The 8 Best Cat Foods for Ragdolls

Every ragdoll owner wants their pet to live a long and healthy life. 

Unfortunately, many of them ignore the most crucial factor that impacts their cat’s lifespan, diet.

To ensure that your ragdoll lives long and prosper, we have made a list of the best cat foods and a buyer’s guide to educate you on your cat’s nutritional needs.

So if you’re ready, let’s dive into it!

The Best Cat Foods For Ragdolls

Top ProductsLifestageWeight
1. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat FoodAdult14-lb
2. Purina Beyond Simply Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish Cat FoodAdult11-lb
3. Fancy Feast Medleys Primavera Variety Pack Cat FoodAdult3-oz/12
4. Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat FoodKitten16-lb
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat FoodAdult15.5-lb
6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Duck Cat FoodAdult10-lb
7. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Kitten Cat FoodKitten5-lb
8. Wysong Epigen 90 Cat FoodAdult5-lb

1. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Sweet Potatoes, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Roasted Venison, 5. Smoked Salmon

Cat food is only as good as the ingredients it contains, and Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Cat Food provides high-quality ingredients. It’s made solely out of premium ingredients like roasted venison, smoked salmon, sweet potatoes, and different vegetables and fruits. These ingredients make this cat food highly nutritious and easily digestible. 

Because 40% of the cat food consists of protein, it helps your cat stay lean and active while preventing them from becoming obese. Moreover, the formula nourishes your cat’s digestive health with probiotics from dried chicory root. Since most indoor cats have sensitive stomachs, the food leaves out grains, fillers, wheat, soy, and all sorts of artificial additives.


2. Purina Beyond Simply Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish & Egg Recipe Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ocean Whitefish, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Pea Protein, 4. Beef Fat, 5. Pea Fiber

The high-protein seafood-based Purina Beyond Simply Grain-Free Cat Food is an excellent option for ragdolls that love the taste of fish. The limited ingredient formula eliminates grains and fillers and uses wholesome foods like real ocean white fish, sweet potatoes, and eggs.

It features a minimum of 35% protein content, promoting muscle nourishment and saving your ragdoll from obesity and its consequences. Apart from that, the diet supplies multiple vitamins and nutrients, which provide additional support so your cat’s body can perform cell repair and growth functions effectively. 


3. Fancy Feast Medleys Primavera Collection Variety Pack Canned Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Poultry Broth, 2. Chicken, 3. Liver, 4. Tomatoes, 5. Carrots

When you have a ragdoll that’s picky with their food, Fancy Feast Medley Primavera is the cat food you should pick. The whole pack contains three delicious flavors, each containing juicy chunks of meat, healthy vegetables, and a tasty sauce that provides complete nutritional support and tons of moisture to your cat. 

The three flavors use different types of meat from chicken, turkey, and tuna, each rich in protein to assist your cat with muscle growth, heart health, and vision development. In addition, the moisture in this canned food benefits your cat’s urinary health and prevents the buildup of bladder stones.


4. Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Ground Whole Grain Corn, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Kittens have a slightly different set of nutritional requirements, and Iams ProActive Health Kitten Food caters specifically to those needs. The formula consists of real chicken meat, which delivers essential amino acids required for muscle growth and nourishment. It also contains fibers and prebiotics that help your kitten digest and absorb nutrients more effectively.

Moreover, this cat food is rich in micronutrients, including various vitamins and minerals that encourage sensory development and cellular repair. The recipe is also enriched with D.H.A. to support brain development and vitamin E to strengthen your kitten’s immune system. All of this is packed into small and easily chewable kibble so your kitten can enjoy every single meal.


5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Chicken Meal, 5. Soybean Oil

If your cat suffers from a sensitive stomach and poor appearance, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Cat Food is an option worth considering. The formula encourages effective digestion, better absorption of nutrients, and improved skin and coat quality. It uses natural and light ingredients such as chicken, rice, and eggs.

The recipe provides Omega 6 fatty acids to help cats with itchy and dry skin develop a lustrous coat and soft skin. Moreover, the formula contains various micronutrients and antioxidants that strengthen your cat’s immune system and improve overall health.


6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Duck Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Green Peas, 2. Duck, 3. Duck Meal, 4. Canola Oil, 5. Salmon Oil

Sensitive cats can suffer from deficiencies and poor digestion. However, a limited ingredient diet like Natural Balance Pea & Duck Formula can help your cat digest their food better and live a more active life. The recipe is mostly duck and green peas, which offer high nutritional value and easy digestion.

