Best Food for Ragdoll Cats

The best food for Ragdoll cats provides complete nutrition, helps keep your cat’s glorious coat shiny, and reduces the chances of furballs. 

Nothing less than excellent is acceptable because of the fierce competition in the cats’-food world. You can find various high-quality meals for your Ragdoll at every price point.

But which cat foods are the best for your Ragdoll?

As a cat parent who has owned Ragdoll for over 10 years, I’ve scrapped the cats’-food world, scoring the best options for Ragdoll cats in terms of:

• Nutrition value
• Value for money
• Suitability for the different life stages of a Ragdoll cat

And I found Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat food is the best overall dog food for Ragdolls. The manufacturer specifically designed this for the Ragdoll breed.

However, every Ragdoll is different. So, I included the best brand for every food category for Ragdoll cats.

A Peek Into The Best Food For Ragdoll Food

Product Name	Ratings	Product Form	Lifestage	5 Main Ingredients
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food	Best Overall	Dry Cat Food	Adult	Chicken by-product mealCornWheatWheat glutenTaurine
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food	Best For Ragdoll Kitten	Dry Kitten Food	Kittens	ChickenCorn gluten mealRice Beef fatTocopherols
Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food	Best Value for Money	Dry Cat Food	Adult	Chicken by-product mealSoy flourWhole grain cornWhole grain wheat
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food	Best Grain-Free Ragdoll Food	Dry Cat Food	Adult	Deboned chickenChicken mealPeasPea protein
Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food	Best Wet Food For Ragdolls	Wet Cat Food	Adult	SalmonSalmon mealMenhaden fish mealHerring meal
Hound & Gatos 98% Trout & Duck Liver Grain-Free Canned Cat Food	Best For Ragdolls with Sensitive Stomach	Wet Cat Food	Kittens & Adult	TroutFish BrothDuck liverAgar-agarPotassium Chloride

The Top 6 Best Cat Foods For Ragdoll Cats

1. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food, 7-lb bag: The Best Ragdoll Food Overall

Main ingredients:	Chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, corn, wheat, wheat gluten
Protein content	30.0% min
Fat content	16.0% min
Calories	402 kcal/cup
Fiber content	5.5% max
Moisture content	8.0% max

The best overall cat food for Ragdoll cats is the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food. 

Why it ranks 1st: The Royal Canin Ragdoll Dry Cat Food is breed-specific for your Ragdoll pure breed. Its protein-packed recipe promises a healthy combination of essential nutrients to promote healthy skin and coat and maintain a shiny and soft appeal.

Your Ragdoll will get the omega-3 fatty acids in this food to improve the strength of your cat’s joints and bones, which is essential to your cat’s breed. Expect your cat to get taurine, EPA, and DHA which are critical for your feline friend to develop and stay healthy.

The only problem, though?

Some cat parents report their Ragdolls are too fussy to eat the uniquely sized kibble. If you have a picky Ragdoll, the Royal Canin Ragdoll Dry Cat Food will require more time before a full transition.

Pros

• Tailored specifically for Ragdolls’ nutritional needs
• Has taurine, EPA, and DHA  necessary to keep the joints and bones of large cat breeds strong
• Delivers omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to a healthy skin barrier and a shiny coat 
• Kibbles are specifically crafted to suit the shape and size of Ragdoll’s jaws, making it easier to chew

Cons

• Some users complain that the kibble size is unusually large for their cats to chew

Main ingredients:	Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Beef Fat, Soybean Meal
Protein content	42.0% min
Fat content	19.0% min
Calories	409 kcal/cup
Fiber content	2.5% max
Moisture content	12.0% max

The best Ragdoll kitten food should be anima-based, rich in protein, energy, and essential nutrients to support rapid growth and development. And Purina Pro Plan is one such meal.

Why it ranks 2nd: Besides offering a protein-rich and nutrient-dense diet, Purina Pro Plan has live probiotics to help the delicate digestive tract of your Ragdoll kitten process food and prevent gas. The formula also has DHA (an omega fatty acid) responsible for brain and vision development.

