The best cat food for Ragdoll cats keeps your calm and cuddly feline in great shape. As the name implies, Ragdolls are a docile breed. The first generation, bred in the 1960s, had the trait of going floppy when picked up - hence the name. But this is not the case with contemporary Ragdolls; extreme docility was bred out, as it was a hindrance to their wellbeing. But what is true of this large breed is their affectionate nature, fluffiness and big appetite. The best cat food will keep their mesmerising blue eyes shining bright from kittenhood to senior.
Along with Persian, Scottish Fold and Maine Coon cats, Ragdolls are known for being laid-back. They don't require as much stimulation as a high-energy breed, such as Bengals. They're relaxed and content just doting on their paw-rents and following you around with a puppy-like nature. Crucially, there are two factors to bear in mind when feeding Ragdolls: they are a larger-than-average cat and a low-energy breed. This is not to say that Ragdolls need cat food for overweight cats, rather it is to understand the traits of the breed to ensure you get the portion size and composition of nutrients right for your beautiful lap cat.
Best cat food for Ragdoll cats at a glance:
• Best dry cat food: Royal Canin Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food – View on Amazon UK
• Best wet cat food: Royal Canin Intense Beauty Care in Gravy – View on Amazon UK
• Best budget cat food: Sheba Fine Flakes Poultry Collection in Jelly – View on Amazon UK
There are a couple of universal factors regarding cats and their food. Firstly, all cats are obligate carnivores, meaning it is essential for them to have a meat-based diet. Also, taurine that's present in chicken is essential for maintaining a cat's heart, muscle function and eyesight. The benefits of dry cat food are significant as a quality kibble that's convenient, easy to portion, and will contain everything a cat needs, plus contribute to good dental hygiene. Alternatively, you can opt for wet cat food that offers tastiness, texture and extra hydration.
Ragdolls take longer to develop than other cats; they are fully grown at four years. In contrast, other cat breeds reach maturity between one year and 18 months. Therefore, it's essential to give them age-appropriate food in the portion size that's right for their developmental stage. Fully grown female Ragdolls weigh between 3.6 to 6.8kg and male Ragdolls are larger, with a bulky frame, and weigh between 5.4 to 9.1kg. A final note, Ragdolls absolutely love running water, therefore a cat water fountain is a must-have for this sweet-natured, placid and loyal breed. For more information on how to cater to Ragdoll's easy-going tendencies, scroll to the FAQ section below.
Best cat food for Ragdoll cats
Best dry cat food for Ragdoll cats
Royal CaninFor bushy tails and bright eyes, Royal Canin Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food is specially formulated to give this placid breed its optimum nutrition. Ragdoll cats have broad jaws, and this kibble is specially designed for them to grasp and chew it more easily. This Amazon's Choice recommended dry cat food is formulated to support your cat's skin, coat, heart, bone and joint health, urinary system, and oral hygiene. It contains specific nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Refer to the feeding guide on the packet to ensure you are giving your Ragdoll the right portion for their size and activity level.
As a customer comments, it is a premium food: "It is a bit expensive compared to other makes, but my cat likes it; I did try a cheaper brand, but she wouldn't eat it." Although the product is more expensive than other brands, customers are willing to pay the higher price because their cats enjoy it.
Pros
- Special kibble designed for a broad jaw
- Complete cat food for Ragdolls
- Amazon's Choice
- Well reviewed by Ragdoll owners
Cons
- Contains wheat gluten
| Quantity; | 2kg |
| Composition: | Rehydrated poultry proteins, maize, wheat gluten, animal fats, wheat, maize gluten, hydrolysed animal proteins, rice, vegetable fibres, wheat flour, chicory pulp, minerals, soya oil, fish oil, yeasts products, fructo-oligosaccharides, psyllium husks and seeds, yeasts, borage oil, glucosamine from fermentation, marigold meal, hydrolysed cartilage |
Best wet cat food for Ragdoll cats
Royal CaninKeep your fluffy beauty in great shape with Royal Canin Intense Beauty Care in Gravy Adult Wet Cat Food. If a cat is well-nourished, it shows in their bright eyes and glossy fur. Royal Canin Intense Beauty has specific nutrients for the maintenance and renewal of your Ragdoll's skin and coat. It contains increased levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, B vitamins, biotin, and zinc to nourish the hair and maintain a shiny coat. Additionally, this wet cat food helps reduce the mineral concentration to prevent urinary stones. In pouch form, it offers a controlled calorie portion to maintain your cat's ideal weight.
