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Home > Cats > 10 Best Cat Foods for Maine Coons in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Cat Foods for Maine Coons in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

maine coon eating from bowl

Treat your Maine Coon to the best food on the market. Only by selecting healthy, tasty, and nutritious cat food can you ensure that your Maine Coon gets the healthy and long life it deserves. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pick out the right cat food for your Maine Coon because of how many options are on the market

In this article, we are going to look at the 10 best cat foods for Maine Coons. Each one of these products is accompanied with product reviews so that you can make the best decision about your Maine Coon’s health. At the end, we provide a buyer’s guy to further help you make the best decision for your precious cat.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks (2024)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • 90%+ real chicken meat
  • Profiles for all life stages
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Cat Chow Dry Cat Food Cat Chow Dry Cat Food
  • Highly affordable
  • Sold at many locations
  • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Maine Coon Cat Food Royal Canin Maine Coon Cat Food
  • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
  • Formulated specifically for Maine Coons
  • Improves all aspects of your Maine Coon’s health
  • Instinct Original Chicken Cat Food Instinct Original Chicken Cat Food
  • High protein
  • Provides the best nutrition for cats
  • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
  • Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Food Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Food
  • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
  • Formulated specifically for Maine Coons kittens
  • Improves all aspects of your Maine Coon’s health
  • The 10 Best Cat Food For Maine Coons

    1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription– Best Overall

    smalls freeze-dried raw and human-grade fresh cat food packaging on feeding bowls

    Life Stage: All Life Stages
    Food Form: Fresh wet
    Special Diet: N/A
    Protein Percentage: 15.5%

    If you want to feed your Maine Coon like their ancestors, then you need to try Smalls Fresh Other Bird Cat Food. This protein-packed fresh food is mostly made from turkey, as you might expect. It includes finely ground turkey thigh as the first ingredient. Turkey liver, green beans, and peas are also included, as they help increase the overall nutritional content of the food.

    Organ meats are packed with protein and amino acids, which are exactly what your cat needs to thrive.

    All the ingredients are high-quality and human-grade, which is why we think Smalls Fresh Other Bird is the overall best cat food for Maine Coons this year.

    Pros
    • Includes organ meats
    • Fresh food provides moisture
    • Human-grade ingredients
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food – Budget Buy

    Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: N/A
    Protein Percentage: 32% min

    The Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food is the best cat food for Maine Coons for the money. Although highly affordable, this cat food is packed full of nutritious ingredients to help keep your Maine Coon happy and fit. Most notably, it has a pretty high protein content with many added vitamins and minerals.

    Although not specifically designed for Maine Coons, this cat food still comes with all the nutrition your Maine Coon needs. It especially has a lot of ingredients to help with shiny coats and strong muscles, which are highly important for a Maine Coon.

    Something convenient about the Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food is that you can find it at many pet stores too. Although you can purchase this product online, you will likely be able to find it at your nearest pet store as well.

    Pros
    • Highly affordable
    • Sold at many locations
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons

    3. Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: N/A
    Protein Percentage: 29% min

    Another great choice for Maine Coon cat food is the Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food. Because this cat food is specifically designed for your Maine Coon, you can expect this food to nourish your cat’s body, health, and well-being. Whether you are worried about your Maine Coon’s coat or teeth, this kibble will keep your cat healthy.

    The Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food is our top choice because it is specifically formulated for purebred Maine Coons. It includes heart-healthy and breed-specific nutrients to ensure your Maine Coon has a beautiful coat and healthy skin. At the same time, it is designed for your cat’s square jaw, which is a unique feature of this brand’s food that makes it stand apart from the rest for Maine Coons specifically.

    Many Maine Coon owners report that the Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food has done wonders for their cats. These owners also report that their Maine Coon likes eating this meal because of its delicious flavor and texture. The only downside of this food is its expensive price tag and rarity on most local stores’ shelves.

    Pros
    • Formulated specifically for Maine Coons
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • Improves all aspects of your Maine Coon’s health
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Instinct Original with Real Chicken Raw Coated Dry Cat Food

    Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: Grain-free; gluten-free; no corn, wheat, or soy; high protein
    Protein Percentage: 41% min

    If you are looking for another well-rounded Maine Coon cat food, look no further than the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food. This product is packed full of the best ingredients and nutritional analysis of nearly all cat foods on the market.

    For example, it has a 41% minimum crude protein content, which is one of the highest protein contents on the market. Given that your Maine Coon is an obligate carnivore, the more protein, the better. At the same time, this food is free from gluten, grains, corn, wheat, and soy to further ensure the healthiest food possible.

