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Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat in the world.
One of the only breeds that even come close to their size is the Norwegian Forest Cat, and they’re huge!
You may assume that due to their size, Maine Coon’s must have an extensive and specialist diet. Fortunately, this isn’t true. But, they do still need to eat the right cat food for them.
Feeding your Maine Coon the correct food will ensure that they continue to grow if they’re a kitten or do not encounter any health issues later.
If you’re looking for the best cat food for Maine Coon cat, please carry on reading to find out the best cat food for Maine Coons!
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Nutritional Considerations for Maine Coons
Maine Coon’s typically do not have many nutritional considerations that are different from other cats. When they’re a kitten, their calories require at least 30% of it to come from protein and 9% fat. When they’re fully grown, they only need slightly less with 26% protein.
Please bear in mind that these are the minimum recommendations, and you can increase this to suit your Maine Coon cat. Your Maine Coon requires a lot of protein to maintain their lean muscle mass. Fat will provide them with a concentrated source of energy and essential amino acids that will support their immune system and coat.
You should always make sure that their sources of fat come from high-quality animal protein. They should provide all the omega-3 and omega-6 essential amino acids that your Maine Coon requires.
Maine Coon cats activity levels are moderate. Going over 9% of dietary fat may not be wise as they are not active enough to burn off the calories. If you consistently go over 9%, your Maine Coon will most likely gain weight. Obese cats are much more at risk of getting diabetes. Maine Coon’s are also prone to getting a genetic disease called Hip Dysplasia or Luxating Patella.
Hip Dysplasia is where the ball joint and socket are loosely connected, which then causes movement issues. Maine Coons will experience Hip Dysplasia in their rear legs and will struggle with their movement. Any excess weight gained will undoubtedly put stress on their hips and make them feel even more uncomfortable than they already do.
Luxating Patella is arthritis in the Maine Coons kneecap. The Patella is a large bone that sits at the front of the knee and protects the muscle and ligaments behind it. If your Maine Coon has a Luxating Patella in one or more of their knees, their mobility will suffer. Depending on how serious and how many kneecaps are affected, your vet will determine which course of action is best to fix the problem. An obese cat with a Luxating Patella will be in a great deal of discomfort and will probably not move a lot, if at all.
Polycystic Kidney Disease is another genetic disease that your Maine Coon can get. Sadly, most Maine Coons are not diagnosed with this illness until they are at least three years old. There is no cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, and any Maine Coon with this awful disease will have a shortened life. Polycystic Kidney Disease is where the kidneys fill up with small pus-filled cysts that continue to grow even when the Maine Coon is fully developed. They will continue to grow until they affect the kidneys and cause the Maine Coon to have kidney failure and eventually pass away. Choosing a diet that caters to issues such as urinary tract and kidney problems will alleviate these issues.
All cats deserve to have a good and healthy feline diet. They should always have good quality food to ensure that they stay healthy so that they do not develop any health issues and maintain a robust immune system.
If you decide that your Maine Coon will have a mostly dry diet, you must make sure that your Maine Coon is drinking enough water. Dry food will cause your Maine Coon to require more water than one that is on a wet food diet.
There are a wide variety of health problems that your Maine Coon could encounter. Things such as kidney problems or issues with their urinary tract can be related to their diet.
If you’re interested in how long Maine Coon’s live, and how you can prolong their life, why not read our blog about it?
What is the Best Cat Food for Maine Coons?
Choosing the best food for your Maine Coon will depend on their size, age, and activity level.
The best food for Maine Coons will be designed for a perfectly balanced feline diet, contain natural ingredients, be either wet or dry, and can even be grain-free.
You can feed your Maine Coon fresh meat. If you do, you must include cat food to ensure that they get a well-balanced diet. Ensuring that they have a balanced diet is key to making sure that they stay healthy and happy.
Your Maine Coon will probably prefer wet food over dry. You should just make sure that their poop isn’t too runny or that they aren’t gaining too much weight too quickly.
When choosing the best food for your Maine Coon, you should make sure that they follow the requirements of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). By following these requirements, you will guarantee that your Maine Coon will have the best and most fulfilling feline diet.
11 of the Best Cat Foods for Maine Coons
We have put in the effort to research the best food for your Maine Coon, so you don’t have to. We’ve split the best cat food for your Maine Coon into four categories. We felt that you should have a choice of the best dry, wet, grain-free cat food for your Maine Coon and even the best cat food for your Maine Coon kitten!
