Best Food for Bengal Cats. Fussy Eaters Love the Best
Bengal cats are the new cool kid on the block thanks to their exotic, wild, feral appearance. According to The International Cat Association, there are more than 60,000 Bengal cats.
These cats are a product of cross-breeding domestic breeds like Egyptian Maus with Asian Leopard cats. Bengal cats, therefore, inherited feral tendencies that demand a diet that’s slightly different from that of their domesticated counterparts. The question of what they should eat is one that often baffles Bengal cat owners.
Because they are carnivores, a diet that high protein content is mandatory.
A better understanding of what they should eat starts with knowing the feeding habits of their Asian Leopard ancestors. Their diet consists of insects, lizards, and birds, all of which are protein based.
Unfortunately, many commercial foods contain low protein and high carbohydrate content.
Fortunately, we have compiled a guide that will make it easier for you to identify the right foods for your Bengal cat.
What is the recommended raw food diet for Bengal cats?
While protein is highly essential for Bengal cats, it should only make up about 70-80% of their diet, not 100%. Vitamins and minerals should also be included. A raw diet is good for Bengal cats and specific foods that do them some good include fresh turkey (contains proteins and Omega 3 fats), lean cuts of fresh meat (provide protein and digestible fiber) as well as chicken.
It is important to note that if not prepared correctly, raw meat can cause food poisoning. Ensure that raw meat is always fresh.
Best commercial foods for Bengal cats
Quality commercial cat food provides an excellent alternative to a raw diet for your Bengal cat. However, don’t fall for anything because not all brands offer good cat food. To meet the dietary needs of a Bengal cat, a great balance of nutrients is of paramount importance.
You want to ensure that you focus on implementing a diet that strikes the perfect balance between fresh, raw meat as well as commercial foods that contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Some of the brands that offer great commercial foods for Bengal cats include:
Purina
This brand provides a good option for Bengal cat food. The company offers a wide variety that includes nutrient packed foods free of grain. Your Bengal cat can indeed survive on foods from Purina. Ensure that you pinpoint which Purina foods are best for your cat’s breed, dietary goals and age.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Chicken Dry Cat Food
For less than $20, you get a 16-pound bag of Purina One Tender Selects with authentic turkey and chicken flavor. These delicious crunchy bites of meaty, tender morsels are perfect for supplementing your Bengal cat’s diet. You can also get this in three other sizes i.e. 3.5 lbs, 7 lbs, and 22 lbs. Also, it does not contain any fillers.
Purina Pro Plan Dry Cat Food
It is available in three sizes, and you can choose one of three flavor combinations for your Bengal i.e. Tuna & Rice Formula, Salmon & Rice formula or Chicken & Rice formula. Regardless of choice, you can rest assured that your cat will get plenty of proteins as each formula consists of 40% of the essential nutrient.
It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which are vital for skin and coat nourishment. Other nutritional content that Pro Plan Dry Cat Food provides your cat with include Vitamin A, taurine, antioxidants for improved immune system health as well as natural pro-biotic fiber.
Royal Canin
Royal Canin is another reliable brand whose primary focus is creating a balanced diet with more than 50 ingredients that promote the dental and digestive health of cats. The company offers a variety of options to suit different dietary needs of various breeds, including those of Bengal cats.
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Indoor Adult 27 Cat Food
Available in3lbs, 7-pound and 15-pound packages, this comes with several benefits especially for those who are looking to reduce stool odor that arises due to gastrointestinal issues, promote dental health and hairball management for their Bengal cats.
Royal Canin Health Nutrition Instinctive Thin Slice In Gravy Canned Food
This is available in 12-Pack, 6-Pack, and 24-Pack cases. It is formulated to provide your Bengal with his nutritional needs while ensuring that he maintains a healthy weight.
Royal Canin makes this formula by utilizing Macro Nutrient Profile Science so that your cat gets what he loves while ingesting the nutrition he needs with each feeding.
Hills
Cat foods manufactured by Hills are known the for inclusion of natural recipes that focus on balancing vitamins and minerals. A proper balance of fiber helps prevent digestive issues such as diarrhea, thus promoting the overall health of your Bengal. Hills cat foods are an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a balanced Bengal cat diet from a single source.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Liver and Chicken Entrée Minced Cat Food
This light liver and chicken cat food let you indulge your kitty with the delicious taste of the two main ingredients – chicken and liver. It also allows you to manage her weight.
