My Favorite Maine Coon Supplements
Maine Coons require a lot of love and devotion which includes using the best supplements for Maine Coons to ensure they are healthy as well as happy.
Your amazing pet will benefit from supplements to their diets, to enable them to be the fittest they can be.
Some of the best supplements for Maine Coons are also great supplements for people! Turmeric is great for supporting a cat’s circulatory system and the heart as well as helping older Maine Coons with hip dysplasia. Additionally, Yucca, Vitamin B & D, and so many other supplements are excellent for Maine Coons.
The idea of giving your cat a supplement can be quite foreign to some people, so naturally, this article may offer a lot of new information to you.
Do not worry, if you stick with us you will feel confident in your knowledge of Maine Coon supplements and their potential importance in no time at all.
Best Supplements For Maine Coon Cats
These large domestic cats are the biggest in the world and have adapted to be excellent hunters surviving harsh winter environments and unforgiving hunting grounds.
Life was not easy for the ancestors of the Maine Coon.
If we take a look at the Maine Coon cat’s origins though, we can immediately see that these large cats successfully adapted to the tough environment within which they lived.
One such adaptation was developing an obligate carnivore diet, which is where a feline’s main source of nutrients comes from meat.
The obligate carnivore diet is heavily protein-based, and vital to the Maine Coon cat breed since animal flesh is the only source of the nutrients they need to remain fit and healthy.
Thankfully this large cat breed has now found love and comfort in our homes, so it no longer needs to hunt in the wild to survive.
Maine Coon Nutrition
Maine Coon nutrition is quite different from other cat breeds that may have adjusted to eating a lot of carbohydrate-based dry food as opposed to meat.
Maine Coon supplements are often needed to ensure that they are meeting their nutritional needs even on the most basic level.
Not every cat food is suitable for the Maine Coon. Even if the cat food explicitly states they are, they occasionally cheap out on protein content.
Maine Coon Diet
Since Maine Coons are now domesticated, you might be wondering if their dietary needs are being met?
Take a look at the table below, to quickly see what your Maine Coon cats diet should include.
| Dietary Needs | Daily Needs |
|---|---|
| Protein | 70% |
| Carbohydrates | 20% |
| Fats and Fatty Acids | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.55% |
| Vitamin A | |
| Vitamin B | Maine Coon kittens need 1/10th of human dose maximum |
| Vitamin K | 2.5mg per KG of weight |
| Vitamin D |
Now, read the information below for more granular information on each of the Maine Coon special dietary requirements.
The Maine Coon diet should consist of the following things:
Protein
Your Maine Coon cat’s diet should consist of roughly 70% protein, each day.
Carbohydrates
20% of your Maine Coons daily food should consist of carbohydrates.
Fats And Fatty Acids
Make sure your gentle giant is eating 10% fats and fatty acids daily.
Fiber
0.55% of your Maine Coons special diet must be made up of fiber.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is vitally important for pregnant Maine Coon cats and Maine Coon kittens.
It is essential for night vision and general eye health, as well as healthy skin and muscle tissue.
Vitamin A is also very important for healthy, manageable, growth in a young cat.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is important for proper growth. It is the best vitamin for Maine Coon kittens.
A Maine Coon kitten should have only 1/10th of a human dose of Vitamin B per day at the very most, but this should only be given after they weigh more than 10 pounds.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for a healthy liver.
Since Maine Coons are prone to some liver issues, Vitamin K is therefore quite important.
Most vets recommend 2.5mg per KG of weight.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is great for muscle and nerve health and is something many Maine Coons lack in their regular diet. Even if they tend to eat a lot of wet food.
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4 Best Supplements For Maine Coons
Below are four of the best supplements for Maine Coons (source 1,2,3).
If you are interested in learning more (or buying) our recommended Maine Coon supplements, click on the Amazon links (or pictures) below to find out more:
1. Salmon Oil
Fats, fatty acids, and omega-3 are really important to your Maine Coons health.
This is one of the most important supplements for Maine Coon cats to help prevent joint pain and aching muscles.
Salmon is a great natural source of all of these fats, etc, so this pure wild Alaskan salmon oil is a potential must-have for Maine Coon owners.
Salmon oil is also a great way to ensure your Maine Coon has a lovely silky coat!
2. Life Extension Formula
This life extension mixed formula is a combined vitamin and supplement powder that contains many of the most important vitamins for Maine Coon cats.