Please read on to find out the best cat food for Maine Coons!
Best Dry Food for Maine Coons
Dry food is usually the go-to cat food for Maine Coon owners. You must make sure that you’re giving them the best quality cat food while also being cost-effective. You must also note that you should try and balance their diet with wet food as well.
We’ve put the hours in, done the research, and took the hard work away.
Below is our top 3 best dry cat food for Maine Coons.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo is known for their high-quality food. This particular cat food only has the highest quality ingredients possible. High-quality chicken is the first ingredient so that not only is it delicious, it’s also high in healthy protein. The cat food is also grain-free and designed to help your Maine Coon lose weight. Being grain-free is ideal for Maine Coon’s as they’re prone to gaining weight quickly while not being able to lose weight easily.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is by far one of the best dry cat food for your Maine Coon.
Pros:
- Perfectly balanced so that your Maine Coon does not gain weight excessively
- Over 30% protein meaning that you don’t need to feed your Maine Coon lots to meet the recommended intake of calories
- Made with 100% high-quality chicken
- Supports the immune system and helps promote healthy digestion
- Vets around the world recommend Blue Buffalo
Cons:
- Some reviewers said that their cat didn’t react well to the cat food
Royal Canin Maine Coon Breed Adult Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin has spent more than 50 years scientifically researching cat food to make it the best it can be. While doing this, they created a dry cat food that is specifically for Maine Coon’s! The dry cat food caters to many of the potential problems that a Maine Coon may face in its life. Ingredients such as taurine, EPA, and DPA are put in to help maintain a healthy heart. Issues such as periodontal disease, which is a dental disease caused by Gingivitis, are also taken care of. The kibble is different from other cat foods. It’s different as it’s made into shapes that help reduce any dental problems your Maine Coon may face. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support healthy bones and joints!
Royal Canin is recognized globally. You should have no issue with using their food; we’re sure your Maine Coon will love it!
Pros:
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy bones and joints
- Helps maintain a healthy heart with ingredients such as taurine, EPA and DPA
- Kibble is exclusively designed for a Maine Coon’s mouth to secure the best dental hygiene
- Chicken is the main protein found in the kibble
Cons:
- Some owners that bought this from Amazon had issues with the packaging
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Perfect Weight
Hill’s have created this dry cat food with science. This cat food is perfect for getting your Maine Coon to the right weight. If you’re worried about how much weight they’ve gained, this food is the ideal choice. Hill’s have packed a massive 40% protein per serving. The protein level far exceeds the recommended amount, but this also means that you can give your Maine Coon smaller portions. Your Maine Coon will also love the taste, which may not be the case for other weight loss cat food. The cat food also contributes to a healthy coat and general happiness for your Maine Coon. Did you know that over 70% of cats that were fed this food over ten weeks lost weight!?
Pros:
- Over 70% of cats lost weight within ten weeks when being fed this cat food
- Made in the USA with ingredients you can trust
- The protein level is at 40% – this means that you do not need to feed your Maine Coon as much as you would need to with other cat food
Cons:
- Not grain-free
- Some users on Amazon say that the formula has changed
Best Wet Food for Maine Coons
It’s no secret that cats love wet food. Have you ever grabbed a can or packet of wet cat food from the cupboard, and seconds later, your Maine Coon appears? Their eyes light up, pupils dilated, and let out a trill while looking at you waiting for their delicious food.
A big worry for cat owners is whether wet cat food is suitable for their cat. As science and research in cat food continue, cat food brands continue to produce wet cat food that is better for your cat each year. They are even producing wet cat food that can help your Maine Coon lose weight!
We’ve put in the time and effort of researching the three best-wet cat foods for you. You will most assuredly find the perfect wet cat food for you below.
Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Pate Wet Cat Food
Purina’s Pro Plan cat food range has high ratings for a reason. They have researched and created a wet cat food that is not only delicious but is good for them as well. Purina has included ingredients such as taurine to help maintain your Maine Coon’s heart. Only real turkey is used, so you know that your Maine Coon is eating proper protein. The formula also has the optimal protein level for your Maine Coon to lose weight, while still being able to maintain their muscle mass.