It contains the essential nutrients a Bengal cat needs i.e. protein as well as low levels of calories and fat. High fiber content helps keep the hunger pains at bay between meals.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Chunks & Gravy Cat Food
It provides a delicious taste of tender roasted chicken chunks in gravy that your Bengal will fall in love with. It is available in three flavors including Tender Chicken, Tender Tuna, and Tender Ocean Fish so feel free to choose any to offer a variety to your cat.
It is packed with nutrients that help promote healthy digestion and ideal body weight.
Wellness Pet Food
Water is essential when it comes to maintaining and improving the general health of a cat, and that is one of the main focuses of Wellness Pet Food.
The company provides canned cat foods that are packed with the same whole food nutrition as their dry food formulas. From core wet cat recipes to complete health wet cat recipes available in various flavors, the company certainly knows how to impress while promoting the wellbeing of your Bengal.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Wet Pet Care Food
The brand behind this cat food is known for its variety of flavors. With this one, some of the flavors available include turkey, salmon, turkey & salmon, chicken & herring, salmon & trout, chicken, beef & salmon, beef & chicken, as well as chicken & lobster just to name a few.
It does not contain any grains but has plenty of proteins, which are essential for the overall well-being of cats. It is made with all natural ingredients and is devoid of artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Flavor options here include turkey & duck, original turkey & chicken as well as indoor chicken & turkey. Like the above Wet Pet Care Food, this one does not contain grains, is made with 100% natural ingredients with plenty of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It comes with the Wellness Guarantee.
Blue Buffalo
‘Love them like family, feed them like family.’ That is how everything at this company starts. It is known for revolutionary products that have helped cats and dogs live healthy lives for more than ten years.
The Wilderness Line is particularly good for Bengal cats as it is meat-rich and contains plenty of proteins.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Adult Cat Food
This provides your cat with Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits as well as a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its formulation is a great alternative to a raw diet as it contains the finest natural ingredients except for poultry by-products, soy or wheat.
It is available in three sizes, has high protein and low carbohydrate content. Ingredients used in the formulation include potatoes, oatmeal and sweet potatoes for the provision of complex carbohydrates as well as carrots, blueberries, and cranberries for antioxidant enrichment.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Cat Food
You can get it a variety of flavors including Chicken Weight Control, Duck Grain Free, Chicken Hairball Grain Free, Chicken Weight Control & Hairball Control Formula, Indoor Chicken Grain Free and Salmon Grain Free just to name a few.
It’s based on the diet of the lynx, a wild relative of your Bengal feline friend. It is rich in protein and provides a high concentration of delicious, natural ingredients that your cat will love.
Tiki Pets
Everything from Tiki Pets qualifies as nothing less than gourmet pet food. The company is known for putting together grain-free, human grade foods that include whole, sliced or shredded meat and seafood.
Using a nutrient profile that mimics the natural prey of cats and dogs, Tiki Pets has managed to produce exemplary products that have put it at the forefront.
Tiki Pet Foods Cat Waimea Luau Tuna On Rice With Prawns Pet Food
Available in a pack of 12 and 24, this is a whole food that is USDA Certified for Human Consumption. It is also known for its super palatability. Its nutrient profile is made up of moisture as well as fat and protein rich food with less than 1% carbohydrate content.
This seafood variety pack is made up of natural ingredients that include 2 Hawaiian Grill Ahi Tuna, 2 Tahitian Grill Sardine Cutlets, 2 Lanai Luau Ahi Tuna with Crab Surimi, 1 Bora Bora with Sardine Cutlets.
Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain Free Wet Food Variety Pack
Made with whole fish and fresh pumpkin, Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack is available in four flavors. The pack consists of 12 pouches, each of which weighs 3 ounces i.e. three pouches of tuna with calamari and pumpkin, 3 of tuna with shrimp and pumpkin, 3 of tuna with whitefish and pumpkin as well as 3 of tuna with tilapia and pumpkin.
It offers your feline pet a complete, balanced and highly digestible diet while satisfying his carnivorous cravings.
