Are you wondering what food choice is great for your ragdoll cat? Here is the review for the best cat food for ragdolls.
As a vet and cat parent, I often get asked what food is best for Ragdoll cats. With so many options on the market, you don’t know what to choose anymore.
The diet of Ragdoll cats must be complete and balanced, and you should take into account the particular needs of this breed. It is preferable to give your cat food rich in protein and high-quality nutrients with no grains.
Two great products that meet these requirements for your ragdoll cat are Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food and Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Both diets are grain-free, rich in proteins, and have added vitamins and minerals for a healthy life.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food is formulated with high-quality, easily digestible proteins, being recommended for cats with sensitive stomachs but not only. It is a complete and balanced diet that will satisfy your cat’s nutritional requirements.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a complete and balanced food, formulated with high-quality proteins. It has added vitamins and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of your little feline.
In this article, you will find out what is the best food for ragdolls, how the nutrients in these diets can help your pet, and more.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food
One of the best diets for ragdoll cats is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food.
How It Is Prepared
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a product made with real chicken and turkey meat. It has no grains in its composition and has added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It also has chicken broth, which helps in promoting your cat’s hydration and preventing urinary tract diseases.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin promotes health and nutrition and is suited for all adult cats.
Guaranteed Analysis
The base proteins used are chicken and turkey. It has minimum 63% crude protein and 4% fat. Most cats are known to have problems drinking enough water. They do not consume as much water as they should. This diet also has high moisture content, which is good for your cat’s urinary tract.
Guaranteed Analysis[1]
| Crude Protein | 63.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 4.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
Ingredient Analysis
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a 100% complete and balanced diet for adult cats with sensitive stomachs but not only. It is grain free and improved with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D3
- Fish oil
Vitamin C[2]
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that:
- It directly controls the amount of adrenal hormones (glucocorticosteroids).
- It has an impact on collagen metabolism.
- It influences the chemical structure of folic acid.
- Controls oxidative cellular degradation.
In addition, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant agent. It activates the detoxification of enzymes in the liver and helps the:
- Regulation of phospholipid levels
- Neutralization of free radicals
- Preservation and potentiation over time of the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.
At the same time, this vitamin facilitates the absorption of iron in the digestive tract and helps with the digestion process.
Vitamin C is also essential for the growth, development, and repair of the body’s tissues.
Vitamin B12[3]
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin for the body, which can only be supplemented by food. This vitamin is essential for the production of new red blood cells and cell renewal.
Vitamin B12 also plays important roles in:
- Cellular metabolism.
- DNA synthesis.
- Nervous and cardiovascular system.
Vitamin D3[4]
Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a type of vitamin D, which can be found in certain foods of animal origin, such as fatty fish or egg yolk.
The benefits vitamin D3 has on the body:
- Enhances the functions of vitamins A and C.
- Helps the thyroid, parathyroid, and pituitary gland to function properly.
- Regulates the heart rate.
- Helps the formation and development of the brain.
- Prevents rickets and fractures.
- Provides normal neuromuscular function.
- Helps with the immune system.
Fish oil[5]
Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are essential for the proper functioning of your cat’s metabolism.
The main benefits of fish oil:
- It contributes to the good functioning of the cardiac system.
- It is rich in vitamin D.
- It contributes to the normal functioning of the brain.
- It contributes to the regulation of triglyceride levels.
- It helps to maintain normal blood pressure.
- It prevents inflammation.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food Pros
- Grain-free
- Real meat
- Easy to serve and store
- Palatable
- Made in the USA
- Great for cats with sensitive stomachs and skin problems
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food Cons
- Short shelf life after opening.
- A bit dry.
- Pâté texture.
Feeding Guidelines[1]
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is suited for adult cats with sensitive skin and stomachs. Always feed your kitty according to its age, weight, and activity level if you don’t want your pet to get overweight. Make sure your cat has fresh water at its disposal every day. Store the product in the fridge after opening.
| Weight | Daily Feeding (Cans) |
| 4 lbs. | 1+1/2 |
| 5 lbs. | 2 |
| 8 lbs. | 2+1/2 |
| 10 lbs. | 3 |
| 12 lbs. | 3+1/2 |
| 14 lbs. | 4 |
| 16 lbs. | 4+1/2 |
What do customers say about Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food? [1]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“My cat loves this food
As my cat was getting older, she started vomiting up to 3 times a day. She never would eat wet cat food but thought I’d try it again. She loves this food and the vomiting has decreased.”
Customer 2
“No more vomiting!
