks 5th: While Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle is gentle on the cat’s digestive system and has a lower price point, it’s full of controversial ingredients. The product is chock-full of plant-based ingredients and grains such as corn, soybeans, and rice. All these are filler content with no nutritional value for your cat and lower the food’s quality.
However, you won’t pay a premium for this formula. Starting at $1.43/lb, you get 100% complete and balanced cat food with 25 essential vitamins and mineral that an adult Bengal need to thrive. The food also doesn’t have artificial colors or flavors, making it relatively safe for your kitty.
Unfortunately, your cat will have to deal with grain and other plant-based ingredients without nutritional benefits.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Natural prebiotics fiber eases digestion
- Added antioxidants can boost your Bengal’s immune system
- The 25 essential minerals and vitamins ensure overall health
Cons
- A high percentage of grain and plant-based ingredients
6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food: Best For Bengals With Digestive Sensitivities
| Main ingredients: | Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal |
| Protein content | 29.0% min |
| Fat content | 13.0% min |
| Calories | 362 kcal/cup |
| Fiber content | 4.7% max |
| Moisture content | 8.0% max |
If your Bengal has gastrointestinal issues, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response is the best cat food you can buy now. The diet is a veterinary-exclusive option for kitties with digestive sensitivities.
Why it ranks 6th: The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response is a prescription food designed to meet specific restrictions from known issues. You shouldn’t buy it if a vet hasn’t prescribed it to your Bengal because it can harm a healthy cat with no ailment.
Otherwise, the product is excellent for managing Gastrointestinal (GI) health. The formula has a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber for healthy transit of food throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
However, you can’t buy it without a vet’s prescription. You need veterinary authorization to purchase this product.
Pros
- Excellent for diet transition
- Work great for constipated Bengal
- Exclusive S/O Index creates an environment for crystal formation in the bladder
Cons
- You must have a vet prescription to buy the food
Bengal Cat Nutrition Guides
What you feed your cat is a controversial topic.
We are flooded with advertisements from a gazillion of food companies every day.
You’ll see some dry food bags with Bengals photos reassuring you it’s the only breed-appropriate diet for Bengal.
But the big question is:
What nutrients are essential for your Bengal?
Protein
A cat’s digestive system is specialized to process animal-based protein. The best cat food for Bengals mimics this and lists high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient.
While the overall protein content is a good metric, you should ensure that animal-based protein is the top-listed ingredient. You want to be sure that the food you’re buying is mostly animal protein instead of plant-based sources.
According to The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendation, the overall protein content should be at least 30% of the total nutritional value of the food. However, the best option for Bengal should be around 40% to support optimal growth for Bengal cats.
Check that the manufacturer names the protein sources instead of just saying meat or meat by-products. Some of the best sources include:
- Fish
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Lamb
- Organs
- Duck
The reason why cats need animal-based proteins is because of taurine. Taurine is only available in animal-sourced protein and is essential for your cat’s cardiovascular health, vision, and digestion.
Plant proteins don’t have taurine.
Fat
Fat is the second most important nutrient in a cat’s diet, especially in a Bengal. Fat is a concentrated energy source and provides more than twice the amount of energy per gram compared to carbs.
However, you should check the fat source and ensure it’s animal-based to provide essential fatty acids.
Besides energy, fat can help with:
- Nutrient absorption
- Maintaining healthy skin and coat
- Palatability
- Thermal regulation
- Cellular function
The ideal fat content in a Bengal diet is around 15-20% on a dry matter basis. If you have a growing Bengal, high-fat content can supply the energy required for growth and development.
On the other hand, a senior Bengal might require a diet with moderate-to-low fat content because their slow metabolism might have problems processing fats.
Fiber
Fiber is the third most important nutrient in a cat’s food. Cats have a delicate digestive system, and dietary fiber plays a critical role in maintaining the digestive health of cats.
More importantly, fiber can improve your Bengal’s bowel movement and prevent hairballs.
