Best Cat Food for Ragdolls: The Optimal Diet for Puppy Cat

Cats are a popular household pet. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 86.4 million cats in homes nationwide, with many owners having more than one. Usually being low maintenance and easy going, cats are an excellent beginner pet, as they are easier to care for with a busy schedule than dogs, as they take care of themselves as long as they have the proper set up.

However, certain breeds have unique needs and require special care, and choosing the right food is extremely important. So when aiming to feed a Ragdoll cat it's important to give them the best cat food for Ragdolls. Below, we have listed some of the necessary details needed when looking to home a Ragdoll, including general information, nutrition requirements, common health problems. We've also reviewed some of the top cat foods for excellent health.

Quick Snapshot: The Top 4 Ragdoll Cat Foods

About The Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll, a breed that dates back to the 1960s, has striking blue eyes and a distinct colorpoint coat. According to the 2017 Cat Fanciers' Association, it ranks second in popularity only to the Exotic, while The International Cat Association says it ranks second following the Bengal.

Their life expectancy is about 12-14 years, with the oldest known Ragdoll living to be 19 ½ years old; these cats are known for being an excellent companion, as they will play fetch, come when called, and walk on a leash.

This has given the nickname of "puppy cats," as they are also known to hunt bugs and chase squirrels, so they should be kept on a leash or within a fenced yard. They also enjoy being carried around and cradled like a baby (which is where their name comes from) and are known for their bunny-soft fur, making this an ideal comfort animal, as they are well rounded and do well in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Ragdolls are also known for staying on the couch or floor, versus climbing all over the house and shredding the curtains.

It is also one of the largest cat breeds, with the broad and substantial frame, so encouraging exercise is a great way to keep them healthy. They have an extremely tolerant and relaxed nature and do well in most situations.

The Ragdoll is known for coming in colors and patterns such as seal, red and cream, blue, lilac, chocolate, tortoiseshell, and tabby. They mature slowly, reaching full maturity, size, and weight at about four years old. However, their coat has it's full color at around two to three years old, despite being white at birth, with their patterns making an appearance at about ten days old.

Ragdoll Diet & Nutrition Requirements

While Ragdolls don't necessarily need a specific type of food, there are dry food options where the kibble is shaped differently than normal kibble, so that their broad jaws can better pick up and chew them. Make sure that these have high quality, real foods, instead of fillers and cheap ingredients. If your Ragdoll struggles chewing kibble, consider switching to wet food only; this can also help them get more necessary moisture than with dry food, as cats typically don't drink enough water.

If you choose to feed your cat a raw food diet, foods can include ground bone powder, organic ground chicken rich in protein and fiber, and organic ground turkey, which is an excellent source of omega 3 fats and protein.

Ragdoll Kittens​

Ragdoll kitten food, because of their immature digestive system, needs nutrients that contribute to the digestive health, as well as contribute to stool quality. Easily digestible proteins and prebiotics will promote a healthy and balanced intestinal flora.

Adults Over 12 Months Old

Adult Ragdolls over 12 months old start shedding frequently, so choose a food with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin, coat and shine. Generally, a neutered house cat should consume about 210g of food a day, but it is best to consult your vet about what is best for your cat, as calorie calculators can't account for every animal, especially where Ragdolls are more active outdoors than other breeds. Make sure you only feed your cat fresh foods, instead of recycling meals.

Food Allergies

Signs of Ragdoll cat food allergies include hair loss and itchy skin. Processed beef, fresh corn, low-grade dairy products, lamb, seafood, soy, and wheat gluten are among foods your cat should NOT eat.

Food allergies also differ from food intolerance: allergic reactions will include itching, scratching, and irritations, while food intolerance results in diarrhea and vomiting. If your cat is suffering from these, consult a vet about beginning a food trial, so that you can identify and eliminate any allergens.

Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, and Fats Split

A Ragdoll's diet should be high in protein, so it needs to be full of real meat, including organs. It should be low in carbohydrates, moderate in fats, and absent of any cheap fillers such as corn, starches, or wheat. Most domestic cats have a macronutrient breakdown of 52% protein, 36% fat, and 12% carbohydrates.

Common Health Problems with Ragdolls

The Ragdoll is prone to heart conditions that affect the heart muscle called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This can be identified through a DNA test, which can help breeders keep the cats free of the condition.

Symptoms include fainting, depression, increase of gagging, breathing difficulties, decrease in appetite, panting, and lethargy. Medications are available, and a high-quality diet is extremely important.

Some studies also find that Ragdolls, especially those with ancestry from Australia, have a higher risk of the Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis VI gene, so choose a breeder who tests for this.

Also, while not a condition, the Ragdoll requires daily brushing due to its thick coat. If it becomes matted, dirt and oil will become trapped, causing skin irritations; daily grooming also helps lessen the problem of hairballs.

The 4 Best Cat Foods for Ragdoll Cats

1. Royal Canin Ragdoll Cat Food

An excellent choice for your pet, Royal Canin Ragdoll food has multiple options to choose from: from Mother and Babycat, Kitten, and Adult, and there are plenty of options during your cat's life.

The food is tailored for each specific life stage, such as providing balanced intestinal nutrition for kittens, and rich omega fatty acids for the adult's fur coat, helping address the specific needs each has. They also have kitten jelly to make sure you get the best wet food for Ragdolls if your cat is picky.

2. Nature's Variety Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food

This grain free cat food offers balanced nutrition for cats: it's high in protein with probiotics for a healthy digestive system, and full of omegas for the cat's skin and coat. This cat food is great for all cats, including kittens and indoors, and includes real meat and other minimally processed ingredients. Responsibly sourced cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient, making it an excellent source of quality protein for your pet.

3. Nature’s Variety Instinct by Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

Instinct's wet food option contains no fillers and is 95% chicken and turkey, as well as chicken liver, and 5% vegetables, making it a high protein cat food. With real meat and whole food ingredients, it offers balanced nutrition for all stages of life, from kitten to senior. It's free of grains, by-product meal, artificial colors and preservatives, and other cheap ingredients that are known to cause food sensitivities.

4. Crave Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food Trays

With real fish being the first ingredient, this is an excellent source of protein for your Ragdoll's outdoor play. It is grain free and full of quality carbohydrates for energy. They model their food to fit the cat's instinctual need for protein-rich meat, as their ancestors in the wild did. This food helps maintain lean and healthy body weight while fueling their energy throughout the day.

In Summary

Cats are an excellent companion and can make a wonderful addition to any family. They are great with children, well-tempered, and low maintenance, and are a great choice for a comfort animal.

Ragdolls are especially popular due to their outdoor activity and playful mannerisms. Choosing the best cat food for Ragdolls will aid in their health, fuel their energy, and help prevent diseases. Because of their specialized breeding, they require special care, but this is easily manageable with care and attention.