Choosing the best wet food for dogs comes down to so much more than simply grabbing whatever is on offer that day. Like most animals, your dog needs consistency and quality in its day-to-day diet. However, with so many different options on the market, choosing the healthiest wet dog food for your dog can sometimes be difficult.
Worry no more, dear readers. We’ve taken all of the information you could need to know and condensed it down into one simple article. Discover the right dog food based on your dog’s health issues, type, breed, and much more with our complete guide to choosing the best wet dog food.
Glance Through our Favorites
| Editor's Picks | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Best Grain-Free Wet Food | Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Canned Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
| Best for Weight Management | Wellness CORE Natural Wet Grain Free Canned Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best Senior Wet Dog Food | Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best for All Life Stages | Merrick Grain Free All Breed Sizes | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best for Sensitive Stomach | Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Best Wet Puppy Food | CANIDAE PURE, Grain Free Limited Ingredien | Buy on Amazon | 4.4 |
| Best Fresh Food | The Farmer's Dog | Check Latest Price | N/A |
| Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breeds | Instinct Small Breed Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best for Fussy Eaters | Weruva All Natural Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, Canned Wet Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best for Allergies | Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Adult Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best Natural | ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
The 12 Top-Rated Wet Dog Foods
1 Best Overall: Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Hearty Beef Stew Wet Dog Food
- Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken, Dried Egg Product
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken, Dried Egg
- Calories: 252 kcal/8 oz tub
- Flavor:
- Life Stage: Adult
Coming up as the best wet dog food overall, Nature’s Recipe is a popular option with customers – for a good reason. This is a great choice for those seeking a simple diet that meets the average dog’s nutritional needs. While it isn’t formulated to meet specific needs, it’s a good first option if you’re looking for high-quality wet dog food to introduce to your puppy, adult, or senior dogs.
A ton of crude protein is packed into each serving, making it a great choice for active dogs and breeds with natural livewire energy. It also comes in simple pre-made serving sizes, which is great if you’re still unsure about the right amounts to feed your pup. However, be aware that this can mean you’re also more likely to get through your purchase more quickly if you have a larger breed. In this case, we’d recommend stocking up with a few once you know your dog is enjoying one of the best dog foods on the market.
Head over to our review of Rachael Ray Dog Foods for more options.
Chicken Broth, Beef, Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Egg White, Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Potato, Carrots, Green Pea, Ground Tapioca, Dicalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Caramel (color), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Celery Powder, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of vitamin K activity).
- Easy Portion control with each serving
- Carrots and brown rice provide long-term, slow-release energy
- No beef, corn, wheat, artificial colors or flavors
- Serving sizes can’t be altered, depending on the breed/size
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
2 Best Grain-Free Wet Food: Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe
- Brand: Whole Earth Farms
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Turkey
- Calories: 428 kcal/can
- Flavor: Sweet Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
If you prefer to offer your dog a grain-free food recipe, then the best wet dog food for your needs is going to be this option from Whole Earth Farms. Perfectly created to offer everything you need in a dog’s diet, the three main ingredients are wholly appropriate and high quality chicken. Of course, this does mean it is not the best choice for dogs who are allergic to chicken – but these wet dog foods still cut out a huge amount of worries for those with sensitive stomachs.
A good amount of protein makes this suitable for a wide range of dog needs. Meanwhile, there are also no peas or lentils, which some owners may prefer to avoid. This leaves this canned dog food with nothing but excellent nutrition for your dogs.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Salt, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin). 2B85479.
- No peas, lentils or grains
- Excellent sources of protein for dogs
- Supplemented with sweet potatoes, apples and carrots
- Can be difficult to find from other sellers
- Very watery food
3 Best For Weight Management: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Weight Management Formula
- Brand: Wellness CORE
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pork Liver, Whitefish
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Turkey, Pork
- Calories: 319 kcal/can ME
- Flavor:
- Life Stage: Adult
Coming in as the best wet dog food for weight management, Wellness CORE has done well to provide dog food that is not only extremely palatable to picky pups but also crafts one that offers a healthy, balanced diet. Nutrient-rich superfoods are packed alongside good quality animal protein to ensure your pup meets all their nutritional needs without overloading on carbs.
