No doubt, you already know that proper diet plays a huge part in the life of your Bengal cat. Without it, your furry friend won’t have a happy life and won’t stay healthy for long. Naturally, you want for your cat to be happy and healthy as long as possible, and the only way to achieve that is to feed him/her with the best food for Bengal cats.
Keep reading to discover what you should be feeding your Bengal!
Quick Links To The Best Food For Bengal Cats
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1. Orijen Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food – Best Overall
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food – Runner Up
3. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Budget Option
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Cat Food – Best Wet Food For Bengal Cats
5. Hill’s Science Diet For Senior Cats – Best Food For Senior Bengal Cats
6. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Recipe – Best Food For Bengal Kittens
7. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Cat Food – Best Cat Food For Allergies
8. Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Grain-Free Food For Bengal Cats
9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Cat Food – Best Cat Food For Picky Eaters
10. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Best For Bengal Cats With Food Sensitivities
Like all other felines, your Bengal cat is a natural born carnivore and thrives on a meat-based diet. However, compared to other breeds, Bengal cats are highly energetic and more active, therefore they need more proteins and fats than other cats.
Knowing exactly what nutrients your Bengal cat needs seems like an impossible feat, especially if this is your first time owning a cat. But, it doesn’t have to be!
In this article, we’ve rounded the 10 best foods for Bengal cats that will keep your kitty’s belly full and her dietary needs met!
Best Cat Foods For Bengal Cats Reviewed
Whether you are looking for dry or canned cat food for your Bengal cat or a kitten, or the best food for a picky eater, we got you covered. Let’s take a look at the in-depth reviews of the 10 best cat foods for Bengal cats.
1. Orijen Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food – Best Overall
If you want only the best for your Bengal cat in terms of her diet, look no further than Orijen Cat & Kitten Grain-Free formula.
Chock full of premium quality ingredients, Orijen is without a doubt, the best food for Bengal cats.
Key Features
- High protein count
- 90% meat inclusions
- Grain-free
Inspired by the ancestral diet of cats, this formula contains 40% crude proteins that are derived from deboned chicken and turkey, eggs, and wild caught-fish. This formula also features higher fat levels which are ideal for active and energetic cats.
Instead of grains, Orijen included healthy veggies such as kale, spinach, and carrots that are full of vitamins and minerals that support a strong immune system. Made to be biologically appropriate, this food doesn’t have any fillers, gluten, meat meals, or other low-quality ingredients.
Pros
- High-protein count supports lean and strong muscles
- Rich in fat and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Meets dietary needs of kittens and adult Bengal cats
- Reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
A few owners reported that their cats didn’t like the taste of this food
Overall, the Orijen Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food is the best choice for Bengal cats regardless of their age and is a sound investment into your kitty’s health.
You can learn more about Orijen cat food on their official site here.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food – Runner Up
Made to mimic the diet of wild felines, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food is a great option for adult Bengal cats. Reasonably priced and made using natural ingredients, this formula will give your kitty all the chicken flavor it craves.
Key Features
- LifeSource Bits
- High-calorie
- Antioxidants
Featuring high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, this food contains 30% crude proteins and 18% crude fat that will keep your Bengal cat energized and support healthy skin and coat. Instead of eating unhealthy grains and fillers, your kitty will gorge on complex carbs such as peas and potatoes.
The added LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and support a strong immune system and overall wellness. Furthermore, this food also contains Taurine which supports heart and eye health.
Pros
- Calorie dense and ideal for active and energetic cats
- Designed to support overall health and well-being
- Made with natural, high-quality ingredients
- Supports healthy skin and shiny coat
Cons
Not ideal if your cat isn’t a fan of chicken flavor
Overall, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food is a great choice if you are looking for high-quality and natural food for your Bengal cat.
3. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Budget Food For Bengal Cats
The Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Natural Dry Cat Food is a great option if you are on a tight budget but want healthy and wholesome food for your Bengal cat. This formula contains freeze-dried raw bits, that are an instant hit with cats.
Key Features
- Natural probiotics
- For all life stages
- Grain-free
This protein-packed formula features cage-free chicken as the main ingredient, but it also has freeze-dried chicken and chicken liver bits. Furthermore, natural probiotics are included to support good digestion and increase nutrient absorption.
Fruits and veggies such as apples, cranberries, and carrots are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will keep your Bengal cat healthy and strong. This food doesn’t contain any cheap fillers or harmful ingredients, and it also comes in duck and salmon flavor, for cats who don’t like chicken.