Royal Canin claims that "over 90% of owners observed good skin and coat quality after three weeks." Time and again, customers comment that they can see the difference in the condition of their cats' fur, as one owner says: "This actually made my cat coat so smooth and shined; it actually does what it says and is nutritionally balanced.
While convenient, pouches can be an expensive way to feed a cat, so be sure to supplement this wet food with good-quality kibble to make it go further.
Pros
- Healthy skin and shiny fur
- Rich in Omega fatty acids
- Palatable chunks
Cons
- Mix or alternative this with dry cat food to maintain dental health and give variety
| Quantity: | 85g (pack of 12) |
| Composition: | Meat and animal derivatives, fish and fish derivatives, cereals, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats, derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals |
Best budget cat food for Ragdolls
Sheba
Sheba's Fine Flakes Poultry Collection in Jelly boasts a high meat content and ingredients for complete nutrition. Conveniently packaged in 85g pouches, it offers four delectable varieties—chicken, duck, turkey, and poultry—in a savoury gravy. This popular wet cat food is free from artificial colours and preservatives. Sheba Fine Flakes offers delicious flakes in melting jelly, perfect for inspiring affectionate cuddles. It's suitable for adult and senior cats over 12 months old. Serve three pouches daily to a 4kg cat at room temperature alongside fresh water.
Sheba offers great value for money, especially when purchased in bulk. Taste and texture-wise, it gives cats a palatable food that's especially enjoyable in the summer as the jelly is cooling and hydrating.
One pet owner comments: "I've always been happy with the Sheba products. My cats love the variety of flavours." While there are more premium cat foods with purer ingredients, customers praise how much their cats lap up Sheba Fine Flakes.
Pros
- Amazon's Choice
- Complete and balanced cat food
- Value for money
- Easy to serve
Cons
- Best offered in conjunction with kibble for the added benefits of dry cat food
| Quantity: | 85g Pack of 40 |
| Composition: | Meat and animal derivatives, minerals, and various sugars |
Best high-protein dry cat food
Tippawswww.tippaws.com
Keep your Ragdoll's blue eyes smiling with Tippaws Turkey & Chicken. Tippaws is a favourite with Take A Break Pets for their vet-approved high protein dry cat food. Advances in pet food technology enable brands like Tippaws to produce kibble by cooking at lower temperatures – below 70°C – for longer periods. The low and slow process preserves proteins, maximising digestibility and nutrient availability for your cat. This quality kibble contains 70 per cent turkey and chicken meat, which will please the fussiest of felines.
Rated 4.93 out of 5 by customers, positive reviews praise the quality of this kibble. Cats thoroughly enjoy the taste, as a customer comments, "My cats annihilated both packets like they’d never eaten food like it!"
It is a premium price, but if you buy directly from Tippaws, you can subscribe and save, and receive free delivery.
Interested in finding out more? Read Tippaws ultimate guide to dry cat food.
Pros
- Premium ingredients
- Vet-approved
- Contains prebiotics
- Samples available
- Grain-free
Cons
- Feed in conjunction with a wet cat food to give variety
| Quantity: | 100g. 1,5kg, 5kg |
| Composition: | Fresh turkey meat and dried chicken meat, turkey fat, peas, potato, chickpeas, lentils, dried cranberry, yucca, cellulose, other minerals, hydrolysed liver gravy and fresh salmon oil |
5.
Katkin
Best Ragdoll kitten food
Katkinwww.katkin.com
Keep their big appetites satisfied with Katkin's specially-tailored cat food. Ragdoll cats have a longer development phase and reach full size at the age of four. Ragdolls need plenty of food in their kitten years to fuel their growth spurts. Katkin advises that Ragdoll kittens need between three to five meals a day during their first six months. Katkin pouches contain the perfect balance of protein, carbs, fats and vitamins in the form of fresh cat food. There's a variety of tasty meat, poultry and fish-based flavours to choose from, perfectly tailored to an obligate carnivore's nutritional needs.
