Best Cat Food Brands For Ragdoll Adults and Kittens Reviewed and Rated

Like any cat breed, choosing the right food for your Ragdoll is of vital importance.

The wrong food can cause health problems, behavior problems, and literally shorten the life of your sweetheart. This is even more important for Ragdolls, since they are already known for their less than stellar health.

Assuming you want to spend many years together and give your kitty the best life possible, we highly recommend choosing the absolute top food, and that’s why we’ve gone to the trouble of reviewing the most nutritious options available for this breed.

Whether you got your Ragdoll at a shelter, received one from a friend, or are considering getting making one a new addition to your family, you should familiarize yourself with the needs of your new companion, including the best food that you can feed him or her for optimal health and a long, happy life.

Of course to keep any cat happy and healthy, you should be feeding it a biologically appropriate diet.

That means it must be:

  • High in protein
  • Low in carbohydrates
  • Moderate in fats

It should also be:

  • Full of real, named meat ingredients, including organs
  • Absent of fillers like corn, wheat, and starches
  • Full of vitamins and nutrients, or whole food versions that contain them

Here’s Why We’re Qualified To Talk To You About This…

We put together a massive internal database (which we’ll be releasing to the public soon), of over 2000 cat foods.

We collected data from calories to macronutrients to ingredients to how they compare to the average.

We then used both formulas and a bit of common sense to score each food out of 5.

We looked at studies to find out what cats should really eat. 

Basically, we have dedicated hundreds of hours, now, to cat food research, and have the data to back it up!

We’ll be drawing on the data we collected to recommend some of the best foods below.

Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Do Ragdolls Need Specific Food?

Sort of, but not really.

Here’s what I mean.

Some brands have “Ragdoll Specific” dry food options. 

Basically all that means is that the kibble is shaped in such a way that these broad-jawed felines can pick up and chew the food easier than normal kibble.

However, these “specialty” foods are typically full of horrible ingredients like corn and “meat by-products”, which are absolutely not appropriate for your cat’s nutritional needs.

Sure, she may be able to chew the kibble easier, but that just means it’s easier for her to get unhealthy with a bad food.

If your Ragdoll kitty has a hard time with normal kibble, then we recommend either trying her out on one of our two top choices below.

OR, if those don’t work for some reason, just go straight to a wet-only diet.

Canned food has more moisture, which cats have a hard time getting if they eat dry food (they don’t usually drink enough water). It may also be easier to eat than a hard kibble for Ragdolls. 

But, when it comes to “breed specific” food, that’s as far as we’re willing to go.

Here’s where we may challenge what you’ve been told to believe…(sorry!)…

Different breeds of cats are really only different in terms of their looks, not their physiology or digestion.

Just like humans can have different hair colors, skin colors, eye colors, body sizes, or body shapes, yet still remain human and have the same nutritional needs, cats can look a bit different, yet be pretty much the same “under the hood”.

That means that your precious Ragdoll isn’t that much different than a giant Maine Coon, or a sly Siamese.

They all require the same, basic, non-complicated nutrient profile.

What Do Cats Eat In The Wild?

It’s important to learn what cats eat in the wild because…

Domestic cats are descendants of wild cats, and they are not very different biologically. 

There just hasn’t been enough time or environmental pressure for them to evolve significantly.

Therefore, what a cat chooses to eat in the wild, should be pretty close to perfect, since eating the right food is about the most important, primary drive for any animal.

Luckily, research has been done on this.

To start, let’s look at domestic cats.

In one study, when given the option between a number of commercial pet foods, cats tended to eat the foods that gave them the following macronutrient breakdown (dry matter basis):

  • 52% protein
  • 36% fat
  • 12% carbohydrate

That’s pretty different than most pet foods…especially the brands who claim they make “breed-specific” foods.

Ok, now let’s look at the data from a compilation of studies on wild cats.

These studies all looked at feral or stray cat populations. They covered multiple continents and a variety of environments (near the sea, rural, urban, etc.).

Here’s the macronutrient breakdown, on average, of what cats eat in the wild (dry matter basis):

  • 63% protein
  • 23% fat
  • 3% carbs

Wow!