Be aware that this may not be the right choice for your dietary needs if you’re looking to reduce fats and not carbs. However, on the whole, this is an option that offers excellent nutritional value, most notably due to the guaranteed mineral levels, which help to maintain your dog’s digestive system, healthy skin, and healthy immune system, all while steadily maintaining their weight.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pork Liver, Whitefish, Chicken Meal, Turkey, Dried Ground Peas, Potato Protein, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Cassia Gum, Xantham Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Alfalfa Meal, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
- Lower levels of carbs help maintain weight
- Excellent mineral levels for a healthy body and mind
- No meat byproducts, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Crude fat content is stated as a minimum, not maximum
- Slightly more expensive than other options
4 Best Senior Wet Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Senior Canned Dog Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pork Liver, Whitefish
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Whitefish
- Calories: 319 kcal/can ME
- Flavor:
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue Buffalo is among some of the most popular pet food in the US, thanks to its reputation as a solid manufacturer of quality dog food. As such, it should be no surprise that the best wet dog food for senior dogs is from the brand’s limited ingredient dog food selection. As with the rest of this selection, the LID wet dog foods are created with no nasty by-product meals, grains or artificial colors, or preservatives.
Still, this isn’t the ideal choice if your senior dog needs to watch their weight, as this turkey recipe holds a higher carb content in this option than many of the others. With so many added vitamins and minerals, this canned food still does a fantastic job of meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.
Read our full review of Blue Buffalo dog food here.
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Potatoes, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Protein, Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
- Provides excellent, balanced nutrition for older dogs
- No by-product meals, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Plenty of additional vitamins and minerals
- Higher carb content than many other options
- Quality and consistency can change between cans
5 Best For All Life Stages: Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Cowboy Cookout
- Brand: Merrick
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Beef Liver, Carrots
- Primary Protein Source: Beef, Chicken, Carrots
- Calories: 396 kcal/12.7-oz can
- Flavor:Carrots
- Life Stage: Adult
One of the best wet dog foods for all-around nutrition and suitability is this canned food choice from Merrick. If your dog has some sensitivities to chicken, then it may well be worth trying out this beef recipe, formulated to meet dogs’ needs at any life stage. The beef broth will keep picky eaters interested, while the high moisture content ensures dog owners never have to worry about keeping their pup’s digestion moving.
Packed with additional fruit and veg, alongside the chunks of real meat, this wet food is a great choice for those looking for a good ‘all-rounder’. Just be aware that a recent change in the recipe has left some owners with mixed feelings about these canned dog foods.
For more options, check out our review of Merrick dog foods.
Deboned Beef, Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Beef Liver, Carrots, Green Beans, Apples, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Potato Starch, Flaxseed Oil, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Salmon Oil, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Fruit Juice Color, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin), Choline Chloride, Agar-Agar, Flaxseed, Locust Bean Gum, Yucca Schidigera Extract.
- High moisture content helps maintain a healthy body
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or by-products
- Packed with added added fruit and veg
- Recently changed recipe isn’t as popular with customers
- Can be more expensive than other options
6 Best For Sensitive Stomach: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain-Free Salmon & Vegetable Entree
- Brand: Hill’s Science
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Salmon, Turkey
- Calories: 12.8 oz can
- Flavor: Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
If you have an allergic dog, you’ll want the best wet dog food that provides exactly what your dog needs to maintain their digestive health without exposing them to allergens. In this case, one of the best dog food options would be the canned foods from Hill’s Science Diet. However, do be aware that the lower protein content in this option means it may not be suitable for very large breed dogs. If that is the case, head to our review of the best large-breed dog food for other alternatives.
This is a highly popular option with pet parents, with dog food reviews noting how well their dogs thrive, despite their food allergies. It’s a highly palatable option that works for picky pups and provides ample extras for immune system support and healthy digestion.
Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes, Green Beans, Potato Starch, Pea Protein, Sugar, Egg Whites, Chicken Fat, Dried Whey, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Carrageenan, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate).
- Created for optimal body and mind functions
- Easy to digest and brilliant for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
- Highly palatable to dogs
- Low protein content
- Still contains chicken, which some dogs are sensitive to
7 Best Wet Puppy Food: CANIDAE PURE Puppy Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Chicken Recipe
- Brand: CANIDAE
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Dried Egg
- Calories: 500 kcal/13-oz can
- Flavor: Peas
- Life Stage: Puppy
If you’ve just adopted or bought a puppy, then you’ll naturally want to find the best wet dog food to meet all the needs of a growing dog – so look no further. With a good protein level and plenty of fats and moisture, this is one of the best wet dog foods. Free of any nasties and unnecessary extras, this is the best canned dog food for puppies because it’s based on four simple ingredients.
