The Best Cat Food for Maine Coon Cats (Our Top 4 Choices)
Cats are great companions, but different breeds need unique care. Owning a Maine coon can be hard work, which is why choosing the best cat food for Maine coon cats is important… Read on to learn more about choosing the right food.
Pets are loved by millions of people all over the world. In the United States, around 30.4% of households own one or more cats. Cats are special animals with unique features. While some people do prefer a dog, there are many who rather enjoy the company of a cat. Whether you enjoy the way that a cat helps you sleep at night due to their purring, love the fact that cats always want to play, or because you can teach your cat a trick or two, these animals are truly adorable.
Quick Look: Top 4 Foods for a Maine Coon Cat
FOOD | TYPE | OUR RECOMMENDATION |
|---|---|---|
Dry | ||
Dry | Great dry food for digestion | |
Wet | Best wet food for a Maine coon | |
Nature's Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural | Wet | A good wet option that can be used as a topping too |
About The Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon Cat is often referred to as the dog of cats, or the gentle giants. These cats are generally very healthy. More than 50% of Maine coon cats tend to live for over 12.5 years.
These are the largest cat breed that is kept as domestic pets. They have a muscular and "big boned" body. Male Maine coon cats can weigh as much as 18 pounds. These cats tend to feature large paws, as well as fur that is multi-layered. The cats have adapted to the winters of the New England regions.
An interesting fact about these cats is that they do not meow like other cat breeds, but rather tend to make a sound that is in-between a purr and the common meow that we often hear our pet cats make.
In the state of Maine, the Maine Coon is considered the state’s official cat. Findings from past times have suggested that these cats are native to this area. It is, however, not yet known where exactly Maine coon cats originated from.
Maine Coon Diet & Nutrition Requirements
The Maine coon cat is a very large breed of domestic cats. These cats are very energetic, which means they require a diet that would supply them with the energy they need to express their unique characteristics and personality.
Dry vs. Wet Food
Maine coon eating habits are usually different from a regular domestic cat. It is generally advised to offer these cats high-quality foods with the right combination of both dry and wet food, at the right times. This would help to provide the right type of nutrition, along with a good source of energy. In turn, the cat will be able to continue being the energetic breed that they are meant to be.
It is best to stick to dry food most of the time and to mix in some wet food approximately two or three times each week. The dry food will essentially help to reduce the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth, which will help them maintain healthier teeth.
When shopping for dry food, it is important to opt for varieties of this food that does not contain grains. Grains can cause your cat to become obese, which will be harmful to their health and may lead to a reduced lifespan.
When you shop for wet food, be sure to avoid cat foods that contain tuna. Tuna in cat food is known to hold larger amounts of mercury traces. This can be harmful to the cat. Instead, opt for wet food that contains smaller fishes. Sardine is a good option.
Be Mindful of Allergies
Be sure to learn about food allergies in pets as well, as this may yield unpleasant results. Avoid feeding your cat food that they may experience an allergic reaction to.
What to Feed Your Maine Coon Out of?
While it may seem irrelevant, you should not only focus on learning how much to feed a Maine coon cat, but you should also be wary of the bowl you feed your cat out of. Most people tend to opt for plastic bowls – they're cheap and disposable. Unfortunately, this is not the best option for your cat. Instead, try to opt for bowls that are made from glass or even a stainless steel material.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs And Fats Split
All cats require a set of specific nutrients on a daily basis to keep their bodies healthy, but the dietary requirements, especially when it comes to macronutrients and overall nutrition, is somewhat different for Maine coon cats due to their especially large size.
Nutrients that play the most important role in these cats include protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, fats, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. The large size of these cats make protein one of the most important parts – they have a muscular body, so they need high amounts of protein to support their muscle mass and large size.
When it comes to feeding your cat protein, try to opt for meat, fish and chicken sources, instead of opting for plant-based sources. A raw food diet should play an important part of your cat’s daily meals.
A special type of food developed for kittens should be provided to a Maine coon cat for around nine months. This is because this particular breed of cats tends to reach maturity much later than the average cat breed. Additionally, senior cats will also have unique requirements in regards to its daily nutritional requirements.
Common Health Problems with Maine Coons
There are certain health conditions that are known to be relatively common among Maine coon cats, often linked to their large size. These conditions include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
It should be noted that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be inherited among these cats. Appropriate steps can be taken to assure the risk of these conditions can be reduced to help expand the cat’s expected lifespan.
Additionally, certain DNA tests can be used to identify certain gene mutations that may signal a higher risk of some diseases in a Maine coon cat.
The 4 Best Cat Food For Maine Coon Cats
Let's take a look at some of the best dry and wet options for feeding this muscular cat.
1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Maine Coon Dry Cat Food
One of the best dry food options you’ll find is the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Maine Coon Dry Cat Food. The pellets have been developed specially to encourage chewing and to be healthy for the cat’s teeth.
The food is enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as powerful antioxidants. This helps to address some of the most common issues that Maine coon cats tend to experience – hip and joint problems, as well as cardiovascular health problems.
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food
A 100% natural dry cat food that is filled with highly nutritious ingredients that help to keep your Maine coon in top shape all the time. This food option contains real chicken and real salmon as ingredients, as well as a superfood blend that helps to deliver important macronutrients to your cat.
Prebiotics are also included to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy, and fiber is added for further digestive support. This dry food will also support a healthy heart and immune system due to the included antioxidants.
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Wet Cat Food
It is important to feed your cat wet food a couple of times each week. The Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Wet Cat Food is filled with all-natural ingredients that help to improve your cat’s general well-being.
The food contains real ingredients – you can choose between chicken or fish. This wet food does not contain any grains, and there are no fillers or meat by-products added to this option.
Furthermore, the manufacturer does not utilize artificial flavorings, preservatives or any type of coloring agents in the food, making it a much healthier option for your Maine coon.
4. Nature’s Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Cat Food
This option acts as both wet food and a topping for dry food. Each cat is unique, so you may have to do some experimenting to know what your cat prefers.
The food does not contain fillers, artificial ingredients, or any grains. It is made from real meat and not meat by-products. You can choose to supplement your cat’s protein intake with chicken, rabbit or duck meat when opting for Nature’s Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Cat Food.
Conclusion
A Maine coon cat requires special care. One of the most important aspects is ensuring you buy the best cat food for your Maine coon. Learning about the different health ailments that commonly affect these cats, along with how you can help prevent them, becomes an essential part of ensuring proper care for your cat. In this post, we shared some vital details that you should know if you are planning to adopt a Maine coon cat.