Maine Coon Diet & Feeding Guide: What to Feed and What to Avoid

Medically reviewed September 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for your pet's health concerns.

The bag of kibble on the shelf says "complete and balanced." The Maine Coon eating it is 22 pounds and gaining.

Diet is where Maine Coon ownership goes wrong most quietly. The breed is large, slow-maturing, and prone to obesity - and most commercial feeding guides are calibrated for average-sized cats, not a breed that takes five years to reach full size and can hit 18 pounds lean.

A proper Maine Coon diet is built on high-protein, meat-based foods delivering 35–45% protein on a dry-matter basis. Maine Coons are obligate carnivores - they cannot synthesize key nutrients from plants and will not thrive on grain-heavy or plant-forward diets.

This guide covers everything: how many calories your Maine Coon needs at each life stage, which food types work best, what to keep out of the bowl entirely, how to spot and manage food allergies, and what supplements actually move the needle. Use the tables and schedules below as a practical reference you can return to as your cat grows.

Why Maine Coon Nutrition Is Different

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds - males routinely reach 13–18 lbs, and some top 20 lbs. That size has direct nutritional consequences. Bigger bodies burn more calories, require more dietary protein to maintain lean muscle mass, and are more vulnerable to obesity-related conditions like diabetes and joint stress when overfed the wrong foods.

As obligate carnivores, cats lack the metabolic machinery to convert plant-based proteins efficiently. They need pre-formed taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A from animal tissue - nutrients that are either absent or unusable from plant sources. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets minimum nutrient profiles for cat food: 26% crude protein (dry-matter basis) for adult maintenance and 30% for growth and reproduction. For a Maine Coon, aim well above those minimums - 35–45% protein is a more appropriate target for this breed's muscle mass and metabolic demands.

For a full overview of the breed's physical traits and temperament, see our Maine Coon breed guide.

Caloric Requirements by Age and Activity Level

Maine Coons grow slowly - most don't reach full size until age 3–5. Because of this extended growth window, caloric needs shift significantly across life stages. Refer to our Maine Coon size guide for weight benchmarks by age; larger cats at the top of the growth curve need proportionally more calories.

A practical starting formula: 25–30 calories per pound of ideal body weight per day for a typical adult Maine Coon. Adjust up for active or growing cats; adjust down for spayed/neutered or less active adults.

Note: These are starting estimates. Monitor body condition score (you should feel ribs without pressing hard, but not see them) and adjust portions every 4–6 weeks.

Best Foods: Wet vs. Dry vs. Raw

No single food type is perfect. The right choice depends on your cat's age, health status, hydration habits, and your budget. Here's an honest comparison:

Our recommendation: Use wet food as the primary diet (at least 70% of daily intake) and supplement with a small amount of high-protein dry kibble if desired. This balances hydration, protein intake, and convenience. If you choose raw feeding, work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets AAFCO nutrient profiles.

Top food brands to consider:

• Wet: Purina Pro Plan, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin (Maine Coon formula), Weruva
• Dry: Royal Cain Maine Coon Adult, Wellness CORE, Purina Pro Plan High Protein
• Raw/freeze-dried: Stella & Chewy's, Primal Pet Foods (with vet guidance)

Always look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label - it confirms the food meets minimum standards for your cat's life stage.

Foods to Avoid: Toxic and Harmful Items

Some human foods are outright dangerous for cats. Others cause digestive distress without being acutely toxic. Keep all of the following away from your Maine Coon.

Toxic Foods - Never Feed These

• Onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots - All allium vegetables damage red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemia, even in small amounts or cooked/powdered form. Garlic is roughly 5× more toxic than onion per gram.
• Grapes and raisins - Can trigger acute kidney failure in cats. The toxic compound is not yet fully identified, which means no "safe" dose exists. Even a small amount warrants a call to your vet.
• Chocolate - Contains theobromine and caffeine. Both are metabolized far more slowly in cats than in humans, leading to vomiting, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and potentially death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
• Xylitol - An artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, and some baked goods. While the most severe documented cases involve dogs, veterinary sources including Cornell University's Feline Health Center advise keeping cats away from xylitol-containing products entirely.
• Alcohol - Even small amounts of ethanol can cause vomiting, disorientation, respiratory depression, and death. Beer, wine, spirits, and foods cooked with alcohol all pose a risk.
• Raw yeast dough - Expands in the stomach and produces ethanol as it ferments. A double hazard: bloat and alcohol poisoning simultaneously.
• Caffeine - Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Causes rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures.