Your kitten will benefit from the calcium and phosphorus in the Purina Pro Plan that improves the health of the teeth and bones. Plus, the manufacturer has ensured that the formula is biologically appropriate, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet to ensure it’s palatable, digestible, and able to sustain your cat.

However, Purina Pro Plan might not be the best option if you’re on a budget because of a high price tag. The good news is that if you choose Purina Pro Plan, you’ll only buy during the kitten stage of your Ragdoll.

If the price isn’t a factor, Purina Pro Plan is the best food you can get for your Ragdoll kitten.

Pros

• Excellent protein, fat, and carb ratio for kittens
• Small kibble size makes it easy for your Ragdoll kitten to eat
• The antioxidants booster in the formula boosts the immune system

Cons

• The price might be too steep for a staple food 

3. Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food: Best Value For Money

Main ingredients:	Chicken By-product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soy Flour, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal
Protein content	30.0% min
Fat content	9.5% min
Calories	358 kcal/cup
Fiber content	4.7% max
Moisture content	12.0% max

For years, cat parents have considered Purina one of the most reputable brands for producing high-quality, nutritious, and palatable food for pets of all ages and stages. And that isn’t different for the Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food. 

The formula is excellent for your cat’s hairball production and weight management, which are critical for Ragdoll cats.

Why it ranks 3rd: The Cat Chow entails real farm-raised chicken to make a crunchy cat food kibble to fuel the energy needs of an indoor adult Ragdoll. Your cat will appreciate the natural fiber blend in every serving that helps control hairballs and promotes smooth digestion.

If you have an indoor Ragdoll, the Cat Chow will deliver nutritional supply to support decreased activity. Cat Chow nutrient proportions prevent complications that could develop with surplus nutrients in your cat.

However, Cat Chow won’t fit your kitty if it’s an outdoor cat. The formula won’t supply all the nutrients an outdoor cat needs, making it underweight.

Pros

• Provides nutrients that promote hairball and weight management
• Delivers 25 essential vitamins and minerals that promote nose-to-tail well-being
• Relatively affordable and delivers the best value for money
• Natural fiber blend eases food digestion
• Nutrient proportions support your indoor cat’s low-activity routine 

Cons

• Cat Chow nutrients constituent isn’t suitable for an outdoor ragdoll cat

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food: Best Grain-Free Food

Main ingredients:	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
Protein content	38.0% min
Fat content	16.0% min
Calories	410 kcal/cup
Fiber content	6.0% max
Moisture content	9.0% max

Unlike most cat food in the market, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Grain-Free Cat Food doesn’t have grains. Instead of rice, wheat, barley, corn, or other grain sources, Blue Buffalo uses pea protein.

Why it ranks 4th: Blue Buffalo Wilderness doesn’t use any grain or artificial flavor in its formula, making it excellent for cats with grain allergies. Besides, the recipe is tasty in gravy and shredded protein (even a choosy Ragdoll will eat it). However, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness is pricier compared to its direct competitors.

The manufacturer tries to justify the steep price by including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system and promote lean muscle development. 

Your cat will love the real-chicken recipe satisfying its natural meat craving.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is designed for indoor Ragdoll cats and won’t be a perfect fit for an outdoor Ragdoll.

Pros

• Ingredients proportions are specifically meant to help indoor Ragdolls maintain healthy weight
• A chicken-based diet satisfies your cat’s natural craving for meat
• Vitamin and mineral composition helps your Ragdoll develop strong lean muscles
• Supply of antioxidants allows your kitty to develop a healthy immune system

Cons

• Not appropriate for outdoor Ragdolls

5. Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food: The Best Wet Cat Food for Ragdolls

Main ingredients:	Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Carrots
Protein content	10.0% min
Fat content	7.0% min
Calories	182 kcal/can
Fiber content	1.0% max
Moisture content	78.0% max

Compared to dry food, wet food delivers a huge amount of water content in each serving. And the Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free delivers a healthy dose of moisture a Ragdoll needs daily on top of animal-based protein.

