How to Choose Maine Coon Food? — Tip & Tricks by European Maine Coon Breeder in US
Maine Coon cats are giant yet domesticated cats known for their impressive size and friendly nature. These gentle giants are lively, loyal, and loving toward their owners and become perfect pets. Have you ever wondered what Maine Coon cats eat?
Maine Coons need a lot of protein in their food to keep up their kitten-like energy levels. It can be hard to know what to feed a kitten when it first comes home, and cat owners often worry about ensuring their cats get all the nutrients they need as they grow.
Discover expert ideas and tricks provided by an experienced European Maine Coon Breeder in US. Read this blog to discover the finest food for your European Maine Coon kittens, how much it consumes, and what it may encounter on its own. Please always check with your licensed veterinarian before modifying or formulating a meal plan for your pet. The information in this guide is compiled from our personal experiences and food manufacturer’s instruction labels.
How Much Does A Maine Coon Eat Daily?
Your European Maine Coon kittens' weight and what kind of food you feed them will determine how much food is appropriate for them. A cat's calorie needs range from 24 to 35 per pound. Therefore, a 15-pound Maine coon's daily calorie intake should be between 360 and 525.
For every 100 grams, there are 300 calories in one cup of dry cat food. In addition, there are 100 calories in every 100 grams of wet cat food in one cup. Consequently, you should feed your 15-pound Maine Coon 120–175 grams of dry food or 360–525 grams of wet food each day.
Every day, Maine Coons consume 24–35 calories per pound of body weight.
European Maine Coons are giant and can weigh between 8 and 35 pounds. The number of calories these cats require daily can vary between 190–1,225 calories per pound of body weight.
Portion Size Chart by Age
| Age of Maine Coons | Food Type | Feeding Quantity | Daily Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | Mom's milk or an alternative to milk | N/A | As required |
| 2 weeks | Mom's milk or an alternative to milk | 6 – 10 ml | Every 2 to 3 hours |
| 3 Weeks | Mom's milk or an alternative to milk | 10 – 14 ml | Every 3 to 4 hours |
| 4 Weeks | Mom's milk or an alternative to milk | 18 ml | Every 4 to 5 hours |
| 5 Weeks | Mother's milk with kitten food | 20-22 ml | Every 5 to 6 hours |
| 6 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 or 5 meals each day |
| 7 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 or 5 meals each day |
| 8 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 or 5 meals each day |
| 9 weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/8 to 1/4 a cup | 4 or 5 meals each day |
| 10 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/4 a cup | 3 or 5 meals each day |
| 11 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/4 a cup | 3 or 4 meals each day |
| 12 Weeks | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/4 a cup | 3 or 4 meals each day |
| 4 to 6 Months | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/4 to 1/2 a cup | 4 meals each day |
| 6 to 9 Months | Dry and moist kitten food | 1/2 a cup | 4 meals each day |
| 9 to 12 Months | Combination of adult and kitten diet | 1/2 a cup to 1 cup | 3 or 4 meals each day |
| 1 year | Wet and dry food for adults | 1 to 1 & 1/2 cup | 2 or 3 meals each day |
| 1 to 3 Years | Wet and dry food for adults | 1 to 1 & 1/2 cup | 2 or 3 meals each day |
What to Include in a Maine Coon’s Diet?
Giant Maine coon cats demand a high-protein diet. Larger, more active cats will need more protein than smaller cats. This places Maine Coons at the upper end of the protein requirement scale, and it must be animal protein.
The body of a Maine Coon will not digest plant protein adequately. Plant proteins also contain insufficient levels of certain essential amino acids, such as taurine.
Carbohydrates
Maine Coons benefit from a balanced carbohydrate intake, which provides additional energy and important fiber for digestion. Including complete grains and veggies in their diet promotes proper nutrition.
However, carbohydrates are not necessary for cats to survive, but they aid in energy production in small amounts. Because Maine Coons are such a large and active breed, carbs can be a beneficial component of their diet.
Fats and Fatty Acids
A diet featuring healthy fats and fatty acids is good for Maine Coons' energy, coat health, and general health. Fish oil features Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote shiny fur joint wellness and immune system function.
Enough fat consumption encourages an active lifestyle and helps them maintain a healthy weight.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are essential for muscle development, tissue healing, and overall growth in a Maine Coon's diet. Their diet must contain essential amino acids to maintain good health and normal metabolic function.
Protein-rich edibles, such as meat and fish, are required to supply the cat's amino acid needs, which keep their muscles strong and give them energy.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a European Maine Coon kitten's general health since they support many physiological activities. These nutrients help to prevent nutritional deficits and ensure the cat's overall nutrition.
Vitamins A, B, K, and Niacin are necessary for cell growth, vitality, and a robust immune system. Fortunately for cats, animal proteins are high in the vitamins they require for living.
Water
Plenty of water is essential to a Maine Coon's wellbeing. Water boosts the digestive and kidney systems and helps them stay hydrated, which benefits their health. Regular access to fresh water is necessary to keep the body working properly and avoid dehydration-related problems.
What to NOT Include in a Maine Coon’s Diet?
Chocolates
All pet parents want to treat their kitty companions. Chocolate is among the most popular foods (and, according to some, the best tasting). Cats should not eat chocolate as they might get really sick or even die.
Theobromine is a stimulant that can be bad for cats. Theobromine can hurt a cat's heart, lungs, and brain. To avoid any potential complications, we recommend not feeding chocolate to your Giant Maine coon cat.
