Looking for the best cat food for Maine Coons? We have you covered with these reviews of our favorite cat food for the massive and sweet Maine Coon cat. Also called the gentle giant, they are famous for being powerful hunters, as well as their cunning smarts and generous size. Because they are so big physically, they need cat food that can support their long growth cycle and high-calorie expenditure.
Owners often have questions about what to feed these cats, how much to feed them, and the best cat food options to keep a giant breed like this happy and healthy. Nutrition is an essential building block of a long healthy life, which can be a big task for even the most experienced feline owners. There are many different options, which adds to the uncertainty and stress owners of Maine Coons may feel about feeding them.
There is much more that goes into choosing a cat’s diet than packaging and advertising. Feline owners should research and get to know brands before committing to them. This is where we step in and offer our reviews of some of the best cat foods for this big breed.
Best Cat Foods For Maine Coons At A Glance
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What Do Maine Coon Cats Eat?
These gentle giants are obligate carnivores. Like all other felines, including domestic and wildcats, they need high-quality animal proteins and fats to survive. They thrive on well-balanced, high-protein diets. Brands that use natural, real meat and meat by-products are the best for them.
These huge kitties need a diet that balances protein, fat, carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Though they are creatures who need animal protein, they also can benefit from a bit of fruit and vegetables. Most commercial brands work hard to provide kitties with formulas that taste good and go above and beyond to provide them with everything they need to achieve nutritional balance.
Proper nutrition is partly due to the brand and partly to owners taking on the responsibility of keeping their cats fed and healthy. Along with knowing what to feed them for the different phases of life, owners also need to know how much to feed them. Gentle giants will eat a mixture of dry and wet food. They should have a rotation or combination, but canned should not be fed at every meal.
The American Association For Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides nutritional guidelines that commercial pet foods follow.
The AAFCO Nutrient Requirements for cats recommend:
- Protein minimum of 36% for kittens and 26% for adults
- Fat minimum of 9% for kittens and 9% for adults
- Calcium minimum of 1% for kittens and .6% for adults
Maine Coon Feeding Chart
Maine Coons will eat different amounts as they age. Kittens will eat more during high-growth periods, mature cats will eat less often. Check out our Maine Coon Feeding Chart to learn more in detail. Newborn kittens will need their mother’s milk and will transition to kitten food around 6 to 9 weeks old. From there, these felines will increase food as they grow but will stay on kitten formula until at least a year old.
| Maine Coon Age | Type Of Food | Amount Per Feeding | Meals A Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | Mothers milk or formula | n/a | As needed |
| 2 Weeks | Mothers milk or formula | 6 to 10 ml | Every 2 to 3 hours |
| 3 Weeks | Mothers milk or formula | 10 -14 ml | Every 3 to 4 hours |
| 4 Weeks | Mothers milk or formula | 18 ml | Every 4 to 5 hours |
| 5 Weeks | Kitten food and mother’s milk | 20 – 22 ml | Every 5 to 6 hours |
| 6 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 to 5 meals a day |
| 7 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 to 5 meals a day |
| 8 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 to 5 meals a day |
| 9 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 to 5 meals a day |
| 10 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/4 a cup | 3 to 5 meals a day |
| 11 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/4 a cup | 3 to 4 meals a day |
| 12 Weeks | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/4 a cup | 3 to 4 meals a day |
| 4 to 6 Months | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/4 to 1/2 a cup | 4 meals a day |
| 6 to 9 Months | Kitten food wet and dry | 1/2 a cup | 4 meals a day |
| 9 to 12 Months | Adult food and kitten food mix | 1/2 a cup to 1 cup | 3 to 4 meals a day |
| 1 Year | Adult food wet and dry | 1 to 1 & 1/2 cup | 2 to 3 meals a day |
| 1 to 3 Years | Adult food wet and dry | 1 to 1 & 1/2 cup | 2 to 3 meals a day |
Adult Cat Needs vs. Kitten Nutritional Needs
Adult cats and kittens have different nutritional needs. Growing kittens, especially those breeds that grow for several years, will expend more energy and need foods that are higher in protein, fat, and calories. This rapid growth requires a lot of energy, and a kitten’s diet needs to support them for proper development. Once they reach adulthood, cats will not need as many fats and calories. Though they will eat kitten chow, it is not the best for them and can lead to overeating and weight gain. Aging cats may have digestion issues and need a diet that supports their joints and bone health.
