Last updated Oct 24, 2023
When it comes to cat breeds, the Maine Coon is the epitome of “Go Big or Go Home.”
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in the United States and is the official state cat of Maine. It is also the largest domesticated cat breed and one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
With its massive size and two-layered coat, a nutritionally balanced diet is essential for your Maine Coon’s health and wellness. Read on to see our top picks for the best cat food for Maine Coon cats.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Maine Coon Cats
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Each recipe is made with a single protein
- One packet contains about a day’s worth of food
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Packed with skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in animal-based protein from wild salmon
- High moisture content supports your cat’s hydration
Authority Chicken Entree Adult Pate Canned Cat Food
- Rich in animal-based protein
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Moisture-rich and easily digestible
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Dry Cat Food
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
Wellness CORE Chicken & Turkey Liver Canned Kitten Food
- Soft pate texture easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in animal-based protein and moisture
- Supplemented with DHA for brain/eye development
Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Canned Food
- Limited number of main ingredients
- Rich in protein and moisture
- Highly digestible for senior cats
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the past several years, I’ve spent countless hours researching cat food brands, analyzing product labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of my two cats, Wessie and Forest, I’ve tested hundreds of cat food products. The products recommended here were purchased at full retail price and selected without direct influence from the brands.
When testing cat food, I start with detailed research of the brand’s history, including product recalls and consumer complaints. I read customer reviews to gauge general satisfaction with the brand and perform my own in-depth analysis of the individual product. My cats provide their opinions on the taste, while I observe its appearance, aroma, consistency, texture, and packaging.
Now let’s take a look at the best cat food for Maine Coons. Keep reading to see our top picks for dry food and wet food.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
If you’re willing to splurge a little on your Maine Coon’s diet, we recommend Smalls fresh cat food. Not only is it made with human-grade ingredients, but it is prepared in small batches to ensure quality. Even better, it is delivered right to your door each month.
Smalls helps you determine your cat’s ideal portion, calculating their daily calorie requirements based on their age, weight, and activity level. You can customize your cat’s meal plan, choosing from four proteins (chicken, turkey, fish, and beef) and multiple textures. The food comes in five-ounce packages, which is about a day’s worth of food for the average 10-pound cat.
This poultry recipe from Smalls features chicken meat and chicken liver as the primary ingredients. A handful of fresh veggies supply key nutrients without contributing to a high overall carbohydrate content. The food’s high moisture level and limited ingredient list make it highly digestible for most cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Each recipe is made with a single protein
- One packet contains about a day’s worth of food
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of hydration for your cat
Cons
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Runner Up: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.80 per day
Featuring wild-caught Pacific salmon as the main ingredient, this formula is packed with species-appropriate animal protein. It’s a high-moisture wet food sold in resealable and recyclable cardboard cartons rather than cans.
In addition to being rich in protein, wild-caught salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. The two main sources of added fat may be plant-based, but the omega-3 content from the salmon is likely to be more significant because it’s the first ingredient on the list. Omega-3s are particularly important for long-haired cats like Maine Coons because they support skin and coat health.
Reviewers mention the appealing flavor of the food with several noting that even their picky eaters seem to love it. Multiple reviews also mention visible improvements in their cat’s coat health.
Ingredients
Wild Pacific Salmon, Water Sufficient For Processing, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Packed with skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in animal-based protein from wild salmon
- High moisture content supports your cat’s hydration
- Made with ethically sourced, 100% traceable ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- Expensive, over $0.60 per ounce
- Carbohydrate content could be lower
#3 Value Pick: Authority Chicken Entree Adult Pate Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.07 per day
You don’t need to spend a small fortune to feed your Maine Coon cat well. This Authority chicken recipe canned food offers plenty of species-appropriate nutrition at an affordable price.
This canned food formula features fresh chicken, chicken liver, and ocean fish as the primary ingredients. Despite being a protein-rich recipe, it does contain one added carbohydrate ingredient: brewer’s rice, a by-product of rice processing. Aside from that, it contains menhaden fish oil as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and the nutrient supplements necessary for balanced nutrition.
Though this recipe isn’t perfect, it is still low in carbohydrates, rich in animal-based protein, and affordably priced.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Brewers Dried Yeast, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite).
