The Best Diet for Your Maine Coon
Maine Coons are the gentle giants of the cat world—big, fluffy, and full of personality! But their size isn’t just for show; it means they have unique dietary needs to stay strong, healthy, and full of energy for their zoomies. If you're wondering what to feed your fluffy overlord, you’re in the right place!
Let’s break down the purr-fect diet for your Maine Coon so they can thrive, not just survive!
1. High-Protein, Meat-Based Diet = Happy Maine Coon
Maine Coons are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to digest meat, meat, and more meat! Their meals should be packed with high-quality animal protein to support their large muscles and boundless energy.
Best Protein Sources:
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Chicken
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Turkey
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Fish (like salmon or tuna—omega-3s are great for their coat!)
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Rabbit
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Beef (in moderation)
Avoid: Plant-based proteins like soy, corn, and wheat. Maine Coons need meat, not fillers!
2. Healthy Fats = Shiny, Luxurious Fur
One of the Maine Coon’s most iconic features? Their gorgeous, silky coat. To keep it soft and healthy, they need good fats.
Best Fat Sources:
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Salmon & fish oil (for omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids)
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Chicken fat (yes, it’s actually good for them!)
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Egg yolks (a natural biotin booster for fur health)
Fats are also important for joint health, which is crucial for a big cat that carries more weight than your average feline.
3. Balanced Carbs—But Not Too Much!
Unlike humans, cats don’t need a lot of carbohydrates. However, a small amount can provide energy and aid digestion.
Best Carb Sources (in small amounts):
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Pumpkin (great for digestion!)
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Sweet potato
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Brown rice
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Peas
Avoid: High-carb fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
4. Hydration Is Key! Water, Water, Water!
Maine Coons have a low thirst drive, which means they don’t always drink enough water. This makes them prone to dehydration and kidney issues.
How to Keep Them Hydrated:
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Feed them wet food (it has a higher moisture content than kibble)
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Always have fresh water available
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Add a water fountain—Maine Coons LOVE running water!
5. Portion Control & Feeding Schedule
Because Maine Coons are big cats, it’s tempting to overfeed them. But obesity is a real concern, so portion control is a must.
How Often Should You Feed Them?
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Kittens (up to 6 months): 3-4 small meals a day
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Adults (1+ years): 2 meals a day
Dry food can be left out for grazing, but wet food should be given in portions to avoid spoilage.
6. Should You Give Treats?
Yes, but choose wisely! Maine Coons can enjoy occasional treats, but they should be high in protein and low in fillers.
Healthy Treat Options:
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Freeze-dried meat (chicken, fish, duck)
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Catnip-infused treats (for a fun twist!)
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Scrambled eggs (plain, no salt or oil)
Avoid: Dairy (yes, despite the myth, most cats are lactose intolerant!) and sugary treats.
7. Foods to AVOID
Certain foods can be dangerous for your Maine Coon. Here’s what NOT to feed them:
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Onions & garlic (toxic to cats)
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Chocolate (highly poisonous)
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Grapes & raisins (can cause kidney failure)
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Raw fish (can contain harmful bacteria)
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Dog food (it doesn’t have the right nutrients for cats!)
Feed Them Like Royalty
Maine Coons are majestic, playful, and full of personality. Their diet should support their size, energy, and coat health while keeping them strong and happy. Stick to a protein-rich, balanced diet, keep them hydrated, and avoid the no-no foods.
Want your gentle giant to live their best life? Feed them right, and they’ll reward you with purrs, headbutts, and endless fluffy cuddles!
Got a Maine Coon? Share your feeding tips in the comments!
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