Best Dry Food For Maine Coon Cats
Dry food, also called kibble or chow, is usually a part of a gentle giant’s diet. There are several options available, some formulated specifically for the breed, others for large breeds, and some that can be used for all cats. Cat food formulas vary by brand, though most try to follow the guidelines set out by the AAFCO. We have reviewed some of our top picks of dry chow for Maine Coon cats.
Royal Canin Maine Coon
- Breed-specific formula.
- For ages 15 months and older.
- Real chicken and chicken by-products.
- Hairball control.
- Aids in digestion.
- A custom blend of nutrients and minerals includes EPA, DHA, Taurine, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids.
This kibble is intended to meet the nutritional needs of a purebred Maine Coon 15 months or older. The formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy bones and joints. The custom-created blend of heart-healthy nutrients, including EPA, DHA, and taurine, along with other nutrients, helps support skin and health.
Developed specifically to support the large-bodied breed, this kibble is designed to be eaten easily by the breed’s square-shaped jaw. This brand uses chicken, chicken fat, and chicken by-products. Royal Canin employs a team of nutritional experts and veterinarians who study the kitties, their life stages, diets, lifestyles, and sensitivities to develop meals specifically for this large breed. The food is formulated to help with hairball control, aid digestion, and support the needs of a larger cat.
We love that this kibble offers breed-specific nutrition. These big kitties will do well on this food. Owners can also mix wet and fresh food with the kibble to add moisture and variety.
Purina Cat Chow Complete High Protein
- High protein formula.
- Affordable and easy to find.
- All ages and life stages can eat.
- Farm-raised chicken products.
- Best used in conjunction with high-quality wet food.
This kibble by Purina Cat Chow uses natural, high-quality protein from chicken. The high-protein formula is designed to help maintain strong muscles, healthy skin, immune health, and shiny coats. This option comes in various flavors and is a very affordable brand. It is not the fanciest, though it is quite tasty, and cats respond well to it. Several owners report that this food has aided their cats with sensitive stomachs, which is a good sign for a big breed like this.
Though this cat chow is not designed explicitly for the Maine Coon, its high protein content will significantly benefit them. Additionally, this can be used with adults and kittens alike. When used in conjunction with a high-quality wet variety is an excellent choice for an economical option that provides high protein and a well-balanced diet.
We love that this is for all ages and has such high protein. Kittens between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks should be eating plain kibble or moistened kibble. Start with small portions when feeding this to kittens, as it is not explicitly developed for their less mature stomachs.
Open Farm Wild Caught Salmon
- Wild Pacific salmon.
- No meat meal.
- No rendered poultry.
- 100% traceable ingredients.
- High-quality natural protein.
This is a flavorful, high-quality dry cat nutritional choice made with fish caught right here in the United States. Ingredients include wild Pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, ocean herring meal, garbanzo beans, red lentils, coconut oil, herring oil, pumpkin, apples, and more. Salmon for this food is caught in the frigid, deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean and brings cats all the goodness that wild-caught fish can provide.
These foods are high in quality protein and include Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Fresh salmon is high in excellent-quality protein, and the food formula includes things like cranberries and dandelion greens to help support UTI health. Prebiotic fibers support healthy digestion, with no chicken or potato fillers.
We love that there are no meat meal or rendered poultry ingredients here, and this food uses 100% traceable ingredients. This brand meets nutritional levels established by the AAFCO and is suitable for Maine Coon cats of all life stages.
Best Wet Food For Maine Coon Cats
Wet food should be incorporated into a Maine Coon cat’s regular diet. They should not eat wet for every meal but will gain many benefits, including added moisture. Flaked and other varieties of wet food bring added nutritional benefits, as well as taste delicious. Some cats may need to be on a wet-only diet if they are experiencing digestive or kidney function issues. Those cases are often given prescription food by the vet.
Wellness Complete Open Farm Rustic Blends
- Ethically sourced proteins.
- 100% traceable ingredients.
- Very flavorful.
- Multiple proteins and flavors.
- No grain, corn, wheat, or soy.
Wellness Complete Open Farm Rustic Blends can be a complete meal or topper. They use responsibly sourced meat and superfoods with no artificial flavors or preservatives. These come in various flavors, including Chicken & Salmon, Grass-Fed Beef, Harvest Chicken, and Homestead Turkey.
This brand uses only ethically sourced proteins and selects animals that have been raised with kindness and respect. They commit to a clean supply chain and providing the highest quality meat possible. Open Farm uses recipes that derive 90% of protein from ethical sources without using meals or byproducts. Their formulas incorporate local produce and superfoods like dandelion greens, turmeric, and oil. This company uses 100% traceable ingredients, so pet owners can see what goes into making their pet’s food.