My cat will eat anything, so we had no trouble getting her to eat this food. Since the switch, she’s only had the occasional hairball rather than the concerning food-vomit logs. Every now and then I try to introduce other foods or sensitive stomach brands, and she just starts throwing up again. It’s been two years of good results with the Hills sensitive stomach canned food, giving her half a can 3 times a day (plus dental treats daily and sometimes chicken breast if she’s lucky), and with her weight staying stable at 12-13 pounds. So glad to have it available for my sweet girl!”
Customer 3
“Cat loves it!
Our cat has a sensitive stomach and this fits the bill. She loves it.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Neither of my cats will eat
I had to switch to Royal Canin sensitive digestion for one if mine because he was vomiting but due to supply issues cannot find a wet food option. I tried this one and neither one of my cats will eat it. Gave to my daughter and her cats won’t either. Will donate to our no kill shelter and hopefully theirs will.”
Customer 2
“Not as pictured
The pictures and description don’t indicate this is pate food and my cats don’t eat pate.”
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is another great diet for Ragdoll cats.
How It Is Prepared
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets is a product that is made with limited ingredients, it is grain free, and contains a single and unique animal protein source (salmon). This food is great for kitties with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
It has limited carbohydrates and is packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including taurine.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets also has no artificial flavors, colors or bleached ingredients.
Guaranteed Analysis
The base protein used is salmon (min 30% crude protein), which is the only animal protein they used. It also has crude fat 12% and fiber 4%.
This product also has added taurine, which will make Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets support the proper functioning of your kitty’s body.
Guaranteed Analysis[6]
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Taurine | 0.1% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.0% min |
Ingredient Analysis
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a 100% complete and balanced diet suited for adult cats with food allergies and sensitive stomachs but not only. It is enhanced with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as:
- Taurine
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
Taurine[7]
Cats can only get this essential amino acid from meat and supplements; their bodies does not produce taurine.
Taurine helps the normal functioning of the heart and vision and supports the reproductive function of cats.
Other benefit taurine has:
- It helps metabolize fats and absorb vitamins.
- It maintains visual acuity.
- It regulates heart activity.
- It supports neuronal development.
- It ensures good blood circulation through the arteries.
- It maintains a healthy immune system.
Manganese[8]
Manganese is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and many enzyme systems.
It helps the body form connective tissue, bone, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones.
It plays a role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, the absorption of calcium, and the regulation of blood sugar.
It is necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nerves.
Zinc[9]
This nutrient contributes to the good functioning of the thyroid, immune system, reproductive system, and cognitive function. At the same time, zinc helps in the processes of cell division and development, accelerates the healing of wounds, and favors the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Other benefits:
- Supports the good functioning of the immune system.
- Supports the development of the body.
- Plays a role in DNA synthesis.
- Plays a role in the transcription of specific genes.
- Helps with enzymatic reactions.
- Helps with protein synthesis.
Vitamin E[10]
Vitamin E helps cells communicate with each other and supports the fulfillment of many vital processes.
This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the liver and the body from free radicals.
Other benefits of vitamin E:
- It maintains healthy blood vessels and eye health.
- It ensures sugar metabolism.
- It supports the immune system and the formation of new tissues.
- It ensures amino acid and fatty acid metabolism.
- It helps heal skin wounds, including burns.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Pros
- Easy to serve.
- Grain-free.
- Limited ingredients.
- Suited for cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
- Vet recommended.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Cons
- The size of the kibble is too big for some cats.
Feeding Guidelines[6]
This diet is suited for adult and senior cats and for gestating and lactating cat moms.
Adult cats – Feed your kitty twice per day according to its age, activity level, and weight if you don’t want it to get fat.
| Weight | Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 4 lbs. or less | 3/8 |
| 4 – 7 lbs. | 3/8 – 2/3 |
| 7 – 10 lbs. | 2/3 – 3/4 |
| 10 – 13 lbs. | 3/4 – 7/8 |
| 13 – 16 lbs. | 7/8 – 1 |
Senior cats – decrease the amount of food you serve your pet as older cats tend to have a lower appetite.
Gestating and lactating cats – increase the amount of food to ½-2 cups.
Seal the bag and store it in a cool, dark place. Provide your cat with fresh water daily. Do not add extra supplements to your cat’s diet unless your vet recommended it.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Review By Customers[6]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Great for allergies
This is a great food for cats that have a ton of allergies like mine! My poor cat, if she eats something she is allergic to, begins to pull her hair out. So this is absolutely the best choice that is not chicken based since that is a big allergy for her.”
Customer 2
“Fixed vomiting, acne, and hairball issues
Switched from Brand 1 because my cat occasionally threw up his food after eating. Thought it was a scarf and barf situation until I slowed down his eating and broke the food into smaller pieces…no dice. Brand 2 I stopped because my cat started developing acne. Brand 3 was the first LID food we tried and he started getting hairballs. THIS BRAND finally fixed every issue we had. Our 8 yr old cat does VERY well with the food! No vomiting. No acne. No hairballs. Just a happy kitty! 100% recommend.“
Customer 3
“Natural balance cat food
A friend turned me on to the cat food and my Dora loves it!”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Formula or production change?
