Best Cat Food for Maine Coon

Finding the best cat food for Maine Coon may seem a daunting task, especially as the market is rolling out new cat foods every day.

However, I have tried several cat foods for Maine Coon in the past ten years, and I recently compared the top contenders side by side. The very best cat food for Maine Coon offers:

• High-quality animal-based protein
• Moderate fat levels, amino acids
• Taurine
• Digestible carbohydrates 

All to meet the nutritional needs of Maine Coon’s large stature.

The Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food tops the list because it’s a perfect fit for Maine Coon dietary needs. The manufacturer prepares the diet with the Maine Coon’s size in mind.

But with a great option at all price levels,  you can opt for specialized formulas for sensitive stomachs or delicate digestive systems.

The List of in Brief

Product Name	Ratings	Product Form	Lifestage	5 Main Ingredients
1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food	Best Overall	Dry Cat Food	Adult	Chicken by-product mealBrewers RiceChicken FatCornCorn Gluten Meal
2. Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics High Protein Cat Food	Best For Digestive Health	Dry Cat Food	Adult	ChickenRiceCorn Gluten MealPoultry By-product MealWheat Flours
3. Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food	Best For Maine Coon Kittens	Dry Cat Food	Kittens	ChickenChicken By-Product MealGround Whole Grain CornGround SorghumChicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
4. 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
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food, 8.8-lb bag	Best For Gastrointestinal Issues	Dry Cat Food	Adult	Brewers RiceChicken By-Product MealCornChicken FatCorn Gluten Meal
6. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food	Best For Sensitive Digestive Tracts	Dry Cat Food	Kittens & Adult	ChickenRice FlourCorn Gluten MealChicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols

The Top 6 Best Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats

1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food: The Best Cat Food Overall

Main ingredients:	Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Corn Gluten Meal
Protein content	29.0% min
Fat content	18.0% min
Calories	362 kcal/cup
Fiber content	7.4% max
Moisture content	8.0% max

With a unique formula, essential fatty acids, and the most needed taurine, Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food takes on all comers and emerge as the best, even at a relatively high price.

Why it ranks 1st: In the race to the top, this formula earns the top nod because of the overwhelming number of strengths it brings to the table. The above-average protein proportion and precise kibble size that meets the breed’s biting patterns and jaw structures make the formula the top contender among most cat owners. 

Expect the diet to come in a large round circular ball texture which is precise to prevent your Maine Coon from eating faster and help with digestion. Taurine and Lutein encourage healthy vision and heart, while L-carnitine helps maintain a healthy weight by converting excess body fat into energy.

However, some cat owners report their cats not liking the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food.

Pros

• Nutritional fits Maine Coon’s large body and delicate skin and coat
• The omega-3 fatty acids maintain your Maine Coon’s fur shiny and skin healthy
• The green tea extract prevents bad breath in your cat
• Specialized kibble design for Maine Coons to easily grasp and chew while promoting oral health
• A healthy blend of taurine, EPA, and DHA promises a healthy heart

Cons

• Grains like rice and corn in the ingredient have no nutritional benefits

2. Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics High Protein Cat Food: Best For Digestive Health

Main ingredients:	Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-product Meal, Wheat Flour
Protein content	36.0% min
Fat content	16.0% min
Calories	494 kcal/cup
Fiber content	2.0% max
Moisture content	12.0% max

The Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics High Protein Cat Food is the best cat food to improve digestive health. The formula has everything a Maine Coon could ideally want for a smooth digestion process.

Why it ranks 2nd: The formula has high-quality protein levels from real chicken and natural prebiotic fiber that eases digestion. Chicken, as the main ingredient, is biologically suitable for your cat’s digestive system. But adding the prebiotic fiber makes the formula even more ideal for Maine Coons with digestive problems.

Besides, your cat gets Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids to help your Maine Coon maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin. Unlike most dry food, poultry by-products and dried egg products as protein sources are more suitable for your cat’s digestive system. The formula also has lower carbohydrate content, which makes it safer for your Maine Coon.

Unfortunately, some vets warn about the artificial colors and flavors in the formula that might be unsafe for your Maine Coon.

Pros

• Rich in antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
• The added prebiotics fiber eases your Maine Coon’s digestion
• High protein content provides nourishment for your large-sized cat
• A slightly lower carb content than most dry food makes the formula safer for your cat
• Animal-sourced fat provides the necessary fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat

Cons

• Contains artificial flavors and colors that might compromise your cat’s safety

3. Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food: The Best For Maine Coon Kittens

Main ingredients:	Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
Protein content	33.0% min
Fat content	21.0% min
Calories	484 kcal/cup
Fiber content	3.0% max
Moisture content	10.0% max

For less than $2.50/lb, the Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food not only gives your Maine Coon kitten a high-quality protein proportion but also a well-balanced diet. With chicken as the main ingredient, you’re sure that your kitten is getting biologically appropriate food. 