So much different than most commercial pet foods.

What you should be looking for, then, is a high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate food.

That food should get most or all of it’s protein from named meat sources (i.e., chicken, not “meat by-products”).

After all, the foods cats were eating in the wild were almost exclusively animals. Rats, mice, rabbits, birds…

It should have minimal fillers (things like corn, rice, wheat, etc.).

OK, So Now What?

Alright, so we could have just picked some random foods and told you they were “perfectly designed” for your special kitty.

Buuut, that would be totally wrong.

It’s up to you whether you believe us and the data, or whether you believe the big companies who tell you that “breed specific” foods should be full of corn, by-products, and other junk.

If you’re ready to leave the marketing mumbo jumbo behind, read on below to find out our top recommended wet, dry, and freeze-dried food options for your special kitty!

Ratings Of The Best Cat Food For Ragdolls

Best Wet Food

Feline Natural

  • Very limited ingredient
  • Near-perfect macronutrients
  • Green lipped mussel for joint health

Best Dry Food

Wysong Epigen 90

  • Packed with meat
  • Biologically-appropriate
  • Near-perfect macronutrient profile

Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein

  • Uses chicken and high-protein meat concentrates
  • No added carbs
  • Near-perfect macronutrient profile

Best Freeze-Dried

Vital Essentials Mini Patties

  • High-quality meat ingredients, including organ meat
  • Very close to a natural, wild diet
  • Absolutely no fillers

#1 Feline Natural Grain-Free New Zealand Chicken & Venison

Macronutrients on a dry-matter basis:

  • Protein: 51.43%
  • Fat: 28.57%
  • Carbs: 7.43%

First 4 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Heart, Venison Kidney, Venison Liver

One of the best canned foods you can choose, Feline Natural puts together a recipe full of various cuts of chicken and venison, including organs, which are super healthy for your cat.

It also includes New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels, a very unique cat food ingredient. This is a great addition because it is:

  • another animal-based ingredient
  • great for joint-health
  • made from free-range, grass-fed chicken 

There are really no artificial ingredients, additives, preservatives, or gelling agents.

The only drawback is it is a bit pricey. 

​>> Tap here to see our full review of Feline Natural! <<

#2. Bravo! Feline Cafe Chicken Fricassee

Macronutrients on a dry-matter basis:

  • Protein: 52.78%
  • Fat: 30.56%
  • Carbs: 0%

First 4 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver

One of the best canned foods you can choose, Bravo! puts together a recipe full of various cuts of chicken, including organs, which are super healthy for your cat.

There are almost no carbs added.

The minerals are chelated so they’re easier to absorb in your kitty’s belly.

There are really no controversial ingredients at all, which is rare.

This is a very high quality option that is biologically appropriate.

>> Tap Here To See Our Full Review Of Bravo! <<

EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR BEST DRY FOOD

#3. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch Free

Macronutrients on a dry-matter basis:

  • Protein: 70%
  • Fat: 17.8%
  • Carbs: 0%

First 4 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat

While we recommend feeding wet food most of the time, since cats require a lot of moisture, but don’t have a strong thirst drive, this is the best of the dry foods out there.

Add a bit of water to it before feeding to make it even more appropriate to your cat’s needs.

Otherwise, it’s a show stopper.

Whereas most kibbles fail to break 40 or 50% protein, this one puts them all to shame with 70%.

It also has no carbs, and even uses gelatin as a binding agent, instead of a plant based or synthetic option, which is more popular.

The “meat protein isolate” sounds like a big no-no, since it’s an unnamed meat, but Wysong says it’s 100% pork isolate, and they’ve only labeled that because they interpret labeling laws in such a way that makes that the correct way to put it on the label.

Definitely one of the best choices if you feed dry.

>> Tap Here To See Our Full Review Of Wysong <<

#4. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken

Macronutrients on a dry-matter basis:

  • Protein: 67.05%
  • Fat: 20.45%
  • Carbs: 0%

First 4 ingredients: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin

We were surprised to see a real challenger to our #1 Wysong pick, but Dr. Elsey’s has delivered.

