1. Rachel Ray Nutrish Super Premium Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: Chicken: 1,054 kcal/kg or 239 kcal/tub; Beef: 958 kcal/kg or 217 kcal/tub; Lamb: 1,073 kcal/kg or 244 kcal/tub
Minimum protein: 9%
Minimum fat: 5%
Maximum fiber: 2%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: Chicken: chicken broth, chicken, dried egg product; Beef: chicken broth, beef, chicken; Lamb: chicken broth, lamb, dried egg product
Whether you’re looking for tasty, flavorful dog food for your finicky pet, or thinking about switching to wet food for health reasons, Rachel Ray Nutrish wet dog food is a great choice. With 3 recipes that include real meat, healthy vegetables and added vitamins and minerals, this pack of 6 wet dog formulas will satisfy your furry friend’s cravings, plus keep him healthy and energized.
The formulas in this pack include three delicious recipes: Chicken Paw Pie, Hearty Beef Stew, and Savory Lamb Stew. Each recipe contains real meat and the same amount of protein, fat and fiber, all well-balanced to promote muscle development, gentle digestion and shiny coat. Importantly, none of the recipes contain artificial flavors or preservatives, but each is supplemented with minerals and vitamins to provide a complete diet, making this one of the best, if not the best wet dog food around. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our review of Rachael Ray Dog Food.
2. Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food Variety Pack
Key Features
Calorie content: 823 kcal ME/kg or 82.3 kcal/tray
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: 3.5%
Maximum fiber: 1%
Maximum moisture: 82%
First three ingredients: sufficient water for processing, beef by-products, animal liver
Pet parents of finicky eaters, rejoice! Containing 24 trays of wet dog food, including duck, grilled chicken, turkey and oven roasted chicken, the Cesar Gourmet wet dog food pack is a perfect choice for canines who are satisfied with only the best. With 6 trays of each flavor, this pack should last quite a while, as you can serve it on its own or better yet, mix it with your pet’s favorite dry kibble.
The four poultry recipes have similar ingredients in that they all contain a few sources of meat and meat by-products, making them rich in protein and relatively high in healthy fats. For instance, the Duck formula contains beef by-products, duck, chicken, chicken by-products, while Turkey recipe contains beef by-products, turkey, chicken, chicken by-products. All in all, similar wet formulations which make for delicious toppings. Of course, since all recipes are enriched with important vitamins and mineras making them complete, you can also serve them on their own.
Here’s a detailed look at Cesar Dog Food.
3. Purina Pro Plan Savor Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1184 kcal/kg or 437 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 9%
Minimum fat: 6%
Maximum fiber: 1.5%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: chicken, water sufficient for processing, liver
If you’re looking for affordable, tasty wet dog food, you can’t go wrong with Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this canned dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs, both highly active pets and those that lead mostly sedentary lifestyles.
This recipe contains chicken and rice as its main ingredients, but besides these, you’ll also find liver, meat by-products, and all the necessary vitamins and minerals here. Although simple in its formulation, this wet food contains everything an adult dog needs for a healthy body and mind. It also helps it’s rich in healthy fats which promote healthy skin and coat and can even help reduce excessive shedding. As you may have noticed, the recipe is free from wheat and corn, and in fact, all grains except for the easily digestible rice, making it suitable for pets with mild digestive issues.
4. Pedigree Chunky Ground Dinner Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1147 kcal/kg or 430 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: 6%
Maximum fiber: 1%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: sufficient water for processing, chicken by-products, chicken
Hearty, tasty and nutritious, the Chunky Dinner recipe by Pedigree is a good choice if you’re tight on a budget. Made with several animal proteins, plus all the necessary minerals and vitamins for canine health, this wet dog food will satisfy both your pet’s appetite and nutritional needs.
Some of the ingredients found in this canned food are chicken by-products, chicken, animal liver, beef, bacon, cheese and dried yam. A tasty combination that is also nutritious! The recipe is also rich in fats, which help nourish both skin and coat. Of course, the formula also contains minerals and vitamins, making it well-balanced and perfect for serving on top of your pet’s favorite kibble or even on its own. Free from wheat and corn, the diet is also suitable for sensitive canines, especially those who have trouble digesting these grains.