Apart from that, the cat food also delivers omega fatty acids to improve your ragdoll’s skin and coat quality. In addition, this diet supplies a range of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and taurine, all of which are crucial for good heart and vision health. Finally, this recipe is absent of allergens and dense foods like grains and fillers.


7. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Menhaden Fish Meal, 5. Flaxseed

Provide your cat with premium-quality nutrition and rapid growth with Blue Buffalo’s Freedom Indoor KittenFood. The formula is designed to satisfy the nutritional needs of growing kittens and contains the most wholesome ingredients.  This recipe includes real chicken, which delivers tons of amino acid required for optimal muscle growth, as well as peas to keep your kitten active.

Along with that, the recipe supplies omega fatty acids, D.H.A., and A.R.A. to support coat health and brain development in kittens. In addition, the formula has LifeSource Bits, which contain various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to encourage great overall and health.


8. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Organic Chicken, 3. Meat Protein Isolate, 4. Coconut Oil, 5. Taurine

Wysong Epigen is the perfect option for cats that require a diet mainly consisting of protein. However, this particular food consists of almost 63% protein content, far above the competition, and helps cats develop a strong and muscular physique.

Moreover, the diet is grain and starch-free, making it an excellent option for cats with sensitivities or allergies. The formula supplies various micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains probiotics that improve digestion and omega fatty acids, which nourish your cat’s skin and coat.


9. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Dried Egg Product, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Flaxseed, 5. Salmon Oil

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Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula adheres to the philosophy of providing cats with their ancestral diet. The food consists of at least 59% protein content, almost all of which comes from real chicken to encourage lean muscle growth and high energy levels.

Moreover, the cat food has a very low glycemic index, making it highly digestible and an excellent option for cats with sensitivities and allergies. It has multiple vitamins and minerals along with taurine and omega fatty acids for good overall health. The recipe is completely grain-free and also has low oxalate levels to prevent the buildup of bladder stones.


10. Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Adult Multipack Chicken & Tuna Recipe Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Poultry Liver, 3. Chicken Broth, 4. Dried Egg Product, 5. Fish Oil

Allow your cat to experience delicious and meaty pate-textured foods with IAMS Perfect Portion Healthy Adult Cat Food. The variety pack consists of two flavors: chicken and tuna, both made from premium-quality meat and wholesome foods to provide your cat with the highest quality nourishment.

In addition, the recipe consists of zero grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients, which makes it an excellent option for sensitive cats. Furthermore, it provides various micronutrients, including vitamin E, which provides antioxidants to strengthen your cat’s immune system. Finally, the peeling design of the cans makes the cat food easier to serve and prevents mess during mealtime.


11. Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Rabbit, 2. Rabbit Liver, 3. Rabbit Heart, 4. Goat’s Milk, 5. Herring Oil

If serving raw food seems like a hassle to you, Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties Cat Food is an excellent option as it offers raw nutrition with the convenience of a dry diet. Their recipe comprises a few wholesome ingredients that are easy to digest and offer tons of nutritional value. Most of this includes rabbit meat and organs, both high in protein and amino acids.

Since the cat food is freeze-dried, it has the same texture and flavor as raw meat. You can feed the patties as they are or dehydrate them to release their true aroma and taste. In addition to this, the recipe is free from grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients, making this cat food an ideal option for sensitive cats. 


12. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Chicken Gizzard, 4. Pumpkin Seed, 5. Fenugreek Seed

If you’re confused between raw and dry food, Stella and Chewy’s Chicken Dinner offers the best of both worlds with their protein-rich freeze-dried morsels. This food mimics the diet of wild cats, which mostly consists of natural foods and raw meat by using 98% raw meat, organs, and bones so your cat can consume a protein-dense diet.

Aside from that, the recipe also contains organic fruits and a range of micronutrients to satisfy your cat’s dietary needs fully. Instead of typical processing, this cat food is freeze-dried to preserve a raw diet’s natural taste and nutrients. The morsels are designed to be easily chewable and safely stored without going bad after a few hours like regular raw food.


13. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Duck Pate Canned Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Pork Liver, 3. Turkey Broth, 4. Duck, 5. Cranberries

The protein-rich Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Cat Food offers complete holistic nutrition through wholesome foods for optimal health. It consists of turkey and duck as the primary sources of protein, both of which digest easily and help maintain muscle mass. The recipe also contains various vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and taurine for full nutritional support.

More than that, the canned food contains broth which serves as an excellent source of hydration and prevents urinary problems. The food also has a delicious meaty texture which can attract even the most stubborn cats. And the best part is that the cat food is free from grains and common allergens, making it an excellent option for sensitive cats.