My cat has been eating this for over a year but the past two bags have had kibbles of a significantly larger size. Is this an error or the new normal? It looks like the size of dog food, not cat food.”
Customer 2
“Cats Disliked
I was hoping this would be liked as I need to feed one of my cats a limited diet due to allergies. They love Natural Balance ultra so I was hoping this would be well received. Neither one of my 2 cats will touch it unfortunately.”
Ragdoll cat food Buying Guide
What are Ragdoll characteristics?
Ragdoll cats are among the largest and most mysterious domestic cats. They are big and muscular cats.
Adult body weight can reach up to 10 kg (5 lbs.) in males and 4 to 6 kg (2-3 lbs.) in females. However, Ragdoll cats grow quite slowly and reach full physical maturity at 3 – 4 years of age.
- The head is medium size, with a triangular shape and well-spaced and forward ears that have rounded tips.
- The cheekbones are well-defined, and they have a strong chin.
- The eyes are oval, large, and always blue, preferably in the darkest shade.
- The neck is short but strong.
- The body is long, and they have a prominent chest. Adult males have broader shoulders.
- The tail is long and fluffy, slightly tapering towards the end.
- The limbs of ragdoll cats are of medium length, but the paws are large and round, with tufts of hair between the toes. Due to the slightly longer back legs than the front legs, these cats have the so-called oblique body position – the back part of their body is higher than the front part.
There are three coat patterns in this breed:
- Mitted
- Colorpoint
- Bicolor
Each model can have 10 color variants.
What type of food ragdoll cats must have?
Ragdoll cats should eat well-balanced meals of meat and wet food. This will ensure a shiny coat, healthy skin, and good physical condition. At an older age, they may tend to gain weight, so it is worth controlling their body weight by choosing the right type of nutrition.
Ragdoll cats need a diet rich in:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Quality proteins
The proportion of nutrients varies depending on:
- Age
- Lifestyle
- Health condition
An energetic cat will need a different amount of nutrients than a less active one.
Ragdoll cats must avoid diets that contain cereal.
How much food can ragdoll cats have?
The amount of food you serve your Ragdoll cat depends on your pet’s age, health, and activity level. Always follow the feeding recommendations on the food package or your veterinarian.
What are the most common health issues in Ragdoll cats?
Due to their large body size, one of the most common diseases Ragdoll cats suffer from is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart attack at a young age. In addition, these cats are prone to the following diseases:
- Urinary system disorders (bladder stones)
- Diseases of the gums
- Joint disorders (mucopolysaccharidosis)
- Periodontitis (eosinophilic gingivitis)
It is recommended to have regular check-ups at the vet to make sure your Ragdoll is healthy.
The average life expectancy of Ragdoll cats is 15 – 19 years.
FAQ
What is the best product and why?
Two of the best diets for Ragdoll cats are Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food and Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Both are grain-free, rich in protein, and have added vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s health. Both products are great for cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
Where to buy these products?
You can buy these products on Chewy.com.
What is best for Ragdoll cats – wet food or dry food?
Both are great for Ragdolls as long as they are rich in protein, have quality ingredients, and are grain-free. The advantage of wet food is that it has a higher level of moisture, which is great for cats that do not drink enough water.
What are the specific dietary needs for Ragdoll cats?
This breed needs quality proteins and vitamins and minerals in its daily diet. You should also avoid grain-included diets.
Which product is good for Ragdoll kittens?
One great product for Ragdoll kittens is Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. It is grain and gluten-free and has real chicken in its composition. It also has added DHA and ARA fatty acids – they are found in mother’s milk to help support eye and brain development.
What are some good diet alternatives for Ragdoll cats?
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Simply Wild Caught Whitefish & Cage Free Egg Recipe Dry Cat Food is a great alternative as it’s made with real fish, it has no grains in its composition and has added vitamins and minerals. This diet is complete and balanced and promotes health and nutrition, being suited for all adult cats.
I and Love and You Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food has no artificial colorants and preservatives and is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This diet is suited for all life stages, including nursing and pregnant females.
Conclusion
As a vet and cat parent, I would recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Canned Cat Food and Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food to Ragdoll owners.
Both diets are complete and balanced and made with high-quality ingredients. They are grain-free and have added vitamins and minerals for a healthy life.
These diets are suited for adult cats that have sensitive stomachs and skin, but are a great option for healthy cats also.
Always talk to your vet regarding your kitty’s diet or any other medical problem or concern.