    Because of the superior ingredients within this cat food, it’s no shock that it improves your Maine Coon’s health. Simultaneously, its obvious drawback is that it is not made specifically for Maine Coons and that it’s extremely expensive. Even though it is not made specifically for Maine Coons, it still does a great job at providing your Maine Coon the nutrients it needs, though at a price.

    Pros
    • Provides the best nutrition for cats
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • High protein
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons
    • Highly expensive

    5. Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Kitten Food

    Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Kitten
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: N/A
    Protein Percentage: 34% min

    Kittens need a slightly different diet from their adult counterparts to ensure that they grow to be big and strong. If you have a Maine Coon kitten, we recommend checking out the Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food. This food is specifically formulated for Maine Coon kittens.

    Much like our best overall pick, this product is formulated for Maine Coon cats specifically. The main difference is that this product includes different proportions of ingredients to ensure your kitten has the best foundation for a healthy life possible.

    One benefit of this kitten food is that once your kitten hits the adult stage of life, you can easily transition your cat to our best overall pick. As a result, you don’t have to worry about your cat getting an upset stomach or not liking the flavor since it already grown up on this brand’s food.

    Much like the best overall pick, the Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Dry Cat Food is a bit expensive and difficult to find it all stores, but it is one of the few products specifically formulated for Maine Coon kittens.

    Pros
    • Formulated specifically for Maine Coons kittens
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • Improves all aspects of your Maine Coon’s health
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Difficult to find at stores

    6. Royal Canin Feline Nutrition Maine Coon Slices In Gravy

    Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Thin Slices In Gravy Canned Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Pate
    Special Diet: N/A
    Protein Percentage: 5% min

    The Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Maine Coon Thin Slices In Gravy Canned Cat Food is just like our best overall pick. The only difference is that it is in pate form instead of kibble. This pate form is more expensive than kibble, but it offers different nutritional advantages.

    Most notably, this cat food has 8.5% maximum moisture. For certain Maine Coons, such as seniors, this moisture content may be just what you are looking for. All the while, this food still offers Maine Coon-specific ingredients and benefits to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

    Even though the other Royal Canin foods were expensive, this product is the most expensive of the brand. The reason for this is that wet cat food is simply more expensive than dry varieties, making this cat food very expensive.

    Pros
    • Formulated specifically for Maine Coons
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • Improves all aspects of your Maine Coon’s health
    • High moisture content
    Cons
    • Highly expensive
    • Difficult to find at stores

    7. Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Chicken Canned Cat Food

    Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Shredded
    Special Diet: Grain free; high protein; no corn, wheat, or soy; gluten free; low glycemic; pea free; GMO free
    Protein Percentage: 16% min

    Although insanely expensive, the Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food has one of the best ingredients lists on this round up. It is right for all Maine Coons, including senior Maine Coons and individuals with weight problems.

    More so, the ingredients are free from any additives that are harmful for any cats, such as pea protein and additional grain. All the while, it is packed full of nutritious vitamins to keep your Maine Coon’s joints and coat beautiful and working as they should.

    Not to mention, all the protein is hormone and antibiotic-free. In other words, this commercial cat food is as close as you’ll get to your Maine Coon’s natural diet in the wild without raising and killing the chicken yourself!

    As we have already hinted at, the biggest drawback of this product is that it is incredibly expensive. In fact, this product is so expensive that it really isn’t a feasible choice for nearly any owner, no matter how healthy it may be. This insane price is why we ranked it lower than our premium choice.

    Pros
    • Provides the best nutrition for cats
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • High protein
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons
    • Highly expensive

    8. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: Grain-free; high protein
    Protein Percentage: 42% min

    Another great cat food to check out for your Maine Coon is the Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. This cat food is not specifically formulated for Maine Coons, but it has an incredibly high protein content to ensure that your Maine Coon gets all the nutrition it needs.

    Furthermore, this food does not include any ingredients that are harmful or unnecessary for your cat. For example, it is free of grain and is formulated with a high protein content. More so, the food contains vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and it is crafted in the USA.

    Many cat parents go crazy over this cat food because of how effective it is at helping to maintain their cats’ health. The one drawback is that this food is highly expensive and very difficult to find at stores. You will have to buy it online for a hefty price.

    Pros
    • Provides the best nutrition for cats
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • High protein
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons
    • Highly expensive

    9. American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

    American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Dry food
    Special Diet: Grain free; no corn, wheat, or soy; high protein
    Protein Percentage: 40% min

    In most respects, the American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is similar to our last pick. The main difference is that it is also free of corn, wheat, and soy. This ingredient choice makes this cat food super healthy for many cats, including Maine Coons.