Why it ranks 3rd: Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food continues with IAMS’s tradition of producing reliable cat food that meets daily dietary requirements. While the formula isn’t specific for Maine Coon kittens, it’s well-balanced to help mature your kitten’s body and brain. The recipe also has a slightly high proportion of fat and calories to meet the high energy demand for your kitten’s growth and development. 

You’ll appreciate that this formula comes in different sizes, with bags as large as 16 pounds, making it an excellent choice if you’re shopping for a colony of kittens. Many cat parents praise this formula for its small, bite-sized pieces that make it easy for kittens to eat. The omega-3 DHA helps with brain development, while the vitamin E will support the immune system.

The only problem?

Some cat parents report that their kittens refuse to eat this food.

Pros

• Different bag sizes offer the flexibility of buying in bulk or trying different dry cat foods in smaller quantities
• Calcium and other essential minerals help your Maine Coon kitten develop healthy teeth and bones
• Taurine nourishes your kitten’s heart and keeps it healthy
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a glossy coat
• Small-sized kibbles are perfect for your kitten’s mouth

Cons

• Protein levels might not be high enough for a Maine Coon kitten

4. Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle Dry Cat Food: Best For Maine Coon With Sensitive Stomach

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	12.0% max

If you don’t want to spend more on cat food (maybe because of a limited budget) the Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle Dry Cat Food costs less than $1.50/lb. But you get premium ingredients for a Maine Coon with a sensitive stomach.

Why it ranks 4th: Besides offering natural prebiotics fiber for cats with sensitive stomachs, the Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle offers the best bargain. For less than $1.50/lb, your Maine Coon gets a formula featuring high-quality ingredients such as real, farm-raised turkey to power your Maine Coon nutritional needs. And you won’t need to worry about the toxicity of artificial colors or flavors because the formula excludes them.

This food manufacturer utilizes an irresistibly delicious and nutritious formula that will entice your cat’s taste buds. Each bite of the recipe entails 100% complete and balanced nutrition your cat and kitten need to thrive.

Many cat users, however, say that the formula is only good as a temporary option because it isn’t excellent ingredient-wise. While it is ideal for cats with stomach upset, many users report their kitties throwing out after taking the formula.

Pros

• Very affordable and excellent when you’re feeding a colony of stray Maine Coons
• Real turkey provides biologically appropriate protein for your Maine Coon
• Contain 25 essential vitamins and mineral necessary for your cat’s general health and well-being
• 100% complete and balanced nutrition
• No added artificial flavor or preservatives making it safer for your cat

Cons

• Might not be the best food option for long term

5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food, 8.8-lb bag: Best for Maine Coons with Gastrointestinal Issue

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/can
Fiber content	4.7% max
Moisture content	8.0% max

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response comes with top-tier ingredients for gastrointestinal problems. Take the prebiotics, soluble fibers, and insoluble fiber into consideration, and this is the best cat food for Maine Coon with gastrointestinal issues you can get.

Why it ranks 5th: While the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response is only available with a vet prescription, it offers a 100% balanced diet. Your Maine Coon will get nutrients that are easily digestible. However, the formula is only ideal for cats with gastrointestinal issues and could harm normal cats.

The food is generally palatable to encourage eating, even when your cat has decreased appetite due to gastrointestinal upset. This high-fiber diet eases signs of cat constipation by letting its fiber pass through your cat’s digestive system, removing substances that cause irritation.

While the highly digestible proteins and extra nutrients ensure your cat gets what it needs, you can’t offer this food without a vet’s prescription.

Pros

• High-fiber content ensures quick food transit through the digestive system
• Prebiotics maintain a healthy gut
• Contain highly digestible proteins to nourish your Maine Coon
• EPA/DHA long-chain fatty acids promote a glossy coat and healthy skin
• Loades with antioxidants that improve immune health

Cons

• You must have a vet prescription to buy one

6. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food

Main ingredients:	Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
Protein content	34.0% min
Fat content	15.0% min
Calories	366 kcal/cup
Fiber content	2.0% max
Moisture content	12.0% max

The Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken offers the best ingredients a Maine Coon can benefit from at a lower price. Your kitty gets a real kitchen as the first ingredient to support its muscles and a healthy heart and prebiotic fiber to maintain microbiome balance in the gut and improve immune function.

