Last updated Oct 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Whoever said “making gains” was just for jocks? Bengal cats are no exemption to the rule.
Nowadays, Bengal cats are the “cool kids on the block” due to their exotic, wild and feral appearance. There are over 60,000 Bengal cats registered with “TICA” (The International Cat Association). Bengals are a product of cross breeding Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats, making them known as ‘hybrids’. As a result, Bengals inherited feral tendencies demanding a Bengal cat diet that is slightly different than their domesticated cousins.
What Do Bengal Cats Eat?
What should you feed a Bengal cat? This question is asked by most new Bengal cat owners. Since cats are obligate carnivores, feeding them cat food high in protein is a must. To understand the dietary demands of a Bengal cat we must look back at its ancestral past where we find the Asian leopard cats.
These Asian Leopard Cats had a diet consisting mainly of protein based foods such as birds, lizards, and insects. Currently, most commercial cat foods contain less meat and more carbohydrates such as corn, rice, and soy. If your Bengal’s diet consists mostly of low-grade commercial foods, one can expect some health issues later on.
A great supplement to a Bengal cat’s diet is raw meat provided that the meat is fresh and not processed. You can make your own Bengal cat food or buy quality commercial cat foods. Either option is fine as long as the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. Please check with your local vet or veterinary nutritionist about optimizing your cat’s diet.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Bengal Cats To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Fresh cat food rich in animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Available in pate or minced textures
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Dry Cat Food
- Features responsibly-harvested fish
- Contains herring oil and salmon oil as good sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Features animal protein sources as its main ingredients
Wellness Signature Selects
- Suitable for cats of all ages
- Provides balanced daily nutrition
- Doesn't contain any meat by-products, soy, corn, or wheat
Weruva Classic Grain-Free
- Made with animal protein sources
- Minimal plant protein
- No artificial ingredients
Nature’s Variety Instinct
- Duck flavored food with natural ingredients. It is a grain free product with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Contains probiotics to aid in healthy digestion and antioxidants for the immune system
- Protein rich food made from animal proteins
Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
- Has a low level of carbohydrates and glycemic index, which is found in numerous other dry food brands
- It also has no artificial additives or non-nutritional ingredients
- Great flavors to choose from
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free
- Suitable to cats of all ages, contains high levels of protein made from chicken and turkey, as well as other wholesome ingredients
- Cooked in small batches to ensure proper nutrition for the animal
- Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 for the health of the cat’s coat and skin
#1 Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Catered to the carnivorous needs of cats, Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service. They offer an array of recipes, each featuring a single source of animal protein. Choose from classic pate, minced, or ground textures, according to your cat’s preference. All formulas are packed with protein and hydrating moisture with low carbohydrate content.
Smalls Ground Bird is a chicken-based recipe, made with chicken muscle meat and chicken liver as the main ingredients. Fresh low-starch veggies contribute to the food’s nutritional value, balanced with synthetic supplements as needed. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Fresh cat food rich in animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Available in pate or minced textures
- Low in carbohydrates
Cons
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Dry Cat Food
Ingredients
Wild Pacific Salmon, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Ocean Herring Meal, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Red Lentils, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Herring Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pumpkin, Natural Flavour, Green Lentils, Salmon Oil, Non-GMO Cranberries, Chicory Root, Apples, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Salt, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin, D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Taurine, Rosemary Extract
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Features responsibly-harvested fish
- Contains herring oil and salmon oil as good sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Features animal protein sources as its main ingredients
- Doesn’t contain potentially-harmful artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Most cats seem to love the way this food tastes
Cons
- Relatively high in carbohydrates
- Expensive compared to some other dry cat foods
#3 Wellness Signature Selects
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Chicken Liver, Eggs, Turkey, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement], Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride,etc…
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- An all-natural, grain free food suitable for cats of all ages.
- It comes in custom packs that make it easy to serve during mealtimes.
- Provides balanced daily nutrition for your cat. Its ingredients include pieces of shredded chicken and lean beaf and it doesn’t have any meat by-products, soy, corn, or wheat.
