Maine Coon Food Costs: What You Really Spend Each Year

Maine Coons may be majestic, affectionate, and playful but feeding one isn’t as simple (or cheap) as tossing down a bowl of supermarket kibble.
With their large size, high energy levels, and long, luxurious coats, these gentle giants have big appetites and specific nutritional needs.
Whether you’re a new owner or just planning, it’s important to understand the true cost of feeding a Maine Coon is essential.
In this article, we’ll break down how much you can expect to spend each month, compare different diet options, and reveal how to feed your Maine Coon well without breaking the bank.
How Much Does It Cost To Feed A Maine Coon?
Feeding a Maine Coon cat isn’t as simple as buying a cheap bag of cat food and calling it a day.
These large, muscular cats require significantly more food than the average domestic feline, and the cost of feeding them adds up quickly, especially if you want to give them a diet that supports:
- Long-term health
- Energy
- Coat condition
Whether you choose dry food, wet food, raw food, or a combination, it’s important to understand what you’re feeding, how much it costs, and what you’re getting for your money.
Why Do Maine Coons Cost More To Feed?
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world.
Males typically weigh between 18 and 21 pounds (8.2 to 9.5 kg), while females usually weigh between 12 and 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kg).
Because of their size and high activity level, they require more calories and nutrients than smaller breeds.
Unlike some cats that can maintain weight on minimal calories, Maine Coons need a nutrient-dense diet packed with:
- High-quality protein
- Healthy fats
Their slow maturation rate (taking up to five years to reach full size) also means they need appropriate food throughout a prolonged growth phase.
If they don’t receive the correct diet, Maine Coons may suffer from:
- Coat dullness
- Obesity
- Joint strain
- Poor muscle tone
So while it’s tempting to look for cheap cat food, low-quality options can cost you more in vet bills over time.
Cost Of Feeding A Maine Coon Each Month
On average, you can expect to spend between $40 and $100 per month feeding a single Maine Coon, depending on the type and brand of food you choose.
This equates to around $480 to $1,200 per year, although owners who opt for premium wet or raw food may spend significantly more, potentially upwards of $2,400 annually.
Dry Food Costs
Dry kibble is often the most affordable option for feeding a Maine Coon, especially if you purchase in large bags. However, cheaper brands often contain fillers like corn, soy, or meat by-products, which are not ideal for a carnivorous cat.
A high-quality grain-free kibble with at least 35-40% protein will cost more, typically around $50 to $100 per month, depending on how much your cat eats.
Maine Coons usually consume around ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day, which equates to approximately 60-75 grams.
Wet Food Costs
Wet food is more expensive than dry kibble, but it’s also higher in moisture and easier to digest.
Many owners find that their Maine Coons thrive on a partial or full wet food diet, especially those with dental issues, senior cats, or cats prone to constipation.
A full wet food diet may require two to three cans per day, depending on your cat’s weight and brand of food.
This adds up quickly, with average monthly costs ranging from $80 to $200 depending on whether you’re using supermarket brands or premium options.
Over a year, that could mean spending as little as $960 or as much as $2,400 just on wet food.
Raw Food Or Freeze-Dried Raw Diets
Raw feeding has become increasingly popular among Maine Coon owners because it mimics a cat’s natural diet.
Raw diets are generally high in protein and moisture and free from synthetic additives or grains.
You can choose pre-packaged commercial raw meals, which are convenient but expensive, or prepare your raw food at home using a mix of:
- Meats
- Organs
- Bones (or bone meal)
- Supplements like taurine and vitamin E
A commercial raw diet may cost anywhere from $60 to $160 per month per cat, depending on brand and portion size.
A DIY raw diet may cost slightly less, but preparation is time-consuming and requires careful balancing to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Factors affecting raw food diets:
✔ 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.
Homemade Cooked Food
Cooking meals at home for your Maine Coon may seem like a middle-ground option in terms of cost, but it can still be expensive if you’re using human-grade meat.
You also need to add cat-specific supplements, as cooking destroys many natural nutrients.
Without proper supplementation, your cat could become deficient in essential amino acids like taurine or arginine, which could lead to heart or neurological issues.
Expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month for a cooked, homemade diet when using the right ingredients and supplements.
What Should You Feed A Maine Coon?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must get their nutrients from meat.
Whatever feeding method you choose, your Maine Coon’s diet should be high in animal protein and contain moderate fat levels.
A good Maine Coon diet will contain:
- At least 35% protein, ideally from named meat sources such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish.
- Around 10-15% fat, including essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s.
- Low carbohydrates, since cats have little need for them, and too many carbs can cause obesity and digestive issues.
Maine Coons also need access to fresh water at all times. Even if you feed wet food, their large bodies require adequate hydration to support kidney function and joint health.
Some owners invest in pet water fountains to encourage regular drinking.
Treats, Supplements, And Feeding Accessories
While food is the main cost, you’ll likely spend extra on treats, dental chews, hairball pastes, or omega-3 supplements to support skin and coat health.
Treats can easily add $10 to $30 per month to your food bill, especially if you’re using high-value training treats or freeze-dried meat products.
If you’re feeding raw or homemade diets, you’ll also need a supply of:
- Taurine
- Fish oil
- Calcium
- B-complex vitamins
Additionally, you may want to invest in:
- High-quality feeding bowls
- Puzzle feeders
- Slow feeders
- Automatic food dispensers
While these aren’t recurring costs, they are important for enrichment and portion control.
Can You Save Money Without Compromising Nutrition?
Absolutely, but it takes careful planning.
You can save money by:
- Buying in bulk
- Subscribing to recurring deliveries for discounts
- Combining a high-quality dry food base with smaller portions of wet or raw food to supplement moisture and protein
If you’re feeding multiple cats, look for:
- Multi-packs
- Breeder bags
- Wholesale food clubs
However, be cautious of sacrificing quality for cost.
Feeding your Maine Coon low-quality food might save money short term, but could lead to weight gain, digestive problems, or serious health issues down the line – ultimately costing more in veterinary care.