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Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult Cat Food in both the dry and wet formulas nurtures the breed’s attributes and joints while reducing heart disease risk. I like its blend of omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E, DHA, EPA, and taurine!
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 for healthy bone structure
- Fatty acids encourage healthy coat and skin
- DHA, EPA, and taurine for heart health
- Kibble shape promotes dental health
- Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of this purebred cat 1 year and older
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy bones and joints
- Breed-specific formula features nutrients that support skin health
- 100% complete and balanced wet diet can be fed alone
Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Food provides tailored nutrition to support Maine Coon growth, immune health, digestion, and oral health. I really like its specialized nutrients, digestible protein, antioxidants, prebiotics and large kibble size.
- Formulated For Purebred Maine Coon Cats
- Specialized Kibble
- Bone And Joint
- Healthy Digestion
- Immune Support
As good owners, we should be providing a cat food that helps maintain strong bones and muscles, as well as the luxurious coat that these cats are famous for having.
In this review of Royal Canin’s line of Maine Coon foods, I tell you why both these foods address all those things, plus how they’re wrapped up in a delicious package your cat will love eating.
- What to Look in Cat Food For Your Maine Coon
- The Dry Version
- Features and Benefits
- The Wet Version
- What Others Are Saying
- Alternatives
- Conclusion
- Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Cat Food Review
- What Are the Most Important Nutrition Needs for Your Maine Coon Kitten?
- Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Kitten Food
- Features and Benefits
- What Others Are Saying
- Looking for Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Wet Food?
- Alternatives
- Conclusion
What to Look in Cat Food For Your Maine Coon
Maine Coons stand out a ton compared to normal cats.
They’re the largest breed of domestic cat, with a big frame and a solid body structure. Paws are massive, ears tall, and whiskers ample. Their wonderful long coat is another prime differentiator.
Maine Coon cats are intelligent companions, making the right nutrition vital for their long term health in your home.
Ultimately, it’s not necessary to offer a special Maine Coon diet, but we do want to make sure the food offers the below benefits.
Supports Strong Bones and Muscles
Maine Coons are large cats, reaching on average 14 pounds for females and 18 for males. They can also be quite long, with the longest Maine Coon on record reaching almost four feet, nose to tail.
Healthy bone and muscle development is crucial to help them avoid common hip and bone issues as they age. And of course, their joints are under more stress than a regular cats, due to the excess weight.
The better the quality of your Maine Coon’s diet, the stronger their bones and muscles are likely to be.
Maintains Their Luxurious Coats
Another feature that stands out about Maine Coon breed are their long, luxurious coats. These coats have helped provide them with outstanding protection against winter cold in their native New England.
And in modern times, that coat has helped propel Maine Coons to the top of the show cat circuits. Even with your daily brushing and grooming routine, Fluffy’s coat needs the right nutrients, minerals and foods to really shine.
Diets rich in nutrients such as Vitamin E and niacin help keep their coat glossy and naturally healthy.
Adequate Protein
A diet that contains high amounts of protein is essential to helping your Maine Coon cat live their best 9 lives. Your Maine Coon is related to tigers, lions, cheetahs, and whole host other awesome creatures.
They ain’t eating salads!
Cat foods too high in carbohydrates can cause serious health problems, including diabetes. Plus, you know, issues like diarrhea or vomiting (which the owner has to deal with!)
Cat food with enough protein also keeps your Maine Coon fuller and satiated for longer. This means they eat less, contributing to a more ideal weight and reducing risks of problems like diabetes and arthritis.
The Dry Version
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 for healthy bone structure
- Fatty acids encourage healthy coat and skin
- DHA, EPA, and taurine for heart health
- Kibble shape promotes dental health
Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food is highly targeted for Maine Coons who are 15 months or older. The combination of ingredients in it support the cat’s bigger frame, as well as a healthy skin and coat.
There are also nutrients to support your cat’s heart health, plus kibble that’s easy for your cat to chew and enjoy cleaner teeth when they eat.
Features and Benefits
Royal Canin Maine Coon cat food uses a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help your Maine Coon look and feel the best they can.
Essential Fatty Acids
Maine Coon cats are big, and with that bigger stature comes a need for food that supports their bones and joints as they age.
Cats are also unable to convert certain foods into essential fatty acids, a process that dogs’ and humans’ bodies are capable of accomplishing. Foods that contain these nutrients help ensure that your cat receives these necessities.
Omega-3
Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps decrease joint inflammation. As cats age, they are more likely to experience conditions like arthritis.
A healthy omega-3 intake helps increase mobility in cats, including activities like stair-climbing, chasing their favorite toy, or jumping on your sofa all of a sudden.
Omega-6
Omega-6 is especially important for cats because their bodies cannot make certain fatty acids without supplements. These essential fatty acids also keep cats flexible and lithe, particularly as they age.