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
#4 Weruva Classic Grain-Free
Ingredients
Chicken (Boneless, Skinless, White Breast), Water Sufficient For Processing, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros:
- Made with animal protein sources
- Minimal plant protein
- No artificial ingredients
- High protein content
Cons
- Fish recipe could be a bit tricky as the chunks are a bit too big for some cats
#5 Nature’s Variety Instinct
Ingredients
Duck, Chicken, Chicken Eggs, Tapioca, Ground Flaxseed, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Montmorillonite Clay, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Freeze Dried Duck (including Freeze Dried Ground Duck Bone), Pumpkinseeds, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Duck flavored food with natural ingredients. It is a grain free product with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Contains probiotics to aid in healthy digestion and antioxidants for the immune system.
- Protein rich food made from animal proteins. It is suitable for all breeds of cats at all life stages. It contains some healthy vegetables and fruits and is freeze dried to give it a great taste.
Cons
- Contains low amounts of sodium selenite
#6 Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
This brand of dry food is also great as many times a cat will experience stomach problems when consuming too much wet food. Incorporating some dry goods into your cat’s diet will balance this out.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseeds, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Sesame Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Crab Meal, Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Salt, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Dried Tomato Pomace, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], etc…
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Has a low level of carbohydrates and glycemic index, which is found in numerous other dry food brands.
- It also has no artificial additives or non-nutritional ingredients.
- Great flavors to choose from.
Cons
- Not all cats like the taste
#7 Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Chicory Root Extract, Choline Chloride, Cranberries, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dried Kelp, L-Carnitine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, etc…
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Suitable to cats of all ages, contains high levels of protein made from chicken and turkey, as well as other wholesome ingredients.
- Cooked in small batches to ensure proper nutrition for the animal.
- Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 for the health of the cat’s coat and skin.
- It also has calcium and phosphorus for the bones and teeth.
Cons
- May contain seafood, make sure your cat is not allergic to seafood before feeding him with this formula. Best to stick with the fish-free version.
Bengal Cat Food Allergies
Bengal cats don’t need a specific diet compared to other cats, but they do have some health issues to be aware of. Certain conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, flat chested kitten syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been recognised in the breed.
They can also be prone to hip dysplasia so it’s important to make sure that your Bengal cat doesn’t become overweight. Extra weight can make conditions like hip dysplasia worse.
Bengals, like any cat, can also have food allergies. Determining what they’re allergic to is important in treating their allergies. In terms of symptoms, the clearest signs of food allergies in Bengal cats are similar to those of humans. Itchy skin, skin lesions and gastrointestinal upset is amongst some of the symptoms.
As such, if you suspect that your cat might be suffering from allergies, it’s recommended that you try a food trial under the direction of your veterinarian. They might suggest trialling a hypoallergenic diet or novel protein diet for at least 6 weeks before assessing the response.
Once you’ve identified a food that is giving your cat an allergic reaction, the treatment is as simple as removing it from your household and keeping it away from them.
For More Info, read our: Best Cat Food Guide
Daily Calorie Intake for Bengal Cats
Dry foods like those found in typical supermarkets may be an affordable means of feeding your cat, but they can sometimes contain unnecessary ingredients like preservatives and other additives. .
This means your Bengal cat’s diet will be considerably less efficient than one that incorporates more high quality wet food. It’s important to have your Bengal on a high quality, nutritionally balanced, meat based protein diet that promotes optimal health.
So how much should you feed your Bengal cat? For a young Bengal kitten, more tends to be better. In order to find the best food for your kitten, you’ll want to weigh your Bengal to get a specific measurement and then check the calorie content of the food in your Bengal cat diet plan.
Most Bengal kittens will eat approximately 40-100 calories per day depending on their weight. Adult Bengal cats roughly weigh between 8-15 pounds. They need to eat approx 2-5% of their body weight daily.
For most adult Bengal cats, a diet of around 25 to 30 calories per pound is sufficient but this depends on your cat’s size and activity level if your cat has a healthy meal plan but is regularly sick, bloated, or dehydrated, then you might want to look at whether or not they’re getting too much food. Check this with your veterinarian if you’re worried.
Try to avoid foods that have complicated ingredients or filler foods. Your Bengal’s diet should be simplistic and nutritious to promote healthy development for a long, happy life.
Raw Food Diet for Bengal Cats
- Fresh turkey is a great source of protein and omega 3 fats
- Lean cuts of fresh meat are rich in protein and fiber
- Chicken and turkey are great sources of protein. Cats in general, prefer turkey over chicken. Try them both and see which works best.
- Keep in mind that protein should not be the sole component in a Bengal’s diet, minerals and vitamins must be included as well.