It has adequate amounts of vitamins:
- A
- B
- B12
- Niacin
- Probiotics
If you are looking for a simple supplement program to follow, this life extension mixed formula is a great starting place.
3. High-Calorie Supplement
This is another multivitamin supplement containing pretty much everything your Maine Coon might need.
It is especially good for older Maine Coon cats that are struggling to meet all of their nutritional needs due to lack of appetite, etc.
This cat supplement is considered to be a high-calorie supplement that can negate the effects of a diminishing appetite and limited food consumption.
For Maine Coons who are eating food, 1 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight per day is enough.
For Maine Coons that are off food, you can give 3 tsp.
4. Cat Probiotic Powder Supplement
Good gut health is such a huge difference maker for not just Maine Coons but people too.
If your Maine Coon has a bit of a sensitive tummy then this gut health cat probiotic could be just what your adult, or kitten, Maine Coon might need.
Having a good gut is important for proper digestion and maximizing the nutritional benefit your Maine Coon will be getting from their everyday food.
Cat Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin deficiency is a huge problem for all cats, domesticated or not.
It can be pretty hard to spot cat vitamin deficiency systems for the untrained eye, so make sure you are aware of these signs and symptoms.
To give you a helping hand, here are some of the most common deficiencies in cats and what to look for (source 1,2):
1. Taurine Deficiency
Taurine deficiency is a very common issue in all breeds of cats and can have catastrophic effects on their internal organs, including:
- Heart Failure
- Blindness
- Lack Of Spatial Awareness
Taurine deficiency usually comes from a lack of fatty acids in the diet.
2. Thiamine Deficiency
Lack of Vitamin B can cause thiamine deficiency which is easily identified by anorexia and extreme weight loss in Maine Coon cats.
It is often accompanied by a very lazy cat that is simply too tired to do much else but sleep.
3. Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K-deficient Maine Coons may have alarming external bleeding that cannot be stemmed.
Bleeding is often a light, steady, stream that comes from bruises on the skin.
4. Vitamin D Deficiency
Lack of vitamin D can often be identified by a lazy, melancholy, cat (normally a kitten) that has bowed legs and refuses to move.
This is most common between 5-14 weeks old but can happen at any time with a severe enough deficiency.
5. Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency can cause rubbery bones in your cat’s body.
This is especially true of the jaw, which can cause all sorts of problems down the line that are severe and sometimes irreversible.
Early warning signs are:
- Restlessness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Muscle Tremors
Best Food For Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coons are obligate carnivores, which means they need to consume high volumes of meat in their diet in relation to every other food type.
However, they also need a well-balanced diet to ensure each of their needs is being met. Not just their protein requirements.
To ensure you are providing an adequately balanced diet, here is a breakdown of the best Maine Coon nutritional diet (source 1):
Protein
Maine Coons should have a diet that is high in protein.
Some experts claim that 40-50% protein content in their diet is adequate. However, obligate carnivores (which Maine Coons are) require closer to 70%.
Maine Coons in the wild were eating a large amount of protein, probably far higher than 70% if possible, so it is best to emulate this to an extent.
Below are some great sources of protein for your Maine Coon:
- Chicken
- Turkey (which is low in fat)
- Fish
Salmon is also amazing as it has lots of fatty acid content.
Carbohydrates
All animals that are not exclusively meat eaters need carbohydrates to live to some extent.
Maine Coons need small amounts of grains and vegetables. Carrot, spinach, and yuca are best for this.
Many wet foods come with tiny bits of vegetables in them. However, you may find that your Maine Coon likes a little bit of carrot as a treat every now and again.
Fats And Fatty Acids
It is important to separate bad fats and good fats.
Maine Coons want good fats in their diet.
Fish is the best source of good fats, as well as chicken which is quite lean.
Gamey foods such as rabbit and duck are often full of good fats, but can also be quite high in bad fats. It is therefore best to use them sparingly.
Fiber
Fiber makes up less than 1% of your Maine Coons diet, but, it is necessary for their health.
Luckily, carrots and spinach as well as being a good source of carbs are also rich in fiber, vitamin D, and Iron.
Carrots are a real winner for Maine Coons who enjoy them.
Best Sources Of Protein For Your Maine Coon Cat
Protein is the biggest and most important factor of the Maine Coon diet.
We have already established that 70% is about the right protein levels that they need daily, but how are you supposed to ensure those needs are being met?