Pros
High protein count supports lean and strong muscles
Added probiotics for easier digestion
Complete and balanced for cats of all ages
Contains all essentials vitamins and minerals
Cons
A few owners noted that the kibble is slightly larger, so their cats refused to eat it
Overall, the Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Natural Dry Cat Food is high-quality cat food and a great option if you are on a tight budget.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Cat Food – Best Wet Food For Bengal Cats
When it comes to canned cat food, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Cat Food is one of the best for Bengal cats. Made from natural, high-quality ingredients, this formula comes in many different flavors that are bound to taste nice even to picky eaters.
Key Features
- High in protein
- Keeps cats hydrated
- Grain-free
Featuring turkey as the main ingredient, this delicious pate is formulated for adult cats and will keep your Bengal energized throughout the whole day. All the essential vitamins and minerals are added to support a strong immune system.
The great thing about this wet food is that it keeps cats hydrated and is a better option if your Bengal cat doesn’t drink enough water. And since it doesn’t contain fillers, chicken, by-products, or meals, this food is also suitable for Bengal cats with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Ideal for active and energetic Bengal cats
- Doesn’t contain fillers or harmful ingredients
- The soft texture is suitable for cats with dental problems
- Reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
Several owners reported that their cats didn’t want to eat this food, even though it looks and smells great
Overall, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Cat Food is a great canned food for Bengal cats and comes in many different flavors.
5. Hill’s Science Diet For Senior Cats – Best Food For Senior Bengal Cats
Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of seniors, the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food is a great option for indoor cats ages seven or older.
Key Features
- Natural fiber
- Immune system support
- Chicken as the main ingredient
Compared to other senior cat foods, this one has a higher protein count, which makes it ideal for Bengal cats who remain energetic and active well into their senior years. Added vitamins, minerals, and Taurine will support your cat’s immune system and help her stay healthy in her senior years.
This formula contains grains, so it isn’t a suitable choice for cats that have grain allergies. However, if your Bengal cat doesn’t have allergies, the extra fiber from grains will help with digestion and make litter box clean-up a lot easier for you.
Pros
- Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older cats
- Higher fiber count supports better digestion
- Supports lean and strong muscles
- Added vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system
Cons
A few owners reported that the kibble is too big for older cats
Overall, the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food is a great option for older Bengal cats and is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of seniors.
6. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Recipe – Best Food For Bengal Kittens
The Wellness Complete Healthy Kitten Recipe is one of the best foods you can give to your new Bengal kitten. This delicious pate is formulated to meet the unique dietary needs of kittens and help them grow up into strong and healthy cats.
Key Features
- All-natural
- Grain-free
- Chicken flavor
The first two main ingredients, chicken and chicken liver are great sources of protein and help build lean and strong muscles.
Carrots, squash, zucchini, cranberries, and blueberries are healthy sources of fiber and are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Flaxseed is the natural source of omega fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat, but it also helps with digestion. Wellness supplemented all the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development, which makes this food an ideal choice for daily feeding.
Pros
- It’s very easy to chew thanks to the soft texture
- Formulated to support growth and development of kittens
- Has added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest
Cons
A few kittens had softer stool due to the higher fat and protein count
Overall, the Wellness Complete Healthy Kitten Recipe is an excellent choice if you are looking for quality and natural food for your Bengal kitten.
7. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Cat Food – Best Cat Food For Allergies
Formulated with simple, yet high-quality ingredients, the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Cat Food is a great option for Bengal cats with allergies.
Key Features
- Single animal protein
- No fillers
- Easy to digest
This kibble features duck as the main and only meat protein that helps maintain strong and lean muscles without making your cat itchy. Moderate amounts of fat and healthy fiber are ideal for weight management and support easy digestion.
Ingredients such as salmon oil and flaxseed will keep your Bengal cat energized and at the same time maintain skin and coat health. Considering that there is only a handful of ingredients, this formula is reinforced with added vitamins and minerals that are essential for a strong immune system.
Pros
- A limited number of high-quality and nutritious ingredients
- Ideal for picky eaters and Bengal cats with allergies
- Added Taurine for hearth and eye health
- Supports a healthy coat and skin
Cons
A few owners reported that their cats had stomach problems after eating this food
Overall, the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Cat Food is a great option if your Bengal cat is suffering from allergies and will keep her from itching and scratching all day long.
8. Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Grain-Free Food For Bengal Cats
The Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food is made from high-quality ingredients and is a great option if you are looking for a reasonably priced grain-free dry cat food.