14. Hound & Gatos 98% Chicken & Liver Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Taurine, 5. Salmon Oil

The ancestral diet inspired Hound & Ghettos Chicken Liver Cat Food to be one of the highest-quality formulas available on the market. The majority of the recipe consists of premium-grade proteins, 98% of which come from chicken meat and organs. The high amounts of protein in the cat food accelerate muscle maintenance while keeping your cat active all day around.

This formula is designed for obligate carnivores and is completely free from grains and carbohydrates so that your cat only consumes the nutrients they require. Furthermore, the recipe is fortified with various vitamins and minerals to encourage optimal functioning and steady growth. The diet is made exclusively in the U.S.A. and is appropriate for cats of all ages.


Buyer’s guide

The right diet can play a crucial role in determining your ragdoll’s quality of life and overall lifespan. But unluckily, most owners don’t know a thing about their cat’s diet, which can lead to a poor selection of cat food and unsuitable shell feeding routines, which can place your cat at risk of obesity and various health issues.

If you are also confused about how to feed your ragdoll an optimal diet, don’t worry, we have prepared a guide to help you find out what your cat needs and how you can choose the best cat food for them.

What to look for in cat food for ragdolls

Knowing the basic diet requirements of ragdolls can go a long way in feeding them an optimal diet. Since this breed is also an obligate carnivore, they have the same basic nutritional requirements, which typically consists of;

  • High quantities of proteins
  • Moderate amounts of essential fats
  • Low amounts of carbohydrates

These basic requirements are the same for every other cat, including ragdolls. However, the personality and temperament of ragdolls do change their dietary needs in certain ways. Here is a detailed explanation of what an optimal diet for ragdolls looks like:

1. Large portions of premium grade protein

As an obligate carnivore, a ragdoll’s body primarily survives on protein. Their muscular body and strong legs require a constant supply of amino acids to build and repair muscle blocks. But since ragdolls are much larger compared to other cats, they need larger portions of proteins. The minimum protein requirement for most cats is 30%, though there are brands that stand well above that mark.

A ragdoll’s body needs protein for two main purposes; building and repairing muscle and providing energy to stay active. Meat is the preferred source of protein since it contains all the essential amino acids required by a cat’s body. Therefore, every formula uses different meat sources, including chicken, turkey, fish, duck, and beef. 

Ideally, you should choose the type of meat that your cat loves and tolerates well. Beef and fish are known to cause allergies in some cats, so you should select duck or turkey meat if your cat is sensitive to these. 

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2. Moderate amounts of essential fats

After proteins, fats are the second most important macronutrient for cats. However, these aren’t unhealthy fats but essential fatty acids that fuel your cat’s energy reserves and nourish their skin, brain, and coat. 

Cats typically need two main essential fatty acids; Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3 contains D.H.A. and E.P.A., both of which are crucial for optimal brain and vision development. Omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are essential for growing a lustrous and shiny coat.

Most cat food brands source essential fatty acids from plants, such as flaxseed and canola, or animal fats like chicken fat and salmon oil. Both of the sources are acceptable as long as they are in suitable quantities. You should include at least 10% fat in your cat’s diet, but the amount can be as high as 40% without posing any health issues.

3. Low to zero carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have little to no role in a cat’s diet. They are difficult to digest, and their only purpose is to provide your cat with calories for energy. If your cat cannot digest all of the excess calories they get from carbs, they are prone to becoming obese, which can be very problematic, especially with indoor breeds like the ragdoll.

Keeping a close check on your ragdoll’s carbohydrate intake is crucial to keep them from becoming obese. In the wild, cats usually consume around 2% carbs in every meal. Most of the nutrients in your ragdoll’s diet should come from protein and fats with only a few carbs. 

Another thing you need to check is the type of carbs the cat food is using. Most cats are allergic to grains like wheat and can develop itchy skin and diarrhea as a result. Your ragdoll might also be in the same category, so make sure that their cat food only contains easily digestible carbs such as sweet potatoes and peas. 

4. Adequate amount of calories

Ragdolls are large-sized cats that need a big diet to stay fulfilled. Their total caloric intake is much higher than your regular cat’s, and they need higher portions of each macronutrient to maintain a healthy weight and feel satisfied.

However, you need to ensure that these calories are coming from wholesome and nutritious foods. Many cheap cat food brands use fillers to bulk up their calorie count. These fillers have no nutritional value and will eventually cost your cat their health in the long term. Some common examples of fillers include wheat straws, oat hulls, and peanut hulls.