As well as chicken, chicken broth and dried egg products, you’ll find that this wet dog food offers ample vitamins and minerals. All of these are necessary at this delicate life stage and designed to help promote healthy growth and optimal mind and body health.
Look at our review of the top-rated puppy food for more info.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Agar-agar, Choline Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Iron Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
- Uses chicken as the main ingredient
- Grain-free and free from corn, wheat, soy or carrageenan.
- Ideal for puppies with sensitive stomachs
- Not suitable for puppies with chicken allergies
- Easily digested by pups – but also means they need more to feel full
8 Best Fresh Food: The Farmer’s Dog
- Made with completely fresh food
- Ideal for a wide range of different dietary needs
- Naturally free of preservatives, colors, flavors
You’ll be pleased to know that a relatively new contender has just entered the market for those who seek out only the best wet dog food. With these wet food options, you’ll find human-grade food from human-grade ingredients. That means real chicken, natural, delicious gravy, and no chicken by-products from Farmer’s Dog.
Of course, the Farmer’s Dog range is constantly expanding due to the boom in popularity. Suitable for any life stage and pre-packed for a quick and easy serving, customers are loving this dog food. It appears to help with a wide range of different health issues, and dog owners are happily noticing that this wet food is leaving their dogs more energetic, too.
- Made in USDA kitchens
- Created with human-grade ingredients
- Exceeds standards for AAFCO
- More expensive than other brands
- Requires a subscription
9 Best Wet Dog Food For Small Breeds: Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Canned Food
- Brand: Instinct
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod
- Primary Protein Source: Beef
- Calories: 86 kcal/3 oz can
- Flavor: Ground Dried Peas, Cod
- Life Stage: Adult
Finding the right food for small dogs can be a pain since their small bodies still harness considerable energy! As such, the best wet dog food for small dogs is one that’s nutrient-dense and suits the high metabolic rate. This option from Instinct is ideal for small dogs of all life stages.
Made with quality ingredients and plenty of added nutritional benefits, including essential fatty acids for a healthy mind and body. Using chicken liver, chicken, and broth, a good protein level comes from appropriate sources, and a healthy level of fat provides your dog with metabolizing the nutrients in wet dog foods.
Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod, Pea Fiber, Tricalcium Phosphate, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley
- Ample high-quality protein from chicken sources
- Free of grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
- Plenty of added vitamins and minerals for healthy body and mind
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
- Paté texture can be difficult to mix with kibble
10 Best For Fussy Eaters: Weruva All Natural Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, Canned Wet Dog Food
- Brand: Weruva
- First 5 ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrot
- Primary Protein Source: Beef, Pumpkin, Carrot
- Calories:
- Flavor: Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Carrot
- Life Stage: Adult
If your dog is a picky pup, it’s worth trying out wet food over dry food, as it can often be more appealing. Of course, even the pickiest pooches won’t always go for wet dog foods. As such, owners should try to invest in the best wet dog food that tantalizes the olfactory senses and encourages your fur baby to good quality animal protein.
The food texture and smell will majorly affect how interested your dog will be – so expect a stronger smell with this wet food. However, this dog food is made in human-grade facilities, so you can be sure that your dog is getting the best quality, made with the best resources possible.
Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Potato Starch, Xanthan Gum, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
- Grain-free, gluten-free and contain no carrageenan
- Suitable for dogs in all life stages
- Made in a human food-grade facility
- Low protein content
- Very high moisture content means you feed more over time
11 Best For Allergies: Natural Balance L.I.D. Adult Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Venison Broth, Venison, Potatoes, Potato Protein
- Primary Protein Source: Venison Broth, Potato Protein
- Calories:
- Flavor: Sweet Potatoes, Venison, Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
It should be no surprise that Blue Buffalo and their Limited Ingredient dog food come up twice on this list, given how well they provide quality dog food without the fillers. The best wet dog food for dogs with allergies comes with great quality meat protein alongside a sweet potato recipe. This is a great choice in canned foods, as it negates the risk for dogs with allergies to chicken (including chicken broth, chicken liver, and other by-products).