Why it ranks 5th: While Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree is animal-based, it also provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your Ragdoll’s overall well-being. The formula is grain-free and doesn’t have carrageenan — a common food preservative. However, its price can be limiting if you’re on a budget.

Otherwise, the Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree ingredients will give your Ragdoll lustrous skin and coat, bright eyes, strong teeth and gums, healthy tummies, an immune boost, and energy.

While some parents complain of bad smell, most Ragdolls will readily wolf this food.

Pros

• Fish-based ingredient appeal to Ragdolls
• Omega fatty acids maintain healthy skin and coat
• Additional vitamins and mineral salt support your Ragdoll’s immunity, digestion, and urinary health
• Lack of carrageenan and other artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors makes it a safe option for your cat

Cons

• Some cat parents complain of bad smell

6. Hound & Gatos 98% Trout & Duck Liver Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 5.5-oz, case of 24: Best for sensitive stomach

Main ingredients:	Trout, Fish Broth, Duck Liver, Calcium Carbonate, Agar-Agar
Protein content	10.5% min
Fat content	8.0% min
Calories	181 kcal/can
Fibre content	1.0% max
Moisture content	78.0% max

Trout and duck liver account for 98% of the Hound & Gatos 98% Trout & Duck Liver, making it an ancestrally appropriate diet. On a dry matter basis, the recipe is 45.45% protein, meeting all the nutritional requirements of your Ragdoll.

Why it ranks 6th: Were it not for its price, Hound & Gatos 98% Trout & Duck Liver would have been among our top positions. The manufacturer replaces the nutrients lost during heating with fortified synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. You can expect your kitty to get omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties to keep its skin supple and coat soft.

Because of its 78% water content, this recipe is popular among cats with sensitive stomachs. The soft texture is generally easier for a cat to digest than dry kibble, reducing the risk of stomach irritation or inflammation.

However, if your cat is used to dry food, it might have difficulty transitioning to this food.

Pros

• Made with ancestrally-appropriate source protein to satisfy your Ragdoll’s craving for meat
• Lacks plant protein fillers making it more suitable for your kitty
• Low carbohydrate content is safe for your cat’s diet
• Made without artificial ingredients

Cons

• Cats used to dry food might resist Hound & Gatos 98% Trout & Duck Liver

Ragdoll Food Requirement

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet for all Ragdolls, the ideal diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The diet should provide the right balance of macronutrients to support growth, energy, and overall health for the size of a Ragdoll.

In other words, a Ragdoll requires a diet with the following:

High Protein

Ragdolls are bigger than normal cats and require meat-based meals to maintain muscle mass and support immune function and overall growth. The ideal commercial food for a Ragdoll should have protein content derived from sources like:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Duck
• Beef
• Pork

The protein content should be around 30-40% on a dry matter basis to be nutritionally suitable for your cat.

Kittens have high energy and growth requirements and will benefit most from a diet high in protein, fats, and calories. 

On the other hand, adult cats can thrive on a diet with a protein content of around 25-35% on a dry matter basis and fat content of around 15-20% due to their low energy demand.

If your Ragdoll has a sensitive stomach, consider softer protein sources for easier digestion.

Fat

Fat is the second most important ingredient in your Ragdoll’s food because it’s an important energy source. Besides, fats help:

• Absorb fat-soluble vitamins
• Maintain healthy, glossy skin and coat
• Improve food taste and palatability the food

A healthy fat content for your Ragdoll cat should be around 15-20% on a dry matter basis. However, the fat source should be quality, such as animal fats, fish oil, or other healthy fats.

A senior cat’s metabolism and activity levels are low, and it may benefit from a diet with moderate-to-low fat content.

Carbohydrates

Your Ragdoll is primarily a carnivore and doesn’t require a large carbohydrate amount in its diet. The carb content in your cat’s diet should be relatively low compared to protein and fat. 

Carbohydrates should make up not more than 10-15% of the diet on a dry matter basis.

