Food For Maine Coon: What They Love To Eat?

Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 07:59 pm

For optimal health, the Maine Coon, a popular breed of domestic cat known for its large size and friendly nature, requires a balanced and nutritious diet. These magnificent felines thrive on high-quality cat food with a high protein content, which reflects their carnivorous nature. Ensuring proper portions, hydration, and essential nutrients contributes to Maine Coons’ overall well-being and longevity.

Providing the right food for Maine Coon cats is critical to their health. Maine Coons, as a distinct and large breed, require a well-balanced, high-quality diet to thrive. This guide provides information on the best nutritional practices for ensuring these feline companions’ optimal health and longevity through appropriate dietary choices.

In this article, we will explore some diets enriched with healthy nutrition food for Maine coon, and what they love to eat. Usually, it could take a Maine Coon cat longer than the average housecat to reach maturity due to their massive size. Adults can weigh up to 18 pounds. Certain vets advise Maine Coons to be fed on kitten food for a longer time. While Maine Coons should be fed on kitten food for 8 to 12 months, small and medium breeds can switch to adult food at 4 to 6 months

Are Maine Coons Carnivorous?

The diet of the Maine Coon has similarities to that of other cats because it is a domesticated breed. But it does not mean you can provide your Maine Coon whatever you want. But it is also true that the dietary needs of this breed are slightly different from those of other breeds. so owners need necessary precautions. Cats suffer due to their owners’ lack of dietary requirements, a common scenario.

Cats are entirely carnivorous, the same as the Maine coons. Your cat like obligatory carnivores needs a diet high in meat to resemble the fresh food in the wild. It’s a popular misperception that Maine Coons need to eat carbohydrates to stay relatively energetic all day. In actuality, cats don’t need carbohydrates in their diet because they can obtain their energy from fats and proteins.

What Is The Best Food For Maine Coon?

Best Cat Food For Maine Coon Cats consists mostly of animal protein and is well-balanced with other vital nutrients and healthy fats. Here are some general guidelines for selecting a high-quality cat food for a Maine Coon:

Protein should not be excluded

Maine Coon cats are large and muscular, so they require a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins. Search for foods where the primary ingredients are meat or meat meals. Meat is enriched with Amino acids and Animal protein and is the main nutrient source for cats.

Protein content should be around 30-40% or higher in the food. You need to pick a product that has the right amount of nutrients and actual meat. Nutritionists for cats recommend the following meals ratio for Best Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats each day:

Low-carb (from 0% to 3%).

protein-rich (more than 50-55% proteins)

Insufficient protein causes weak fur roots in cats, which causes them to shed a lot and regularly pass hairballs that include partially digested food. Over time, they also lose bone density and muscle tone, which can result in Anorexia, dental diseases, Fractures, Arthritis, Lethargy, and poor appetite.

Avoid Garlic Onion and spices

Garlic Onion and spices are harmful to Maine Coons.

Avoid Raw Meat From Grocery Store

Make sure the meat is cooked well enough to kill bacteria and viruses that are harmful to Maine coons. The cooking method can be boiling meat grilling it or baking meat, but don’t get it fry for cats as it contains a lot of fats.

Bread

Bread is also safe for cats but has no nutritional value. So should not replace it with a normal cat food diet. Also, keep in mind that all bread is not good for cats, some bread contains toxic ingredients like garlic and onion flavor which are toxic for cats, causing serious side effects such as vomiting diarrhea, and collapse. Some bread contains nuts, chocolates, and raisins that are good for humans but not for cats. raisins are highly toxic. So always check the ingredients first if giving bread to them.

Eggs

Eggs are safe and beneficial for cats. It is full of

But make sure that eggs are cooked well enough because raw eggs can be a source of salmonella. Which can cause GI symptoms such as Vomiting and diarrhea. Also, raw eggs cause B7 deficiency in cats.

Fish

Cooked fish is also safe and enriched with proteins. Also contains vitamins and Amino Acids. Raw fish contains bacteria that cause food poisoning. Raw food also contains an enzyme that destroys Thiamine. Without thiamine, a cat can develop neological problems.

Spinach

Kittys like spinach and it has vitamins A, C, K Irin (Fe), and Calcium (ca). Many cat food companies also use spinach as an ingredient in cat foods due to its vast health benefits.

If a cat has a history of problems with Kidney stones or urinary tract stones then avoid giving them spinach.

Pumpkin (Remedy for Constipation Problems)

Not only pumpkin is high in fiber and low in calories it is also effective for constipation problems in cats. It is used as a remedy for cats’ constipation problems.

