Are you a Maine Coon cat owner or have you been considering getting one? If you are wondering what’s the best food for Maine Coons we are giving you the best cat food reviews.
As a vet doctor and cat owner, the most frequently asked question is which food is the best for a Maine Coon cat?
Maine Coon cats are an energetic and large breed whose nutritional needs are mostly protein, moderate amounts of fat, and fewer carbs. This breed is predisposed to obesity and diabetes so food with high amounts of grains should be avoided or limited.
For me, as a vet doctor is important to know what is best for my patients and their owners so I tested so many products you can find on the market.
I found Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food, Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food, and Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food to be the best for your Maine Coon cat. All three are high in protein with balanced amounts of fat and carbs and are grain-free.
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food is well-formulated food for 15 months old cats and older. It consists of proteins, omega fatty acids, and minerals to meet the needs of your four-legged friend.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is a high protein formulated diet with added vitamins and minerals for a feline. In its composition, there are no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, grains, corn, wheat, and soy.
Royal Canine Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food is well-balanced in easily digestible proteins, vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs of your kitten up to 15 months old.
In the continuation of this article, you will find detailed reviews of all the three best foods for Maine Coon including the benefits of food composition, how you will feed your cat, and more. Read on to select the best that suits your kitty’s needs.
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food
One of the best cat food for Maine Coons is Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food.
How It Is Prepared
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food is a product made of chicken meat with added taurine, EPA, and DHA to maintain heart health as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support bones and joints.
Well-shaped kibble is specially made for Maine Coons jaw to support thoroughly chew, easy and slow ingestion, and good oral hygiene which also provides a shiny and soft fluff.
Guaranteed Analysis
The largest percentage of content is a crude protein (chicken by-product meal) 29,0% and crude fat 18,0%. Crude fiber and moisture are also included to support easy digestion and hydration.
Guaranteed Analysis[1]
| Crude Protein | 29,0% min |
| Crude Fat | 18,0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 7,0% max |
| Moisture | 8,0% max |
| Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) | 0.14% min |
| Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) | 0.07% min |
| Taurine | 0.21% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.69% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.49% min |
| Glucosamine | 370 mg/kg min |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | 3mg/kg min |
Ingredient Analysis
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food is made to meet the needs of a large breed such as Maine Coon so in its compound you can find vitamins, minerals, and acids such as
- Fish oil
- Glucosamine
- Taurine
- Vitamin C
Fish oil[2]
Fish oil’s two main ingredients are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which represent omega-3 fatty acid.
- Helps to reduce triglyceride levels
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Protects the heart
- Good for joints
- It helps improve cognitive function and neurologic development
Glucosamine[3]
Glucosamine can be found in food or can be used as a supplement. Mostly it is used to prevent pain and inflammation in animal joints where osteoarthritis takes first place.
More benefits of glucosamine:
- Extenuates inflammation of cat’s lower urinary tract infection
- Helps with relief of feline idiopathic cystitis
Taurine[3]
Taurine is an essential amino acid that is important to provide to your cat due to the cat’s inability to synthesize it.
It can be found in cat food or can be taken as a supplement.
Some of the taurine benefits for animals:
- It helps fetal development
- It’s good for a healthy immune system
- It is used to maintain vision
- Helps to form bile sile which is important for digestion
- Good for healthy functioning of the heart muscle
Vitamin C[4]
Even though cats can synthesize vitamin C, due to conditions such as illness, stress and so on, there is a drop in vitamin C, which would then result in providing vitamin C to the cat.
Vitamin C benefits:
- Helps in providing a healthy immune system
- Participates in building bones and joints
- Strong antioxidant agent that helps in regulating body pH
It is essential in the production of collagen, it helps other nutritions to absorb and it acts as histamine which is important for the reduction of allergies.
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food Pros
- Breed-specific product
- Easy to use and store
- Promotes oral health, skin, and coat
- Easy digestible formula
- Easy purchasing in USA
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food Cons
- Difficult to find in the stores
- The size of the kibbles is too big for some cats.
Feeding Guideline[1]
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food is suited to adult Maine Coon cats. According to the manufacturer, the most suitable feeding is based on the size and activity of the cat because it should be avoided the cat from gaining weight and diabetes. Fresh water should always be provided.
| Weight | Low Activity Daily Feeding (cup) | Medium Activity Daily Feeding (cup) | High Activity Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 6.6 Ibs | 3/8 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| 8.8 Ibs | 1/2 | 5/8 | 5/8 |
| 11.0 Ibs | 1/2 | 5/8 | 3/4 |
| 13.2 Ibs | 5/8 | 3/4 | 7/8 |
| 15.4 Ibs | 5/8 | 7/8 | 1 |
What do customers say about Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food?[1]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“#1 Food for Your Cat!
My Maine Coon loves this food! Need I say more!?!”
Customer 2
“Tasty and fast delivery
My cats love it, it helps to fight gingivitis as its good sized piece forces them to chew it and clean their teeth I have been using Royal Canin for years, and the beat dry food ever And chewy is the best delivery service and also good prices with a variety of products.”
Customer 3
“My Maine Coon loves it!
Our Maine Coon, Meltyre, always ate what his highly-allergic brother ate, which were two very expensive prescription kibbles. After we lost his brother, we didn’t think Mel could/would transition to this food. He adapted very quickly, and seems to enjoy chomping and crunching the extra-large nuggets! We’re really grateful, as this (excellent) kibble costs less than 1/2 what his prescription diet cost. Better boxing habits, too. Happy cat, happy cat-parents!”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Specifically formulated for Maine Coons
This was described as less likely to be gobbled down quickly by Maine Coons because of the larger size of the kibble. I have two Maine Coons, one is overweight, so she did not get to sample this, but my male Maine Coon gave up on the large-size kibble. I have a small male of a mixed breed who would not even try this food. However, this might have been because all three cats are used to regular-sized kibbles.”
Customer 2
“Not so sure…
Royal Canin is a good product line; have used it since our cat was a kitten. That said, he does not like this food at all. Maybe he is rejecting the large size…I am not sure. I have to order some other dry food, as he is destroying things in protest (bye-bye lamp).”
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is another best cat food for maine coons.
How It Is Prepared
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is certified sustainable seafood (MSC). Made of wild salmon as the main ingredient, with added vitamins, and minerals to support a cat’s health.
In its composition, it doesn’t consist of grain, wheat, corn, or soy and there is no poultry-by-product.
Guaranteed Analysis
Wild salmon is used as a based protein (crude protein 10.0% min). The rest of the main composition is made up of fat (crude fat 5.0 % min), and fiber (crude fiber 1.5% max).
Due to the lower need for water, moisture can be found in a high percentage (78,0% max) which helps your cat to stay hydrated.
Guaranteed Analysis[5]
| Crude Protein | 10.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 5.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Ash | 3.2% max |
| Taurine | 0.05% min |
Ingredient Analysis
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is a fully balanced diet made for adult cats to meet their needs with added vitamins, amino acids, minerals such as
- Taurine
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B
Taurine[3]
Taurine represents an amino acid that benefits cats to stay healthy and strong. It’s good for a cat’s vision, fetal development, and reproductive function.
Due to the cat’s inability to synthesize taurine, providing this amino acid through food or nutritional supplements is very important.
Other taurine benefits:
- Preserved sight
- Supports neuronal development
- Helps digestion
- Supports heart muscle function
Zinc[6]
Zinc is an essential mineral that can be found in food or can be used as a supplement.
It is suitable for healthy immune system functioning, cells, and wound healing, thyroid gland functioning.
Other zinc benefits:
- Crucial enzyme for smell and taste
- DNA synthesis
- Blood clotting
- Prevents muscular degeneration
- Cell development and division
Magnesium[7]
Magnesium is an essential mineral whose role is related to the health of bones, muscles, and joints.
Few of us know for its wide benefits such as
- Strengthens heart muscle
- Regulation blood sugar
- Helping reverse urinary disorders and constipation
- Preventing muscular seizures
- Helping normal brain and nerve functioning
- Important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
Vitamin B[8]
Vitamin B otherwise known as cobalamine is important for a cat’s health. Takes first place in keeping a cat’s immune system healthy.
