Feed Maine Coon Kitten Food for Longer Than 12 Months

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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 of the domesticated cat breeds 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 Wet Cat Foods For Maine Coon Cats To Buy

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.

Premium Pick

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Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird Cat Food

• Fresh food made with high-quality ingredients
• Packed with high-quality animal protein
• Rich in moisture, low in carbohydrates

The Maine Coon, with its long coat, tufted ears, and bushy tail, is a rambunctious, social cat that many owners say has a dog-like personality. This cat breed is considered natural to the New England area, but its origins are shrouded in mystery and mythology.

What Do Maine Coons Eat?

Choosing The Best Cat Food For Maine Coons

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 8 to 12 months.

Now that you have a better understanding of your cat's nutritional requirements, 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.

In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we submitted samples for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab.

We bought the products at full retail price, and the entire testing process was funded by All About Cats without direct input or influence from the companies involved.

Analytical testing in a food chemistry lab gives us the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each recipe. The tests also look at microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, helping you ensure that you're only putting the best in your cat's bowl.

To access the lab reports for each food reviewed here, click the "view lab report" link in the product review.

#1 Premium Pick: Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird Cat Food

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If you're willing to splurge on your Maine Coon's diet, we recommend Smalls fresh cat food. Not only is it made with high-quality ingredients, but it is also prepared in small batches to ensure quality. Even better, it is delivered right to your door.

While Smalls may not portion your cat's meals out for you the way Nom Nom does, they do help you determine your cat's ideal portion and their packages are clearly marked to make feeding time a breeze. Simply thaw a package or two at a time and scoop the food directly into your cat's bowl. Smalls even offers chicken broth you can add for extra flavor and moisture.

Featuring chicken thigh, chicken breast, and chicken liver, this fresh food is packed with species-appropriate nutrition. It contains a few more plant-based ingredients than we'd like, but overall, it is still low in carbohydrates.

Over the past year, Smalls has had some issues with their website and their consumer relations but they are actively working to repair these problems. We have communicated directly with the company and are confident that Smalls is working hard to regain customer loyalty.

Ingredients:

Chicken Thigh, Chicken Breast, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken Heart, Kale, Vegetable Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Bitartrate, Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Gluconate, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Gluconate, Ferrous Gluconate, Niacin, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Selenium, Dried Kelp, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 21.2%

Crude Fat: 8.05%

Crude Fiber: 0.4%

Moisture: 66.1%

Ash: 2.25%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 62.54%

Fat: 23.75%

Fiber: 1.18%

Carbs: 5.9%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 49.59%

Fat: 45.73%

Carbs: 4.68%

Pros

• Fresh food made with high-quality ingredients
• Packed with high-quality animal protein
• Rich in moisture, low in carbohydrates
• Prepared in small batches to ensure quality

Cons

• Not pre-portioned for your cat's needs
• Above-average market price

#2 Runner Up: Ziwi Peak Venison Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

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What makes this food different from most others is its concentration of biologically-appropriate meat ingredients. Ziwi Peak canned cat food contains 93% venison muscle meat, organs, and bones with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. This makes it a protein-packed, easily digestible food for cats.

Cats with food sensitivities and allergies will appreciate the limited ingredient list for this product. Not only is it a single-source protein formula, but it contains New Zealand green mussels as a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.

Reviewers mention another unexpected perk of such a clean food – less odor in the litter box. A limited number of high-quality, digestible ingredients means fewer waste products to stink up your cat's stool.

Ingredients:

Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Chickpeas, Venison Lung, Venison Heart, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 10%

Crude Fat: 4%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 78%

Ash: 3%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 45.45%

Fat: 18.18%

Fiber: 9.09%

Carbs: 13.64%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 44.03%

Fat: 42.77%

Carbs: 13.21%

Pros

• Biologically appropriate nutrition and easily digestible
• Grain-free with no corn, soy, or wheat ingredients
• Made with 93% meat, organs, and bones
• No fillers, byproducts, rendered meals, or preservatives
• Limited ingredients and low in carbohydrates

Cons

• Priced above market average
• Contains a source of added carbohydrates (chickpeas)

#3 Value Pick: Authority Chicken Entree Adult Pate Canned Cat Food

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You don't necessarily 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 point.

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: brewers 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 that are 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

Crude Protein: 10%

Crude Fat: 6.5%

Crude Fiber: 0.8%

Moisture: 78%

Ash: 2.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 45.45%

Fat: 29.55%

Fiber: 3.64%

Carbs: 10%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 35.73%

Fat: 56.41%

Carbs: 7.86%

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 brewers 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

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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 seem to 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, and green lentils, along with small amounts of fresh fruits like 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

Crude Protein: 37%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 41.11%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 35.56%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 32.83%

Fat: 38.78%

Carbs: 28.39%

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 average market price
• Fairly high carbohydrate content

#5 Best For Maine Coon Kittens: Wellness CORE Chicken & Turkey Liver Canned Kitten Food

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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 all within the top 5 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 his growth and development – this recipe has both in spades. 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 average market price and contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients. Overall, however, it is low in carbohydrates and offers plenty of 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

Crude Protein: 12%

Crude Fat: 7.5%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 78%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 54.55%

Fat: 34.09%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 6.82%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 37.84%

Fat: 57.43%

Carbs: 4.73%

Pros

• Extremely rich in high-quality animal protein
• Contains the moisture your cat needs
• Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
• Soft pate texture is easy for kittens to eat

Cons

• Somewhat above market average price
• Contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients

#6 Best For Seniors: Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Canned Food

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As your Maine Coon approaches his golden years, his metabolism may slow down. But his needs for high-quality protein don't change. This chicken & venison formula from Feline Natural provides plenty of species-appropriate animal-based protein with moderate fat content to help 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 blood. It also contains New Zealand green 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 who have a sensitive stomach. It is also very 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

Crude Protein: 9%

Crude Fat: 5%

Crude Fiber: 0.2%

Moisture: 82.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 51.43%

Fat: 28.57%

Fiber: 1.14%

Carbs: 18.86%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 36.82%

Fat: 49.68%

Carbs: 13.5%

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-average market price
• High phosphorus content, may not be ideal for cats with kidney disease

What About Food Allergies?

Food allergies are less common in cats than pet food manufacturers would have you believe, but it's still worth keeping an eye out for the symptoms.

Cats can develop allergies to nearly any ingredient they are exposed to, but the most likely culprits are common proteins like beef, chicken, and fish. Many 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 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.

You can try different foods containing a variety of ingredients to determine what works well for your cat, and what may be causing issues. This can take time, especially because cats often take to food changes slowly, but will result in a much happier and healthier Maine Coon in the long run.

Also Read: Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food

Final Thoughts

A healthy diet is the key to supporting your Maine Coon kitten's healthy growth and development and for maintaining his health well into adulthood.

Your cat requires a species-appropriate diet primarily consisting of animal ingredients with plenty of protein and healthy fats. Look for a recipe with minimal carbohydrate content that is nutritionally balanced for your cat's life stage.

If you have the time, raw and home-cooked diets can be a nutritious option for cats but they aren't the ideal solution for everyone. Check out our recommendations above and give one of them a try with your Maine Coon!

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Source: https://allaboutcats.com/best-cat-food-maine-coon-cats