Maine Coon Diet & Nutrition Guide: What To Feed, How Much, And Full Feeding Routine

How long should a Maine Coon eat kitten food

Feeding a Maine Coon correctly is one of the most important parts of keeping the breed healthy, strong, lean, and long-lived.

Maine Coons have unique nutritional needs due to their large size, slow growth, high muscle mass, and active temperament, so their diet requires more consideration than that of an average house cat.

This hub brings together everything owners need to know in one place:

  • Ideal food types
  • Feeding amounts
  • Portion sizes
  • Kitten vs adult diets
  • Weight management
  • Hydration
  • Supplements
  • Troubleshooting common food-related issues

Every section links to in-depth Maine Coon Central articles for owners who want a more in-depth look.

What Should A Maine Coon Eat? (Core Nutritional Overview)

Maine Coons thrive on a high-protein, meat-focused diet that mirrors their natural nutritional profile.

Whether you feed wet food, dry kibble, raw, or a combination, the key principles stay the same:

Optimal nutrient balance:

  • Protein: 50-70% of calories
  • Fat: 20-35%
  • Carbohydrates: As low as possible (preferably under 10-12%)
  • Moisture: Ideally 70-80% via wet/raw feeding
  • Taurine: Must be present in sufficient levels
  • Low fillers: Avoid corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives

A biologically-appropriate diet helps reduce obesity, prevent diabetes, minimise hairballs, and support joint and coat health – all common Maine Coon vulnerabilities.

Read more:

  • What Is the Best Cat Food for Shedding?
  • Best Cat Foods for Maine Coon Cats (UK)

H2: How Much Should You Feed a Maine Coon? (Portions & Calorie Needs)

Because Maine Coons are naturally bigger and grow for up to 3–5 years, their calorie needs differ from other cats. A typical healthy adult requires:

Average daily calories:

  • Male Maine Coon: 350–600+ kcal/day
  • Female Maine Coon: 280–450 kcal/day
  • Active cats: add 10–15%
  • Indoor-only cats: subtract 10–20%

Portion guidelines:

  • Feed 2–3 meals daily for adults
  • Feed 3–4 meals daily for kittens
  • Combine wet + dry if desired, with wet food making up at least 50% of the diet for moisture balance

Your cat’s body condition score (BCS), activity level, and metabolism ultimately determine how much they need. Slow, steady growth is crucial — too much food accelerates growth unnaturally and stresses joints.

Read more:

  • How Much to Feed a Maine Coon Cat
  • How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Eat?
  • How Much Does It Cost to Feed a Maine Coon?

H2: Maine Coon Kitten Feeding Guide (0–5 Years)

Maine Coon kittens grow longer than other breeds, which means they require specialised, high-energy nutrition for much longer.

Feeding stages:

  • 0–4 months: high-calorie kitten food, 4 meals/day
  • 4–12 months: high-protein kitten food, 3–4 meals/day
  • 12–18 months: transition to “junior” or “high-protein adult” food
  • 18 months–5 years: maintain steady growth; avoid early switch to low-calorie diets

Kittens need:

  • Higher protein
  • Higher fat
  • More frequent meals
  • DHA for brain development
  • Extra hydration

Read more:

Wet Food Vs Dry Food Vs Raw (Pros & Cons)

Each feeding style has benefits, and many Maine Coon owners use a balanced combination.

Wet food

  • High moisture
  • Easier to digest
  • Better for weight control
  • Great for picky eaters

Dry kibble

  • Convenient
  • Helps with dental abrasion
  • Can be nutritionally dense

Raw feeding

  • Extremely high in protein
  • Mimics natural feline diet
  • Must be balanced correctly
  • Requires safe handling

Mixed feeding

  • Most balanced daily approach
  • Maintains hydration
  • Supports healthy teeth
  • Distributes calories across the day

Read more:

Human Foods: What Maine Coons Can & Can’t Eat

Some human foods are safe in moderation; others are dangerous.

Safe (Occasional):

  • Cooked unseasoned chicken
  • Salmon
  • Turkey
  • Plain rice (small amounts)
  • Eggs

Unsafe/Toxic:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Alcohol
  • Excessive dairy

Read more:

Managing Shedding, Coat Health & Allergies Through Diet

Diet influences coat quality, shedding, and skin health. Maine Coons with dull, brittle, or thinning coats often benefit from:

Nutritional support for coat health:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
  • High-quality animal protein
  • Adequate hydration
  • Low-carb, low-filler diets

A poor-quality diet can worsen shedding, dandruff, tail thinning, and allergies.

Read more:

Food Allergies, Intolerances & Sensitive Stomachs

Maine Coons can develop food sensitivities, especially to:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Wheat
  • Certain preservatives

Signs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Itchy skin
  • Ear infections
  • Over-grooming

Typical solutions:

  • Switch to a single-protein diet
  • Try a hypoallergenic diet
  • Introduce new proteins slowly
  • Avoid artificial colours and fillers

Read more:

Hydration & Water Intake

Maine Coons often prefer:

  • Moving water
  • Wide, shallow bowls
  • Stainless steel or ceramic over plastic

Proper hydration helps prevent UTIs, reduces shedding, and supports kidney function.

Read more:

Weight Management & Obesity Prevention

Maine Coons are large, but should never be overweight. Obesity is one of the most common health issues vets see in the breed.

Key strategies:

  • Measure portions
  • Use feeding schedules
  • Minimise high-carb foods
  • Increase play and enrichment
  • Monitor weight monthly

A healthy adult male typically weighs 18-21 lbs, and females 12-15 lbs, depending on frame.

Read more:

Recommended Food & Nutrition Resources

Diet & Nutrition FAQs

How much should a Maine Coon eat each day?
Most adults need 280-600 kcal/day depending on sex, weight, and activity level.

What is the best food for Maine Coons?
A high-protein, meat-based diet with low carbohydrates and no fillers.

Can Maine Coons eat raw meat?
Yes, but only balanced, safe raw diets with correct taurine levels.

How often should a Maine Coon kitten eat?
3-4 meals per day until at least 12 months old.

Do Maine Coons need wet food?
Wet food supports hydration and is recommended for most Maine Coons.

What foods are toxic to Maine Coons?
Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and seasoned meats.

Author

  • A Maine Coon cat enthusiast with 13+ years of experience owning three Maine Coon cats. I have first-hand experience with many Maine Coon health issues, e.g., hip dysplasia, bent tail canal, and arthritis. I have experience in training Maine Coons, registered breeders, adopting Maine Coons, and caring for a Maine Coon. I currently own two male Maine Coon cats, named Mika and Bali.

    View all posts Director