Made with sweet potatoes as the main ingredient, it does mean this dog food doesn’t have meat protein as the first ingredient – but still offers plenty of great nutrition. This highly digestible option offers ample vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
Sweet Potatoes, Venison Broth, Venison, Potatoes, Potato Protein, Dehydrated Potatoes, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, D-Calcium Panthothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Carrageenan, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
- Provides a balanced diet for all life stages
- Highly digestible for maximum nutrient absorption
- Plenty of vitamins and minerals for healthy body and mind
- Low protein content
- Some customers note a short lifespan of food
12 Best Natural: Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe Canned Dog Food
- Brand: ZIWI
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe
- Primary Protein Source: Beef
- Calories: 419 kcal/13.75-oz can
- Flavor: Green Mussel
- Life Stage: Adult
If you prefer your wet foods to be as natural as possible, with fresh ingredients – but come with the benefits of canned dog foods, then this option from Ziwi is the best wet dog food for your needs. It is made with an incredibly high percentage of real animal meat – 91%- of beef liver, beef broth, lung, kidney, and many other organs, as well as New Zealand green mussels. As such, this will be incredibly delicious to any discerning pup!
Not to mention that healthy dog food works well with any life stage and will be highly digestible. This pet food even comes with the additional benefits of superfood ingredients, including organic kelp, to help provide your dog with a well-balanced and healthy diet.
Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Chickpeas, Beef Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Bone, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B1 Supplement, Vitamin B5 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Single protein paté contains 92% meat, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels.
- Grain-free with minimal carbohydrates
- Can be used as a topper or as a main meal
- Very strong smell
- Can be a little rich for some dogs
Best Wet Dog Food: Buying Guide & FAQs
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Which One is Better?
As always, finding the best dog food for your needs comes down to what works best for your dog. Both wet and dry foods come with their own benefits, and you may even choose to mix wet dog food with dry dog foods to reap the benefits of both.
Dry Dog Food
Dry food can come with a great number of benefits. It works well for adult dogs with smaller stomachs since it’s more nutrient-dense and can pack a lot into a small serving size. As such, it’s also good for those often out all day, as dry dog food will keep your dog fuller for longer.
In other words, it’s incredibly convenient for those with busy lifestyles. So, dry dog food is generally better for the owner than the dog – although specially made dog food will naturally beat even the best wet dog foods.
Wet Dog Food
Wet foods mostly benefit the dog themselves versus the owner. Owners will need to feed their dogs wet foods more frequently – but if your dog had a choice, they would probably choose wet dog food over dry dog food. This is because the smell and texture appeal to your pup.
As well as this, the high moisture content does a great job of keeping your dog hydrated. Which, in turn, helps to keep them happier and healthier. It’s also fantastic for those looking to monitor their dog’s weight, as it has been found that wet dog food is better for managing the weight of obese or overweight dogs. To keep your pup hydrated, you’ll also need a dog water fountain – check out our top picks!
Different Forms of Wet Dog Food
Pate
Paté is designed to almost bridge the gap between dry dog food and wet, as it is packed with plenty of goodness and has a lower moisture content. It’s a great choice if your dog struggle with chewing or swallowing, as it offers fresh ingredients and is still highly appealing to your senior dog. They often have the highest calorie count, so are not suited to overweight dogs.
Minced
Like paté, this option is essentially a pre-cut and softer kibble style of dog food. These can sometimes be mixed with gravy or broth to increase the appeal to your dog or their hydration.
Ground
A great example of ground dog food is Farmers Dog, which offers whole foods but has been mixed and ground together to create wet dog food. Often, this type of wet food will include ingredients such as liver (chicken liver, turkey liver, beef liver, for example), brown rice, and whole vegetables. However, these may not be identifiable when you open canned foods.
Stew
A stew for dog food is not dissimilar to a human stew because you’ll be able to identify ingredients more easily. They often include deboned chicken, turkey liver/beef liver chopped up, or brown rice. Because of this, they are ideal for those pups who struggle with digestion, as they have very little by way of processing.
Bits or Chunks
This option is the closest you’ll come to feeding your dog a raw diet, as the food has been mostly untouched. They also often have a very high moisture content and are highly digestible for your dogs – making them a great choice for those with sensitivities or digestive issues.