However, cats only require a small amount of fiber, around 2-4%.
Senior Bengals and kittens might benefit from a slightly high-fiber diet to support their more delicate digestive system.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the least essential macro-nutrients for any cat. Cats have evolved to meet their nutritional need primarily through a diet rich in animal-based proteins and fats.
While most cat food includes carbohydrates, they aren’t essential and are generally less important for cats than protein and fat.
However, some sources of carbohydrates provide dietary fiber that’s beneficial for digestive health and hairball control.
Vitamins and Minerals
On top of the macronutrient, your Bengal can benefit from essential vitamins and mineral salts that maintain overall health and well-being.
Vitamins play the following role in your Bengal’s diet.
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune system function, and skin health.
- Vitamin B complex plays a role in energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin C (cats synthesize their own) supports the immune system.
- Vitamin D is critical for calcium and phosphorous absorption.
- Vitamin E protects cells from damage and supports immune function and skin health.
- Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous maintain bone and teeth health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Potassium, sodium, and chloride, on the other hand, helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signal, and muscle contractions.
Bengal Cat Food to Avoid
Some foods might appear safe but are toxic or inappropriate. Examples of food you shouldn’t give to your Bengal include:
- Unbalance diets because they can cause bone degradation, organ failure, or irreversible and fatal health problems
- Semi-moist food pouches because they have a preservative called propylene glycol that isn’t safe for your Bengal
- Chocolate because it contains theobromine that can cause digestion and heart issues, seizures, muscle tremors, and possibly death
- Garlic and onion as the kill cat’s red blood cell, resulting in anemia
- Avocado because of a substance called persin that can cause digestive issues, heart problems, respiratory defects, vomiting, and possibly death
- Grape and resins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, abnormal pain, decreased urination and might develop to kidney failure
If you want your cat to have a happy, healthy, and long life, stick to the best cat foods.
Identifying Food Allergies
Cats might have allergic reactions to particular foods. The biggest challenge about food allergies most cat owners face is identifying them.
But some signs of food allergy include:
- Dull coat
- Patchy fur
- Red or dry skin
- Gastrointestinal issue
- Skin lesions and crusty skin
- Chronic scratching year-round and skin inflammation
If your cat shows any of the above signs, consult your vet to rule out the food allergy. Depending on your cat’s needs, your vet will specify the best recommendation.
How Much Should You Feed Your Bengal?
The amount you feed your Bengal cat depends on several factors, such as:
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Activity level
- The type of food you pick for it
But generally, Bengals are active and energetic, so their calorie needs might be higher than some other breeds. According to PetMD, the daily feeding is 2-4% of your cat’s ideal body weight.
However, kittens can easily demand double the food you’d expect for their weight. You shouldn’t limit them. Once your Bengal kitten hits 10-12 months, its appetite will adjust to eating a portion of an average adult.
Guide to Buying Cat Food for Bengals
It’s easy to mule over the things to consider when buying cat food for Bengals. After all, there are a lot of considerations.
However, let’s focus on the most important ones that shouldn’t go unchecked.
AAFCO Recommendation
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) regulates the nutritional standards of cat food. When AAFCO certifies a cat food, you can be certain that the formula meets the minimum basic for a cat’s food.
Check for the AAFCO certification on cat food to ensure the manufacturer’s claim about it is true.
Besides the certification, you should also understand some terms AAFCO uses. For instance:
- A formula that claims to have one ingredient must be 95% or more of the ingredients.
- Foods that describe themselves as “Entree,” “Dinner,” or “Platters” are only 25% of the ingredients they advertise.
- Recipes saying they’re made “with” a specific ingredient only require 3% of the listed ingredients.
Understanding these terms puts you in a better position to assess the best cat food for your Bengal.
Check Nutrients
The most important thing about AAFCO certification is you can be reassured that what the brand says in the food package is true. Now, you can check the nutrient composition from the guaranteed analysis.
