Norwegian Forest Cat Diet: Best Food & Feeding Chart

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Forest Cats require a high-protein diet (30–40%) with animal proteins like chicken, turkey, or salmon to support their large, muscular build.
• Adult Wegies need 430–580 calories daily, split into two meals, though individual needs vary based on activity level, with careful portion control essential to prevent obesity.
• These cats mature slowly over 4–5 years, requiring extended kitten formulas during development and ongoing monitoring throughout life stages to adjust nutrition accordingly.
• Combining wet food for hydration and dry kibble for dental health offers balanced nutrition, while scheduled feeding times help manage weight better than free-feeding for this obesity-prone breed.

The Nutritional Needs of the Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cats are considered a large breed, with males typically weighing between 12–20 pounds and females ranging from 8–18 pounds, though some can get even bigger. 

Their bodies take longer to mature than most cats, often not reaching full size until they're around 4–5 years old, so you'll need to think about their changing nutritional requirements throughout different life stages.

The most important thing to remember is that Norwegian Forest Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to get nutrition primarily from animal sources. In the wild, their ancestors would have hunted small rodents, birds, and fish, consuming the entire prey, including organs and bones. 

The commercial food you choose should aim to mirror this natural diet as closely as possible.

What Makes Good Norwegian Forest Cat Food

Choosing the right food type for your Norwegian Forest Cat depends on their preferences and health status.

Protein Type

When you're standing in the pet store aisle staring at hundreds of options, the first ingredient should always be a named animal protein like chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef, not "meat by-products" or grain fillers. 

Your Norwegian Forest Cat needs a diet that's at least 30–40% protein, though many experts recommend going even higher, especially for active adults.

Fat Content

Fat content is also important because it provides energy and keeps that gorgeous coat looking glossy and healthy. Look for foods with a fat content of around 15–20%, preferably from animal sources like chicken fat or fish oil rather than plant oils. 

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly good for maintaining their thick double coat and supporting joint health as they age.

Minimal Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates should be minimal because cats don't process them very efficiently. Some carbs such as brown rice and carrots are fine and even helpful for fiber, but you don't want corn, wheat, or soy as main ingredients. 

These are often just cheap fillers that provide little nutritional value. They can also lead to weight gain, as Norwegian Forest Cats are prone to obesity if they do not get enough exercise.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: What's Better?

There's been endless debate about this, but the truth is that both wet and dry food have their place in a Norwegian Forest Cat's diet. 

Wet food is fantastic because it provides extra hydration, which is important since cats naturally have a low thirst drive, and it's usually higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry kibble. Many Norwegian Forest Cats absolutely love the texture and smell of wet food, so it can be great for picky eaters or cats who need encouragement to eat.

Dry food has its benefits too. It's convenient, doesn't spoil as quickly, and the crunchy texture can help reduce tartar buildup on their teeth. Many cat owners find that a combination of both works best, feeding wet food once or twice daily and leaving some dry kibble out for snacking, though you'll need to adjust portions to avoid overfeeding.

If you're going the combination route, you might do something like 3/4 of their daily calories from wet food and 1/4 from dry, or split it 50/50 depending on your cat's preferences and lifestyle. Just make sure you're calculating the total calories to keep them at a healthy weight.

Raw & Homemade Diets

Raw and homemade diets require veterinary guidance to ensure your Norwegian Forest Cat receives all essential nutrients.

Some Norwegian Forest Cat owners argue that raw diets are the closest to what the cat’s ancestors ate in the wild. If you're interested in this approach, do it right because an unbalanced raw diet can cause serious health problems. 

You'll need to work with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to make sure your cat's getting all the necessary nutrients, including taurine, calcium, and vitamins that they'd naturally get from eating whole prey animals.

Homemade cooked diets are another option, but again, these need to be carefully formulated because it's surprisingly easy to miss essential nutrients. Most vets recommend sticking with commercial foods that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards unless you're really committed to working with a professional to create balanced homemade meals.

Feeding Chart for Norwegian Forest Cats

Kittens (2–12 Months)

Norwegian forest cat kittens grow rapidly and require frequent, nutrient-dense meals to support their development:

• 2–4 months: 4 meals daily, approximately 200–250 calories total
• 4–6 months: 3–4 meals daily, approximately 250–300 calories total
• 6–12 months: 2–3 meals daily, approximately 300–400 calories total

Kitten-specific formulas provide the extra protein, fat, and calories needed during this crucial growth period. Norwegian Forest Cats don't reach full maturity until 4–5 years old, so extended kitten or "growth formula" food may be appropriate longer than with other breeds.