Provide Katkin with information about your cat's breed, age and weight. The fresh cat food subscription service will be specially tailored to give your furry feline the best start in life.
Customer comments highly praise the improvement in the cat's energy levels, coat and stools on a Katkin diet. Even fussy cats dig in! As an owner writes about her cat, who would turn her nose up at other cat food: "She's not done that with any of the recipes."
Want to find out more? Read Katkin's guide to Ragdoll kitten food.
Pros
- Fresh cat food that's conveniently supplied in frozen packs
- Human quality ingredients
- Quality nutrition that maintains healthy weight and coat
Cons
- Subscription service only
| Quantity: | Trays divided into morning and evening meals |
| Composition: | Example: 'Cluck' Gently-cooked chicken thigh, liver, heart, and traces of whitefish - plus the KatKin Nutrient Mix |
Best premium wet cat food for Ragdolls
Lily's Kitchenwww.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Give your Ragdoll the high-quality protein it needs to maintain a healthy coat and energy levels with Lily's Kitchen Chicken Tasty Cuts in Gravy. This wholesome wet cat food is crafted with proper meat and offal, delivering a chunky texture that cats love while ensuring essential nutrition.
Made with natural ingredients and no added sugar, this grain-free recipe is ideal for sensitive stomachs and promotes optimal health and vitality. Nutritionally complete and balanced, it provides everything your cat needs for overall wellbeing.
With delicious cuts in a rich gravy, this food is nourishing and highly palatable—even the pickiest cats will enjoy mealtime. Suitable for cats aged 4 months and older, it supports a healthy diet when fed according to guidelines.
For pet owners looking for premium ingredients and superior nutrition, Lily's Kitchen stands out as one of the best cat food brands for your feline companion.
Customer reviews highly praise Lily's Kitchen Chicken Tasty Cuts in Gravy and the brand's reputation for "good quality food and a trustworthy company," as a review puts it. It's great to bulk-buy it in trays, especially if it is your cat's favourite flavour. However, a recent review says they thought the consistency was more watery than usual – it could be a one-off – as Lily's Kitchen is known overwhelmingly for its excellent ingredients and quality.
Find out more about Lily's Kitchen subscription service.
Pros
- Quality ingredients
- Easy to eat and digest
- Tasty meaty chunks
Cons
- Customer reviews are not accessible
| Quantity: | 85g, 24 Pack |
| Composition: | Chicken, Pork, Gravy, Minerals |
Best raw cat food for Ragdolls
Bella & Dukewww.bellaandduke.com
If you are considering a raw cat food diet for your feline without the mess and faff – Bella & Duke have got you covered. This Tempting Turkey with Rabbit and Lamb is one of several meals that are designed to give your cat the very best ingredients as nature intended. Cats are obligate carnivores and, therefore, require meat as an essential part of their diet.
Bella & Duke provides expertly developed raw cat food for all life stages. The range includes four mixed protein recipes with meat, bone, offal, bone broth, and healthy oils.
You can set up a flexible subscription, by providing your cat's breed, age and weight, to which Bella & Duke will recommend the best food. Frozen portions of food are delivered by courier and you defrost them as required.
Customers praise Bella & Dukes customer service and the raw food recipes have been a winner with fussy cats. A customer comments: "I have found that all the usual brands have fillers and additives that do not keep my cat full for long. The bone content in the B&D food provides much more protein keeping my cat feeling fuller for longer."
As it is raw food, you must treat it as if it were for human consumption and practice thorough hygiene.
Pros
- Four flavours to choose from
- Protein from quality meats
- Raw meals are conveniently portioned
Cons
- Takes up freezer space
| Quantity: | 250g tub |
| Composition: | Turkey (turkey meat with bone, turkey heart), Rabbit, Lamb (lamb kidney, lamb liver), Lamb bone broth with gelatine, Olive oil, Herring oil |
Best dry cat food for senior Ragdoll cats
Perfect FitPerfect Fit Senior 11+ is specially formulated to support their changing needs as they age. Enriched with essential nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin and a higher protein content, it promotes joint health, maintains muscle mass and energy levels, plus manages weight effectively. Fortified with zinc, taurine, vitamins E and C, and balanced minerals, this dry food ensures a healthy skin and coat. Also, it boosts natural defences, aids digestion and supports urinary tract health. This kibble is a complete cat food that provides the tailored nutrients for your senior Ragdoll.