Why it ranks 6th: The protein, fat, and fiber proportions of this formula are quite good, ensuring your cat has a balanced meal overall. With a minimum of 34% protein, 15% fat, and 2% fiber, expect the food to meet the nutritional requirements of your Maine Coon. However, the recipe has controversial ingredients such as rice flour, corn gluten meal, and chicken by-product meal.

While many people vilify the extra carb in Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken, they can benefit your Maine Coon’s huge and energetic stature. The more-than-average carb can supply the energy necessary for your feline friend to go throughout the day.

Some cat owners, however, report that their cats don’t like this food. Others commented that the crummy and large-sized kibble makes it even more difficult for other cats to eat this food.

Pros

• Chicken is the main ingredient to ensure your Maine Coon has high-quality lean proteins
• Balance nutrition with taurine, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
• Crunch texture to keep healthy teeth and tartar-free
• The antioxidants promote a strong immune system while added calcium maintain strong teeth
• Relatively cheaper than competitors in the caliber

Cons

• Some cat parents report their cat not loving the food

Maine Coon Nutrition Guide

Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cats. The gentle giants are playful and require lots of proteins to satisfy their energy needs. 

A typical Maine Coon requires between 190-875 calories daily to thrive.

But the next question that brings everything into perspective is:

What’s the nutrient requirement for a Maine Coon?

Protein

Protein is critical for cats, especially for a large and active breed like the Maine Coon. It supports muscle development and overall growth. Maine Coons have larger frames that require more protein to build muscle mass than average cats.

The ideal protein for your cat should be animal-based protein sources like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. The protein content in their diet should be relatively high, ideally around 30-40% of the total caloric intake.

Fat

Fats are a concentrated energy source for cats and also provide essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health. The nutrient also contributes to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 

A Maine Coon will benefit from a diet with slightly high-fat content, especially considering their long, dense fur. However, the fat source should be animal-based to provide fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which can help maintain a glossy coat and healthy skin. 

The ideal fat content in your cat’s diet should be around 15-20% of the total caloric intake.

Fiber

While cats are obligate carnivores and don’t require a lot of fiber, some dietary fiber can aid in:

• Improving digestive health by moving food through the digestive tract, preventing constipation, and promoting regular bowel movement
• Preventing hairballs by binding hair your cat ingests during grooming and promotes its movement through the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of hairballs.
• Weight management in overweight Maine Coons by creating the feeling of satiety
• Treating gastrointestinal disorders

However, too much fiber can lead to digestive upset. 

The ideal fiber concentration in your Maine Coon diet should be around 2-5% of the diet.

Carbohydrates

Cats have a limited ability to digest and utilize carbohydrates and don’t require them in large amounts. Ideally, cat foods for Maine Coons should have low carbohydrate content to mimic their natural diet. 

Carbohydrates are not a primary energy source for cats, so it’s best to choose foods with minimal fillers like grains and focus on protein and fat sources instead.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining bodily function and overall health. Some important vitamins and minerals for Maine Coon include:

• Vitamin A: Important for vision, skin health, and immune system support.
• Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and bone health.
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, supporting cell health and the immune system.
• Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.

• Calcium: Crucial for bone and teeth development and proper muscle and nerve function.
• Phosphorus: Works with calcium for bone health and is essential for energy metabolism.
• Magnesium: Supports enzyme function, nerve and muscle function, and bone health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.

Portion Control: How Much Should You Feed Maine Coon?

Maine Coon are huge cats and the largest domesticated cat breed in the entire world.

The breed needs around 24 to 35 calories a day per pound of body weight. The average Maine Coon weigh between 8 to 25 pounds. Expect your cat to consume anywhere between 190 to 875 calories daily, nine ounces of wet food or three ounces of dry food daily.

Compared to a typical cat breed, Maine Coone usually eats more to supply the calories to meet their large physique. However, a cat’s diet changes throughout its lifetime. But here is a  simple guide to help you control the portion.

• 2-10 Months: After a kitten hits the two-month age, they have fully weaned, and you can start feeding it. You can feed your Maine Coon 2-4 times daily to satiety. 

Alternatively, you can supply dry food constantly throughout the day and then provide wet food 2-4 times every day. The food should be at least 35-50% protein and 20-30% fat to meet your cat’s caloric need

• 10 – 15 Months: A 10-15 month-old kitten still requires plenty of food supply (ideally graze all day). But you can start regulating the frequency of wet food to just two only two times a day.

• 15 months – Adulthood: Past 15 months old, you can switch your Maine Coone to an adult food. Since a typical cat requires between 24-35 calories/pound of body weight everyday, you can stretch this limit for your Maine Coon because of its huge physiques.

• Adulthood: You can feed an adult Maine Coon 3 ounces of dry food and 9 ounces of wet food daily. You should lower your cat’s food intake once it strikes adulthood and becomes slightly less playful.