It maintains kidney optimal health as well as the digestive system and nervous system.
It has been used as a supplement for appetite gaining.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food Pros
- Certified sustainable seafood (MSC)
- Grains-free
- Suitable for all cats breeds
- Limited ingredients
- Manufactured in the USA
- Easy to purchase
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food Cons
- Pate texture
- Short duration after opening
Feeding Guideline [5]
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is a balanced diet for adult cats of any breed. It’s a full protein product whose base is wild-caught salmon.
According to the manufacturer, one can of food corresponds to the cat’s weight of 3-3 ½ Ibs daily. If it’s needed, divide the contents of the can into two or three meals. Adjust as needed.
What do customers say about Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food?[5]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Cats loved!
My cats have so far loved all flavors of Purina Beyond but I have found that the very favorite of all has got to be the salmon recipe! Every time I open a can, they come running! I love that it is grain free and potentially healthier for them as well. I also love that there are no artificial colorings or flavoring in it either. And as long as they are happily eating it, I am happy to provide it for them! I received this product for free for my review. All opinions are my own”
Customer 2
“All 3 cats love it, and I am impressed!
As cat guardians know, it’s often hard to find food all cats in a family will like. Well, this one is a winner! From 1.5 years to 12 years old, all 3 of our cats clean their plates without coaxing. I am impressed with the higher calories, which makes one can each half of their daily needs, so lower cost in the long run. I also love there are no fillers or by-products, and the cost is great for the quality of the food. Will continue to purchase, and will be trying other beyond varieties.”
Customer 3
“Good and Tasty
My seven cats devoured this cat food. Some of them finished early and tried to steal some from the others. It is comforting to know that this is a healthy food for my cats. All of my cats gave this food a thumbs up.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Not what I hoped
Our cat LOVES Purina Pro.Plan salmon for kittens. She’s getting ready to transition to adult food so I thought we would give this a try. It was a complete dud. She refused to eat it on the two occasions we gave it to her.”
Customer 2
“Taste and texture
Normally the pate texture that Rachel prefers but she just didn’t like it.”
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food
One of the best cat food for Maine Coon Kittens is Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food
How It Is Prepared
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food is a diet intended for kittens up to 15 months old. It is balanced in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the kitten’s development.
Proteins are highly digestible which promotes balanced intestinal flora. A complex of antioxidants that are there to support the immune system.
Guaranteed Analysis
The base protein is chicken by-product meal in the percentage of (crude protein 34.0% min) with included fat (crude fat 21.0% min) and fiber (crude fiber 4.6% max). It contains in its composition moisturizer for cat hydration.
Guaranteed Analysis[9]
| Crude Protein | 34.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 21.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.6% max |
| Moisture | 8.0% max |
| Calcium | 1.02%min |
| Phosphorus | 0.82% min |
| Vitamin D | 630 IU/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 469 IU/kg min |
| Taurine | 0.19% min |
| Ascorbic Acid | 168 mg/kg min |
| Lutein | 5mh/kg min |
| Glucosamine | 371 mg/kg min |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | 4mg/kg min |
Ingredient Analysis
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food is a well-balanced diet for kittens. It contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the development of kittens such as
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Potassium
- Calcium
Vitamin C[4]
Even though cats can synthesize vitamin C, due to conditions such as illness, stress, and so on, there is a drop in vitamin C, which would then result in providing vitamin C to the cat.
Some benefits of vitamin C:
- Helps in providing a healthy immune system
- Participates in building bones and joints
- Strong antioxidant agent that helps in regulating body pH
It is essential in the production of collagen, it helps other nutritions to absorb and it acts as histamine which is important for the reduction of allergies.
Vitamin D[10]
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays role in bone health. It controls the amount of calcium in bones, intestines, and the one excreted by kidneys. It supports the immune system. One of its roles is to help the pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid gland to function properly.
Potassium[3]
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate heart function, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.