We love the superior quality and meaty taste of these rustic stews. They work well for even the pickiest eaters and cats with allergies. This is a pricier option, and packets tend to be small, making them out of the price range for some owners.
Tiki Cat King Kamehameha Grill Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned
- Grain-free formula.
- High-protein, low-carb recipes.
- Good for fussy eaters.
- Real, shredded meats.
- Stand-alone meal or food topper.
This uses high-quality fish proteins and offers a variety of dishes and flavors for even the pickiest of cats. Their recipes contain zero grains, no wheat, corn, soy, GMO ingredients, MSG, or artificial fillers. This is a wonderful choice for fussy eaters and cats that suffer from allergies. Real meat products are shredded and deboned to create this well-balanced meal.
This option can be a standalone meal or a topper mixed in with dry kibble. Fish ingredients include sardines, crab, ahi tuna, mackerel, and more. Some varieties offer more protein than others. For example, the Lanai Grill Tuna in Crab Surimi Consommé has 17% minimum crude protein, whereas the Bora Bora Grill has 11% minimum protein. Tiki Cat offers shredded and pate options.
We love the flavor variety of this option. It offers complete nutrition, which is also a big plus. Tiki Cat is both delicious and affordable and is considered a premium food.
Maine Coon Kitten Food
It is vital to feed a kitten a high-quality diet formulated especially for their young age. Owners should remember that this breed grows for an exceptionally long time, over two years. Because they grow rapidly, they start to look much bigger than other cat breeds, even when they are incredibly young. It can be tempting to switch them to adult-formulated food before they are ready. This is a big mistake because this breed needs extra protein and fat to support rapid growth.
There are very few breed-specific kitten choices for the gentle giant, although there are several large breed formulas to choose from.
Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten
- Breed-specific formula.
- Up to 15 months old.
- Chicken and chicken by-products.
- High protein to support the large breed.
- Highly digestible proteins.
- Supports bone, joint, skin, and coat health.
- Antioxidant and vitamin blend to boost immune system health.
Royal Canin makes a breed-specific Maine Coon kitten dry cat food. They are among the few brands on the market to make options specifically formulated for the gentle giant kitten. This brand is formulated to support a kitten during their extra-long growth., up to 15 months old.
This chow provides energy and protein using a specific formula of balanced vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and highly digestible proteins. This includes balanced intestinal flora that promotes healthy digestion. Kitten kibble uses chicken, chicken fat, chicken by-products, vegetables, fish oils, and other nutrients and minerals to provide top-quality nutrition.
We love that this formula supports the specific needs of larger kittens. The kibble is adapted in both texture and size to be easy to eat for the kittens’ large jaw. Remember that these kitties need to be on kitten food for quite some time, even if they look and act like adult cats.
This food starts with chicken as the first ingredient. It is formulated with Omega-3 DHA for healthy brain development and vitamin E for strong immune defenses. This kibble supports immune, digestive, and reproductive health.
Iams food is intended to support kittens during their rapid growth formula. They should be switched to adult formula after about one year. Gentle giants do grow longer than other breeds, so some owners may choose to feed them a mixture of this kitten chow mixed with a high-quality adult formula for a few months as they transition.
We love that this is developed to support mental and physical development. Iams is an affordable, easy-to-find brand that offers quality nutrition.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- High protein to support rapid growth.
- No artificial flavors.
- No meat by-products.
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
- Grain-free recipe.
This is a high-protein kitten-formulated option using real chicken. Real meat provides high-quality animal proteins that a feline craves. This food provides fatty acids that promote healthy growth and a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support healthy immune systems and encourage the growth and development of strong lean muscles.
This kibble does not use artificial flavors or meat by-products and is free of artificial ingredients. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, which is a particularly good sign.
We love that Blue Buffalo is inspired by a cat’s wild nature and always features protein-rich real meat. This provides healthy energy for muscle growth, play, and proper development.
Maine Coon Adult Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural
- Adult formula.
- High protein to support large breeds.
- A proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals provides an immune system boost.
- No poultry by-products.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
This high-protein formulated adult dry cat kibble is packed with real chicken. The high-protein formula is designed to help build and maintain lean muscle mass. The formula contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin and coat health. A proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals provides an immune system boost. Blue Buffalo does not use poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
This chow uses very high-quality ingredients and supports healthy muscle development making it an excellent choice for a hefty breed. Best suited for a mature cat over 15 months of age.
We love that this food is designed to fuel cats while keeping them in good physical shape. Overeating is a concern with the Maine Coon, so never free feed.