- Raw meat may cause food poisoning if not prepared properly. The meat must be fresh, and should only be served once per meal. The Raw food should not set at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.
If feeding raw food as the main diet for your Bengal, make sure that the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced. Check the diet with your vet or a nutritionist, particularly if your cat has any underlying health conditions.
For more info on raw cat food, make sure you read the following articles:
What You Should Never Feed Your Bengal?
Bengal cats should only consume cat foods that are consistent with Bengal’s dietary guidelines.
The following foods are known to cause your Bengal cat diarrhea and other health problems
- Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine, a type of alkaloid that can be poisonous to cats. If not treated promptly, theobromine poisoning can lead to death.
- Avocado – Avocado leaves, bark, seeds, skin, and pits contain a toxic substance to Bengal cats called persin. It can cause gastrointestinal signs in small amounts but more serious symptoms if larger amounts are ingested.
- Alcoholic beverages – Alcohol can cause fatal brain and liver damage in cats in general as it is highly intoxicating. So, whether it is wine, liquor, beer or any food containing alcohol, it is not good for your cat.
- Yeast dough – Yeast ferments produce alcohol when consumed by a Bengal cat thereby leading to alcohol poisoning.
- Liver – Although Bengal cats can consume small amounts of liver, too much of it could be dangerous. It can trigger a vitamin A toxicity which affects the bones of a cat.
- Macadamia nuts – Macadamia nuts are rich in fats which which can cause stomach pain and discomfort, leading to diarrhea and vomiting
- Foods that contain Xylitol – Candies, snacks, gum and baked goods contain a naturally occurring sweetener that is extracted from fibers of veggies and fruits known as Xylitol. This sweetener causes a rapid blood sugar drop and can be fatal.
- Caffeine – Caffeine is highly toxic especially when consumed in large quantities. It is found in colas, chocolate, and cocoa.
- Raw potatoes and tomatoes – These two contain glycoalkaloid solanine which can cause digestive illnesses in your Bengal cat.
- Bones – A bone can cause a cat to choke, splinter or block its intestinal tract leading to perforation of the intestines.
Bengal Overview
Bengal cat are becoming extremely popular in across North America, Australia, and the UK. Their jungle-like athleticism combined with their high energy levels, creates a very special cat demanding certain dietary standards consisting mostly of protein.
Raising a Bengal kitten can be challenging. Therefore, understanding Bengal breeding history is key to providing the right Bengal cat diet and lifestyle that your cat deserves.
Hello,
We have two beautiful silver Egyptian Maus. When they were little about seven years ago, their favorite proteins was chicken, white fish , I was giving them wellness when they were little, but I noticed they were shaking their heads and I took them to the vet and they said they look healthy well a few months later I noticed they were both shaking their heads and within a few weeks after that my male kitty had a hematoma on one of his ears and we had to have his ear drained, and now he has a potato chip ear, still a handsome boy, but anyway I have them on natures variety the wet and dry, but only the duck, rabbit, turkey and salmon. I also give them tiki cat, they love. They also love treats. They love crunchy treats, I am trying my best to get them on some freeze dried food, but they are really picky, I have had cats all my long life, and these are the first cats that I have ever had that are picky, I have given them the natures variety rabbit with the freeze dried pieces and they go around it, I have tried almost every freeze dried food and treats, and they just don’t like freeze dried anything except for the freeze dried coating on the natures variety. Can you give me some other ideas as to food and freeze dried treats.
Hi Terry,
If you’re looking for freeze dried food and treats I recommend you look at our article on the Best Raw Cat Food. Our top 3 choices are:
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Cat Food
Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Diet for Cats
Primal Turkey Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Hope this helps 🙂
can Bengal kitten be on this best raw cat food for, thanks ?
Hey Gelato, that’s a great question! All of these raw cat foods are formulated for all life stages, meaning that you can feed them to kittens as well as adult cats. Hope this helps! – Mallory
I also have had problems with my bangel cat, I have found, Primal freeze dried nuggets worked very well, took his bowel problems away, if they won’t eat this I mix it with grass fed beef bone broth. You can add some water to it. He has been on this for about 5 years, he is getting older at 16 yrs.old and is getting picky again, but he does still eat this when he gets hungry enough. He really misses a kibble food,as he tries to steal my dog’s food (with little luck,she is a little chihuahua) I was wondering what kind of hard treats do you give your bangel’s?
