What Should Ragdolls Eat?
A Breeder’s Note on Nutrition, Safety, and Responsibility

At DreamiiDolls, our feeding philosophy is not set in stone. Instead, it is an evolving practice informed by biological evidence, veterinary consultation, and years of hands-on breeding experience. For Ragdolls—a breed known for their sensitive digestive systems and a slow maturation process lasting up to four years—determining how to keep them healthy and stable is our most vital mission.

Idealism vs. Reality: The Raw Diet Experiment

If you have scrolled through social media and seen claims that "raw feeding saved my cat's gut," we completely understand why you might be intrigued. We once deeply researched and implemented this approach ourselves.

Biologically, cats are obligate carnivores. From an anatomical perspective, the natural amino acids and enzymes found in raw meat are indeed difficult to fully replicate in high-temperature processed kibble.

Our Observations:

During an experimental phase with two litters of kittens, we transitioned their diet to raw (duck, rabbit, poultry, and organs). The results were immediate:

• Digestive Health: Stools became firmer, drier, and significantly less odorous.

• Immunity: In our multi-cat environment, common respiratory sensitivities, such as sneezing, showed noticeable improvement.

Scientific Support: Peer-reviewed research confirms that cats fed a raw meat-based diet show significantly higher protein digestibility and improved fecal scores, characterized by firmer stools and reduced waste volume (Butowski et al., 2019).

The Shift in Responsibility: Why We Moved Away from Raw

Despite the positive physical feedback, after in-depth discussions with licensed veterinarians in Canada, we made a calculated and cautious decision: to discontinue raw feeding.

As breeders, our primary duty is Risk Minimization—reducing avoidable risks not only for the cats, but also for the families they join.

1. Public Health Safety (One Health): Raw meat inherently carries risks of Salmonella, Listeria, and parasites. Ragdolls are highly social pets that interact closely with family members, including seniors and toddlers—groups with more vulnerable immune systems.

2. Scientific Support: Leading veterinary reviews emphasize that raw meat-based diets pose significant microbiological hazards, such as Salmonella shedding, which can be transmitted to humans (Davies et al., 2019). Consequently, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) explicitly advises against feeding raw animal proteins due to these zoonotic risks to household members (CVMA Position Statement).

   
   

The Great Dry Food Debate: Why "High-Protein" Isn't Always Best

We conducted practical trials on several leading brands for at least six months each. In practice, we discovered that while some "high-protein" formulas look beautiful on the ingredient label, they don't always suit the sensitive "glass stomachs" of Ragdolls.

Purina Pro Plan

Our Experience: While it offers great palatability, we observed a higher incidence of soft stool among our cats.

Deep Analysis: Its high plant protein content makes it taste great to cats, but lower absorption rates can lead to overeating and indigestion.

Orijen / Instinct

Our Experience: These brands feature high protein and premium ingredients.

Deep Analysis: For many sensitive Ragdolls, the extremely high concentration of animal protein can occasionally lead to loose stools related to protein overload.

Our Logic for Choosing Royal Canin

Currently, our cattery utilizes Royal Canin formulas tailored to each life stage. The core of this choice is stability. Their formulas contain precise amounts of Psyllium husk and crude fiber, which are exceptional at helping Ragdoll stools stay formed. It also provides the consistent energy density required for their long growth period.

A Note on Choice: Choosing Royal Canin does not mean it is the "only" correct answer. Rather, it is the choice that best fits our breeding environment in terms of stability, reproducibility, and risk control.

To supplement the main diet and elevate our cats' health, we include:

• Lecithin (Egg Yolks): Supports intestinal health, which indirectly helps hairballs pass smoothly.

• Omega-3 (Fish Oil): The secret to the silky Ragdoll coat and a great support for heart health.

• Probiotics: Maintains gut flora stability and reduces stress in a multi-cat setting.

• Calcium: Essential mineral reserves for the skeletal development of a large-breed cat.

• Freeze-Dried Salmon & Chicken: Used in small amounts as protein toppers or enrichment.

• Cat Grass: Provides natural fiber enrichment to support normal digestion and hairball management.

  
  

Water Behavior: Returning to the Stainless Steel Bowl

We have come full circle from "smart fountains" back to the humble stainless steel bowl. We discovered that plastic fountains easily develop Biofilm—a thin layer of bacteria that is a leading cause of feline acne (black chin). Additionally, Ragdolls love to "play" with water, often transferring debris from their paws into fountains and contaminating the circulating system.

DreamiiDolls’ Recommendation:

·  Material: Veterinary dermatologists consistently recommend stainless steel to prevent bacterial biofilm (Miller et al., 2013).

·  Maintenance: If you prefer a fountain, ensure it is stainless steel and disassemble it for a deep clean regularly.

Conclusion

At DreamiiDolls, every bowl of food and every drop of water reflects our commitment. We may not always choose the trendiest feeding methods, but we will always choose the one that, after careful risk assessment, best guarantees the long-term safety of our cats and their new families.

References

Butowski, N. F., et al. (2019). Metabolic phenotyping of domestic cats fed a raw meat-based diet. Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio), 9, 8603.

CVMA Position Statement. Raw Protein Diets for Household Pets. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

Davies, R. H., et al. (2019). Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(6), 329-339.

Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E., & Campbell, K. L. (2013). Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology (7th Edition). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Author

Written by DreamiiDolls Ragdoll Cattery

TICA-Registered Ragdoll Breeder

Ontario, Canada