The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate percentage. That way, you can reduce your options to foods that fit your Bengal’s nutritional, depending on:
- Life stage
- Activity level
- Special requirements
Consider Bengals Cat’s Stage of Life
A kitten’s nutritional needs vary from a senior cat’s requirements. Cats have different needs for growth, maintenance, and overall health at different points of life.
For instance, kittens have higher energy and nutrient requirements than adult cats due to their rapid growth and development. Therefore, A kitten will demand cat food with more proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy bones, muscle, and organ growth. A food specifically formulated for kittens provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Conversely, a senior cat’s metabolism and activity level may drop. Food specifically meant for senior cats takes into account the potential health-related changes. These foods focus on providing senior cats with nutrients that support joint health, immune function, and other aging aspects.
Pay Attention To Ingredients
While the AAFCO ensures nutrient proportion compliance, it doesn’t regulate the source of the nutrients, which is why you should assess the ingredient list.
Regardless of the nutrient composition, ensure major ingredients are animal-based. Ensure the protein and the fat sources are animal products.
Avoid products with plant-based ingredients, as your cat will have problems processing them.
Wet, Dry, or Raw Cat Food Comparison
Like most cat owners, you might wonder if the best cat food for Bengals is wet, dry, or raw. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. But to shed some light on the question, let’s compare the three food types.
| Aspect | Wet Food | Dry Food | Raw Food |
| Moisture content | High (approximately 75-85%) | Low (approx. 10-12%) | Varies (depends on ingredients) |
| Protein content | 8-12% | 30 -40% | Over 78% |
Fat content | 2-6% | 10-20% | Varies but generally high |
| Fiber content | 0.5-3% | 1-4% | Lower than 2% |
| Protein source | Animal-based | Some have plant-based | Animal-based |
| Calories | Lower calories | More Calories | Vary depending on the ingredients |
| Price | Relatively expensive | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Storage | Short shelf life once opened; refrigeration needed | Long lifespan, no refrigeration needed | Short shelf life refrigeration needed |
The best option for your Bengal will vary.
If you’re on a budget, have a cat with a sensitive stomach, or want your cat to gain weight, dry food will be the most reasonable option.
On the other hand, if you wish to get your cat more hydrated, get an option similar to your cat’s natural diet, or a more palatable wet option will be the best food.
However, buy raw food if you want food that is almost 100% what your cat would eat in the wild.
FAQs
What’s the best time to feed your cat?
The best time to feed your cat depends on your preference and daily schedule. Regardless of your feeding time, maintain consistency to regulate your cat’s hunger and prevent it from becoming overly anxious during meal time.
How can I make my Bengal cat bigger?
You can make your Bengal cat bigger through diet. Diet and feeding schedule are essential to your kitten’s growth. Since food quality is important, avoid kibble and opt for wet food.
Do Bengal cats like wet food?
Like any other cats, Bengals have individual food preferences. If you must feed your cat wet food, choose more palatable options with animal-based protein as the primary ingredients, as they will be more appealing to your cat.
Do Bengal cats need special food?
Bengals don’t necessarily need a special type of food. However, buying food more aligned with your cat’s wild ancestors will fit the more energetic and active breed. You need a complete and balanced cat food rich in animal-sourced protein and fats.
Can Bengals eat raw chicken?
Yes, Bengal cats can eat raw chicken. Advocates of raw diets for cats usually mention that raw chicken biologically aligns with cats’ ancestral diets.
What do Bengals like to eat?
Bengals are natural predators, so 70% of their diet should consist of lean meat. You should serve the meat at room temperature or slightly warm.
Best Cat Food For Bengal: Wrapping It With A Bow
When you’re choosing the best cat food for Bengals, there is a lot to consider — nutritional value, value for money, suitability for your cat’s life stage, and even more. However, if you’re shopping for a typical Bengal cat, you can’t go wrong with Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Bengal Adult Dry Cat Food.
The food crashes the right balance of nutritional value for your cat without costing you a fortune.