• Senior Cats: Once your Maine Coon is past eight years, you should treat it as a senior cat. The cat is less active and requires less food, and should limit the frequency to only twice a day.

Otherwise, your cat is more likely to get obese.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Shop for Maine Coon Feed 

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re shopping for the best Maine Coon food for the first time or switching brands. 

Wet Or Dry Food or Raw?

If you’re torn between wet, dry, or raw cat food, opt for wet food if you’re looking to keep your Maine Coon hydrated while delivering a diet that’s ancestrally similar to wild cats. Dry food is better if you’re on a budget.

Raw food is the best option if you don’t throw some money into your cat’s food so that it can eat as it would in the wild.

Ingredients to Avoid

While most cat owners prefer dry food, avoid options with the following nutrients as the primary ingredients:

• Fillers like corn, soy, and wheat
• Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
• BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin
• Plant-based proteins like pea protein

Chewing needs and kibble size?

Buy the right kibble size. Maine Coon’s larger jaw size may appreciate larger kibble sizes for easy chewing and promotion of dental health.

AAFCO Recommendation

Choose foods labeled “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. The certification ensures the food meets basic nutritional requirements.

Nutrient Composition

The best cat food for your Maine coon should have the right proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates suitable for your cat’s life stage and activity level. Ideally,  the protein should be 35-50% of the diet, 20-30% fat, and 2-5% fiber.

Cats don’t need carbohydrates. The lower the percentage in a diet, the better.

Ingredients

The food you choose for your Maine Coon should list real animal protein (chicken, turkey, fish) as a main ingredient. Avoid overly vague terms like “meat by-products” or “animal digest.”

According to AAFCO, meat by-product means a secondary product produced from the main product, which can be an inferior protein source.

Product Form

Dry, wet, and raw cat foods have distinct advantages and disadvantage. However, mixing wet and dry food can crush the right balance.

The dry option will help get you a bargain for cat food, while wet food will ensure your Maine Coon remains nourished and hydrated.

Your cat’s life stage

Like other cat breeds, Maine Coons go through different life stages, each with varying nutritional needs. The three life stages include:

• Kitten: This stage covers the period from birth to around 12 months. Kittens require higher levels of protein, fat, and certain nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.

• Adult: Once a cat reaches maturity, usually around 1 to 7 years of age, their nutritional needs change. They require a balanced diet to maintain their weight, energy levels, and overall health.

• Senior: Cats are generally considered seniors around seven years and older. Senior cats might have lower energy levels and could benefit from diets with fewer calories and certain supplements to support joint and kidney health.

Select products that meet your cat’s life stage when shopping for cat food. Check for labels that clearly state the life stage the manufacturer intends to meet.

Vet Recommendation

If your cat has complications like gastrointestinal or bowel problems, you should consult your vet before considering the best diet. 

The vet will assess your Maine Coon’s health to rule out any underlying health condition and give you a tailored food recommendation for your kitty. If your cat has a condition that requires a specific diet, your vet may offer your specialized diet to address those issues.

FAQs

How do I pick the best food for my Maine Coon?

When picking cat food for Maine Coon, read labels to ensure you get optimal nutrition for their size, age, and health. Check for:

• The intended life stage
• Nutrient proportions
• AAFCO approval
• Special health consideration
• Artificial additive
• The suitability of the food form

If you’re still confused about what to check out for, consult your vet to help you hunt for the right food.

What kind of food is best for Maine Coon cats?

While your Maine Coon can get all its nutritional requirements from dry and wet cat foods, you can opt for a raw diet with supplements. 

Regardless of your choice, the best food for a Maine Coon should have high-protein and low-fat, sourced from animals like poultry, fish, and rabbit.

Can Maine Coon cats eat regular cat food?

Yes, Maine Coon can eat regular cat food, but it might not satisfy the energy requirements. The breed is large and energetic, making them have high-calorie demand. 

Consequently, you should provide a diet tailored to Maine Coon specific need.

Do Maine Coon cats need wet food?

Most experts recommend wet food for Maine Coon rather than dry. However, not all wet foods will work for the breed.

Your cat’s regular meal should meet all the dietary requirements for your cat.

What not to feed a Maine Coon cat?

Some foods are toxic to your Maine Coon, and you should avoid them. The most popular ones include:

• Chocolate
• Onions and Garlic
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Tea
• Avocados
• Nuts

The Final Word

The cat food market continues to expand its range of products, with new, more affordable options emerging. That might confuse many cat Maine Coon owners about what is the best option.

However, the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food is the way to go if you’re looking for the overall best option. The food is breed-specific and meet all the nutritional requirement for an adult Maine Coon.