Also, try to control the number of treats you feed your ragdoll. Because this breed is quite inactive, feeding them too many treats can lead to weight problems.

5. Proper hydration

In the wild, cats get most of the hydration from their prey and don’t have to drink much water. But in domestic environments, this can become problematic as dry food has no moisture content and can cause your cat to become dehydrated without warning.

So, it is your responsibility to ensure that your cat gets plenty of hydration consistently. You could do this by simply switching to a wet diet or implementing a few tricks to encourage your cat to drink more water.

One method is to buy a water fountain. Cats are naturally attracted to running water sources, which is why you will often find them drinking from your kitchen tap. A water fountain can make freshwater more accessible to your cat and encourages them to stay hydrated.

If switching to a wet diet isn’t possible for you, add some broth or warm water to the dry food to make dry meals both more delicious and hydrating for your cat.

FAQs

How much should ragdolls weigh?

An adult ragdoll should ideally weigh between 10 – 20 lbs (4.5 – 9 kg) to be considered healthy. Male ragdolls are usually larger and weigh around 12 – 20 lbs, while females weigh less at approximately 8 – 15 lbs on average. 

Which foods should you not feed a ragdoll?

Ragdolls should never be fed certain foods that can cause allergies or even poisoning. Some foods that are known to cause allergies include grains, dairy products, and certain proteins. On the other hand, foods toxic to ragdolls include garlic, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, onions, and alcohol.

Should your feet wet or dry food to a ragdoll?

We recommend feeding ragdolls both wet and dry food so they can enjoy the benefits of both diets. If your cat is a lazy drinker, you should consider switching to a wet diet, but you can feed a completely dry diet if hydration isn’t a problem.

Do ragdolls need a special diet?

No, your ragdoll can easily survive on cat food that’s made from wholesome ingredients and provides full nutritional support. However, if your cat is prone to allergies or sensitivities, you can explore grain-free and limited ingredient diets.

How many times should ragdoll eat in a day?

During the first two to three months, your ragdoll should eat 3 to 4 meals a day. Between three to six months, you can reduce this quantity to 3 meals a day. After your ragdoll becomes eight to twelve months old, you can further decrease it to just two meals a day.

How many calories do ragdolls need?

Indoor cats need around 20 calories per pound to maintain a healthy weight. Considering that the average ragdoll weighs approximately 15 lbs, you need to feed them 300 calories of good quality cat food to help them stay healthy and active.

Are ragdolls indoor cats?

Yes, ragdolls are an indoor breed through and through. They have a very easy-going temperament and are very docile creatures. Ragdolls should not be let out without supervision as they are unable to defend themselves against attacks.

Which diseases are common in ragdolls?

Ragdolls are considered a healthy breed in general. Ragdolls can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (H.C.M.), which affects the heart, and urinary issues like bladder stones.

What is the lifespan of ragdolls?

Ragdolls have an average lifespan of 9 – 15 years. However, if you feed them a nutritious diet, take them to regular vet checkups, and help them maintain a healthy weight, your ragdoll can easily live up to 15 years or even more in some cases.

Do ragdolls require lots of maintenance?

Not really; ragdolls required just as much maintenance as any other cat. Their coat needs brushing twice weekly to stay in good shape. Apart from that, they have the same basic grooming requirements, including regular nail clipping, ear cleaning, and daily teeth brushing.

What should ragdoll kittens eat?

You should feed ragdoll kittens a diet that’s rich in proteins and contains various micronutrients, particularly D.H.A. and E.P.A. Kitten formulas are usually more nutrient-dense. Still, some adult cat foods will also be able to fulfill your ragdoll kitten’s nutritional needs.

When do ragdolls become fully grown up?

Ragdolls become fully mature and grown-up at around four years of age. However, you can still put them on an adult diet after they’ve become at least a year old and continue that diet till they reach seniority.

Do ragdolls shed a lot?

No, ragdolls do not shed as much as other long-haired cats since they don’t have an undercoat. But, despite that, these cats should be brushed at least twice a week to ensure that their fur stays clean and in optimal condition. 

How much do ragdolls cost?

A standard ragdoll kitten can cost anywhere around $400 – $600 from a reputable breeder. If you’re looking for show-quality kittens or adult ragdolls, get ready to splash at least $1,500 – $2,000 if you’re purchasing from a known breeder.

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Nadine Oraby

My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. People usually call me by the nickname “Joy” because they think that I am a positive and joyful person who is a child at heart. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. Thanks for visiting. Your friend, Nadine!

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