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry
- Grain-free recipe.
- Roasted venison and smoke-flavored salmon.
- 42% protein.
- Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics.
- Wild tasting food.
- Real, fresh meats and proteins.
Taste Of The Wild offers a high protein formula (42%) designed to support bone, joint, and muscle health. This is a United States family-owned company that uses high-quality ingredients sourced domestically and globally. The grain-free recipe is specially designed to support a big cat.
Taste Of The Wild offers a variety of flavors, including the Wild Rocky Mountain Roasted Venison and Smoke-Flavored Salmon option. The recipe includes vegetables like peas and sweet potatoes, high-quality, natural roasted venison, and smoke-flavored salmon.
We love that this recipe is supplemented with fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This tasty kibble will not leave cats disappointed. The high protein content is greatly beneficial for rugged, big-boned breeds.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult 7+
- Special formula to support aging cats.
- Real meat is the first ingredient.
- Minimum of 32% crude protein.
- Gentle on the stomach.
- Deboned chicken, chicken fat, and chicken meal.
This option is developed especially for mature cats. Using real meat as a first ingredient as well as wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit, this mature cat food provides a formula of nutrients to keep adult cats extremely healthy.
Stocked with nutrients, antioxidants, carbohydrates, amino acids, and healthy fats, this one supports a cat well past active adulthood. This food has a crude protein minimum of 32% and uses deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat, among other things, to provide such a high-quality pack of protein for adult cats.
We love that this brand is gentle on the stomach, which is especially important for adult and senior cats.
Maine Coon Raw Food Diet
Some owners want to feed their kitty a raw or partially raw food diet. This is something they can do themselves at home with the guidance of a veterinarian. There are also several raw options available on the market. Make sure to read all labels. Raw food comes in fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried varieties.
Smalls Freeze-Dried Raw
- Raw, high protein formula.
- Freeze-dried to last longer.
- Minimal processing.
- Can be rehydrated or eaten as is.
- More affordable than fresh raw food.
Freeze-dried raw options like Smalls Freeze-Dried Raw keep the nutritional benefits of a raw, high-protein diet and sustain all the nutritional value often lost in cooking. This product comes in three proteins. These are bird (chicken), other bird (turkey), and water bird (duck).
Though freeze-dried looks like kibble, it is not. Freeze-dried cat chow, also called dehydrated, is subject to very minimal processing. In the freeze-drying process, raw food has its water content removed and is then packaged. Owners can feed this to their cats by itself or rehydrate it to add more water. Freeze-dried cat food is incredibly high in protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and micronutrients.
We love that this is a more affordable option and lasts much longer than fresh or raw meals. This is also a much more convenient option for owners who want to feed their cats a raw diet but do not have time to prepare each meal for them daily.
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw
- Freeze-dried raw food.
- Fresh, high-quality animal proteins.
- For kittens and adults.
- Multiple flavors include chicken, duck, goose, turkey, salmon, cod, and rabbit.
- No preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
Stella & Chewy’s has created tasty freeze-dried raw cat food from high-quality premium ingredients. Cats love meat, and these products use 98% cage-free chicken. Food is made in small batches to ensure quality. No added hormones, antibiotics, fillers, grains, gluten, or artificial ingredients. Comes in chicken, duck, turkey, wild-caught salmon, cod, and rabbit options.
Freeze-dried food retains the taste, texture, and nutritional value of fresh raw food. This food needs rehydrating with cool water, and once ready to serve is as good as fresh, raw food diets. It is tasty, full of nutrients, and 100% nutritionally balanced.
We love the small batch preparation as well as the quality and price of this option. Even with premium raw ingredients, this is very affordable. Another plus, the company puts a part of every purchase back into biodiversity work and research.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coons are a feline breed that relies on top-quality nutritional support. Because they are such a big breed and grow for much longer than many other types of felines, they need a high-protein formula throughout their lives. These cats expend a lot of energy from growing as kittens and as active adults. There are many high-quality, affordable options on the market. We have not covered them all. However, we hope that our presentation of some of our favorite choices for the mighty feline will help owners make the right choice for their beloved pets. Always read labels, look for AAFCO guideline statements, and ensure they use natural, real meat proteins at the start of their ingredient list.
Owners concerned that their cats are not getting enough nutrition or lacking essential nutrients should consult with their veterinarian and a pet nutritionist. Cats with special needs and owners who want to feed their cats diets like raw should always consult with a veterinarian before switching. Our information is for informational and research purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed veterinarian or nutrition professional.
