Cats are great companions, but unique breeds need unique care, and that goes the same with Maine Coon cats, which are a beloved cat breed. However, owning a Maine Coon can be hard work, so choosing the best dry food for Maine Coon cats is important. With its beautiful long hair, ear tufts, and bushy tail, the Maine Coon is a social cat that often reminds owners of dogs. This cat breed is considered natural to the New England area, but its actual origin is shrouded in mystery.
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Pets are loved by millions of people all over the world. In the United States alone, around 30.4% of households own one or more cats. One of the things that make cats so special and popular among people is that they are very easy to get along with. The Maine Coon is a unique cat breed and an absolute treasure. Therefore, as the owner of a proud Maine Coon, you need to pay attention to their diet and only feed them a healthy, high-quality diet formulated to meet its nutritional needs.
What You Need to Know About the Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon cat is sometimes referred to as a gentle giant because, while they are one of the bigger breeds going around (growing 9 to 18 pounds), they are also very friendly and sweet. The Maine Coon loves to spend time with family but isn’t overwhelmingly demanding of attention, which makes them the ideal pet to have at home.
They like following their humans around and will always be interested in some lap time, but they won’t pester you all day if you need your space. This breed gets along well with most people and dogs and also does well with other cats. One of the most defining characteristics of the Maine Coon breed is its long and beautiful coat.
The 3 Best Dry Foods for Maine Coon Cats
In addition to being a gorgeous breed, the Maine Coon is also fairly healthy aside from some hereditary health problems such as hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and spinal muscular atrophy. In terms of nutritional requirements, this cat has no specific restrictions. Keeping these things in mind, it’s important that you shop around for the best dry food for Maine Coon cats.
1. Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Food
The Wysong Optimal Vitality is a high-quality dry food with a strong balance of macro-nutrients necessary for keeping your cat healthy. This dry cat food contains brown rice and potato protein near the top of the ingredient list. That’s not exactly the equivalent of a teaspoon of partially digested grass in the stomach of a mouse. In fact, when we take a closer look at the nutrient analysis, we see that this food is over 40% carbohydrate, including fiber, on a dry matter basis.
What makes this dry food option great for your Maine Coon is that it uses fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, so you are adding plenty of healthy food to your cat’s diet. It also consists of 50% protein and is low in carbohydrates, which is great for the health of your Maine Coon. Finally, the dry cat food doesn’t contain any artificial additives, making it perfect for feeding your cat.
Pros
- Contains no artificial additives
- Consists of 50% protein and low in carbohydrates
- Uses fresh meat, fruits and vegetables
Cons
- May not be palatable to all cats
2. Hill’s Ideal Balance Adult Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
The Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance dry food is another great option to feed your Maine Coon. It is a deliciously satisfying kibble that contributes to overall health and is a firm favorite in the feline world. The great thing about this dry food is that it is precisely balanced to meet the needs of your furry friend, and you can feel confident that you are providing the best for your cat.
This dry cat food has been created to give your cat’s stomach a lot less work to do. The ingredients have been chosen for the way they digest easily and can be used by the cat’s body quickly without having to spend a lot of time in the digestive system.
Pros
- A well-balanced dry food made from natural ingredients
- Made from fresh chicken, a source of lean protein
- Promotes healthy digestion through fiber provided by brown rice
- Contains nutrients important to promoting a healthy gloss to your long-haired Maine Coon’s coat
Cons
- The price is a little high
3. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Maine Coon Dry Food
A true market leader, Royal Canin has done their research and created one of the best cat foods for Maine Coons available. Recognized by owners and veterinarians alike as being a top-quality brand, many of those in the know will feed their cats on Royal Canin for the duration of their life.
The best thing about this dry food is that it is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint-health for larger Maine Coons. It also contains nutrients that promote heart health, so you know that your Maine Coon will be healthy when on this diet.
Pros
- Larger pieces meant to fit the Maine Coon’s unique head and jaw shape
- Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint-health for larger Maine Coons
- Contains nutrients that promote heart health
Cons
- A high-calorie food
How to Choose the Best Dry Food for Your Maine Coon?
To keep your Maine Coon happy and healthy for as long as possible, it is important to choose a dry food that will provide for its unique nutritional needs. Here are some things to look for in a cat food for Maine Coons:
· Rich in Proteins
Cats are obligate carnivores, so the majority of their nutrition must come from animal sources. Proteins like meat, poultry, and fish provide essential amino acids, so these ingredients should make up at least 26% of an adult cat’s diet and 30% of a kitten’s.
· Low in Carbohydrates
As carnivores, cats have a very limited ability to digest plant matter. Cat food should be low in carbs, containing only nutrient-rich options like fruits and vegetables.
· Healthy Fats
Fats are an essential part of a cat’s diet because they provide a concentrated source of energy and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
· Beneficial Supplements
Protein is the most important nutrient for cats, though fat is also required for balance. You should also look for cat food that contains beneficial supplements like vitamins and chelated minerals for nutritional balance and other things like probiotics.
Our Final Thoughts
The truth of the matter is that different cat breeds like the Maine Coon don’t have drastically different nutritional needs. The best way to choose the best dry food for Maine Coon cats is to start with healthy, high-quality cat food that is properly balanced and to follow the feeding instructions according to your cat’s size and activity.