    Although it isn’t crafted specifically for Maine Coons, you don’t have to worry about this food failing to nurture your favorite cat. It has a high protein content, complete with great ingredients specific for healthy hearts, great skin, and satisfaction from every meal. Once again, the main drawbacks are that it is expensive and difficult to find at most stores.

    Pros
    • Provides the best nutrition for cats
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • High protein
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons
    • Highly expensive
    • Difficult to find in stores

    10. Merrick LID Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Canned Cat Food

    Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food

    Life Stage: Adult
    Food Form: Pate
    Special Diet: Limited ingredient diet; grain free; gluten free; no corn, wheat, or soy
    Protein Percentage: 9% min

    The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food is a good choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. Your Maine Coon will be able to stomach this food without many irritations. Because of its real turkey recipe, your Maine Coon will find this food pretty tasty, too.

    Because this food is completely free from grain, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy, you know that your Maine Coon is getting some of the best ingredients when eating this product.

    That being said, we have some qualms about this cat food. For starters, pea protein is one of the first ingredients listed. Even though pea protein counts as a protein, animal protein is a much more viable option for cats. Not to mention, this cat food is really expensive. We wish that a cat food at this price was free from pea.

    Pros
    • Provides good nutrition for cats
    • Includes a lot of healthy ingredients
    • Good for cats with sensitive stomachs
    Cons
    • Not specifically made for Maine Coons
    • Highly expensive
    • Includes pea protein

     

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Cat Food for Maine Coons

    If it’s your first-time buying cat food for your Maine Coon, there are a lot of questions you likely have. To simplify things, there are two factors you need to consider when buying cat food for your Maine Coon: form type and ingredients. Form type refers to wet cat food versus dry cat food, whereas ingredients are a bit more self-explanatory. Let’s take a look at each of these factors.

    Wet vs Dry Cat Food for Maine Coons

    Both wet and dry cat food come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Dry cat food is highly affordable and lasts a long time, but it often includes high carbohydrates and a low moisture content. In contrast, wet cat food is more expensive and often nasty to smell, but it normally has a lower carbohydrate content and higher moisture content, resulting in better nutrition for your Maine Coon.

    Because wet and dry cat food come with contrasting benefits, feeding your cat both allows you to benefit from both. For optimal health, we recommend feeding your Maine Coon both wet and dry cat food. As your cat gets older, slowly add more and more wet cat food. The wet cat food will nourish your senior Maine Coon’s joints, but this isn’t as necessary for healthy adult cats.

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    Ingredients to Look For

    When selecting cat food for your Maine Coon, there are certain ingredients you want to look for. Most importantly, look for animal-based protein, not pea protein. As an obligate carnivore, your Maine Coon needs a lot of animal protein. The more protein the food has, the better.

    Additionally, look for vitamins and minerals that directly relate to your cat’s joints, muscles, and coat. Because Maine Coons are so large, they can experience joint pain as they age. By providing them cat food that nourishes their joints from a young age, your Maine Coon may age more gracefully. Similarly, Maine Coons are known for their gorgeous coats. Keep the coat gorgeous with omega fatty acids.

    woman buying dog food
    Image Credit By: Caftor, Shutterstock

    Ingredients to Avoid

    No matter what type of cat you have, there are certain ingredients to avoid. Excessive amounts of grains, wheat, rice, corn, fiber, and potatoes should all be avoided. Likewise, unreadable chemicals should be avoided as best as possible, though it is difficult to find products with no added chemicals these days.

    Good Ingredients
    • Animal-based protein, like chicken or beef
    • Named fat source, like chicken fat or sunflower fat
    • Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
    • Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
    • Taurine
    • Omega fatty acids
    Bad Ingredients
    • Plant-based protein, like pea protein
    • Meat byproducts
    • Carbohydrate fillers, like wheat, corn, rice, peas, potatoes, etc.
    • Cornmeal
    • BHT, BHA, and ethoxyquin
    • Too many unreadable chemicals

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    Conclusion

    From these reviews, our favorite cat food for Maine Coons is the Smalls Fresh Other Bird. It is packed full of all-natural ingredients and mimics the natural diet of felines. The only thing to consider before choosing this product is whether a subscription service cat food is right for you. If you are on a budget, you might decide on Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food instead since it is affordable but still offers great nutrition for your Maine Coon.

    No matter which cat food you’re leaning toward for your Maine Coon, make sure to use our buyer’s guide in the decision process. Using this guide, you can make an educated decision to keep your Maine Coon as healthy for as long as possible.

    • Want to know how various other cat foods stack up against one another? Read our guide to the Best Cat Foods

    Featured Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock

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