Hi Barbara, I’ll let Terry respond as well, but I would consider giving your Bengal other freeze-dried treats, which, while not quite as crunchy and fun as kibble, have something of that enjoyable quality. The PureBites lineup includes a wide array of meat types to keep your cat entertained. Alternatively, you can just give him a little bit of kibble as a treat. If you’re worried that will compromise his diet, perhaps opt for one of the higher-value kibble products out there, like Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein or even an air-dried food from Ziwi Peak. Hope this helps!
I didn’t find out here whether he should have an entire small can of nutritious wet food at a time. Right now we are feeding him high protein dry food and 1/2 can of wet food in the morning and !/2 can in the evening. He also hunts birds and rodents.
I loved this article. i have a Bengal kitten who is 4 months old. This taught me a lot.
I’m really looking to know if moose meat is ok for my bengal with or without the bone and maybe cooked a little… I’m confused because a lot of links say yahoo bring on the raw meat and others say no no ??♀️ Also I’ve watched a friend give his savanna a full chicken raw she loved it however I know their different but does anyone have info or experience with moose or bones PLEASE
OMG! Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative page about Bengal Cat Diet. I have read your valuable page and gotten much information. I have learned a lot from you that I did not know before. I confused for choosing the baby cat foods information what would be the best for everything but now my confusion has cleared by your review. I hope your all information will help me. Thanks again and Keep it up………..
The bangle cat that I rescued enjoys rotisserie chicken white meat and dark meat skinless you can serve it cold and it’s an expensive if you go to the big box stores get something that’s natural and not over season break it up in small pieces and then add A little warm water she’s been gaining weight she was malnourished when we Got Her super healthy great coat all the best
Hi I’ve got a Bengal I would like some help like what’s the best wet food, dry food, treats and raw food to get for your bengals??
Age between for 1 – 12 month old
And after 1 year +
Hello Marcus!
Like all kittens, young Bengals should eat a diet that’s calorie-dense and delivers plenty of highly-digestible nutrition. Any of the products listed in our article on the best kitten foods of 2019 would be a great fit for most Bengal kittens:
https://cats.com/best-kitten-food
It’s harder to find raw foods specifically formulated for kittens, but I know a lot of people feed their kittens homemade raw food with good results.
Adult Bengals should do well on any of the canned or fresh foods listed in this article. As for dry foods, I’d recommend getting the meatiest product you can afford. Consider Ziwi Peak, Dr. Elsey’s, Tiki Cat, and Wellness CORE’s air-dried food.
Finally, what about treats? The best treats for Bengals, regardless of age, are the same as the best treats for cats of every other breed—simple, meat-based, and low-carbohydrate. You might try chunks of fresh or freeze-dried meat, egg yolks, or an occasional bit of fish.
Hope this helps!
Take care,
Mallory
I have a 2lb bengal kitten who is eating raw primal and there calculator say she should eat one nugget maybe two for weight gain and she is eating 4-5 a day at 48 cal each so she knows what shes doing. I was starting to thing something was wrong with her eating as much as the 11.5 lb cat. Thanks to the info above she is eating 100 cal per pound by her own choice. Thanks so much now i wont worry.
Can any if you please help?
My bengal kitten 14 weeks. Had a reaction to first vaccine and was given medication. He has now had a reaction to that and has been vommiting he had a little food and vomited it straight up. I have spoken to vet. But they recommended given cat plain chicken as it is bland. Cat has been turning his nose up at it. Anything else I can give him? Thats bland and will not make him worse?
Thanks
I purchased my bengal from a breeder she is an F3 snow bengal. After a few days of bringing her hime, she started having running stools with blood. She’s been on Authority dry food, I took her to the vet she had a few things done she’s currently on medication. It’s been about a week her stools are still a bit runny and bloody. Should I change her food now to Instict like the breeder suggested? At this point I don’t know what to do. She’s super energetic and overall healthy. She’s 3 months
Hello Aleida, this is a difficult question. Since she is still having some loose, bloody stools, I would consult your veterinarian regarding switching her diet. Although switching Instinct is a good idea, her digestive issues should be top priority. Hope this helps.
this happened to my Begal at 2 months old..I brought her to several Veterinarian’s. The end result was Tritrochomonas Foetus infection in the cattery. It is common in purebred and shelters cats. It is a parasite in the feline. Please read the article by Dr Jody L Gookin DVM.
Is Tiki Cat born carnivore (for kittens) a good choice for a Bengal?