Adults (1–7 Years)

Adult Norwegian forest cats typically thrive on:

• 2 meals daily (morning and evening)
• 430–580 calories per day, depending on activity level and size

Adjust portions based on body condition; you should be able to feel ribs with gentle pressure, but not see them prominently. Active, outdoor Wegies may need slightly more food, while indoor cats require careful monitoring to prevent weight gain.

Seniors (8+ Years)

As Norwegian forest cats age, their metabolism slows, and activity levels may decrease:

• 2 meals daily (consider smaller, more frequent meals if digestive sensitivity develops)
• 180–250 calories per day, depending on activity level and body condition

Transition to senior formulas with easily digestible proteins and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine. Monitor weight closely and adjust portions as needed. Some senior Wegies may actually lose weight and require calorie increases to maintain a healthy body condition.

Common Dietary Challenges & Solutions

Weight Management

These cats are particularly prone to obesity. Excess weight puts stress on joints, increases the risk of certain health conditions, and reduces the quality of life.

Prevent weight gain by measuring food portions precisely, limiting treats to no more than 10% of daily calories, and encouraging play and exercise.

Food Sensitivities

Some Norwegian Forest Cats develop sensitivities to certain proteins or ingredients, manifesting as digestive upset, skin irritation, or excessive grooming. If you suspect food sensitivities, work with your veterinarian to identify triggers through elimination diets or hypoallergenic formulas.

Transitioning Between Foods

When changing your cat's diet, do so gradually over 7–10 days to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% current food, gradually adjusting the ratio until fully transitioned.

Feeding Tips & Best Practices

Don't leave food out all day because Norwegian Forest Cats aren't always great at self-regulating their intake, and free-feeding can quickly lead to obesity. Scheduled meal times are better for monitoring how much they're eating and catching any appetite changes that might signal health problems.

Always provide fresh, clean water in multiple locations around your home and introduce any new foods gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts with their current food to avoid digestive upset.

Finally, resist those pleading eyes at the dinner table. Human food shouldn't make up more than 10% of their diet, and many common foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes are toxic to cats. Stick to cat-appropriate treats and use them sparingly.

Nourish Your Norwegian Forest Cat

With proper nutrition and attention to their individual needs, your Norwegian Forest Cat will thrive for years to come.

For Norwegian forest cats, their size, slow maturation, and health considerations mean they benefit from a protein-rich diet that supports their muscular build and keeps that stunning coat in perfect condition. 

The key is finding a high-quality food that works for your individual cat and sticking to consistent feeding schedules to prevent obesity. Depending on your cat's specific needs, veterinary-formulated supplements may also help support joint health, coat condition, or other areas where your Norwegian Forest Cat might need extra nutritional support.

Remember that every Norwegian Forest Cat is unique, so what works perfectly for one might not be ideal for another. Pay attention to your cat's energy levels, coat condition, and body weight, and don't hesitate to consult with your vet if you're unsure about their diet or notice any changes in their eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much should I feed my Norwegian forest cat daily?

Adult Norwegian forest cats typically need 430–580 calories per day, divided into two meals. The exact amount depends on your cat's age, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're indoor or outdoor. 

What ingredients should I look for in Norwegian forest cat food?

Prioritize foods with named animal proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon, beef) as the first ingredient, indicating at least 30–40% protein content. Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, taurine for heart function, and glucosamine for joint support.

Can Norwegian forest cats eat the same food as other cat breeds?

While Norwegian Forest Cats can eat quality foods formulated for all cat breeds, their larger size and specific health predispositions make them particularly well-suited to large breed formulas or foods emphasizing joint support and weight management.

How can I tell if my Norwegian Forest Cat is overweight?

The best way to check is to gently feel along their sides. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, but the ribs shouldn't be visibly poking out. 

When you look at them from above, they should have a visible waist (a slight inward curve behind the ribs), and from the side, their belly should tuck up slightly rather than hanging down or looking round. 

If you're running your hands along their body and can't feel their ribs at all, or if they've lost that waist definition, they're probably carrying extra weight.

How can I prevent my cat from becoming overweight?

Measure food portions precisely using a kitchen scale or measuring cup rather than free-feeding. Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Encourage regular play sessions and provide vertical spaces for climbing. Consider puzzle feeders to slow eating and provide mental stimulation.