Human Foods That Cause Digestive Issues

• Cow's milk and dairy - Most adult cats are lactose-intolerant. Milk, cheese, and cream commonly cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
• Raw eggs - Contain avidin, which blocks biotin absorption over time. Also carry Salmonella risk.
• Raw fish (as a staple) - Contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). Occasional cooked fish is fine; raw fish fed regularly causes neurological damage.
• Bones (cooked) - Cooked bones splinter and can puncture the digestive tract. Raw bones carry bacterial risk.
• High-sodium foods - Deli meats, chips, canned soups. Excess sodium stresses the kidneys and can cause dehydration.
• Macadamia nuts - Toxic to cats; cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
• Avocado - Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Emergency contacts: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Food Allergies and Sensitive Stomachs

Maine Coons can develop food allergies at any age - even after eating the same food for years. According to Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, food allergies are the third most common feline allergy type, behind flea bites and inhaled allergens.

Common Symptoms

• Skin: Persistent itching (especially head, neck, and ears), small fluid-filled bumps, redness, scabbing, or hair loss from overgrooming
• Digestive: Vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, gas, or reduced appetite
• Coat: General dullness, thinning, or patchy hair loss
• Ears: Recurring ear infections or waxy debris

The most common dietary allergens in cats are beef, chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs - proteins found in most standard commercial cat foods.

How to Run an Elimination Diet

1. Consult your vet first. Rule out other causes (fleas, environmental allergens, parasites) before starting a food trial.
2. Choose a novel protein source - one your cat has never eaten. Venison, duck, rabbit, or kangaroo are common choices. Alternatively, use a hydrolyzed protein diet (proteins broken into fragments too small to trigger an immune response).
3. Feed only that food and water for 8–12 weeks. No treats, flavored medications, or table scraps. Strict compliance is essential.
4. Monitor symptoms. Most cats show improvement within 4–8 weeks if food is the cause.
5. Reintroduce the original food. If symptoms return within 1–2 weeks, a food allergy is confirmed. Identify the specific trigger by reintroducing ingredients one at a time.

Hypoallergenic Food Options

• Limited-ingredient diets (LID): Single protein, single carbohydrate source. Look for brands like Natural Balance LID, Ziwi Peak, or Merrick Limited Ingredient.
• Hydrolyzed protein diets: Prescription options from Hill's (z/d), Royal Canin (HP), or Purina (HA). Proteins are broken down so the immune system doesn't recognize them as allergens.
• Novel protein wet foods: Duck, venison, or rabbit-based wet foods from brands like Weruva, Tiki Cat, or Instinct.

Monthly Feeding Cost Breakdown

Maine Coons eat more than average cats. Budget accordingly - especially if you prioritize wet food or high-protein formulas.

Costs assume one adult Maine Coon (12–18 lbs). Kittens and seniors may cost slightly less due to smaller portions; very large intact males may cost more.

Feeding Schedule: Kittens, Adults, and Seniors

Kittens (0–12 Months)

Kittens need calorie-dense food and frequent meals to fuel rapid growth. Feed 3–4 times per day using a kitten-specific formula (higher protein and fat, plus DHA for brain development).

Portion guide by weight:

• 2–4 lbs: ~1.5–2 oz wet food per meal (3–4 meals/day)
• 4–8 lbs: ~2–3 oz wet food per meal (3 meals/day)
• 8–12 lbs: ~3–4 oz wet food per meal (3 meals/day)

Always follow the feeding guide on your specific food's packaging and adjust based on body condition.

Adults (1–7 Years)

Feed twice daily - morning and evening - with measured portions. Free-feeding dry kibble is not recommended for Maine Coons, who are prone to overeating and weight gain.

Portion guide by weight:

• 10–12 lbs: ~4–5 oz wet food/day (split into 2 meals)
• 12–15 lbs: ~5–6 oz wet food/day
• 15–18 lbs: ~6–7 oz wet food/day
• 18+ lbs: ~7–8 oz wet food/day (confirm with vet)

If feeding a wet + dry combination, reduce wet portions proportionally to account for dry food calories.

Seniors (7+ Years)

Feed twice daily with strict portion control. Senior cats often become less active and gain weight easily, but some lose muscle mass and need higher protein to maintain condition. Watch body weight monthly.

• Prioritize high-protein, low-phosphorus wet food to support kidney health
• Consider a senior-specific formula if your vet recommends it
• Increase feeding frequency to 3x/day if your senior has a reduced appetite or dental issues that make eating uncomfortable

Supplements and Treats

A complete and balanced commercial diet covers most nutritional bases. But a few targeted supplements can make a meaningful difference for Maine Coons specifically.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega-3s (EPA and DHA from fish oil) support skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and directly improve coat quality - reducing shedding and dryness. This is especially relevant for Maine Coons, whose dense double coat benefits from dietary fat support. For more on how diet affects coat condition, see our Maine Coon grooming guide.

Dosing: Typically 50–100 mg EPA+DHA per kg of body weight daily. Use a cat-specific fish oil supplement or a product formulated for pets. Confirm dosing with your vet.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesize in adequate amounts on their own. Taurine deficiency is a documented cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a serious heart condition. While Maine Coon HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is primarily genetic, ensuring adequate taurine intake is a non-negotiable baseline for cardiac health. For a full breakdown of Maine Coon heart disease risk and other health concerns, see our Maine Coon health guide.

Any AAFCO-compliant commercial cat food includes taurine, but homemade or raw diets may be deficient unless carefully formulated. If feeding a home-prepared diet, taurine supplementation is essential.

Recommended intake: At least 200–500 mg taurine/day for adult cats. Check your food's guaranteed analysis or ask your vet.

Dental Treats

Maine Coons are prone to periodontal disease. Dental treats with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance - such as Greenies or Purina Dentalife - provide mechanical abrasion and can reduce tartar buildup. Limit to 1–2 treats per day; they add calories.

Probiotics

Probiotics support gut microbiome balance, which is especially useful during diet transitions, after antibiotic treatment, or for cats with chronic loose stools. Look for cat-specific strains like Enterococcus faecium (found in FortiFlora by Purina) rather than human probiotic products.

What to Avoid in Supplements

• Human multivitamins - often contain xylitol or toxic doses of vitamin D
• Vitamin A supplements unless prescribed (toxicity risk)
• Garlic or herbal supplements marketed for "immune support" - many are toxic to cats

Petzooie's Take

Petzooie's Take: Maine Coons are large cats with large appetites and a real vulnerability to obesity. Free-feeding dry kibble is one of the most common mistakes owners make - and one of the most consequential. Measured portions, high-protein wet food, and a monthly weight check are not premium-owner habits. They are the baseline for keeping this breed healthy.

FAQ: Maine Coon Diet

How much should I feed my Maine Coon?

Start with 25–30 calories per pound of ideal body weight per day. For a typical 14-lb adult Maine Coon, that's roughly 350–420 kcal/day. Divide into two meals. Adjust every 4–6 weeks based on body condition - you should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs. Always check the feeding guide on your specific food's packaging, as calorie density varies significantly between brands and formulas.

What is the best food brand for Maine Coons?

No single brand is universally best, but consistently strong options include Purina Pro Plan and Hill's Science Diet (both widely recommended by veterinarians), Royal Canin Maine Coon Adult (breed-specific dry formula), and Weruva or Tiki Cat for high-moisture wet food. Look for foods with a named animal protein (chicken, salmon, turkey) as the first ingredient and an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for your cat's life stage.

Can Maine Coons eat raw food?

Yes, with important caveats. Raw diets can be nutritionally appropriate when properly formulated, but they carry real risks: bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli), nutrient imbalances, and parasite exposure. Raw feeding is not recommended for households with immunocompromised people, young children, or elderly individuals. If you want to feed raw, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets AAFCO standards, and source meat from reputable suppliers.

How often should I feed my Maine Coon?

• Kittens (0–6 months): 3–4 times per day
• Kittens (6–12 months): 3 times per day
• Adults (1–7 years): 2 times per day
• Seniors (7+): 2 times per day (or 3 smaller meals if appetite is reduced)

Avoid free-feeding dry kibble - Maine Coons are prone to overeating when food is always available.

What are the signs of a food allergy in a Maine Coon?

The most common signs are persistent itching (especially around the head, neck, and ears), skin redness or bumps, hair loss from overgrooming, recurring ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can develop gradually over months, even on a food your cat has eaten for years. If you notice any combination of these signs, consult your vet - they'll help rule out other causes and guide you through an elimination diet trial.

Useful Sources

• AAFCO - Understanding Pet Food Labels
• Cornell Feline Health Center - Food Allergies in Cats
• Merck Veterinary Manual - Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
• Purina Institute - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
• Today's Veterinary Nurse - Feline HCM and the Role of Nutrition

This article was written to reflect current veterinary guidelines as of September 2026. All medical content is intended for informational use only and does not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. For any health concern affecting your pet, please consult a licensed veterinarian.

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