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Relatively low in added carbohydrates
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Contains the moisture your cat needs
Cons
- Contains brewer’s rice, a by-product of rice processing
- Contains guar gum as a thickener
#4 Best Dry Food: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 37% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Cup: 470
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.66 per day
Although dry food may not contain the moisture your cat needs for optimal hydration, it is a convenient alternative to wet food and some cats simply prefer kibble. This wild-caught salmon recipe from Open Farm offers high-quality nutrition from ethically sourced ingredients.
This formula features wild Pacific salmon as the main ingredient, supplemented with even more species-appropriate protein from ocean whitefish meal and ocean herring meal. Herring oil and salmon oil provide omega-3 fatty acids to help balance out the omega-6 fatty acids from the recipe’s main added fat—coconut oil.
This recipe also contains prebiotic fibers to support healthy digestion.
The primary downside of this recipe is the relatively high carbohydrate content. This recipe contains garbanzo beans, red lentils, pumpkin, green lentils, cranberries, and apples.
Overall, this Maine Coon dry cat food is a protein-packed formula made with high-quality ingredients, and it is nutritionally balanced for all life stages.
Ingredients
Wild Pacific Salmon, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Ocean Herring Meal, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Red Lentils, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Herring Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pumpkin, Natural Flavour, Green Lentils, Salmon Oil, Non-GMO Cranberries, Chicory Root, Apples, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Salt, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin, D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Taurine, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Packed with high-quality animal protein
- Made with ethically sourced ingredients
- Herring oil and salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Cons
- Above the average market price
- Fairly high carbohydrate content
#5 Best For Maine Coon Kittens: Wellness CORE Chicken & Turkey Liver Canned Kitten Food
- Made In: Canada, United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.6 per day
Give your Maine Coon kitten the best possible start in life with a protein-packed formula like this chicken and turkey liver recipe from Wellness.
This canned food formula features fresh turkey, chicken liver, chicken, chicken meal, and herring as the first five ingredients, making it incredibly protein-rich. Menhaden fish oil provides a rich source of calories and omega-3 fatty acids.
What makes this formula particularly beneficial for kittens is that it is calorie-dense. Your kitten needs plenty of protein and calories to fuel their growth and development and this has plenty. It also contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that contributes to healthy brain and eye development.
The downside of this recipe is that it is a little above the average market price and contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients. Overall, however, it is low in carbohydrates and offers species-appropriate nutrition in a highly digestible pâté formula that is easy for kittens to eat.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Extremely rich in high-quality animal protein
- Contains the moisture your cat needs
- Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
- Soft pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
Cons
- Somewhat above the market average price
- Contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients
#6 Best For Seniors: Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Canned Food
- Made In: New Zealand
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Typical Cost Per Day: $7.58 per day
As your Maine Coon approaches their golden years, their metabolism may slow down. But his needs for high-quality protein don’t change. This chicken and venison formula from Feline Natural provides plenty of species-appropriate, animal-based protein with moderate fat content. This helps your senior cat maintain a healthy body weight.
This formula features fresh chicken and venison as the main ingredients, supplemented with nutritious organ meats and venison (deer) blood. It also contains New Zealand green-lipped mussels as a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
In addition to being packed with protein, this formula is made with a limited number of main ingredients, which is great for cats with sensitive stomachs. It is low in carbohydrates and free from by-products and artificial additives, making it a highly digestible source of balanced nutrition for your senior cat.
Ingredients
Chicken, Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Venison Kidney, Venison Liver, Venison Blood, Flaxseed Flakes, New Zealand Green Mussel, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Rich in species-appropriate, animal-based protein
- Low in carbohydrates, high in moisture
- Contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids
- Highly digestible, limited number of ingredients
Cons
- Above the average market price
- High phosphorus content may not be ideal for cats with kidney disease
What Do Maine Coons Eat?
The Maine Coon has been domesticated for centuries, with the first recorded mention of the breed coming from the early 1800s. Mythology places this cat as a close relative of the Norwegian Forest Cat that traveled to New England on early Viking ships.
As a domesticated cat breed, the Maine Coon’s diet is similar to that of other cats. This doesn’t mean you can be lazy about what you feed your Maine Coon, however. Many cat owners misunderstand their cat’s nutritional needs and the cat ends up paying the price for it.
While dogs are often considered omnivores, cats are strictly carnivorous. Obligate carnivores like your cat require a meat-based diet that simulates the fresh prey they’d eat in the wild.
The ideal diet for a Maine Coon cat is rich in animal-based protein and balanced with healthy fats and other essential nutrients.