Nutrients for Healthy Skin and Coat
Proper nutrients to help keep your Maine Coon’s skin and coat in excellent health are important. The long, double coat that these cats sport not only provides protection from the weather, but also contributes to their supermodel looks .
When your cat has a diet of higher quality ingredients, her skin and fur will definitely show it.
Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat
Besides contributing to bone and joint health, the omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients help protect the skin and coat. Better skin health reduces the chances of dry, scaly skin and allergies.
Cats with healthier coats have healthier hair follicles, so they shed less overall, resulting in fewer hairballs.
Vitamins that have high importance in cats’ skin and coat health include A, B, and E. Biotin, copper, and Zinc are other nutrients that contribute to your Maine Coon cat’s skin and coat health.
Heart-Healthy Nutrients
All cats can develop heart conditions, and Maine Coons, besides having the normal risks for heart disease, are even more predisposed to the dreaded Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
This means we need to take a proactive approach that includes high-quality food with heart-healthy ingredients.
DHA
A food that contains DHA has antioxidant effects that benefit the nervous system. These benefits to the nervous system include the nerves that control the heart. DHA also has effects that can reduce cognitive decline, an issue for some older cats.
EPA
EPA, which is also a fatty acid, like DHA, can prevent, delay the onset, and possibly treat, heart disease. Even though heart conditions are treatable, preventing these conditions in the first place is always better.
Taurine
Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Cat Food also contains taurine, another crucial nutrient for heart health. A sufficient level of taurine can help prevent heart conditions like cardiomyopathy.
Kibble Shape and Size
Dental disease is more common in cats than many realize, with as many as 70% of cats over age two having dental disease.
Specialty dry food such as Royal Canin’s dry formula for Maine Coons cube shaped kibble is the right size for your Maine Coon’s larger jaw and teeth to grasp, and promotes chewing motions that help keep teeth clean.
The Wet Version
Note that Royal Canin also makes a wet version of this food! Royal Canin Maine Coon Wet Food offers the same coat, skin, bone, and heart benefits as their dry food, but in a soft pate texture. When it’s almost time to go from kitten food to adult food, this option is a popular one to have on hand.
- Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of this purebred cat 1 year and older
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy bones and joints
- Breed-specific formula features nutrients that support skin health
- 100% complete and balanced wet diet can be fed alone
What Others Are Saying
The majority of reviews demonstrated satisfaction with this food. Most Maine Coon owners had a lot to say about how much their cats enjoyed this food, even if normally they’re fussy eaters.
Owners whose cats have gulped their other food down without chewing it properly have found the large kibble size of the dry version ideal, and their cat experiences less vomiting and indigestion.
Users with older cats or cats with health issues have reported their cats seem to have nicer fur and brighter eyes since starting this food.
There were also a couple of issues of concern mentioned.
A few users expressed concern about the use of by-products, grains, and filler ingredients. And a small number of cat owners felt that the food contributed to stomach upsets in their cats.
Alternatives
- Lifestyle (indoor-only), rather than breed-specific
- Calorie count tailored to a more sedentary lifestyle, rather than size
- Ideal for cats one and older, as opposed to 15 months and older
This alternative formula offered by Royal Canin is geared more towards the specific needs of indoor cats regardless of breed.
Unlike the Maine Coon formula, this food is formulated to reduce stool amounts and odors, a common issue with cats living indoors full-time. It also encourages the passing of fur through their system, and not hacking up furballs.
- Lifestyle (indoor-only), rather than breed-specific
- Calorie count tailored to a more sedentary lifestyle, rather than size
- Ideal for cats one and older, as opposed to 15 months and older
- Sustainable ingredients used to create this food in the U.S.
- Probiotics help increase digestion
- Contains no filler products
This Taste of the Wild food has many of the same nutrients that Royal Canin offers in its Maine Coon Cat formula, with only sustainable ingredients.
The food is made by a family-owned company and includes proprietary ingredients that help aid digestion. If you’re a Maine Coon parent picky about ingredients, this might be a choice for you.
- Sustainable ingredients used to create this food in the U.S.
- Probiotics help increase digestion
- Contains no filler products
- Unique duck flavor appeals to many cats
- Proprietary nutrient blend maximizes the value of this food
- Grain-free formula is rich in omega fatty acids
This Blue Buffalo food features duck as one of its primary ingredients, which helps provide superior support for lean muscle mass.
The blend of vitamins and minerals in this food is a proprietary grain free formula designed to provide maximum nutrition. Cat owners who want to give their Maine Coon something a little different might want to consider this fomula.
- Unique duck flavor appeals to many cats
- Proprietary nutrient blend maximizes the value of this food
- Grain-free formula is rich in omega fatty acids
Conclusion
What We Liked:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 help support healthy bone structure
- Fatty acids encourages a healthy coat and skin
- DHA, EPA, and taurine for heart health
- Dry kibble is shaped in a way that helps promote dental health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some extra-finicky cats might not eat the food willingly
- Filler ingredients
If you’re looking for a great food for your Maine Coon, one that focuses on her coat, skin, bone and heart health, then Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry or Wet cat food is worth a try.
Keep in mind every cat is one of kind, and requires different nutrients for their optimal health at that point in time.
This formula is very well designed to nurture the Maine Coon breed’s defining attributes and help a genetic predisposition in their heart health.
Plus, owners who had their cats try it say they love the flavor and won’t eat anything else!
Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Cat Food Review
Are you wondering if your Maine Coon kitten require special food for the best possible health and head start?
As a new Maine Coon parent, you know how important the right nutrition is to provide your growing cat the building blocks for a gorgeous coat and healthy muscles and bones!
- Formulated For Purebred Maine Coon Cats
- Specialized Kibble
- Bone And Joint
- Healthy Digestion
- Immune Support
In this Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Food review, we talk about the formula and what kittens need nutritionally. Then we see if this food meets those requirements, and then lastly, if it’s worth a buy.
(Spoiler alert: Kittens really enjoy eating it! But it’s not just about that, so read on.)
What Are the Most Important Nutrition Needs for Your Maine Coon Kitten?
Well, right off the bat, you should know that cats do not need breed-specific food.
But, certain blends and ingredients totally have much more benefit to your Maine Coon, versus like a regular cat.
Maine Coons are loyal and intelligent, so you want your kitten to have the right nutrients to develop that famous personality.
And a fully-grown Maine Coon rocks that thick body and large frame, as the biggest domestic cat breed. Other features that stand out include a luxurious, fluffy tail and the longest whiskers of all cats, plus large ears tufted ears.
Feeding your Maine Coon kitten food that offers the right blend of nutrients to support all those functions is essential. Adult cat food will not do for kittens!
Protein for Development
Remember, all domestic cats, including Maine Coons, are related to species like cheetahs, mountain lions, and other impressive wild felines. They all not only love protein, but require it, as obligate carnivores.
Many cat foods today contain carbohydrates to add bulk, but you should also know that too many carbohydrates aren’t right for your kitten.
A high-carbohydrate diet could lead to diabetes later on, and your kitten could have stomach upsets – never fun!
Nutrients for Strong Bones and Muscles
When fully grown, your Maine Coon kitten will be a big cat, not as big as a lion, but big as domestic cats go. Don’t be surprised to see your new little buddy top out at 20-25 pounds for males and 14-16 pounds for females.
Proper muscle and bone development as kittens will help them reach a healthy size as adults. The better their development, the less likely these giant balls of fluff are to have joint issues.
Remember, Maine Coons have a little more risk for joint issues because of their size later in life. The better their diet, the stronger their muscles and bones.
Great Nutrition for a Quality Coat
Because the breed hails from snowy New England, they developed extravagant (and functional) coats that provide them with the maximum protection for life in the harsh winter climate.
Even as kittens they will be quite fluffy, due to the two coats – the outside coat, and an insulating undercoat.
No matter whether your kitten will spend their time at home or on the cat show circuit, good nutrition and regular brushing is a must. If you want your kitten’s coat to stay healthy and glossy, nutrients like niacin and Vitamin E make all the difference.
Royal Canin Maine Coon Dry Kitten Food
Royal Canin’s Maine Coon Dry Kitten food is for kittens ranging from three to 15 months. They also make an adult Maine Coon dry food, which focuses on adult cat coat, bones, and heart health.
In Royal Canin’s kitten formula for Maine Coons, however, the combination of ingredients is highly focused on the proper building blocks to grow up and be the best Maine Coon they can.
Features and Benefits
Royal Canin’s kitten food’s blend of nutrients and vitamins, prebiotics, easily digestible protein, and fiber targets your kitten’s gastrointestinal and immune system.
It ensures their body is able to make the most of the food they eat early in this crucial stage of life!
Larger-sized kibble helps contribute to dental health that’s important as your kitty gets their adult teeth in.
Antioxidants for Supporting Natural Defenses
Vitamins C and E, as well as lutein and taurine, are the nutrients that have the most vital role in boosting your kitten’s immune system. A healthy immune system is crucial for your kitten’s development.
Here’s a little more about what you need to know about each of these nutrients:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps support your kitten’s immune system. This vitamin also supports the urinary tract and growth of bones, ligaments, joints, and fights inflammation.
Vitamin E
Kittens will require more Vitamin E than adult cats. This necessary vitamin benefits skin and coat health and prevents oxidative damage harmful to the heart, eyes, and nervous system.
Taurine
One of the things that sets taurine apart is the fact that it is only found in animal-based proteins. Like other amino acids, taurine helps support the immune system, heart, digestive system, and eyes.