Calcium[3]
Calcium is a mineral that is included in the composition of bones and teeth. It helps nerve impulse transmission, and muscular contraction and participates in the non-formation of blood clots.
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food Pros
- Suitable for Maine Coon kittens
- Easy to store
- Easy to purchase
- Kibble size adapted for Maine Coon kittens jaw
- Highly digestible
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food Cons
- Not intended for adult cats
- Kibble size too big for other breeds
Feeding Guidelines[9]
It depends on age and weight of the kitten and it’s highly adjustable on cats needs.
| Age | Weight | Daily Feeding (Cups) |
| 3-4 months | 3.3 – 7.9 Ibs | ⅝ – 1 |
| 5-7 months | 5.7 – 10.5 Ibs | ¾ – 1 |
| 8-11 months | 7.5 – 14 Ibs | ¾ – ⅞ |
| 12-15 months | 9.2 – 17 Ibs | ⅝ – ¾ |
What do customers say about Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food?[9]
5- star reviews:
Customer 1
“Great Product
I have a four-month-old Maine Coon. I feed him Fancy Feast Kitten wet food during the day and I feed him the Royal Canin Maine Coon dry kitten food in the evening/overnight. He loves this food! I have never had a cat like dry food so much.”
Customer 2
“Multiple cat owner
My Maine Coon will only eat this in dry food. She loves it! Highly recommend it.”
Customer 3
“Love at first bite
Our Maine Coon kitten, Daisy, and her older friend Nubby love this dry chow. They will pass up the wet food and head straight to the dry.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Good food, but price????
I purchased this for our two MC cross-rescue kittens. They love our older Maine Coon’s kibble, but I was concerned his kibble was a bit too large. They seem to be accepting this “half size” kibble, but ooooohhhhh the price!!! I did not fully realize until I opened the box that this was also a “half size” bag at 3 lbs instead of the 6 lb I normally purchase, yet priced only a few dollars cheaper.”
Customer 2
“Not his favorite
Our cat is part Maine Coon and eats almost around the clock. Unfortunately, this food is not his favorite, he leaves it to sit in the bowl and then demands something else. Though surely he’d be a fan as Royal Canin is a trusted brand and my angel cat was on it (brand not type) for over a decade and loved it. Glad I purchased the smaller bag. If you have a Maine Coon it is probably worth trying, maybe your kitten isn’t as picky!”
Maine Coon cat food Buying Guide
What are Maine Coon characteristics?
Maine Coon is a well-known breed for its massive size and conspicuous social features. They enjoy spending time with humans and are good with kids and other animals. Regardless of their gigantic size, they are very gentle.
Maine Coon is considered the only long-hair breed from the USA. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Maine Coon is listed as the fifth-most popular cat breed.
The life span of Maine Coon is 10-13 years but with good quality of life, the life span can be extended.
The height of an adult cat ranges from 10-16 inches (25-40 cm), in length, it reaches 40 inches (101 cm), and its weight range is from 8-18 pounds (~3-8 kg).
Maine Coon is easily recognizable thanks to their fur coat which makes them look even bigger.
More physical features:
- Oval-shaped eyes
- Pointed ears topped with wisps of hair
- Wide chests and firm legs
- Bushy and long-tail
Maine Coons can be found in 7 coat patterns:
- Solid Color
- Bicolor
- Tricolor/Calico
- Shaded
- Smoke
- Tortoiseshell
- Tabby
All of these coat patterns can have 10 variety colors.
What type of food Maine coon cats must have?
Considering their needs, these cats should have balanced dry and wet food, so, a combination of these two is right for Maine Coon.
It will ensure good health, long hair covering silky and shiny, and if there is no genetic disease, with a good and balanced diet, the life span can be extended.
Due to tendencies towards obesity and diabetes, in the first place, there is a need for a balanced diet.
Maine Coons diet should be rich in
- Proteins
- Fat
- Fibers
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Proteins are fuel for a cat’s body, it’s suitable for a cat’s immune system, and nervous system, and ensure hair growth.