Many lower-quality pet food brands use grains like corn, wheat, and soy as fillers. These ingredients add bulk to the product without raising the manufacturer’s bottom line. Unfortunately, they also lower the quality of the food and put your cat at risk of developing health problems. The quality of your cat’s diet has a direct impact on his long-term health and wellness, so it isn’t something to skimp on!
The first question you need to ask yourself when choosing cat food for your Maine Coon is whether you’re going to go with wet food or dry food.
Dry food has the benefit of convenience and affordability but it doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs for proper hydration. Because many cats have an unfortunate habit of not drinking enough water, your Maine Coon can develop kidney problems without adequate moisture in his diet.
Wet food contains a higher moisture content that will help keep your Maine Coon well hydrated. Yet, a diet of only wet food can lead to dental problems for your cat.
Dry food may be better for your cat’s dental health, but dry food alone isn’t enough to prevent periodontal disease. Daily at-home brushing and annual veterinary dental cleanings are recommended to maintain your cat’s oral health.
As a final note, keep in mind that because Maine Coon cats are so large (weighing up to 18 pounds as adults), they may take longer than the average housecat to achieve their adult size. Some veterinarians recommend keeping Maine Coons on kitten food a little bit longer. Small and medium breeds may make the switch to adult food around 4 to 6 months, but Maine Coons should be kept on kitten food for eight to 12 months.
Cat Food Allergies?
Food allergies are less common in Main Coon cats than pet food manufacturers would have you believe, but it’s still worth keeping an eye out for the symptoms.
Your Main Coon can develop allergies to nearly any ingredient they are exposed to, but the most likely culprits are common proteins like beef, chicken, and fish. Some cats are lactose intolerant as well and they can even develop allergies to dairy.
Food allergy symptoms in cats are typically skin-related – you may notice year-round itching, inflammation, and recurrent ear infections. Some cats develop digestive symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Cats with untreated food allergies may develop chronic diarrhea.
If you suspect your Main Coon cat may be suffering from food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend a food elimination trial. Switch your cat to a new formula made with a novel source of protein (a protein that your cat has never eaten, like duck or kangaroo) to see if signs of the food allergy disappear.
Also Read: Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Hello, i hope you can help, Im so confused on the many, many reviews I’ve been readin on foods for my baby. I am wondering, is it healthy to give my “10” month, 16lb , “slim” “girl” kitten, Wysom Foods? She likes mostly dry Royal Canon, and is Very finicky with wet foods in general. The breeder suggests Earthborn wet “cat”food (none are
kitten formulas) but I’m not sure if that’s the best. She does like it much better than RC, wet or other healthy brands I try, but I don’t know why. I figure she’s getting her water at least. I also purchased raw foods, but my vet said throw
it out. It was “Darwin’s”. He said raw foods are dangerous for cats. My breeder
also recommends “Fromm” cat food, she
tells me her kittens eat the dry “cat” food of this brand. My Maine Coon is from
European descent.
Thank you.
Hello Janie,
Thanks for reaching out!
To answer your first question, the Wysong Optimal Vitality cat food listed here is one of the best dry cat foods on the market and may be a good choice for your Maine Coon. In addition to the Optimal line, Wysong has a wide product range, so if you’re considering other formulas, our Wysong cat food brand review might help you make a decision.
It sounds like you’re overwhelmed by the options and suggestions you’re getting on what to feed your new baby. Try to keep it simple! Your main goals are emphasizing high-moisture food and giving her more meat than plants. As long as you’re giving her plenty of juicy, protein-rich meat, you should be fine. We recommend kitten food to ensure that she gets enough calories, protein, and other nutrients to support her growth.
Cats are creatures of habit. Your kitty probably ate Earthborn wet food as a baby and has loved it ever since. For now, that’s an okay brand to stick with, but have you tried looking for other kitten foods with a similar taste and texture?
If you need more advice, please read our comprehensive article on the best cat food. The article explains the basics of feline nutrition and lists our picks for the best cat food of 2019. You might also read our article on the best kitten food.
Hope this helps!
Hello,
I have a 13 y/o M Coon-Lui and I adore him. He was just diagnosed with diabetes so even though I am reading your suggestions for Mc cat feeding…I should not give him dry food, only wet bc is lower in carbs. I am so confused and desperate to help him I don’t know what to purchase anymore. I have spent hundreds of $ buying food recommended for him but I am not sure now after reading this that what I m feeding him is good food. Tiki Cat, Weruba, Earthborn, W/D, Raz, and frozen patties from Only natural pet. ONLY the BEST but is it for a M Coon?
