Maine Coon Diet. Feeding, Nutrition and dietary requirements for Maine Coons

The Maine Coon is a majestic and large breed known for its robust and sturdy build.
To ensure the optimal health and well-being of your Maine Coon, it’s crucial to provide them with a well-balanced diet that meets their unique nutritional needs.

Best practices and considerations of food when feeding Maine Coons
- Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet is critical to ensure your Maine Coon gets all the essential nutrients.
High-quality commercial cat food that is specifically formulated for large breeds, or an all-life stages formula, can be a good choice.
These formulas are typically designed to meet the dietary needs of Maine Coons.
- Protein is Essential:
Maine Coons are carnivorous by nature, and their diet should reflect this.
A diet rich in high-quality animal-based protein is vital for their growth, muscle development, and overall health.Look for cat food with real meat as the primary ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Wet vs. Dry Food:
Both wet and dry cat food can be part of your Maine Coon’s diet. Wet food can help provide extra hydration and can be a more appealing option for picky eaters.
However, dry foods such as kibble can assist in maintaining dental health. Many Maine Coon owners opt for a combination of both.
- Portion Control:
Maine Coons have a tendency to gain weight, so portion control is essential. Adjust the portion as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Consult your vet for the appropriate measure based on age, weight and activity level.
- Supplements:
In most cases, a balanced commercial cat food should provide all the necessary nutrients.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before adding supplements to your Maine Coon’s diet.They may recommend supplements for specific health concerns.
- Avoid Harmful Foods:
Certain human foods can be toxic to cats. Make sure your Maine Coon doesn’t have access to items like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic.
Consult your vet or reliable sources for a comprehensive list of harmful foods. We have listed some harmful foods for Maine coon below.
- Allergies and Food Sensitivities:
Be vigilant for signs of food allergies or sensitivities, such as skin problems, digestive issues, or excessive scratching.
If you suspect your Maine Coon has food allergies, consult your vet for guidance on hypoallergenic diets.
- Veterinary Guidance:
Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.
They can assess your Maine Coon’s individual needs and make specific dietary suggestions to keep your feline friend in the best possible health.Remember, the Maine Coon’s dietary requirements can vary slightly from one cat to another.
Regular vet check-ups and monitoring your cat’s weight and overall condition are vital for ensuring they receive the best nutrition tailored to their unique needs.

Some harmful foods and Nutrition for Maine Coons and cats

Chocolate can be poisonous for your Maine Coon. Chocolate contains methylxanthines and can cause the following symptoms:
- Vomitting
- Abdominal discomfort
- High temperatures
- Diarrhea and
- Increased thirst
Products that are high in sugar provide no health benefit for your maine coon. Sweeteners like xylitol are found in most sugary products and can cause severe liver failure in the long run.
Maine coon cats can tend to love fish. Especially tuna, and while eating tuna in small quantities will not cause any significant problems, regularly eating tuna made for humans can cause malnutrition in your maine coon and in some cases lead to mercury poisoning.
These are an absolute no for your Maine coon. These foods cause severe anemia by destroying the red blood cells.
Do not give your maine coon in small or concentrated quantities or even as a drink mix.
Even a small amount of raisins and grapes can cause your maine coon to become ill and cause kidney failure.
Other symptoms include vomiting and or hyperactivity.
Some symptoms that may show up after about 24 hours include:
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Decreased urination
Raw eggs are not good for your Maine coon as the may contain bacteria such as E-coli and Salmonella.
Raw egg whites also contain a protein called avidin which could interfere with the absorption of vitamin B causing skin problems for your cat.
Only give liver in very small quantities. While it is a good source of iron and protein, feeding too much to your cat can cause hypervitaminosis Ain which there is an excess of vitamin A which will cause toxicity.
Avocados are rich in
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
They have a high fat content and should not be given in excess to your cat.
Yeast dough quickly produce a sufficient amount of alcohol and carbon dioxide that cause problems for your cat.
The dough can also rise inside your cat’s tummy to a size that may sometimes need surgery to remove the digestive obstruction.
Maine coon cats can tend to love fish. Especially tuna, and while eating tuna in small quantities will not cause any significant problems, regularly eating tuna made for humans can cause malnutrition in your maine coon and in some cases lead to mercury poisoning.
These nuts are poisonous to Maine coon. Nuts like almonds and walnuts though are not inherently poisonous
Any caffeinated drink can cause symptoms like:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Increased Heart rate
- Breathing difficulty
One of the most common causes of poisoning in cats is because of human medicines.
Do not under any circumstances give any medication to your maine coon unless given to you by a vet.
Even common medications such as pain relivers or common cold medication may prove fatal.
What your Maine coon cat diet should contain
- Protein: Proteins are essential in your maine coon’s diet as it gives them amino acids which are necessary for building tissues.
So add this to their diet. Sources of protein include meat and should be part of their meal. - Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates break down to sugar which can provide energy.
Carbs however should be given to cats in small quantities as their bodies are not build to produce enzymes required to digest carbs.
- Fats: Fats will provide the necessary fatty acids and will help keep your cat’s coat healthy.
- Vitamins: Maine coons cannot produce vitamin A and B on their own.
So their food or supplements should contain sources of these vitamins.
They are essential to many of the body’s chemical reactions.
- Water: Water is very essential for maine coons as it helps them stay hydrated and helps their bodies absorb the proper and necessary nutrients from food.
There should be no shortage of fresh water.
Is your Maine coon always hungry?
Maine coons are naturally high-energy cats and may actually need food more than most cats.
If you however think that your Maine coon is always hungry, could be for other reasons. Some of these reasons include:
Hyperthyroidism or Diabetes
Both diseases can increase your cat’s appetite exponentially. Hyperthyroidism spikes the appetite as your cat’s metabolism burns too many calories.
If your cat has Maine Coon Diabetes then their body cannot convert sugar to energy and the nutrition in their food is not able to get to their bodies.
Vomiting
Cats may vomit out their whole food without adequately chewing it. Some medical problems can cause regurgitation in your Maine Coon. A thorough diagnosis can determine the issue.
Worms
Your cat may have worms because the worms take away all the nutrition from their food leaving your Maine Coon hungry most of the time. Visit a vet if you suspect this.
Feeding your cat should be given the most importance.
What your cat eats could affect everything, including the fur and coat of your cat as we detailed in our article on how to groom a Maine coon cat.
Avoid harmful foods as this could be, well, harmful.
In case you have any questions which have not been addressed, please feel free to contact us
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