Lutein
Lutein helps protect the macula and retina by scavenging oxygen species that can cause damage.
Nutrients for Joint and Bone Health
Proper joint and bone support are essential for Maine Coons kittens as they grow, considering the cat’s larger frame.
Calcium and Phosphorus for Bone Development
Calcium and phosphorus both play a role in healthy bone development, as well as healthy teeth. Both of these nutrients also help play a role in your kitten’s energy use.
Vitamin D for Bone Health
Kittens and adult cats receive their vitamin D intake primarily from food. In the case of kitten food, the additional amount of Vitamin D helps encourage healthy growth.
Nutrients for Digestive Health
It’s crucial for your Maine coon kitten to have good digestive health. The gut and its flora and fauna, in recent times, have emerged as a second brain for your body. It can control mood, hunger, hormones and so much more.
Highly-digestible protein, combined with healthy fiber, helps support the digestive system. It also contains prebiotics to create balanced intestinal flora, keeps developing digestive systems optimal.
Fiber, prebiotics (and probiotics) are also important for managing hairballs – something all Maine Coon parents deal with at some point.
The unique proteins in this formula boast a digestibility rate of over 90%. Because these proteins are so easily digested, they are more bioavailable and accessible to the body.
Large Kibble Cat Food
Because as many as 50-90% of cats could experience dental disease in adulthood, early habits are key.
The kibble features a larger size, with an adapted shape and texture that suits these kittens’ larger jaws. Chewing kibble keeps your kitten’s teeth clean, which benefits oral health.
The large “Maine Coon” kibble size is also geared toward ensuring your cat chews its food. This way there is less chance of a “scarf-and-barf,” a common issue for cats who eat too fast.
What Others Are Saying
In other Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Food reviews, nearly everyone said their kittens loved this food, even when having previously been picky about what they would eat.
And kittens who previously swallowed their food whole, started chewing it after switching to this brand due to the large kibble size.
Owners whose kittens had been eating this food for a couple of weeks have noticed softer, fuller coats. One person also said it help with loose stools their kitten formerly had.
One owner complained about the kibble size and how it might be too big. Their kittens were getting nauseous from swallowing down too much of it without chewing properly.
But this is the minority and ~98% of people were really happy with this formula.
Looking for Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten Wet Food?
Royal Canin does not make a wet version of their Maine Coon formula. But they do make a great wet food for kittens in general.
When you’re kitten gets a little bigger, like a couple of years, you can consider Royal Canin’s Adult Maine Coon Wet Food formulation.
Alternatives
Purina O.N.E. Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten Food
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Tons of protein
- Great moisture level
- Natural prebiotic fiber
This Purina kitten formula is intended for the needs of kittens of all breeds. Unlike the Maine Coon version, this formula does not contain the fiber, prebiotics, and easily digestible protein to benefit developing digestive system.
In it’s place, it uses real meat as the main source of protein, and not a meat-byproduct.
- 0% filler
- Real meat is the main ingredient
- Multiple versions cater to your cats distinct needs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food, Chicken
- Free from by-products and other fillers
- Uses a proprietary nutrient blend called LifeSource Bits
- Real meat
- Natural
This kitten formula from Blue Buffalo is also suited to kittens of all ages. Compared to the Royal Canin’s Maine Coon formula, this one is grain-free.
They both have ingredients that help promote cognitive function as kittens grow, like taurine. The Blue Buffalo formula also contains DHA and ARA (fatty acids from mother’s milk) for healthy development.
- Free from by-products and other fillers
- Uses a proprietary nutrient blend called LifeSource Bits
- Real meat
- Natural
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Kitten, Indoor, Chicken Recipe
- Small Kibble
- Chicken is main ingredient
- No by-products
This Hill’s Science Diet features a formula intended for the needs of indoor-only kittens, regardless of the breed. Like Royal Canin’s Maine Coon formula, this also includes fiber ingredients to promote healthy digestion.
Both formulas have minerals and nutrients for strong teeth and bone, and this one has fish oil for brain and eye development.
- Small Kibble
- Chicken is main ingredient
- No by-products
Conclusion
What We Liked:
- Targeted antioxidants and vitamins for optimal kitten development
- Contains minerals for bone and joint growth
- Naturally contains fiber and prebiotics for digestion and gut health
- Kibble shape is perfect for promoting oral health early
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains by-products and fillers
- The kibble size might be too big for some kittens’ preferences
- Ingredients are not all natural
I hope this review was helpful. The formulation has a plenty of what your kitten needs for a head start on optimal dental, skin and coat, bone and joint, and digestive health.
A kitten’s individual needs are first priority. After that is taken care of, this dry food is worth a try because nutritionally, it’s one of the only Maine Coon specific formulas on the market.
And from a kitten point of view, they seem to love eating it, so why not indulge them for a bit and see!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