Fat is the cat’s source of energy. It helps transport nutrients through cells and supports the transmission of signals along the nerves.
Fibers are important in supporting the digestion of food.
Vitamins (all sorts of them) play an important role in maintaining immune system health. They also provide normal neuromuscular function, synthesis of carbohydrates, normal function of organs, and more.
Minerals are required for structured metabolism, the immune system, teeth, bones, etc.
Depending on the weight of the cat, its age, and activity level the diet is different.
What type of food Maine coon cats must avoid?
Maine Coons are similar to other cats and are sensitive to some of the ingredients.
Here is the list of the ingredients cat must avoid:
- An unlimited percentage of grains, corn, wheat, and soy is not a good choice for its diet because it can cause obesity.
- Chocolate can be poisonous so should be avoided.
- Milk and dairy products because almost every cat including Maine Coon is lactose intolerant.
- Raw meat and eggs due to the risk of getting bacteria such as Salmonella, and Escherichia Coli.
- Caffeine
- Mushrooms can be toxic for a cat.
- Bones can be fatal for a cat because they can cause strangulation, perforation of the intestines, or can damage to the oral cavity.
How much food can Maine Coon cats have?
According to the cat’s age, health status, and activity level instructions on the amount of food you should give your cat can be found on the food package or you can follow the recommendation of your veterinarian.
What are common health issues Maine Coon cats face?
Due to the large size, and high risk of obesity there are 4 common diseases Maine Coon can face.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Is a condition in which the heart walls become thickened. It’s hard to be diagnosed due to the lack of the symptoms where death can happen all of a sudden.
It is more common in old males but can appear in younger cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease that doesn’t need to be lethal if it’s diagnosed on time via echocardiogram.
It can be treated with medications and it’s important to do health check-ups at your vet.
- Hip dysplasia
Is a condition where tight bones don’t fit with the hip joint which can cause arthritis and difficulty walking (lameness). It’s an inheritable disease that causes pain.
Some of the cats don’t have any symptoms but this condition can be treated with medications, and a proper diet for losing weight, and in serious cases, surgery can be an option.
The veterinarian plays a key role in alleviating the condition.
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Is an inheritable condition due to which the lower parts of the body’s skeletal muscles atrophy.
This condition is not painful for the cat and they can live a long life.
There is no treatment for it.
- Polycystic kidney disease
Is an inherited condition due which leads to the formation of cysts inside the kidneys, and as a result, kidney stagnation can happen.
Vet health-check ups are important besides potential symptoms.
The condition can be treated with medications, proper diet, and hormone therapy if you visit the vet on time.
FAQ
What’s the best product and why?
There are 3 best diets for Maine Coon cats and they are Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food, Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food, and Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food.
All three diets are rich in protein with added vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs and support your cat’s health.
How much do the products cost?
On the link below you can find the prices of the products.
- Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food
- Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food
Where to buy these products?
You can purchase these products on Chewy.com
Wet food or dry food best for Maine Coon cats?
To provide a good diet for Maine Coon cats both, dry and wet food is recommended.
Both are rich in proteins, fat, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Dry food is good for oral hygiene due to chewing and a wet diet is good to moisturize the animal.
Any myths about Maine Coon cat food?
There is a myth that Maine Coon cats eat more than other breeds because of their size.
Their size is the result of breed selection, not their nutrition.
Breed-specific diet needed?
Maine Coon breed needs protein, fat, fibers, vitamins, and minerals for their healthy state.
Grains should be avoided or limited.
Which product is good for Maine Coon kittens?
There is a product that is specially designed for Maine Coon kittens. It’s Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food. This product is balanced in protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs of developing kittens.
Conclusion
As a veterinarian and cat owner I would recommend Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Adult Dry Cat Food, Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wild Salmon Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food, and Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food to the Maine Coon owners.
All three diets meet the need of Maine Coon cats. They are made of high-quality ingredients with added vitamins and minerals to support the cat’s health.
The first two ones are intended for adult cats and the last one is for kittens.
Always consult your veterinarian for your cat’s health condition, health problem, or nutrition.
