Best Cat Food For Ragdolls

This is a review of the best cat food for Ragdolls in 2022.

The best cat food for this breed is high in protein, has moderate fat and is low in carbohydrates.

I have spent weeks talking to veterinarians and other cat owners to bring you the best cat food for your Ragdoll.

The clear overall winner was Dr. Elsey’s Grain-Free Dry Cat Food for Ragdolls.

Every Ragdoll cat has different needs, so I have tried my best to include reviews for each category of Ragdolls.

Let’s get right to it!

Our Best Cat Food For Ragdolls

1. Dr. Elsey’s clean protein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best Overall)
2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food (Best For Ragdoll Kittens Overall)
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food (Best For Ragdoll with Sensitive Stomach Overall)
4. Wellness Complete Health Chicken Entrée Canned Food (Best Budget Ragdoll Cat Food Overall)
5. Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior 7+ High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food (Best For Senior Ragdoll Cats Overall)
6. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Duck Pate Canned Cat Food (Best Ragdoll Cat Food Without Chicken Overall)
7. Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Duck Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best For Ragdoll Cats with Allergies)

7 Best Cat Foods For Ragdolls Reviewed

All cat foods in this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Always consult your vet before making changes to your cat’s diet.

Dr. Elsey’s Dry Cat Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
• Key Feature: High meat based protein content and grain free
• Guaranteed Analysis: 59% Crude Protein, 4% Crude Fiber, 18% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 554 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: No Corn, No Soy, No Wheat, Low Carbohydrates, Pea Free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Overall

This formula boasts an impressive all meat protein source with no plant based protein to boost the protein content.

Even the binding agent is grain free, using only gelatin as a binding agent.

The calorie content is pretty dense, meaning you will have to feed your Ragdoll less quantity to get the daily calories they need.

Full of macro nutrients such as taurine and omega 3 fatty acids which can prevent Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in your Ragdoll.

Some customers of this food have highlighted that the kibble pieces break very easily in the bag, something to keep in mind while you are looking for food for your Ragdoll.

Wellness Core Kitten Can Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal
• Key Feature: Real meat based product with DHA
• Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 1% Crude Fiber, 7.5% Crude Fat, 78% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 108 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Good source of omega 3 fatty acids
• Life Stage: Kitten
• Best For: Kittens

Choosing a food that provides a balanced nutrition to your kitten is critical while your kitten is growing.

The great source and amount of Omega 3 Fatty Acids will help your Ragdoll kittens brain and eye development.

It is largely grain free with small amounts of plant based ingredients so you can rest easy that your Ragdoll kitten will not get any empty carbs.

It might not be the best choice if your kitten is a picky eater or is used to dry food. Try it out with a few cans first before completely switching over to it.

Hill’s Science Dry Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: High Fiber For Sensitive stomach
• Guaranteed Analysis: 29% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fiber, 17% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 524 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Source of prebiotic fiber
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Ragdolls with sensitive stomach and skin

Ragdolls are prone to digestive problems. Their coats can suffer from food intolerance and skin sensitivities

Hills Science Dry cat food for Sensitive stomach contains well thought out ingredients that can help Ragdolls manage their sensitive stomach.

Prebiotic Fiber from FOS helps soothe sensitive stomachs of Ragdolls. 

Vitamin E and Omega Fats help promote healthy skin and coat.

Customers highly recommend this product for cats with sensitive digestive systems.

Wellness Complete Health Chicken Entrée Canned Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Carrots
• Key Feature: Best High Quality Budget Option
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10.5% Crude Protein, 1% Crude Fiber, 7% Crude Fat, 78% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 182 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Grain free, No artificial preservatives
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Overall

This is straightforward good cat food without the bells and whistles. Quality protein from known meat based sources.

The food has high protein content, moderate fat content and low carbs making them ideal for Ragdoll cats.

The size of the can is large, which makes it perfect for Ragdolls as they eat more than other cat breeds.

Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior Cat Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal
• Key Feature: All essential supplements and vitamins included
• Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 4.95% Crude Fiber, 13% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 182 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Specially formulated for senior cats, no additional supplements required
• Life Stage: Senior
• Best For: Senior Indoor Cats

The reviews for this food have been great from cat owners.

The formula boasts impressive high fiber ingredients which ensure that your senior Ragdoll doesn’t have any stomach issues.

The Vitamin E in the formula can help give a boost to ageing Ragdolls.

It has all the vitamins incorporated in the formula to support a healthy living for a senior Ragdoll cat and you don’t need to give your Ragdoll any additional vitamins and supplements.

Some customers have complained of their Ragdoll not liking the food, but always remember you need to transition a cat to a new food gradually. Read more details on How to Change Your Cat’s Food?

Wellness Core Natural Chicken Free Cat Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, Cranberries
• Key Feature: Chicken & Fish Free Ingredients
• Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 1% Crude Fiber, 8% Crude Fat, 78% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 212 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Grain free, soy free, pea free, gluten free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Ragdoll cats with Chicken Allergies

This protein rich cat food provides a holistic nutrition to your cat without any of the bad stuff such as fillers or grains.