Where does the best protein come from and what are the signs of a cat that is not having its protein needs met?
Let’s take a closer look.
Protein Sources
The table below shows how much protein exists in each type of meat:
| Meat Type | Protein |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 27% |
| Duck | 19% |
| Salmon | 20% |
| Rabbit | 33% |
| Venison | 30% |
| Turkey | 29% |
| Beef | 26% |
| Lamb | 25% |
Signs Of Lack Of Protein
Owners should watch out for these signs of lack of protein in a cat (source 1):
- Hair Loss
- Hair color becomes dull
- Glossy Eyes
- Lethargy
- Irritable
- Weakness and loss of balance
- Diarrhea
Best Sources Of Healthy Fats For Maine Coons
Getting enough healthy fats is just as important to a Maine Coons dietary needs as getting enough protein.
Healthy fats help regulate everything from organ health to bone strength and situational alertness.
Lack of healthy fats is very problematic for a healthy Maine Coon and is not something you want to overlook.
Below you will find a list of great healthy fat sources for your Maine Coon cat, and some of the signs of a cat not getting enough healthy fats.
Sources Of Healthy Fats
The table below shows where to find healthy fats:
| Meat | Healthy Fats |
|---|---|
| Salmon | 2.5% |
| Cod | 1.2% |
| Beef | 2-3% 7% (Unhealthy Fats) |
| Chicken | 2.4% |
| Turkey | 0.5% |
| Lamb | 7% |
Signs Of Lack Of Healthy Fats
Below are the key signs of a lack of healthy fats in your Maine Coon cats diet (source 1):
- Dull Coat
- Dry Skin
- Stunted Growth
- Melancholy/Depressed
- Keratin deposits on their nose
Maine Coon Diet Options
There are many Maine Coon cat dietary options.
These normally come down to the owner’s preference as Maine Coons are quite versatile. So long as the core components of their diet are adequately met.
If you are wondering what is the best diet for your Maine Coon cat, or wondering do Maine Coons need special food, the answer is yes and no.
Your cat may be a Maine Coon but it is unique in its preferences and personal needs. So a little trial and error may be needed.
There are as many Maine Coon diets as there are opinions so you are unlikely to ever find a definitive, one-size-fits-all, answer.
Here are some of the best Maine Coon diet options and recommended treats:
1. Maine Coon Raw Diet
The Maine Coon raw diet is pretty self-explanatory.
Owners provide healthy raw foods for their Maine Coon to consume, which are very similar to how these large cats would have eaten in the wild.
On the plus side, this is a great diet that taps into the Maine Coon history and inherent nature.
Raw food is free from additives and preservatives so it is often healthier than canned foods.
Conversely, raw food runs the risk of foodborne illnesses and is not as convenient to buy or store. You will therefore need to visit your local butcher rather than open your Amazon App.
Speak to your local butcher to find out what raw meats they sell.
2. Maine Coon Dry Food Diet
The best dry food for Maine Coons is Royal Canin Maine Coon Breed Adult Dry Food.
It is a great all-rounder that contains a superb blend of protein and carbs, as well as doing a wonderful job of meeting your Maine Coons fatty acids and Omega 3 needs.
Our male Maine Coon absolutely loves his Royal Canin dry food.
However, keep in mind that fresh protein is more enjoyable for your cat since Maine Coons didn’t exactly eat dry biscuits in the wilderness!
3. Maine Coon Wet Food Diet
The best-wet food for Maine Coons is Royal Canin, Intense Beauty.
This cat food is not designed specifically for Maine Coons but it is perfect for them and their needs.
High in protein and fat, and low in carbs, this Maine Coon wet food is a great way to ensure that your adult Maine Coon is getting all of the protein they need to be a happy and healthy kitty.
This wet food contains lower levels of vitamins, carbs, and fiber, so you may want to invest in some carb-based Maine Coon biscuits too.
4. Maine Coon Mixed Food Diet
Buy On Amazon – Blue Buffalo
Buy On Amazon – Royal Canin Canned Intense
In the mixed foot diet, you will utilize a blend of wet and dry food (even raw food) to find a nice balance for your Maine Coon cat.
The Maine Coon diet above is beneficial for your cat since you get some of the benefits of wet food and some of the benefits of dry food. You also lose almost all of the drawbacks.
This combination of Maine Coon mixed food diet contains a high protein adult dry cat food, designed to mimic the diet of a wild cat.