Fiber

Like in humans, fiber is important for your Ragdoll’s digestive health. Fiber can prevent hairballs and maintain your cat’s regular bowel movement.

Your Ragdoll food should have fiber in moderation, around 2-4% on a dry matter basis.

Vitamins and Minerals

Besides the most common macronutrient, your Ragdoll requires essential vitamins and minerals for various bodily functions. Vitamins can help with your cat’s:

• Immune system
• Maintenance of healthy skin and coat
• Help in the absorption of minerals
• Protect cells from damage

On the other hand, minerals like calcium are essential for bone and teeth formation, nerve functioning, and muscle contraction.

Ragdoll kittens and senior cats might benefit most from slightly high fiber content, around 3-4%, to help their already-delicate digestive system process food.

Guide to Buying Cat Food For Ragdolls

While there are many factors you should consider when shopping for food for your Ragdoll; we want to focus only on the most important ones you shouldn’t ignore.

AAFCO Recommendation

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulates the nutritional standards cats’ food must meet. If AAFCO endorses a brand, you’re certain that the food meets a minimum dietary requirement.

Avoid cat food without AAFCO certification because you can’t ascertain what the brand says is true.

According to AAFCO regulations, if a brand says its cat food includes a single ingredient, the recipe must at least be 95% of that ingredient without considering water.

For instance, if a cat food claims to be solely trout fish, it must be 95% or more trout. If the food claims to be trout fish and duck liver, it must be 95% trout and duck liver.

On the other hand, you’ll see AAFCO-certified cat foods describing themselves as follows:

• Entree
• Dinner
• Platters

AAFCO requires such formulas only to be 25% of the ingredients they advertise. If a Ragdoll food says it’s made “with” a specific ingredient, like salmon, it only requires 3% of the listed ingredient. As a result, food that claims they are made with a certain flavor only requires a very small amount of that ingredient.

Understanding AAFCO compliance requirements will help you better assess what’s in your cat’s meal.

Nutrient Composition 

Once a cat food has AAFCO certification, you can count on what the brand says. Proceed to examine its nutrient composition. 

Many cat parents have problems determining the nutrient constituents of their cat’s meal. But it shouldn’t be difficult.

The easiest way to establish the nutrients of cat food is to check the guaranteed analysis in the meal pack. The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum percentage of nutrients in the formula, such as:

• Protein
• Fat
• Fiber
• Carbohydrates

The guaranteed analysis will help you cut down your options to foods that fit your Ragdoll’s nutritional needs, depending on its life stage, special requirement, or activity level. 

However, the nutrition list won’t tell you anything about the quality of the ingredients. A formula might contain a high protein content but it won’t necessarily mean it’s high-quality. You should then pay attention to the next factor.

Ingredients

Manufacturers list cat food ingredients in order of weight. It’s common to find ingredients with high moisture content at the top of the list due to extra weight. Some most common ingredients include:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Beef
• Poultry
• Pork

Regardless of the ingredient you choose, your Ragdoll cat is better off with food rich in animal protein and fats. Like any other cat, your kitty is an obligate carnivore and requires meat to maintain good health. 

Verify that the pet food’s protein and fat content are animal-based.

Product Form

Some cats are allergic to dry food, while others can’t try wet food. Wet and dry food have their advantages and considerations.

Pick your Ragdoll food based on your cat’s preference and any health concerns.

Your Cat’s Life Stage

Cat food formulas deliver different nutritional values depending on every stage of life. If your Ragdoll is a senior, a kitten, or an adult, there is a food formula that properly fits it.

Check the labels to ensure you get a meal proper to your cat’s life stage.

Getting inappropriate formula can induce allergies, digestion problems, skin irritation, and or other conditions. Some food will help with these conditions.

Vet Recommendation

If you’re still confused about making the best choice, you can consult your vet for a professional opinion. Your vet knows better your cat’s nutritional needs and the specification for Ragdoll species.

The vet will provide personalized recommendations to ensure that the cat food you choose meets the specific nutritional needs of your cat. And if your cat has any medical condition, the vet can recommend cat food that supports your cat’s health condition and manage related symptoms.