Pros:
- Made with real turkey
- Optimal protein level to lose weight while still maintaining muscle mass
- Contains ingredients such as taurine to help keep a healthy heart
- Reviewers have used this on their Maine Coon’s and have reported that their Maine Coon loves the food but lost weight as well
Cons:
- Some reviewers on Amazon have reported that the formula changed
Taste of the Wild High Protein Wet Canned Cat Food
Taste of the Wild has created a high protein and grain-free wet cat food that especially helps your Maine Coon’s coat look shiny and healthy. It’s two main ingredients are roasted and venison and real fresh salmon. It also does not contain any corn, wheat filler, or any artificial flavors. As soon as your Maine Coon gets a whiff of the food, it’ll come running for dinner! Taste of the Wild’s cat food can produce a healthy and shiny coat as it contains the optimal amount of fatty amino acids. The amino acids help your Maine Coon maintain their coat. Taste of the Wild has produced an eating guide to help you decide how much you can feed your Maine Coon with their food. This food can also feed your Maine Coon kitten if you would like!
Pros:
- Made with roasted venison and real salmon
- Ingredients used to have the optimal fatty amino acid’s in the food
- Made With No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Filler and No Artificial Flavors
- Can be fed to kittens
- 8% protein per can
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Some users found that some chunks found were too big to eat
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Pate
Whole Earth Farms has created this grain-free wet cat food pate in 5 different flavors. The five flavors are duck, chicken, salmon, tuna & whitefish, and turkey. Whole Earth Farms ensure that all of their cat food contains 100% natural ingredients and proteins. Each can has at least a minimum of 9% protein. The cat food formula is also grain-free, free of poultry by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Whole Earth Farms are also an American company. They also create all their cat food in the USA. Please note that this is a pate, so this may not be as wet as traditional wet cat food.
Pros:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Up to 5 different flavors to choose from
- Grain-Free, No Poultry By-Products, Artificial Flavors, Colors Or Preservatives
- 9% protein minimum per can
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- One user found blue plastic in a can – make sure to check it thoroughly before feeding to be safe
Best Grain-Free Cat Food for Maine Coons
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Tiki Cat created their born carnivore range for cats that need a high protein intake, like Maine Coons. There are no filler ingredients used to fill out the formula as other brands do. Elements such as potatoes, corn, or rice are not used. Superfoods such as salmon oil, flaxseeds, and pumpkin are used to ensure that the food is very nutrient-rich. As there are no filler ingredients, naturally, this cat food is low in carbohydrates. Even though it is low in carbohydrates, the cat food features, on average, 44% protein! This will more than ensure that your Maine Coon maintains their muscle mass.
Pros:
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Grain-free so it has no filler ingredients such as potato
- 44% average protein
- Nutrient-rich ingredients used such as salmon oil, pumpkin, and flaxseeds
- Low in carbohydrates
Cons:
- Has quite a strong smell
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Rocky Mountain Premium Dry Cat Food
Taste of the Wild has also created a dry version of their wet Rocky Mountain cat food. The recipes are almost precisely the same and are the same flavor. The difference is that this dry cat food is significantly higher in protein. On average, each serving has 42% protein. The recipe also contains the optimal amount of amino acids for a healthy coat. Taurine is also included, which is known to help maintain your Maine Coon’s heart.
Pros:
- Made with roasted venison and salmon
- The optimal amino acid ratio for healthy skin and coat
- Grain-free recipe
- 42% protein
- Contains taurine for heart health
Cons:
- Some users have had some issues with their food from Amazon
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Wet Cat Food
Merrick has produced a purrfect wet cat food that is available in over 15 different flavors! Their wet cat food is a pate which is not as wet as traditional wet cat food, but still has more moisture than conventional dry cat food. The first ingredient Merrick put in is always 100% natural protein. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives can be found in it either. Each can has at least 10% protein in it. Merrick also only uses ingredients from the USA while cooking their cat food in the USA. A lot of reviewers that have Maine Coon’s have said that their Maine Coon loves this food.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- No Artificial Colors, Flavors Or Preservatives
- 10% protein per can
- Made and cooked in the USA
- Maine Coon reviewers say their Maine Coon love the food
Cons:
- Some users have had some issues with quality control
Best Cat Food for Maine Coon Kitten
Royal Canin Maine Coon Breed Dry Kitten Food
Royal Canin has probably produced the perfect cat food for your Maine Coon kitten. They have exclusively designed and created this for Maine Coon kittens. A perfect balance of highly digestible proteins and antioxidants means you can give your kitten the best start. The kibble is exclusively designed to fit in your Maine Coon kitten’s mouth to make it easy to chew but also help prevent any dental issues. The kitten food has been perfectly balanced with energy and protein content to ensure your Maine Coon kitten grows to its full-size potential. Vitamins C and E, lutein, and taurine will help support your Maine Coon kitten’s natural defenses and heart.