The Turkey and Duck meat provides an easily digestible protein source which is great for sensitive Ragdolls.

The broth is an excellent source of hydration which in effect reduces the risk of urinary infections.

Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food

• First 5 Ingredients: De-Boned Duck, Duck Meal, Whole Dried Egg, Peas, Pea Flour
• Key Feature: Specially Formulated For Cats With Food Allergies and Sensitivities
• Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 15% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Moisture
• Caloric Content: 464 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Limited Human Grade Ingredient Diet
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best For: Ragdoll cats with Food Allergies

Go! Sensitivities specific for cats with food allergies and sensitivities, has human grade ingredients, meaning they are of the highest quality.

The special formula will help your Ragdoll if they have any food allergies.

The carbohydrate content is a bit on the higher side at 33%, so you need to factor that in. Ragdolls require a low carbohydrate diet.

There is also a bit of chicken fat so if your Ragdoll is allergic to chicken completely, you might be better off talking to your vet about the best food for your Ragdoll.

Guide to Buying Cat Food For Ragdolls

To buy a balanced and nutritional food for your Ragdoll, you will need to keep several factors in mind.

Macronutrients for Your Ragdoll

A nutritionally balanced diet is the key for your kitty’s health and quality of life. Your cat needs the right proportions of protein, fat and carbohydrates to thrive.

High Protein

As obligate carnivores, cats need protein derived from meat to survive. Ragdolls being a larger breed with the average adult Ragdoll cat weighing 20 lbs, they require high protein amounts in their diet.

Ragdoll cat diets should contain at least 30% crude protein to meet their nutritional requirements. Crude percentages use scientific tests to calculate the amount of protein provided by the food.

Moderate Fats

Fats are an important macronutrient for a cat. Don’t worry they are not bad fats, these fats are essential for a cat to have a healthy brain, vision and coat.

For your Ragdoll, look for brands and products that have at least 10% fat content. Brands with omega fatty acids will greatly help a Ragdolls coat.

Low Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates basically provide your cat with calories for energy. Indoor cats, especially Ragdolls, do not need that many calories per day. [1]

While shopping for food for your Ragdoll, look for brands and products that have less than 10% carbohydrates in them.

Moisture or Hydration

In the wild, cats get the moisture from the prey they eat. Unfortunately that is not the case for cat food, especially dry cat food or kibble.

It is thus important as cat owners to make sure that our cat is getting enough hydration during the day.

If you choose dry cat food for your Ragdoll, you can add warm water or broth to the dry food, this way your Ragdoll will be receiving the moisture it requires.

How to Pick the Right Ragdoll Food?

After ensuring that the cat food meets the above nutritional needs of your Ragdoll, make sure to select the food that best meets your Ragdoll’s individual needs.

Limited Ingredient Formula

Limited ingredients diet reduces the risk of common allergens by using fewer high quality ingredients to meet the pet’s nutritional needs.

Limited ingredient formulas use protein from a single source thus reducing the risk of food allergies developing in your cat.

If your Ragdoll suffers from sensitive stomach or allergies, a limited ingredient formula diet might be beneficial.

Caloric Needs

Large breeds of cats need more calories per day than small or average sized breeds. Ragdolls require at least 24 calories per pound of body weight per day.

Ragdoll Daily Calorie Requirements

The average male Ragdoll cat needs at least 350 calories a day and the average female Ragdoll needs at least 250 calories a day.

Age

A cat’s nutritional needs differ based on the life stage they are in. Kittens require a much higher calorie count than adult and senior cats.

Ragdoll Kittens require 60 to 65 calories per day per pound. Ragdoll kittens need a high protein and high fat food to grow into strong cats.

Ragdoll Adults require 24 to 35 calories per day per pound. Ragdoll adults need a high protein and moderate fat food to maintain their health.

Senior Ragdoll Cats require around 280 to 360 calories per day.

Ragdoll Health Issues And The Appropriate Diet 

Nutrition has a direct impact on a Ragdoll cat’s health. Here are some of the common Ragdoll health issues that food can help manage

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a common feline disease of the heart in which the heart muscle thickens and weakens. Ragdoll cats have a genetic predisposition for the disease and are more at risk of getting this disease.

A well balanced and measured macro nutrient is a diet for your Ragdoll for this disease.

The cat food should not have more than 0.3% dry matter Sodium in it, along with at least 0.3% dry matter Taurine, 0.3% to 0.7% dry matter Phosphorus. [2]

Ensure that your Ragdoll’s food has these nutrients in the prescribed amounts to help manage the disease.

Consult your vet before managing this disease yourself.

Bladder Stones

If your Ragdoll is suffering from bladder stones, it is best to get a prescription diet from your veterinarian so that they can be dissolved.

Your veterinarian might also suggest other procedures to help with the problem.

Our Verdict

Ragdolls need a balanced diet to support their large bodies.. If they don’t eat food that meets their nutritional needs, they are susceptible to obesity..

But they need top quality nutrition that packs a punch.

Every Ragdoll is different. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your pet.

But Dr. Elsey’s Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for a balanced, nutrient-dense diet for Ragdolls.

FAQ About Best Cat Food For Ragdolls