Low Carbohydrates

It’s a popular misperception that Maine Coons need to eat carbs to stay reasonably energized all day. In actuality, cats don’t need carbohydrates in their diet because they can obtain their energy from proteins and fats. carbohydrates foods are rice, wheat, biscuits, peas, beans, potatoes, sugar, etc. It’s essential to understand that not all carbohydrates are necessarily harmful. However, there are some potential issues associated with high-carbohydrate diets for cats in general:

1. Weight Gain: Cats are prone to obesity, and diets high in carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, as they have a lazy lifestyle and Cannot burn as many calories as other active breeds like Siamese, Bengals cats, and Forest cats.  Obesity can lead to various health issues, including diabetes and joint problems.
2. Diabetes: High-carbohydrate diets have been linked to the development of diabetes in cats. Cats are not naturally adapted to metabolize large amounts of carbohydrates, and this can impact their blood sugar levels.
3. Dental Problems: Carbohydrates in dry cat food can contribute to dental issues. The sticky residue left on teeth after consuming kibble may promote the growth of plaque and tartar.
4. Digestive Issues: Some cats may have difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates, leading to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea or vomiting.

Balanced Nutrition

Ensure that the food for Maine coon provides a balanced and complete diet. Look for products that meet the standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Healthy Fats

All maine coons need a small amount of fat in their diet for absorption of nutrients and minerals, preserving a healthy body temperature, controlling the hormones involved in reproduction, and Maintaining the Health of Skin and Coat.

Minimal fat content (no more than 20%)

Maine Coons have semi-longhair coats, and healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to a shiny and healthy coat. Seafood is specifically high in omega-3 fatty acids , Look for food for Maine Coon that includes these beneficial fats.

If there is a lack of deficiency in fats then Maine Coons skin and coat will become dull and dry. Also Avoid giving your cat excessive fatty food, since this might result in an excess of calories and feline obesity, which leads to obesity problems in cats. Try to avoid often giving kittens high-fat foods and snacks such as beef, lamb, eggs, milk, cheese, and crisps.

Joint Health

Maine Coons are prone to certain joint issues, so a diet with added glucosamine and chondroitin may be beneficial for their joint health.

Avoid Fillers

Avoid that food for Maine coon that has excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients provide less nutritional value compared to high-quality meat sources. Grain fillers, such as maize, wheat, and soy, are used in many pet food products of lower quality. These components provide the product with additional volume without increasing the manufacturer’s cost.

Caloric Intake

Be mindful of the caloric content, especially if your Maine Coon is less active or tends to gain weight. Adjust the portion size according to your cat’s activity level and weight. Since the first ingredient has the largest volume in the product, pay close attention to it

Meat should be mentioned clearly; inadequate alternatives such as plant or dairy proteins, nonspecific animal byproducts, or chemically created external proteins with limited biological accessibility should not be used.

Age and Health Considerations

Consider your cat’s age and any specific health conditions. There are cat foods designed for different life stages, such as kitten, adult, and senior formulas. At different age stages, different formulas of cat foods are available in markets.

Best Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats Wet vs Dry

Some cat owners prefer to feed a combination of wet and dry food. When selecting Best Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats, the first thing you should decide on is whether to use dry or wet food. Convenience and cost are two advantages of dry food, but it lack the moisture your cat needs to be properly hydrated. Your Maine Coon may have kidney problems if his diet isn’t sufficiently wet, since many cats have the bad tendency of not drinking enough water.

Because wet food has more moisture than dry food, it will keep your Maine Coon hydrated all the day. However, if your cat solely eats wet food, this might cause dental issues. Although dry food could be healthier for your cat’s oral health, growth periodontal disease cannot be prevented by dry food alone.

So, Owners should restrict the amount of wet food their Maine Coons eat to two or three servings per week. On the other hand, your cat can enjoy dry food or meat every day.

However, several reputable cat food brands have a history of producing high-quality products. It’s always a good idea to read product labels and choose cat foods with the following characteristics:

1. High-Quality Protein Sources: Look for cat foods where the primary ingredients are real meat or meat meals. Cats require a diet rich in animal proteins.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Ensure that the cat food meets the nutritional standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for complete and balanced nutrition.
3. Limited Fillers: Choose cat foods that minimize the use of unnecessary fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. Cats benefit most from diets rich in meat and low in carbohydrates.
4. No Artificial Additives: Opt for cat foods that avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Choosing the Best Cat Foods for Maine Coon Cats

Maintaining your Maine Coon kitten’s health through his adult life and promoting his healthy growth and development is largely reliant on his nutrition.

Your cat needs a diet that is suited for its species, mostly made up of animal products that are high in protein and good fats. Look for a recipe that is nutritionally balanced for the stage of life of your cat and has a low carbohydrate level. Some well-known cat food brands that are often recommended include:

1. Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
2. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
3. Authority Chicken Entree Adult Pate Canned Cat Food
4. Wild-caught salmon Dry Cat Food
5. Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Canned Food
6. Acana
7. Nutro
8. Purina Pro Plan

Conclusion:

One of the most important things any owner of a Maine Coon kitten should do is to give its gentle giant the Best Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats available to maintain its health. Farmers initially preserved this breed for their mouse-hunting abilities. When it comes to their diet, Maine Coons are carnivorous and require a diet high in animal protein. It is important to select a high-quality cat food that is rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, and provides balanced nutrition.

Healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, also benefit their coat health. It is recommended to avoid excessive fillers and artificial additives in their food. The choice between wet and dry food depends on personal preference, but it is important to ensure that your Maine Coon stays hydrated. Overall, a well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of Maine Coon cats.

Frequently Asked Questions: