Best Food For Maine Coons

Our readers ask, "What is the best food for Maine Coons?" We all want the best for our cats and usually, that comes down to knowing the ingredients in cat food.

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Best Food for Maine Coons and Cancer Prevention

Carol in Corolla, NC asks:

Hi, my 11-year-old Maine Coon recently had a tumor removed, which was caused by his vaccinations.

He made it through the surgery fine, but the next day he went into heart failure.

After extensive treatment at a 24/7 clinic, he recovered, but his heart is now enlarged, and he cannot undergo surgery again due to his condition.

elderly ginger maine coon mix looking up.

He’s been on heart medication and diuretics for three months and is doing remarkably well - acting like he’s in his second childhood!

Despite his health challenges, he’s still incredibly active and has even helped tame feral kittens so they could find homes.

We adore him and want to keep him healthy for as long as possible. I would love advice on cancer prevention and recommendations for the best food for Maine Coons.

He doesn’t like raw meat, and I’m currently giving him saffron, warm castor oil compresses, baby aspirin (as advised), and lots of love and attention. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Carol and Scrappy

Best Food for Maine Coons and Cancer Prevention – Reply:

Hi Carol,

Scrappy sounds like an extraordinary companion! It’s heartwarming to hear about his resilience and how he’s touched the lives of so many, both human and feline. He’s clearly cherished and knows how much he’s loved.

As for your question about cancer prevention and the best food for Maine Coons, you’re already doing so much to care for him. While I’m not a veterinarian, here are a few general suggestions:

High-Quality Diet: Opt for premium cat food with natural, wholesome ingredients.

Look for brands that prioritize high protein levels, moderate fat, and minimal fillers.

Many Maine Coons thrive on a mix of wet and dry food, as wet food provides hydration and essential nutrients.

Since Scrappy doesn’t like raw meat, cooked options like plain chicken, turkey, or fish (no seasoning) can be a great addition.

Variety is Key: Offering a mix of food types and brands ensures he gets a range of nutrients.

No single product is the "best food for Maine Coons," but rotating between high-quality options can help keep his diet balanced and interesting.

Supplements: Ask your vet about supplements or multivitamins that boost immunity and support overall health.

Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics are often recommended for senior cats and those with health concerns.

A product like Pet Wellbeing’s Immune Support may also be worth exploring.

Consult Your Vet: Since Scrappy has specific health needs, your vet may recommend tailored nutrition or specialized diets for heart health and cancer prevention.

They might also suggest foods or supplements that promote longevity and reduce inflammation.

You’ve already created a loving and supportive environment for Scrappy, which is just as important as his diet.

His playful spirit and incredible recovery are a testament to the amazing care you’re giving him.

Wishing you and Scrappy all the best,
~Carrie

Comments

Charlie Only Wants Treats

Food for Charlie, the Maine Coon
by Karen from Massachusetts

My Maine Coon, Charlemagne (Charlie), is 8 years old and very finicky.

If it were up to him, he’d live on treats alone! While he eats wet food, it’s not enough, and I worry because he’s big but doesn’t weigh as much as he should.

He free-feeds on dry food, but the vet wants me to cut back on the treats - it’s been challenging since he gets cranky if I don’t give him what he wants.

Any tips for improving his eating habits? He's definitely spoiled, but I want to do what's best for him. Thanks!

Reply:

Hi Karen,

Charlie sounds like he’s got you well trained 😊

This is actually pretty common, especially with smart, routine-driven cats like Maine Coons. Once they realize treats are an option, it doesn't take long for them to start holding out for them.

The tricky part is that treats are designed to be irresistible, but they’re not meant to replace real meals.

So when a cat starts favoring them, they can end up eating less of the food that actually supports their weight and overall health.

Since he’s already on the lighter side, I wouldn’t make any sudden changes. Instead, try slowly shifting the balance.

You might start by cutting treats back just a little and offering his regular food first, at set times, rather than relying on free-feeding alone.

Some cats do better when meals feel more "predictable" instead of always available.

It can also help to make his regular food more appealing - a bit of warm water mixed into wet food, or rotating flavors to keep things interesting.

He may protest at first (they're very good at that), but most cats adjust once they realize the routine has changed.

The goal isn't to take anything away from him, just to get him back to eating more of what actually keeps him feeling his best.

You're definitely not alone with this one!

~Carrie

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Best Food For Maine Coons?

by: Lyn

Hi, I have three Maine Coons: Arnie (a 16-week-old red), Bruce (a 16-week-old cream), and Crystal (a 17-month-old silver tabby). I also have two moggies, Ziggy and Frankie, who are both ginger.

My moggies roam outdoors, but the Maine Coons stay in a secure garden run. My concern is Crystal - she's always been a picky eater.

I leave a good-quality dry food out all the time and supplement with chicken and pouches, but Crystal will only eat the dry food.

I worry she isn’t getting enough nutrients, especially since the boys are growing so quickly, and she’s not as large as they are.

She’s still a good size compared to most moggies, but not particularly big for a Maine Coon.

Am I doing the right thing by feeding them a mix of dry food, pouches, and chicken, or should I just stick to the dry food?

Any advice on the best food for Maine Coons would be much appreciated!


Reply:

Hi Lyn!

It sounds like you’re doing a great job! It’s completely normal for Crystal to be smaller than the boys - Maine Coons can vary in size, and males often grow larger than females. Our Leo, for example, weighed more than twice as much as his sister!

If Crystal prefers dry food, that’s okay, as long as it’s high-quality and she has constant access to fresh water.

You might consider rotating between two or three premium dry food brands to provide some variety.

If you haven’t already, take a look at our article on cat food ingredients to ensure the kibble you’re using meets nutritional standards.

Offering chicken and pouches alongside the dry food is a great idea! While there’s no single "best food for Maine Coons," this variety ensures they’re getting a mix of flavors and additional nutrients.

Dry food alone can’t cover every dietary need, so your approach is on the right track.

Don’t worry too much about Crystal’s eating habits - picky eaters often know what they need.

As long as she’s healthy, active, and maintaining a good weight, she’s doing just fine!

Best of luck with your Coonie crew,
~Carrie

Not sure how much to feed your kitten? Our Maine Coon weight page explains how food affects growth and how to spot under - or overweight cats early.

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MCCN has been online since 2010, following the breed through kittenhood, growth spurts, coat changes, health questions, and everything in between.

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