Bengals aren’t your average house cats — and their diets shouldn’t be either. With their lean bodies, boundless energy, and wild lineage, Bengals require nutrition that fuels both their physical and mental agility. But with so many food options on the market — dry, raw, homemade, and everything in between — what exactly is the best Bengal cat diet?
At Brigite’s Bengals, we’ve spent decades raising Bengals from kittenhood to adulthood. Here’s what we’ve learned about feeding these brilliant, high-performance felines. We also created a cookbook with full nutritional guidelines to streamline your process! It’s called “Feed The Cat…Better“.
Why Bengals Have Unique Nutritional Needs
Bengals are more than just beautiful — they’re athletic, intelligent, and curious. This means:
- Higher energy requirements than sedentary breeds
- Low tolerance for fillers like corn, soy, or artificial ingredients
- Sensitivity to certain proteins or additives
- Natural carnivorous instincts that crave animal-based meals
Because of this, Bengals thrive on a diet rich in high-quality animal protein, moderate fat, and minimal carbohydrates.
Dry, Wet, or Homemade: Which Is Best?
Let’s break it down.
🔹 Dry Food (Kibble)
- ✅ Convenient and shelf-stable
- ❌ Often contains carbs, fillers, and lacks moisture
- ⚠️ May contribute to dehydration or weight gain in Bengals
🔹 Wet Food (Canned)
- ✅ Higher in moisture, more protein-dense
- ⚠️ Quality varies — always read labels
- 💡 Look for taurine, limited ingredients, and no artificial additives
🔹 Homemade or Cooked Meals
- ✅ Total control over ingredients
- ✅ Fresh, moisture-rich, and tailored to your cat
- ❌ Requires time, planning, and balance
This is where our guide, Feed the Cat Better, comes in — offering vet-approved, French-inspired recipes specifically designed for Bengals and other high-energy cats.
Top Ingredients Bengals Thrive On
When choosing (or making) food for your Bengal, focus on ingredients that mirror what they’d seek in the wild:
Best Proteins:
- Chicken thigh
- Rabbit
- Turkey
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Lamb (for variety)
Digestive Boosters:
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato (in small amounts)
- Kefir or goat yogurt (if tolerated)
Hydration Helpers:
- Bone broth
- Goat milk
- Steamed veggies
- High-moisture recipes
Bengals are notorious for not drinking enough water — so feeding moisture-rich meals is non-negotiable.
Foods to Avoid for Bengals
Not all cat food is created equal — and not all ingredients are Bengal-friendly.
❌ Onion, garlic, grapes, chocolate
❌ Raw dough, caffeine, alcohol
❌ Heavy grains or legumes
❌ Over-processed dry food
❌ Fish-based diets only (rotate to avoid mercury overload)
Bengals also tend to react to artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives — so the simpler the ingredient list, the better.
Sample Feeding Schedule for Bengals
| Age | Meals per Day |
|---|---|
| Kittens (up to 6 months) | 3–4 meals |
| Juveniles (6–12 months) | 2–3 meals |
| Adults (1–7 years) | 2 meals |
| Seniors (7+ years) | 2–3 smaller meals |
Tip: Bengals love routine. Feeding them on a schedule supports digestion, mood, and behavior.
A Note from Our Cattery
At Brigite’s Bengals, we believe food is foundational. We’ve watched picky eaters become excited for mealtime when switched to homemade, hydration-rich meals. We’ve seen improved coat shine, calmer digestion, and fewer vet visits — just from changing what’s in the bowl.
That’s why we created Feed the Cat… Better — a French-inspired cat cookbook filled with fresh, functional recipes developed from real cattery experience. If you’re ready to go beyond the bag, it’s the perfect place to start.
Final Thoughts
The best Bengal cat diet is the one that supports your cat’s vitality — long-term. Whether you’re choosing premium canned food or preparing meals from scratch, the key is simple: prioritize protein, keep it fresh, and stay close to what nature intended.
Curious about homemade options? Download our starter guide or browse recipes from Feed the Cat Better — made for cats who crave better.