Customer reviews indicate that even fussy cats enjoy this kibble and that owners were pleased to be able to buy it in bulk as it can be quite difficult to get hold of.
Pros
- Optimised nutrients
- Rich in chicken
- Supports urinary tract health
- Complete cat food for senior cats
Cons
- Customer comments that they didn't receive the right number of packs
| Quantity: | 2.8kg, 750g, 7kg |
| Composition: | Meat and animal derivatives, wheat, maize, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats, derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals, yeasts |
Our verdict: What is the best cat food for ragdoll cats?
We recommend a high-quality cat food formulated specifically for Ragdoll cats, containing balanced nutrients for their needs, such as Royal Canin Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food. It promotes healthy skin and coat with balanced nutrients. With protein to support their large frame and heavy bones. This kibble aids urinary tract health. Also, it encourages dental health with its kibble design that's specially shaped to suit a Ragdoll cat's broad jaw.
To give variety and additional nutrients, supplement this kibble with Royal Canin Intense Beauty Care. This nutritionally rich wet cat food provides protein and fatty acids to keep your Ragdoll's coat looking and feeling sumptuous.
How we chose the best cat food for Ragdoll cats
All of these cat foods have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, nutrition and vets-recommendation in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best cat food for Ragdoll cats to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Best cat food for Ragdoll cats FAQs
What are the benefits of Ragdoll cats?
Friendly, affectionate and relatively calm, Ragdoll cats make wonderful family pets. According to Purina's Ragdoll cat breed information: "Ragdoll cat personality will give the impression that they’re nothing but a very cuddly dog". The key benefits of this laid-back, loveable and pretty breed include:
A gentle and affectionate temperament. Ragdolls have a docile and relatively quiet nature and love to be close to their human companions.
Their laid-back demeanour means they are generally easy-going, making them suitable for families. They typically get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets. Watch them carry their favourite toys around in their mouth and meet you at the door with dog-like loyalty.
Purebred Ragdolls have striking blue eyes and pointed colouration. Beautiful in appearance Ragdolls have silky, semi-long coats in various colours and patterns. Ragdolls are born pure white and their unique colouration develops in their first few weeks.
What are the drawbacks of Ragdoll cats?
These laid-back felines adore lounging on the sofa, but don't be fooled by their relaxed nature—they still appreciate a hearty meal served with love. While Ragdoll cats have many positive qualities, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Ragdolls have silky, dense and luxurious coats that shed moderately, requiring regular grooming to prevent mats and hairballs. It's generally easy to maintain their coat with daily brushing.
They can become strongly attached to their owners and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Be attentive, because of their quiet nature it can mask signs of pain.
Ragdolls are a large breed. It can take up to four years for them to reach full-size maturity, so they need good nutrition in their kitten and young adult years. However, Ragdolls also have a tendency to be lazy, therefore need you to coax them into playing. Encourage them to exercise by spending a bit of time playing with them everyday. This will prevent obesity issues that are common with the Ragdoll breed.
Ragdoll cats are often more expensive to purchase compared to other breeds due to their popularity and pedigree, and they may also require higher-quality food and veterinary care.
How much should I feed my Ragdoll cat per day?
Feeding a Ragdoll cat is easy when you follow the feeding guide on the packaging of commercial wet and dry cat food. There is generally a chart that states in grams how much to feed your cat, based on their weight range. Ragdolls are large breed cats, but rather energy-efficient (ahem, lazy) therefore to get the balance right a complete cat food that can be portion-controlled is recommended.
The amount you should feed your Ragdoll cat per day will vary based on age, weight, activity level, and whether they are neutered.
As a general guideline, Ragdoll cats between 5–7kg typically require around 70g of kibble, plus a pouch of wet cat food split into two meals per day. It's essential to follow the feeding recommendations provided on the cat food packaging and adjust the portion based on your cat's individual needs and any advice from your vet. Additionally, ensure your Ragdoll has access to fresh water at all times.
Monitor your cat's body condition and adjust their diet accordingly. If your cat is showing signs of sickness, sometimes, it's simply a case of switching to cat food for sensitive stomachs that are grain-free and hypoallergenic. For dramatic weight changes, consult your vet for personalised feeding recommendations.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.