I also have an american short hair kitten, can he eat the same as the Bengal?
Hello Julio, thank you for commenting! Yes to both—Tiki Cat’s Born Carnivore line can be a good choice for Bengals, though it does tend to be on the lower-fat side. You may want to supplement with salmon oil or another, fattier, cat food. Your American Shorthair can certainly eat the same thing as your Bengal. We often want to give Bengal cats really meaty, carnivore-appropriate nutrition, which is great, but every cat—not just Bengals—can benefit from that kind of diet. Hope this makes sense! Thank you again for stopping by and all the best to you and your kitties.
I purchased my 2 year old Bengal retiree from a Breeder who was feeding it raw meat plus Whiskas Wet pouches & Royal Canin kitten kibble.
I don’t want to feed raw meat as we are vegetarian so I’ve been feeding it just the Whiskas wet & Royal Canin kitten kibble like she said.
It was okay for the first week but has now been doing watery runny poos.
Please help.
Hello Debs, that’s a complicated question! Are you sure that your new Bengal isn’t suffering from diarrhea due to another issue? I would think that this type of dietary transition would cause an immediate change, not watery poop after a week. You may want to speak with your breeder and rule out any health issues with your vet.
Hi! I have 7months old Bengal cat and she is amazing. Just wanted to check if that’s normal that when she plays with us with all energy(jumping,running e.c.) that then she just drops laying on floor as if she is out of energy but then after 2 min break she is back running again. Just wanted to know if it’s normal appearance and if there is something missing in her diet as this is first cat i have. We are giving her “Hills” vet food for kittens and “AVA” dry food mixed up as she loves it that way.
Hello Karina! Since you’re feeding your kitten a nutritionally complete and balanced kitten food, there’s no reason to think that she has any nutritional deficiencies. Her behavior sounds quite normal from what you’ve described—as long as she’s also eating, drinking, grooming, and has normal bathroom habits, I wouldn’t worry about her. Thank you for commenting!
I’m a senior on a fixed income. I had a Bengal mix and her kitten show up one day. Can I feed her canned fish from the dollar store? It’s a 14 oz can, would really help my budget.
Hi Leila, canned fish from the dollar store does not have the nutrients that a cat needs to survive. You might appreciate some of the recommendations on our list of the best affordable cat food: https://cats.com/best-cheap-cat-food
Hello, I have a 3 month Bengal kitten and I was thinking of starting to introduce her to a raw diet. I would like to ask your opinion on Darwin’s Natural Pet products to feed my cat raw food. It seems convenient since it’s on a subscription basis. Thanks in advance
Hi Mariem, you can read our review of Darwin’s Natural cat food here. Hope this helps you choose a food for your kitty!
Dear All About Cats: I was highly disappointed in this article regarding Bengals. Bengals are obligate carnivores. In short, this means they must eat meat to survive. Cats do not actually need vegetables and carbohydrates in their diets. Moreso zero carbohydrates are suggested as they are only a poor choice for fillers. I’m shocked you would included kibble as it’s all a carcinogen regardless to retain any shelf life so it’s basically junk food. Anything made in a factory is also only “pieces parts including feathers. Toenails beaks” which are all quite expensive trash most consumers don’t realize. Bengals can’t survive, let alone thrive on it regardless of the kickbacks your article is generating for you. Why does it always boil down to $$$$$$ ?
Any reputable butcher, hunting friend, Grocer can provide all that’s required including your off cuts from RAW steak, turkey, fish and chicken etc. having a honor code and telling facts over commercial factory junk food provides happy karma points.
Susan Gardner, MED
Thank you, Susan. I appreciate your input, and we’ll keep this in mind for future updates of this piece.
I have a female Bengal that weighs 9lbs & 10 years old. She grazes like a cow with her food & doesn’t seem to be eating as much as she should. I have to follow her around to eat. She eats her treats. She eats fresh Turkey / Chicken & Tuna plus instinct dry food. My male is 9 years old & weighs 14lbs & finishes all his food. What should I give her so she will
Eat more & gain weight?
I would first confirm that she’s at a healthy weight. If she’s always been like this and is at a healthy weight (use our calculator here), I wouldn’t recommend changing anything. However, if something has changed recently, you should rule out any health issues making her feel less interested in eating. If you’ve done all of that and still believe your cat needs to gain weight, I would recommend reading our list of the best cat food for weight gain.