Please help my diabetic kitty. thank you
Hello Elizabeth,
Your cat is first and foremost a diabetic cat—the fact that he’s a Maine Coon does very little to affect his dietary needs. You can rest easy knowing that the same wet and raw foods recommended for all diabetic cats are equally good choices for Maine Coons.
In addition to the brands you mentioned, I’d also recommend Nom Nom (also the number one choice in this list of the best food for Maine Coon cats), Hound & Gatos, and Instinct by Nature’s Variety canned food.
You can learn about these brands and more in our article on the best food for diabetic cats. The article also touches on the causes of diabetes, home testing, and rules to keep in mind when feeding a diabetic cat. Since your cat was recently diagnosed, I think you’ll find all of this information very helpful.
Read the article here: https://cats.com/best-cat-food-diabetic-cats
Again, diabetic cats are diabetic cats, regardless of breed! Do your research on feeding a diabetic kitty and don’t worry too much about breed-specific foods.
Wishing you and Lui all the best!
Mallory
Hello, I have an adult (6.5 yrs) sterilized female maine coon whom I have been feeding Orijen cat and kitten which my pet liked a lot. However, I have learnt that this product is extremely fat-rich and my cat has gained some weight after consuming it. Also, she developed external otytys which I at first believed was caused by mites however after a vet visit I learnt that the cause of it was allergy.
Currently, my cat is perscribed with a hypoallergenic food (it’s called Flatazor Protect Dermato by a French producer Pro-Nitrition) to determine whether her allergy is caused by food or rather by the environment. Even if it will be determined that the cause was linked to the environment, I would still like to change the food brand to a hypoallergenic one.
I find the content of this Flatazor somewhat strange as it contains eggs, tapioca, greenpeas and various others. What kind of a hypoallergenic dry food would you recommend to my cat?
Hi Marens, thanks for your comment! Hypoallergenic cat food isn’t necessarily the only option here. You could instead try a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein source, which would help you to identify allergens and give you a roadmap for getting rid of irritants in your cat’s diet. Our article on the best hypoallergenic cat food might help: https://cats.com/best-hypoallergenic-cat-food
Hi!
I’m adopting a maine coon kitten about 4 months old very soon. Like may others coming to here for help, I’m overwhelmed by the food and kitty litter options for my new baby. The breeder says that they are being fed royal cainine for Main Coon cats currently. Should I just get some wet food and some dry food from this same brand and alternate the feedings? I am thinking about doing Dry food in the morning, then some wet food for lunch, and then dry food again at night. Does this sound appropriate for a kitten?
Hello there! Yes, three daily feedings would work well for a kitten of that age! I would encourage you to prioritize wet food to avoid urinary tract issues—perhaps two wet meals and one dry meal—but otherwise, that diet would probably work well. For more guidance on how much to feed your cat at every stage of life, I’d recommend referring to our complete Cat Feeding Guide.
Wishing you and your new kitty all the best!
Hi. I have a 4 1/2 month old, rapidly growing (an inch a day sometimes!!!) Maine Coon Mix. I want to give him the best nutrition option and am looking for advice in kitten food brands. I’m currently feeding him Petco’s Wholesome line (3 cans of wet food a day as well as dry). Are there better options for his growth spurts?
Hi Angela, I’d consider any of the recommendations on our list of the best kitten food on the market.
I feed my Maine coon 4 year old boy N and D cat food made by Farmina. It’s high protein and he is an indoor cat. I’m just wondering if this is a good choice for him. He loves it. He sometimes brings it up and I’m just wondering if this high protein is good for him. Is there one that is better?
Hi Joan, I would not hesitate to give an indoor cat a high-protein diet, even if it was much higher in protein than Farmina’s N&D food. If by “brings it up”, you mean that your cat vomits occasionally, you may want to confirm that all is well with his health, but I wouldn’t blame the food’s protein content. As for better foods, Farmina is a well-respected brand and their N&D food does appear to be one of the better dry products on the market, but it’s not necessarily the best for every cat. Here are a couple of articles that you might find helpful:
Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Farmina Cat Food Review
Hope this helps!
– Mallory
Hi!
I have a 7-year-old Maine Coon mix (he’s well over 20lbs and is approximately 2-2.5 ft long, tail not included). Despite being animal people and (me a bit more than my husband) cat people we’d never heard of Maine Coons until our former vet tech turned pet sitter informed us that he was probably mostly Maine Coon. I’d say he’s at least 75% MC or more. He’s just a but more round than a purebred MC but he’s got all the characteristics. He’s the best and coolest cat I’ve ever had.