Pros:
- Exclusive formula for Maine Coon kittens
- Kibble is designed explicitly for Maine Coon kitten mouths
- Optimal energy and protein content to promote healthy and long growth for your Maine Coon kitten
- Only highly digestible proteins are used to protect the Maine Coon kitten’s sensitive digestive system
- Exclusive use of antioxidants is used. Vitamins C and E, lutein, and taurine. This will help support your Maine Coon kitten’s natural defenses
Cons:
- There are none
Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food Pate Recipe Kitten
We chose Wellness’ wet kitten food as the perfect alternative to Royal Canin’s Maine Coon kitten dry cat food. This is a great wet kitten food if you prefer to give your Maine Coon kitten wet food. Ingredients include lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables while having no wheat, corn, soy, or added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The wet cat food helps explicitly keep your Maine Coon kitten hydrated so that they do not suffer from any potential urinary tract problems. The recipe also contains healthy fatty acids and taurine to promote your Maine Coon kitten’s eye and heart. Wellness’s cat food is produced in North America, and each can has no less than 11% protein.
Pros:
- Formulated specifically for kittens
- It’s wet, not dry kitten food
- Ingredients include lean meats, healthy fats, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- The recipe is specially formulated to keep your Maine Coon kitten hydrated
- Contains healthy fatty acids and taurine to promote heart and eye health
- No less than 11% protein per can
- Made in North America
Cons:
- Some users have had some issue with quality control on Amazon
History of the Maine Coon Cat
Funnily enough, the Maine Coon breed became popular after being bred in the 19th century in Maine.
No one truly knows the origins of the Maine Coon. It is believed it was either brought over to America by Vikings centuries ago, or by Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France.
The first-ever recorded and published record of the Maine Coon was recorded in 1861 by the Horse Marines. It was called Captain Jenks. Over the following years, it slowly started to lose popularity and became harder to come by. It wasn’t until 1968 when the Maine Coon would make a resurgence in popularity. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association was formed that pulled the breed back into popularity.
Since 1968, Maine Coon’s have grown in popularity; those who own one are loud and proud about owning one.
Did you know, the Maine Coon is Maine’s official state cat?
Maine Coon Health and Personality
It’s not uncommon to compare Maine Coon’s with dogs. Maine Coon cats are known as gentle giants not only because of their size but also their gentle nature.
Many people may be surprised when they visit your home because of how friendly they are, even though their large size may appear intimidating.
One of the unique things about Maine Coon’s is how they communicate. Funnily enough, they do not meow, but produce a high pitched trill! Here’s a video of a Maine Coon called Molly trilling at birds:
Maine Coons sadly can have some health issues. A lot of the most common problems that Maine Coons have are inherited genetically. When purchasing a Maine Coon from a breeder, they should have records of the Maine Coon parents showing that they do not have or are not carriers of these genetic diseases. These genetic diseases are:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia occurs where the ball joint and socket are. The ball joint and socket are loosely connected, which then causes movement issues for your Maine Coon. It is most commonly found in their rear legs and will cause mobility problems for the rest of their lives. Symptoms include things such as lameness, limping, or a lack of wanting to move. Fortunately, Hip Dysplasia can be corrected with surgery, or your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication that will relieve the issue.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disease that a Maine Coon will have from birth. Sadly, there is no cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, and your Maine Coon will suffer from it for their whole life if they have it. Polycystic Kidney Disease is a disease found in the kidneys. Small pus-filled cysts will grow and continue to grow after your Maine Coon is fully developed. The cysts will continue to grow until they start to affect the kidneys and their ability to work correctly. Kidney failure will occur, and your Maine Coon will pass away. Maine Coons can be tested to see if they have this genetic disease, or if they’re carriers of it.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy are general instability, struggling to walk, unsteady gait, and an abnormal posture. This is due to the loss of nerves in the lower spinal cord. Your Maine Coon will also have weakened muscles in their back legs. Fortunately, if a Maine Coon has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, they can still live a happy life, although their lives will be very different from a healthy Maine Coon. Maine Coons with Spinal Muscular Atrophy will need to be indoor cats and have their environment adapted to help them.
