REAL Cost Of Feeding A Maine Coon

Discover the real costs of life with a Maine Coon cat.

Feeding Costs

It will cost you anywhere between $700 and $1000 per year to feed your Maine Coon cat because Maine Coons require a higher caloric intake than most other cat breeds, and a diet packed full of protein. The exact cost of feeding your Maine Coon depends on the food you feed the feline e.g. dry food, wet food, or raw food.

Popularly known as gentle giants, this active and energetic feline is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, with the average Maine Coon weighing anywhere between 12 – 22 lbs.

The amount of food your Maine Coon eats depends on the type and quality of its food, their age, and how active they are!

Dietary Needs

Your Maine Coon requires a healthy, well-balanced diet, and here are recommended dietary requirements:

Proteins

This breed is known for its high activity levels, and need for large quantities of protein to provide huge amounts of energy, helping maintain reasonable energy levels.

It is estimated that an adult Maine Coons diet should contain between 25 to 40 percent proteins.

Carbohydrates

Although Maine Coon cats prefer a diet rich in proteins, they will still require small amounts of carbohydrates for healthy growth.

On average, an adult Maine Coon should be fed food with a minimum carbohydrate content of 10 to 20 percent.

Fats And Fatty Acids

Small amounts of healthy fats and fatty acids can help preserve the Maine Coon’s shiny fur.

Some of the useful, healthy fatty acids to add to your Maine Coon’s diet include:

• Taurine
• Arginine
• Arachidonic acid

No matter what fatty acids you feed your Maine Coon, it is recommended to feed your cat with a diet containing about 10% fat.

Vitamins

Like humans, Maine Coon cats need all kinds of vitamins to stay healthy. Vitamins promote growth and help improve the health of your Maine Coon cat.

For this reason, make sure that your Maine Coon cat feeds on foods rich in vitamins:

• A
• B
• K
• Niacin

On average, Maine Coons need roughly 30 calories per pound of body weight every day to live a healthy life.

The exact amount of food your cat needs will depend on its age, weight, and lifestyle.

Meanwhile, if you have a highly energetic Maine Coon, make sure you review the table below to determine the correct calorie intake for your feline:

What Can You Feed A Maine Coon?

You can choose to feed your Maine Coon:

• Dry food
• Wet food
• Raw diet
• Combination of the above

1. Dry Foods

The majority of your Maine Coon’s diet consists of high-quality dry foods.

Dry food promotes teeth and jaw health and should be available to your Maine Coon throughout the day. It lasts longer and can be left out for the cat to eat at their discretion.

These are my favorite Maine Coon dry foods because they offer great nutritional value, and our male Maine Coon loves eating them.

Premium dry cat foods cost anywhere between $25 to $90 per bag of food, depending on size and brand.

For a dry food diet only, your Maine Coon needs about 55 to 75g of kibble a day.

2. Wet Food

Wet food is rich in moisture content making it a good option for Maine Coons that do not drink enough water.

Relative to dry cat food, wet foods are more expensive and tend to go off faster. High-quality wet foods cost anywhere between $1 to $6 per can/sachet.

Only feed your Maine Coon 2-3 sachets a week, the remaining calorie intake should be provided via dry food.

3. Homemade Cat Food

This is the most affordable option, however, it requires effort and monitoring since you have to provide each food group with your Maine Coon requirements.

4. Raw Diet

Commonly known as freeze-dried cat food, a raw diet is highly nutritious because it closely matches the Maine Coons natural diet.

Feeding your Maine Coon a raw diet helps improve their dental health and digestion. They will also have high energy levels and an improved furry coat.

Cost Of A Dry Food Diet

Feeding a dry food (kibble) diet to a Maine Coon is the cheapest option, but choosing a high-quality, grain-free, protein-rich kibble is essential for their long-term health.

Below is an estimated cost breakdown for a Maine Coon:

Estimated Cost Of Dry Food Diet

💡 Maine Coons eat around ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day (based on weight and activity level).