Given how much more quickly they grow than other kittens, we probably brought him home WAAAY too early. My husband brought him home and he was so tiny that I was afraid to pick him up at first. Either way, it was a good thing because he was part of the first litter in what ended up being one of the worst situations I’ve ever seen for pets and it kept getting worse.
Still, I worry that we didn’t care for him correctly as a kitten. We probably took him off of kitten food way too early from what I’ve read here. I wish I’d found your site years ago but here we are and he’s seven so I can only start doing better now, right?
So we’ve been feeding him Halo for kibble (when I read your review, I became a bit nervous about that, but it could be worse, right?). He gets what is probably a little less than a cup twice a day, dished out by a scheduled electric cat feeder. For wet food, I mix one packet of Weruva Original BFF 4Eva with 2 Primal Chicken and Salmon freeze-dried nuggets and 2-3 tablespoons of water – then I mix it with a little electric hand mixer. His diet is more kibble than wet food because I want him to have strong, clean teeth, but I also know many cats end up dying of kidney failure which is why we went with the wet food too. We feed him basically a scoop of wet food in the morning and evening. We had to keep the wet food to a minimum as we are really on a tight budget
He’s starting to enter “old-ish” age and I want him to basically live forever, which is obviously insane but Buddy is the coolest, most amazing, adorable cat I’ve ever had and I grew up with cats (my parents currently have two, my brother has two – and we had family cats growing up. My mom “jokes” that she’d have given me up if it had come down to me or her 9-year-old Siamese when I was born but I honestly don’t believe she’s joking).
The main reason I found your site is because he hasn’t been liking his kibble very much anymore and I’m worried he’s not getting the calories and nutrition he needs. He’ll eat it but definitely not as much and he’s not excited about it at all.
Do you know if Halo has changed their formula recently? He eats the Indoor Chicken and Liver Recipe. It may sound crazy but the food even smells different to me – and that’s been the last two bags we’ve gotten (we go through Chewy), so if it smells different to me, it may explain why he doesn’t seem to want to eat it.
Do you know anything about a potential new recipe by Halo? And can you recommend any similarly priced good cat foods for Maine Coons that I might be able to switch to? Finally, what do you think about my “recipe” for wet food? Do you think it’s good enough for him? I’m freaking out a bit because I don’t know what to do about his dry food and as he gets older I need to have some idea of what I should be feeding him.
I apologize for the extremely long comment! I didn’t mean to tell you both my and Buddy’s entire life stories! I always talk too much. I’m sorry! But I really hope you can help assess what I am feeding him, how it can be better, and maybe have an idea of what is up with him not eating his kibble, I hope you can please help us out! Thanks for your time and for this amazing website!
Hi there! Thanks for the interesting comment and question. Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer for you on the Halo recipe right now, but I’ve reached out to the company and asked them about it. I have your email address and will get back to you as soon as I have an answer for you. Regarding alternative recipes, there are plenty of good chicken-rich recipes from the brands on our list of the best dry cat food. Open Farm’s chicken and turkey recipe is probably the most similar to the Halo he’s used to, though you will run into some fish meal that’s not present in his familiar food. If you want to use this as an opportunity to upgrade to something with a little bit lower carbohydrate content, you might consider something from Solid Gold or Tiki Cat.
Your wet food recipe looks amazing, really! You’re clearly dedicated to giving him the best, and a mix of a high-moisture wet food and freeze-dried raw sounds excellent. You may be able to get your price down a little bit by opting for a similar, but cheaper, wet food, like one of the minced or shredded recipes from Nulo and mix it with Stella & Chewy’s chicken and salmon freeze-dried food. Or…if you really want to get crazy, just toss in some fresh raw chicken for a much cheaper nutrient boost. 🙂
Hope this helps! You sound like a fantastic and very doting cat owner, and I wish you and Buddy the best.
– Mallory
I have a maine coon and a regular domestic cat. I’m just wondering if leaving them on kitten food for 18months is going to be too long for the non Maine coon. Also they have a bowl of kibble that is filled when needed. I let them eat whenever they are hungry. I’m lost on the best brands to feed at the time when I switch to adult.
Hi Cora, the kitten food should be fine for both cats; the main concern would be giving your moggy too many calories. You can strike a happy medium by opting for an “all life stages” food, which will have all of the nutrients kittens need while also being appropriate for adult cats. Hope this helps!