Dairy Products
If your Maine Coom is lactose intolerant, you should avoid feeding them milk, cheese, butter, or cream. This implies they lack the digestive enzymes necessary to break down the high sugar content of certain dairy products. Cats consuming dairy products may grow unwell, generate more urine, and finally quit eating.
The lactose in milk can also upset their stomachs. This can make the cat thirsty, which can cause significant health problems. If you let your European Maine Coon kittens eat these things, it will depend on how much and how often you give them.
Sugary Products
Keep sugary foods out of your Maine Coon's diet since too much sugar increases the risk of diabetes and obesity. Cats are not biologically suited to managing high sugar intake and lack a strong sweet taste receptor. Giving them sugary treats can cause them to gain weight, which is terrible for their health.
Moreover, high blood sugar might be a factor in diabetes, which is a significant health issue for cats. By staying away from sugary products, you can encourage a balanced diet, avoid possible health problems, and make sure your Maine Coon keeps a healthy weight and metabolic rate.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are among the most harmful foods for the health of your Maine Coon cat. In some cases, consuming grapes and raisins can result in acute kidney failure, which is sudden and severe.
You may avoid this by giving your cat no grapes or raisins. When a cat has poisoning from grapes or raisins, the most typical symptoms are vomiting, depression, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Raw Eggs
It is preferable not to feed your Maine Coon raw eggs as they can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Raw eggs also include Avidin, a protein in the egg white that inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and biotin.
These nutrients are required to maintain healthy hair and claws. It is essential to prepare eggs before serving because they are very beneficial for Maine Coons.
Onions and Garlic
There have been reports of cats developing Heinz body anemia from onions. This is also a result of garlic ingestion. The symptoms include pale mucous membranes, weakness, and a fast heart rate. It can even cause the cat's red blood cells to break down in excessive doses.
Another indication that a cat has eaten onions or garlic is vomiting. The inability of your Maine Coon cat to form clots appropriately is another indication; this can result in increased bruising or internal bleeding if they suffer cuts or injuries.
Mushrooms
Exclude mushrooms from your Maine Coon's diet since some varieties can be toxic, risking their health. Some mushrooms contain poisons that harm the liver and other organs in cats. Ingesting this fungus might result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and organ failure.
Because cats are unable to digest certain mushroom chemicals, it is essential to avoid them to avoid poisoning and protect your Maine Coon's health. Avoiding mushrooms protects your feline friend from serious health concerns.
Best Foods to Feed Your European Maine Coon Cat
Fish and Chicken
To meet their nutrition needs, feed your Giant Maine coon cat a lot of fish and chicken. These foods contain amino acids that are important for muscle development and staying healthy in general.
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish give your fur a shiny sheen and help your brain work better. Chicken is a good source of energy. Make sure there is a well-balanced mix to meet dietary needs and encourage healthy growth and energy.
Dry Cat Food
To ensure balanced nutrition, feed your European Maine Coon kittens high-quality dry cat food. Enriched with essential nutrients, it helps tooth health by promoting chewing and reducing gums. The kibble's easy storage and longer shelf life make it a practical option.
Ensure that the dry food is matched to your Maine Coon's exact needs, taking into account their vast size and potential health concerns. This nutritionally complete alternative promotes your cat's well-being by maintaining a healthy weight and giving the required vitamins and minerals.
Wet Cat Food
You can help your European Maine Coon stay well-hydrated and get all the nutrients it needs by giving it wet cat food. Wet food keeps you from dehydrating and is suitable for the urinary system because it is high in water.
The soft feel is suitable for their teeth and helps them chew properly. Wet cat food, high in proteins and essential nutrients, helps cats stay healthy and have shiny fur.
Cat Treats
Choose high-quality cat treats for your European Maine Coon, and use them as regular motivation or training. Choose treats with natural meat protein to provide a protein-rich boost to their diet.
Choose treats that offer additional benefits, such as dental care or hairball control, to satisfy unique breed needs. Adding these exquisite foods into a well-balanced diet increases your European Maine Coon's enjoyment while also delivering essential vitamins and minerals and contributing to their overall health.
Rabbit and Small Rodents
Rabbit and small mice are good foods for your European Maine Coon kittens because they are high in protein and naturally carnivorous. These foods contain lean protein, which helps build muscle and keep you healthy.
Ensure safe preparation without bones for the best nutrients. Giving your cat a rabbit and other small mice meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their natural desire to eat meat healthily.
Let them Hunt
You should let your European Maine Coon hunt so they can follow their natural habits. This action keeps their minds active and lets them work out their bodies. Being natural mousers, European Maine Coon kittens love hunting for pests and rodents.
Allowing them to hunt benefits their health since it provides a rewarding and engaging experience that complements their innate ability as adept hunters.
The Bottom Line About Feeding a Maine Coon Kitten
There is a lot of duty that comes with feeding a giant cat like a Maine Coon. When a kitten grows, its owners must know what to expect. As cats age, their food needs will change. European Maine Coon kittens need foods that are higher in fat, protein, and calories because they use more energy while they are growing and discovering.
If you own a cat and are worried it isn't getting enough calories from its food, you should speak to your veterinarian about making a nutritional plan. When shopping for pet food, avoid discount names and foods that use a lot of fillers, colors, and artificial ingredients. Sticking to natural, high-quality names that get their meat from real, natural sources is best.