Raw Food For Ragdolls Cats And Kittens

Many cat parents entertain the idea of switching their Ragdoll to raw food instead of wet or dry commercial food. No question. There are many compelling reasons why raw food is better. 

But let’s start with the basics:

What’s A Raw Food Diet?

Raw cat food is uncooked animal products. Typically, raw food blends meat, organs, and bones to ensure your cat gets all nutrients and the necessary minerals.

After all, raw food is the most natural choice your Ragdoll can eat because it’s just what they would eat in the wild.

The Potential Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Ragdoll Cat Food?

There are several potential benefits of raw food for your Ragdoll cat. If your cat is already eating high-quality wet foods with quality protein and fats, it almost gets everything raw food offers.

However, most cat parents switch to a raw diet to get improvements such as:

• Better dental health
• Increased energy levels
• Better joint and bones health
• Improved urinary health, fewer kidney issues
•  Better digestion, and improved stool volume and odor
• A healthy, shiny coat with less shedding and healthy skin

A raw diet can also help with an overweight cat. After all, weight gain stems from unnecessary carbohydrates and calories from filler used in most cat foods. 

Eating raw food can get an overweight cat back to a healthier weight, helping to maintain a healthy heart.

Explanation of Raw Ragdoll Cat Foof Formula

Unlike popular belief, raw food isn’t just about meat. Cats need the right combination of essential nutrients and vitamins.

And finding the best option for your feline friend is important.

Most manufacturers offer a pre-set formula in the following proportions:

• 80% meat
• 10% organs
• 10% bone

Several proportions are available to suit different cats’ needs. But the bone provides calcium and prevents diarrhea. 

Instead of bones, a manufacturer might add eggshells to suit cats with kidney problems.

Safety of Raw Food

Some cat owners believe raw food is dangerous to cats. Many are concerned about bacteria-related infections such as salmonella.

However, humans are the only species worldwide who cook their food. Animals in the wild do fine with a raw diet because they have a much shorter but more acidic digestive system.

Consequently, food goes in and out of a cat system quicker, giving less chance for bacteria absorption.

FAQs

When is the best time to feed your cat?

There is no one specific time to feed your cat. The best meal time for your Ragdoll depends on your kitty’s routine, schedule, and dietary needs.

Regardless of the time you choose to feed your cat, establish consistency to help regulate your cat’s metabolism. Some nutritionists recommend feeding your cat 2-3 meals a day.

How much water should my Ragdoll cat drink per day?

An adult Ragdoll should drink around 16 ounces per day. Your cat should drink about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds. However, the amount of water your Ragdoll should drink depends on the type of food you give (wet or dry).

What meat can Ragdolls eat?

Like all cats, Ragdolls are obligate carnivores, and their ideal diet is animal-based protein. Some types of meat your Ragdoll can eat include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Lamb
• Fish
• Organ meat

What should you not feed Ragdoll cats?

There are several foods and substances that you shouldn’t feed Ragdoll cats to ensure their health and well-being. They include: 

• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Food high in carbs
• Grapes and raisins
• Foods seasoned with onions and garlic
• Cooked bones (they can splinter and cause chocking)

Can Ragdolls have rice?

While rice is non-toxic to your Ragdoll, it isn’t natural for a cat’s diet and isn’t nutritionally necessary for them. Rice is a carbohydrate, and your cat has no biological carb requirement.

Is milk good for Ragdoll cats?

Yes, your Ragdol can drink milk. However, you shouldn’t give too much of it because most cats are prone to lactose intolerance, which might plague your kitty with digestive issues.

Which is The Best Food For Ragdoll Cats

Now you know how to pick up the best food for your Ragdoll.

No question. It takes time and effort to explore the cats’-food world, pick the best fit for your kitty, and serve the right nutritional value for your cat.

The above Ragdoll food recommendations are all unique—in terms of brand, form, composition, texture, and price. 

However, the Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat food is the overall excellent choice for balanced energy, nutrient dense-diet for Ragdolls.