Is Fromm a good all life stage food for Maine coons
Hi Sylvia! We’ve given Fromm an overall B- rating, so it could be a good choice for your Maine Coon. We’d recommend one of their canned foods as a more species-appropriate choice than dry food, but if price is a concern Fromm Gold Holistic Adult Dry Cat Food isn’t a bad choice!
You can find our Fromm brand review here:
https://cats.com/fromm-cat-food-review
What is your A+ brand of dry cat food
Is Purina ONE WET AND DRY CAT FOOD alright for my 4 year old Maine.Coon? The Royal Canin dry food kibbles are so large and hard he struggles to eat them but loves the RC wet food.
Yes, Purina ONE is just fine for a Maine Coon cat. You can read our full brand review here.
After much research into and comparisons with, I have decided to feed my 4 year old adopted Maine Coon on Royal Canin dry and wet. It seems the perfect match for his needs despite the large kibbles, and is easy to purchase although my Veterinary Practice does not stock it. I cannot source PURINA ONE Grain Free and do not wish to deny Atticus, named by my grandchildren!, food that is not highly compatible with his needs. However, I would welcome your comments and any advice on where to source PURINA ONE. GRAIN FREE CHICKEN dry and wet. I live in Buckinghamshire. UK.
I see no mention of Royal Canin Maine Coon food. I have a 13 lb female with excellent dental and physical health that I have had on this dry diet literally forever. One the one hand I’m terrified that I’ve been making her eat something that isn’t good for her based on these review articles, but on the other hand, I’m happy (as is the veterinary clinic I take her to) with the results of the RC brand. Not only does it have a larger amount of krill oil to it per their website, but it comes in a much larger kibble to make sure that the bigger breed actually chews the food. My little moose of a Bombay loves it, too.
I haven’t seem anyone mention the Royal Canin food yet, either pro or con, in any of these reviews. Has anyone had any *bad* experiences with the food before?
Hello Mike, we haven’t recommended Royal Canin’s Maine Coon diet here, but I’ve not heard of any bad experiences with it—it’s just that the nutritional philosophy at Cats.com leans more towards meatier, high-moisture diets, and the RC Maine Coon diet doesn’t align with that. However, if your cat is doing well with it, I would not necessarily encourage you to switch to anything else. Royal Canin is a reputable brand and has a good record of making high-quality, well-researched foods.
Thank you, Mallory. That makes me feel much better. It made me feel good to know that Royal Canin was being compassionate about its footprint and was offering free recycling of their packaging to keep plastic out of the oceans, but it never occurred to me (for which I now feel a little ashamed) to do more thinking and wonder if the food inside of the packaging was damaging my cat. 😳
Hello and please help! I have a 7.5 month old Maine Coon female which was a gift from my daughter. She was raised on a raw food diet so I have continued with that. Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix and the rabbit from the same company. Those are the only meats she will eat. I would like to give her some kibble in addition to her raw food. I have tried the Royal Canin for kittens but in just giving her four kibbles (yes just four actual kibbles) twice a day, her bowel movements increased and were a bit messier and not well formed as usual. I’m due to have a lumbar surgery and it will make things easier while I’m in the hospital and at home recovering for my busy daughter who will help care for her. The raw meat has to be thawed and then mixed up with vitamins and water and then portioned into 2 ounce plastic cups, then refrozen and it’s a whole to-do. It must be handled very carefully and to be honest, I would never have chosen a kitten that had only been weaned then straight on to a sole raw food diet. What to do? Is Royal Canin the culprit and there may be a dry food that she can tolerate? I’m so confused reading all the reviews and thought maybe you’d have some insight regarding introducing a dry food to a raw food diet only kitten. Thank you! Bonnie
Hey Bonnie, you’re in an interesting position! The dry food may very well be to blame for the messier poop, though you’d need to switch her back to the old food instead to confirm that it’s what made the difference. As an alternative to the raw food that you’re feeding now, you might use a freeze-dried raw food as a compromise—you don’t need to worry about thawing and mixing in supplements, and the food just needs to be rehydrated with some warm water. I suspect that may be easier on her stomach and on you/your daughter as well.
What would you say is a better choice for a Maine Coon kitten during the early stages of their life (5 months to 2 years)? RAWZ or Open Farm wet food?
Hi Trevor! RAWZ dry cat food and paté-style foods are formulated for all life stages, while Open Farm’s wet cat food is made for adult cats only. Therefore, I would recommend RAWZ over Open Farm. Hope this helps!