Key Features
- High protein count
- Grain-free
- Natural ingredients
Made with regionally sourced Arctic char as the first ingredient, this food boosts an incredible seafood flavor and 38% crude protein. This higher protein count is ideal for Bengal cats since it supports lean and strong muscles and will keep your cat energized throughout the day.
Healthy veggies such as tomatoes and kale are valuable sources of fiber that support proper digestion and are also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The greatest thing about this food is that there are no grains, artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers that can jeopardize your cat’s health in the long run.
Pros
- Made from natural and wholesome ingredients
- High protein is ideal for active and energetic cats
- Made without grains or any other fillers
- Supports healthy skin and coat
Cons
- The higher protein count can cause an upset stomach in cats with sensitivities
Overall, the Purina Beyond Natural Dry Cat Food is an affordable and high-quality grain-free food for adult Bengal cats.
9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Cat Food – Best Cat Food For Picky Eaters
Made from human-grade ingredients, the Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Cat Food is very tasty and an ideal choice for picky Bengal cats. To make it into a meal, just add and mix some water with the food, and serve it to your cat.
Key Features
- Easy to digest
- Human grade ingredients
- Grain-free
Dehydrated chicken and dehydrated eggs are the first two ingredients in this formula and together they create 38% crude proteins. Besides being rich in proteins, this food also has a higher fat content, so it will keep your Bengal cat energized and support skin and coat health.
Spinach, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are natural sources of fiber that support easy digestion and better nutrient absorption.
Furthermore, this formula is fortified with all essential vitamins and minerals, including Taurine for a strong heart and healthy eyes.
Pros
- Easy to prepare and a great alternative for canned cat foods
- Contains the right amount of proteins and fats for Bengal cats
- Made from wholesome human-grade ingredients
- Doesn’t contain fillers, grains, or other harmful ingredients
Cons
- A few owners noted that their cats needed some time to get used to softer type of food after eating kibble
Overall, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Cat Food is a high-quality and delicious option that will be appealing even to the pickiest Bengal cats.
10. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Best For Bengal Cats With Food Sensitivities
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach is specially tailored for cats with allergies and sensitive stomachs. Thus, this is a great choice if your Bengal cat is itching and scratching or has stomach problems such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Key Features
- Natural prebiotic
- Added vitamins for skin support
- High protein count
Featuring lamb as the main ingredient, this formula has a higher protein count of 40%, and will support lean and strong muscles.
However, it isn’t grain-free and contains some less desirable carbs such as corn gluten meal.
The highly digestible rice and oatmeal are gentle on the digestive tract and are good for cats with sensitive stomachs. This food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, Taurine, zinc, and omega fatty acids that will help with skin recovery after a lot of scratching.
Pros
- Higher protein count supports lean and strong muscles
- Easily digestible ingredients soothe the digestive tract
- Added zinc and biotin for healthy skin and coat
- Complete and balanced for adult Bengal cats
Cons
- A few owners noted that this kibble has a very strong smell
Overall, the Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach is an affordably priced cat food that will soothe your cat’s stomach and skin problems.
What Are Nutritional Needs Of Bengal Cats?
All felines, including your Bengal cat, are carnivores which means that their bodies have evolved to take the most nutrients from animal-based sources. Therefore, your Bengal cat’s diet should be meat-based.
Animal meats such as chicken, turkey, fish, beef, or lamb should be the staple of your cat’s diet! Furthermore, fats are also part of the equation and will keep your cat energized and her skin healthy. Animal-based fats such as chicken fat, salmon oil, or pork fat are easier to digest, but plant-based oils like flaxseed are also a good option.
Besides protein and fat, your Bengal cat also needs certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Some brands include them by adding fruits and vegetables to their formulas while others use synthetic supplements. Generally, whichever the case, you can rest assured that everything is covered and that your cat is getting all essential nutrients from her food.
While carbs aren’t essential, they are a valuable source of energy. However, you should avoid feeding your Bengal cat with filler grains such as corn or soy, and instead when necessary opt for brown rice or oats. Bengal cats can eat vegetables, and most of them contain carbs and are a much healthier source of fiber for cats than grains are.
When it comes to numbers, your cat requires a minimum of 26% protein in its diet, however, Bengal cats have a lot of energy and will need more proteins to stay in good shape.
In terms of fat, a bare minimum is 9%, but again, your Bengal cat will need much more than that in order to stay energized and active throughout the day.
What To Look For In The Best Food For Bengal Cats?
Shopping for a Bengal cat can be tricky, especially when there are so many options to choose from. To make this process easier, you should know what are the characteristics of the best food for Bengal cats.