Cost Breakdown For Dry Food

Factors Affecting Dry Food Costs

✔ Buying in Bulk – Larger bags (10–20 lbs) are more cost-effective per pound.
✔ Brand Choice – Premium brands with higher meat content cost more but offer better nutrition.
✔ Mixed Diet – Some owners mix dry + wet/raw food, impacting overall costs.
✔ Location – Prices vary by country and local store pricing.

💡 Premium dry food costs more upfront but may save on vet bills by preventing obesity, kidney issues, and urinary tract problems.

Cost Of A Wet Food Diet

Wet food is healthier than dry food due to its higher moisture content, reducing the risk of kidney and urinary issues.

However, it is more expensive than kibble, especially for a large breed like a Maine Coon that eats more than the average cat.

Estimated Cost Of Wet Food Diet

💡 Maine Coons eat around 8–12 oz (230–340g) of wet food per day, depending on size and activity level.

Cost Breakdown For Wet Food

Factors Affecting Wet Food Costs

✔ Buying in Bulk – Cases of 24–48 cans lower per-unit cost.
✔ Pouch vs. Can – Pouches often cost more per gram than cans.
✔ Brand & Ingredients – Premium brands with high meat content cost more.
✔ Mixed Diet – Some owners mix wet + dry/raw food, affecting total cost.
✔ Location – Prices vary by country and store availability.

💡 Premium wet food is costly but provides the best hydration and nutrition, reducing future vet expenses.

Cost Of A Raw Food Diet

Feeding a raw diet to a Maine Coon cat can be more expensive than dry kibble but is often healthier, reducing future vet bills.

Below is an estimate for a single pet Maine Coon, considering its larger size and higher food intake.

Estimated Cost Of A Raw Diet

💡 Maine Coons eat around 150–250g (5–8 oz) of raw food per day, depending on activity level and metabolism.

Cost Breakdown Of Raw Feeding

Factors Affecting Raw Feeding Costs

✔ Buying in Bulk – Bulk purchasing raw meat from butchers or wholesalers lowers costs.
✔ Sourcing Freezer Deals – Stocking up during sales helps reduce spending.
✔ Pre-Made Raw Diets – Brands like Stella & Chewy’s, Darwin’s, or Primal can cost double homemade raw but offer convenience.
✔ Supplements – Essential for balancing a homemade diet; skipping them leads to deficiencies.
✔ Location – Prices vary by country, city, and availability of raw pet food suppliers.

Is It Cheaper To Make Homemade Cat Food?

Homemade cat food can be cost-effective compared to high-end commercial brands, but it depends on ingredient quality, sourcing, and whether you supplement with commercial food.

Below is a cost comparison between homemade and commercial Maine Coon diets.

Cost Of Homemade Vs. Commercial Cat Food

💡 Verdict:

• Homemade food can be cheaper than high-end commercial brands but requires time, effort, and proper supplementation to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Budget dry food is cheaper upfront but may lead to higher vet costs due to health issues like urinary problems.
• Premium commercial food offers convenience but at a higher price.

Cost Breakdown Of Homemade Cat Food

Pros And Cons of Homemade Cat Food

✅ Pros:
✔️ Can be cheaper than premium cat food.
✔️ Full control over ingredients (no fillers or artificial additives).
✔️ Supports better digestion and skin health.
✔️ Reduces the risk of allergies from commercial fillers.

❌ Cons:
❌ Requires time to prepare and balance nutrients.
❌ Needs proper supplementation (taurine, calcium, vitamins).
❌ Risk of an imbalanced diet if not formulated correctly.
❌ Must be stored properly to avoid spoilage.

Treats

Maine Coons, being large and active cats, enjoy treats as part of their diet, whether for training, bonding or as a supplement to their nutrition.

Below is an estimated yearly treat cost for both kittens and adults, along with some nutritious and popular options.

Estimated Annual Cost

Costs depend on cat food treats, quality, and feeding frequency. Higher-end freeze-dried or raw treats will cost more.

Nutritious And Popular Cat Treat Options

Below are a few cat treat varieties (fact-checked February 2025):