Pros & Cons of Feeding Your Dog Wet Food
The biggest benefit to feeding your dog wet food is that you’ll offer them a meal that closely suits their instincts. The smells, textures, and nutrients are much closer to what their ancestors would eat, and therefore you’ll find that your dog may inhale their food rather than eat it. More meat protein/animal protein means that the food is more readily digested by your dog, which leaves them healthier and happier overall.
They’re also great for your dog’s teeth, which are better suited to wet dog food and work well for older pups, who may have dental issues as they age. Similarly, there are also much fewer carbs in wet food, which makes it the better choice for overweight dogs. Finally, small breed puppies are much more likely to thrive with wet foods, as the smaller portions are still packed with healthy ingredients, allowing them to thrive.
You may have a harder time keeping your dog happy on a wet food diet for large breed puppies, and they will need feeding much more frequently. As mentioned above, dry food is much more convenient for owners, and good quality dry food can also provide more nutrition in each serving. Though owners will need to ensure that plenty of fresh water is available to their dogs if they opt for kibble.
What to Look for When Buying Wet Dog Food
The best wet dog food formulas will be packed with natural ingredients. However, being natural isn’t always enough since anything can be considered natural – so quality ingredients matter, too. Animal protein should always be the top ingredient unless otherwise directed by your vet, as ingredients are listed in order of percentage of the total recipe.
You should also consider the benefits of added vitamins and minerals provided by the rest of the ingredients. Plenty of omega fatty acids will help keep your dog’s mind sharp, while others will aid digestion and help improve eyesight, bone strength, and muscle strength. Besides, good quality food will help support their immunity, too. Most canned dog food brands will be more than happy to brag about these in their descriptions, so do check the key features of your chosen dog food.
Ingredients to Avoid in Canned Dog Food
The downfall to cheaper canned foods is that they can use by-products, which have no nutritional value for your pup. Always opt for limited ingredient dog food, as these will only include what your dog needs to thrive and remove the risk of grains, allergens, and fillers. Similarly, be sure to check the guaranteed analysis, so you can be sure your pup is getting good levels of protein and fats.
Avoid salts, sugar, and preservatives in canned foods, as these can cause health problems down the line. You should also be wary of oils, as these can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Finally, avoid non-descript terms such as generic “poultry” or “by-products”, as these are often generic terms for nutritionally inconsistent ingredients.
Sources:
- Is It Safe To Feed My Dog Or Cat A Vegetarian Diet? – PETA
- Sherry Woodard, Feeding Your Dog – Best Friends Animal Society
FAQs:
The answer to this depends on the type, breed, and overall lifestyle of your pup. Dogs who go out for long walks, for example, will naturally need more than lazier, relaxed dogs. As a general rule, you should give your dog one 3 oz of food per 3 – 3½ pounds of body weight daily, divided into two or more meals.
There’s no rule that says you can’t mix wet and dry foods. Indeed, you can often help to meet all the needs of your dog’s dietary requirements by doing so! Not only that, but you can help to keep your kibble more appealing to your pooch, by using the natural benefits of wet food.
The best wet dog food is designed to be nutritionally complete. As such, wet dog food formulas are created to meet all the needs of your pooch, and can absolutely be used as standalone servings. Just be sure that you pick a high-quality option, like those given in our Top Picks, above.
Not at all! Canned dog foods are actually often much better for dogs with poor dental hygiene, as they’re easier for your pup to grab, gentler on their teeth and the high moisture content makes it easier to swallow, too. Our guides on dog toothbrushes, dog toothpaste and dog dental spray may come in handy. Check them out!
Generally, canned dog food with good quality ingredients should be used within 48 hours after opening. This reduces the risk of any bacteria growth – particularly if the opened food is stored in the fridge. If you think your dog food will need to last longer than this, you can also break down the food and freeze chunks, in order to use these later.
Yes. The reasons for this are a combination of the high moisture content, and how easily the wet food breaks down in the digestive system. Do be aware, of course, that this can also mean that if your dog is used to dry food, they may become more hungry, more quickly on wet food. While their nutritional needs are being met, their stomach can still feel empty!
You should never microwave any dog food. While some dogs prefer to have warmer food (especially after it has been placed in a fridge for a while), the microwave can change the structure of the food itself. This makes the fats harder to digest, reduces the nutritional benefits of the food, and can cause long-term health problems. If your dog won’t eat cold food, you may need to let it rest at room temperature, before feeding them.
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