Let’s take a look:
Named Meat: As you already know, Bengal cats thrive on a high-protein diet, so you should always look for foods that have meat as the first ingredient. Foods that have chicken, turkey, salmon, or any other type of named meat as the main ingredient are a good choice. On the other hand, you should avoid foods that just lists unnamed meat or by-product meal as the first ingredient.
Wholesome, Natural Ingredients: Whole-foods should be a staple of every cat’s diet because they are more nutritious and easier to digest than by-products and additives. So make sure to read the ingredient list and check if any by-products are lurking about.
No Fillers: If you want only the best for your Bengal cat, you should avoid foods that contain fillers. Most premium and high-quality foods don’t have them, but that can’t be said for cheaper brands. So, do your best to avoid corn, soy, soybean meal, rice protein and so on. While these won’t do any harm in the short term, they can create many health problems in the long-run and are best avoided.
No Artificial Flavors, Colors, Preservatives: Similar to the previous advice, if you want the best, avoid foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Some added flavor or color is fine from time to time, but shouldn’t be a part of your cat’s daily diet.
Vitamins & Minerals: To provide a nutritious and balanced meal, all foods have to be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for your Bengal cat’s overall health and they should be present in every formula.
What Is The Daily Calorie Intake Of A Bengal Cat?
Knowing what do Bengal cats eat and how much to feed them can mean a world of difference for your cat’s overall health and well-being. Too many calories and you will end up with an obese cat, not enough calories and your cat won’t have enough energy to lead a normal life.
Bengal Kittens: When it comes to kittens, they will start at approximately 100 calories per pound of bodyweight daily. This amount should drop to 40 calories per pound of bodyweight when kittens are 10 months old.
Adult Bengal Cats: For most adult Bengal cats, a diet of 25 to 30 calories per pound is enough. However, if your cat is eating quality food but is regularly sick, bloated, or dehydrated you may want to look whether or not she is getting enough food.
Senior Bengal Cats: As they age, most Bengal cats become less active and consequently need to eat less food. Generally, 20 calories per pound should be enough to keep your senior cat energized and her stomach full.
Please note that these are just general guidelines and that all Bengal cats are individuals. Depending on activity level or health problems, your Bengal cat may need more or less calories every day to stay healthy and at an ideal weight. Whenever in doubt, consult your vet and let him tell you exactly how much food your Bengal cat needs to eat every day.
Foods To Avoid Feeding To Your Bengal Cat
Your Bengal cat should only eat foods that are consistent with her dietary guidelines. However, it can be extremely hard not to cave in, when your cat is begging you for a piece of that tuna sandwich you are eating.
While sharing your meal with your feline is fine, from time to time, there are certain foods you should never give to your cat!
Chocolate: Contains an alkaloid called theobromine which can cause digestive problems, heart problems, seizures, tremors, and even death. Therefore, don’t give your cat chocolate, and if you suspect that she got some, take her to the vet right away.
Alcohol: This comes as no surprise, but alcohol can cause liver and brain damage in cats.
Onion And Garlic: All forms of onion and garlic can cause blood problems and even anemia in cats.
Raw Meat, Fish & Eggs: Any type of raw meat can contain bacteria like E. Coli or salmonella and make your cat seriously sick.
Avocado: Contains persin which is known to cause digestive issues, vomiting, breathing difficulties, heart problems, and sometimes death.
This is a very short list, but you get the picture! And if you aren’t sure what is the best food for Bengal cats, it’s best to stick with commercially made foods that are formulated to meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
In Summary – What Are The Best Foods For Bengal Cats?
With so many different foods available, you would think that finding the best one for your Bengal will be a piece of cake, but think again! Carnivores by nature, Bengals are highly active and energetic cats and need the perfect balance of micro and macronutrients in order to stay healthy and thrive. This translates into high-quality food, high protein count, moderate to high fat levels, and little to no carbs.
While any of the 10 foods reviewed above is a good option, the Orijen Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food is the overall best food for Bengal cats.
However, if you are on a tight budget, you may find that the Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Natural Dry Cat Food ticks all of your boxes without leaving you penniless. And if you are interested in something in between, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food might be just the thing you are looking for.
Ultimately, whichever you choose, you can rest assured that your Bengal cat is eating the best food your money can buy!
I calculated the carbohydrates in blue buffalo and it’s MASSIVE. My siamese kittens did terrible in this food, especially when they hit 5 months. The one who only likes wet food was thriving and the other one I was worried he had an underlying health issue.
Switched to orijen and it turns out it was just the food. I’m surprised. our Buffalo made your number two. Sentiments about freeze dried raw as a supplement?