With chicken and pork protein isolate, they pack a huge amount of animal protein in right at the start.

Egg is a very bioavailable protein, full of amino acids and very digestible.

Again with no carbs, we see a very biologically appropriate macronutrient profile, close to what kitty would eat in the wild, as discussed above.

It has a lot of added vitamins and nutrients, but no digestive enzymes or probiotics, like our #1 pick.

It’s a fantastic option if your cat doesn’t like the taste of the Wysong brand for some reason, or if the shape of it isn’t right.

>> Tap Here To See Our Full Review Of Dr. Elsey’s <<

EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR BEST FREEZE-DRIED FOOD

#5. Vital Essentials Mini Patties Rabbit

Macronutrients on a dry-matter basis:

  • Protein: 56.52%
  • Fat: 16.30%
  • Carbs: 14.13%

First 4 ingredients: Finely Ground Whole Rabbit, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Lungs

We believe that freeze-dried food has the potential to be the closest to a wild diet for your kitty.

The way the process is done locks in nutrients and flavors. 

When you add water to “re-animate” it, you fulfill the moisture requirements, making it just about perfect.

This starts off with whole ground rabbit. That’s basically what your cat would eat in the wild.

It just so happens to be whole ground, for easier digestibility and eating.

It’s also full of additional organ meat.

The carbohydrate content seems to come from the raw goat’s milk (which is actually quite good for cats, since it’s unpasteurized and contains the enzyme that helps them break down lactose), so there are no added plants here.

Overall, this is highly appropriate for a feline.

And remember, the cost per pound goes down significantly when you add water to it. Your cat isn’t going through the package in a couple of bites, since it will expand and go further when rehydrated. Therefore the higher apparent cost per pound is a bit of a false signal.

About as close as you can get to a proper wild diet from a commercial pet food!

>> Tap Here To See Our Full Review Of Vital Essentials <<

Ragdoll cats are known for their friendly temperament and affectionate ways. They are a larger breed of cat, and they have beautiful, soft coats that make them listed in the category of semi-longhair breeds.

Ragdolls tend to be such a loving breed that they will follow people around and enjoy physical contact. Many families choose this breed for their children, since they are quite laid-back. Due to their loving nature, Ragdolls should be kept as indoor companions only.

While loving and usually very friendly, these cats are not always known to have the very best health. They also have a longer coat, which tends to lead to quite a bit of shedding, so they will need to be groomed on a regular basis to avoid matting.

Health of the Ragdoll Cat

When it comes to the health needs of your Ragdoll, you should consider that there are several conditions that seem to be predominant in them. This means that your cat will require special nutrition, care, and regular visits to your veterinarian.

Ragdoll cats seem to have a tendency to develop some health conditions more frequently than other breeds. Those conditions include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a type of heart disease, an increased risk for bladder stones, and a predisposition to develop feline infectious peritonitis.

A Bit More Reading..

We found these sources an interesting “gateway”, if you will, to the world of breed specific cat food and just how silly it is.

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Emily Parker

Emily Parker is the Content Manager at Catological. She's passionate about helping cat parents love their cats better by providing the best information and recommendations about everything you'll need to know about your cat, from kitten to senior years. She believes natural, biologically-appropriate products are best...why wouldn't you provide the best for a member of your family?!

2 thoughts on “Best Cat Food Brands For Ragdoll Adults and Kittens Reviewed and Rated”

  1. inherited 2 gorgeous ragdoll boys..they came with 3 16lb bags of purina 1 urinary tract prevention food. The first ingredient is corn…I just bought the purina pro plan for urinary tract prevention..Both have been neutered, no front claws, seem very healthy, had never been outdoors, but I have a doggy door, & the dog & cats use it during the day & are inside when the door is closed after dusk. The cats LOVE being outdoors, and come and go as our yard is safe. After reading the comments I wonder if the purina is okay….and would appreciate any advice…The larger cat’s fur is getting mats – he lets me remove mats while he eats, the other cat has none.
    Annie

    • Hi Annie –

      We don’t recommend any Purina food on this site, so the picks listed above in this article are my best recommendations! I highly suggest trying one of those for optimal health.

      Thanks!

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