The addition of wet food is then enough to keep your active adult Maine Coon fit and healthy.
5. Homemade Maine Coon Cat Food
If you are looking to create your very own homemade Maine Coon cat food there are some amazing videos on Youtube.
Follow the tips and tricks detailed earlier in this article, that outline the dietary needs and breakdowns of the Maine Coon diet, and you should be fine.
Many people choose to combine raw meat with homemade biscuits.
6. Maine Coon Treats
The best treats for Maine Coons are healthy treats.
Little cubes of chopped-up cooked chicken or small pieces of roast carrot (cooled down) make excellent healthy treats for adult and kitten Maine Coons.
There are also hundreds of cat treats on Amazon too, such as this one:
Maine Coon Feeding Guide
How much your Maine Coon needs to eat depends heavily on how old/big they are, and how active they are.
This last point is something that many Maine Coon owners do not take into account.
After all, a Maine Coon that is running around like crazy and loves to play for hours on end will require more food than a napping lap cat that hardly moves.
So, with this in mind, how are you supposed to know how much food to give your Maine Coon cat?
There are a ton of Maine Coon food calculators out there such as this one from Fegnion.
What to feed a Maine Coon kitten is something that is a little more contentious as the variance between kittens’ activity levels and size varies so much, and so quickly.
Luckily, the Royal Canin Maine Coon Feeding Guide can be exceptionally helpful at this point.
According to Royal Canin, these are the feeding guidelines for a full-grown adult Maine Coon and a kitten:
Maine Coon Kitten (8.8 lbs, 4kg)
The table below shows how much owners should feed their 8.8 lbs Maine Coon kitten (source 1):
| Activity Levels | Quantity Of Food |
|---|---|
| Low | 1/2 Cup (42g) |
| Medium | 1/2 Cup(52g) |
| High | 5/8 Cup(62g) |
Maine Coon Kitten (11 lbs, 5kg)
The table below with information from the website Royal Canin shows how much owners should feed an 11 lbs Maine Coon kitten:
| Activity Levels | Quantity Of Food |
|---|---|
| Low | 1/2 Cup(49g) |
| Medium | 5/8 Cup (61g) |
| High | 3/4 Cup (73g) |
Adult Cats (20 lbs, 9kg)
According to the website Royal Canin this is how much owners should feed a 20 lbs Maine Coon cat:
| Activity Levels | Quantity Of Food |
|---|---|
| Low | 3/4 Cup (74g) |
| Medium | 1 Cup (92g) |
| High | 1 1/8 Cups (111g) |
Adult Cats (22 lbs, 10kg)
The table below shows how much owners should feed a 22 lbs Maine Coon cat, according to the website Royal Canin:
| Activity Levels | Quantity Of Food |
|---|---|
| Low | 7/8 Cup (80g) |
| Medium | 1 1/8 Cups (100g) |
| High | 1 1/4 Cups (119g) |
Do Maine Coons Need More Food?
It can be hard to know whether your cat needs more food or not.
After all, many people’s pets will cry and cry all day if they think they will get an extra meal out of it!
Maine Coon nutrition is pretty strict so if you are feeding them the recommended portion controls they very likely DO NOT need more food.
However, if your Maine Coon is struggling to keep food down, eats far too quickly, or cries during meal time it may require a slightly increased portion size (source 1).
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a great idea about the best supplements for Maine Coon cats and Maine Coon kittens.
Maine Coons have quite a specific diet that if you are not relentless to follow can have adverse effects on their mental and physical well-being.
Maine Coons require high levels of protein, fats, and fatty acids in their diet alongside a string of important vitamins and minerals.
Ensuring that your Maine Coons diet is sufficient does NOT have to be a difficult, insurmountable, task.
A vitamin blend may be all that you need alongside additional protein in their food such as chicken or fish.
Good luck on your quest to perfect your Maine Coons diet. Feel assured they will appreciate all the work you are doing. Even if they can’t tell you.
Related Questions
Maine Coon Tips And Tricks
A great tip for having a happy and healthy Maine Coon is to constantly refresh their water supply. Maine Coons love water and clean water is much better for them.
Best Cat Food For Maine Coon Mix
Royal Canin Adult 31 is the best food for a Maine Coon mix. It provides a healthy diet full of the vitamins and minerals that all Maine Coons need. It is full of omega-3 and fatty acids as well as sufficient protein content.