Nature’s Variety
This is another brand that manufactures food for cats and dogs. Its Instinctive Cat Food line is particularly good for Bengal cats as it does not contain grains or gluten.
The foods are perfect for satisfying a cat’s carnivorous cravings while satisfying their nutritional needs. They are perfect for those seeking something that promotes healthy skin and coat, weight management as well as smaller stool volume.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Canned Cat Food Variety Pack
It is specially formulated for rotated feeding. As it contains neither grain nor gluten, you can rest assured that you will not have to worry about gastrointestinal issues.
The pack includes 12 cans of varied flavors including lamb, chicken, duck, rabbit, and venison. It consists of ingredients that are high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy skin and coat. The formulation is ideal for all breeds, regardless of their age.
ORIJEN Pet Food
This is a world class producer of pet foods that manufactures foods to satisfy the nutritional needs of your cat or dog. The company’s success in producing globally accepted foods is partially attributed to the fact that it uses locally sourced ingredients.
ORIJEN Grain-Free Dry Cat and Kitten Food
This is a biologically appropriate food for all breeds and ages, including Bengal cats. It contains high protein content, plenty of fresh meat as well as zero bowls of cereal. The formula is designed with the anatomy of cats in mind, to ensure that they get the nutritional nourishment they need to stay healthy.
Life’s Abundance
This company not only promotes people’s lives but also the lives of cats and dogs. For them, health is about more than just exercising and eating right. It is also about making a commitment to feel and be better.
This is what drives their motivation to provide the best products, and if the reviews are anything to go by, they have exceeded customer’s expectations time and time again.
Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Cat Food
This is prepared using a fast cook process that helps preserve the nutritional value of all the ingredients. This all stage cat food is made with a quality blend of ingredients that contain vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, calcium and phosphorous for healthy teeth and strong bones as well dietary fiber for a healthy digestive tract.
The main ingredients used to make the formulae are chicken and whitefish.
Important precautions to keep in mind when shopping for Bengal cat food
While there is no harm in including consumer-based options in your Bengal cat’s diet, it is important to remember that balance and making the most of the ingredients are what your feline friend needs most.
As such, when looking for the best food for bengal cats you need to avoid anything that contains filler foods or complicated ingredients. The diet should be so simplistic yet so nutritious that it can meet your cat’s needs.
It is also important that you determine whether or not your kitty is allergic to certain foods. Estimates show that almost 10% of all cats have food allergies, hence the significance of this.
The good news is that figuring out whether your cat is allergic to something is easy as the symptoms resemble those in humans. Unfortunately, itchy skin can be a hard one to pinpoint.
Another important consideration that one should have in mind is the calorie intake. While dry foods at the supermarket may offer a cheap bargain, they can also lead to intake of unnecessary and unhealthy grains. In addition to being inefficient, these foods can also lead to overfeeding.
Always check the package to ensure that the calorie content is not too high, compared to what your cat should have as per their diet plan. The maximum calorie intake for kittens should be 100 per pound while that of adult cats should be 25-30 per pound.
Bengal cats should only eat what is consistent with a Bengal’s dietary guidelines. This means that feeding your cat any of the following foods can lead to diarrhea or worse medical conditions.
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- Chocolate can lead to theobromine poisoning, which if not treated can lead to death
- Yeast dough produces alcohol when ingested by a cat
- Raw eggs contain salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning
- Alcoholic § can cause liver and brain damage in cats
- Avocados
- Raw sweet potatoes and potatoes etc.
Conclusion
Bengal cats demand special dietary needs, most of which are proteins. Understanding the history of these feline creatures and which breeds they hail from provides a better idea of what their dietary and lifestyle needs are.
That said, this guide has covered all the important information that will help you ensure that your cat’s carnivorous cravings as well as nutritional needs are met.
Images credit: Amazon
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It’s very true Bengal cats are the new cool kid on the block thanks to their exotic, wild, feral appearance. Thanks for sharing such an interesting information.
I was not aware that minerals and vitamins are an essential part of a Bengal cat. I liked that you mentioned fresh turkey and chicken are good things to feed your Bengal cat with. As you mentioned, everything needs to be fresh to avoid food poisoning.