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy will cause your Maine Coons heart and the surrounding walls to grow larger. It’s very common for Maine Coons that have Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy to pass away before they turn four years old sadly. There is no cure for Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, but there is a treatment to relieve and slow down the process.
Feline Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE)
If your Maine Coon has Feline Arterial Thromboembolism, they will have an enlarged left atrium in their heart. An enlarged left atrium means that there will be reduced blood flow and an increase in blood clots. Blood clots will form in the left atrium, and if they break free from the atrium, they will enter the bloodstream. Once they have entered the bloodstream, the blood clots will cause the blood flow to slow down and stop coming to the limbs, organs, and even the brain. If diagnosed early, your vet can prescribe medication to prevent the number of blood clots occurring.
There are other issues that Maine Coons can develop problems with their urinary tract or having Periodontal disease. Luckily, there is cat food specifically for these problems. The most common urinary tract problems are where your Maine Coon has issues urinating. Periodontal Disease is caused by Gingivitis. Gingivitis is where the gums become inflamed. Periodontal Disease will affect the tissue in the gums around their teeth. Issues such as teeth falling out or causing their teeth to deteriorate are common.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! You should now know not only which is the best cat food for your Maine Coon, whether it be dry, wet, for your kitten, or grain-free! You will have also learned more about the Maine Coon breed overall, including their personality and health, including some of the most pressing issues they face.
Below are some of the most common FAQs relating to Maine Coons and their food. Please do feel free to give them a read!
FAQs
Do Maine Coons need special food?
No, Maine Coons do not need special food. They can have a mixture of wet and dry cat food and fresh meat if you would like. Things to avoid feeding them are things such as bones or food that may have sharp objects in them.
How much should a Maine Coon cat eat?
You should aim to feed your Maine Coon up to 400 calories a day. Their calorie intake also depends on your Maine Coon’s size, age, and how active they are. If you’re unsure, contact your vet for professional advice.
Why is my Maine Coon cat always hungry?
Maine Coons are likened to dogs for a reason! Just like dogs, Maine Coons always appear to be hungry and on the lookout for food. Due to their size, they will naturally need to eat more than smaller cats to maintain their muscle mass. You must also remember, they are animals and will have an instinct to want food to survive.
Are Maine Coon cats picky eaters?
In general, Maine Coons are not picky eaters. Like dogs, if they like the smell of something, they will try to eat it! You must be careful with what you feed them! You must also make sure not to let or give them access to food or leftovers of food that could potentially harm them!
Do Maine Coons have sensitive stomachs?
No, Maine Coons do not have sensitive stomachs. They may, however, irritate their stomach, which may cause them to have diarrhea. Diarrhea can happen from eating their food too fast or their stomach, not agreeing with the food you have given them.
How Long do Maine Coons Live?
Maine Coons, on average, live between 10-13 years.
My Maine Coon isn’t eating, what do I do?
If your Maine Coon isn’t eating, they may have irritated their stomach. Or, they may be experiencing significant discomfort. They may have an undiagnosed genetic illness. If your Maine Coon hasn’t eaten after a few days, you must immediately take them to the vet for a check-up.
Do Maine Coon kittens need more food?
You should be feeding your Maine Coon kitten(s) cat food that is specifically for kittens. Maine Coon kittens will need to eat more often than fully grown Maine Coons. Maine Coon kitten’s portion sizes do not need to be bigger than a fully grown Maine Coons meal. Maine Coon kittens need at least 30% of their calories to come from protein sources, whereas a fully grown Maine Coons need at least 26% from protein sources.
How Long to Feed Maine Coon Kitten Food?
Maine Coons are not considered to be fully grown until they are four years old. You should start to wean your Maine Coon kitten off its kitten food when it is between 9-12 months old.
What’s the Best Brush for my Maine Coon?
Please have a read on our ultimate guide of which is the best cat brush for Maine Coon’s.
Can I use Clippers on my Maine Coon?
Please have a read on our guide to the best clippers for Maine Coon cats.
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