For more information on the brand, check out our Pedigree Dog Food Review.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 310 kcal/12.8 oz can
Minimum protein: 4%
Minimum fat: 1.5%
Maximum fiber: 4%
First three ingredients: chicken broth, chicken, green beans
Made with healthy, quality ingredients, the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight is an excellent choice for all dogs who need help in the weight management department. This is a well-balanced canned dog food that contains a variety of flavorful ingredients, providing a complete diet for all adult canines.
Some of the ingredients in this formula include chicken, green beans, turkey liver and heart, peas, carrots, flaxseed, coconut oil and others. Although it contains flaxseed and coconut oil, the recipe is surprisingly low in fat (only 1.5%), which is great news for overweight dogs. Another interesting bit about the Healthy Weight recipe is that it’s high fiber (4%), which further helps in weight management as it promotes healthy digestion. Importantly, there are no artificial flavors or preservatives here, but there are added minerals and vitamins, making the formula complete and great both for serving on its own and mixing with other foods.
Read our in-depth Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food review here.
6. Merrick Lil’ Plates Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: Petite Pot Pie: 939 kcal/kg or 93 kcal/cup; Beef Stew: 940 kcal/kg or 93 kcal/cup, Thanksgiving Dinner: 978 kcal/kg or 97 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: Petite Pot Pie and Beef Stew: 3%; Thanksgiving Dinner: 3.5%
Maximum fiber: 1.4%
Maximum moisture: 82%
First three ingredients: Petite Pot Pie: deboned chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth; Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew: beef, beef broth, venison broth; Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner: deboned turkey, turkey broth, chicken broth
It’s no secret that small dogs are fussy eaters with big appetites. Satisfying some of them can be a real challenge. But with Merrick’s Lill Plates Mini Medley variety pack you’ll not only nourish your pet with real, healthy food, but also satisfy his fussy eating habits. This is because this pack contains 4 cups of different recipes (12 in total!), all packed with nutritious and tasty foods.
The recipes included are Petite Pot Pie which contains real chicken, and chicken liver, egg whites, potatoes, carrots and apples; Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew which is a combination of real beef, potatoes, green beans, and carrots; and Tiny Thanksgiving Day Diner which is a fantastic blend of flavors thanks to real turkey, eggs whites, sweet potatoes, peas, apples and other ingredients. Each recipe contains similar ratios of macro-nutrients, which are very well-balanced, offering a healthy diet for adult small breeds. Each formula is also fortified with all the important supplements, but is free from grains and artificial additives, making the whole pack perfect even for sensitive pooches. Head over to our review of Merrick Dog Food for more options.
7. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1,115 kcal/kg or 410 kcal/13 oz can
Minimum protein: 7%
Minimum fat: 4%
Maximum fiber: 1.25%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: fish broth, sweet potatoes, potatoes
If your furry friend is of sensitive health and has trouble with digestion, the Natural Balance L.I.D. wet dog foods and particularly this recipe may be a good choice. Specifically formulated for sensitive pups with limited protein and carbohydrate sources, this is one of the best, if not the best canned dog food for sensitive pups.
The recipe is a mixture of a few easily digestible proteins, including salmon, fish meal and ocean whitefish, and just two carbohydrate sources: sweet potato and potato protein. Thanks to this simple formulation, the food is rich in protein and healthy fat, promoting muscle development and supporting healthy skin and shiny coat. To provide complete nutrition, the recipe is enriched with vitamins and minerals, making it great not only as a topping and mixing with other foods, but for serving it on its own as well. Importantly for sensitive pups, the formula is free from grains and artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.
8. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 994 kcal/kg or 372 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: 3.5%
Maximum fiber: 1%
Maximum moisture: 82%
First three ingredients: duck, duck broth, chicken broth
Delicious, healthy and highly nutritious, the Taste of the Wild’s Fowl in Gravy wet recipe is perfect for all adult dogs, especially finicky eaters. Made with quality wholesome ingredients, plus added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition, this canned dog food can be fed on its own or mixed with dry kibble – whatever your furry companion prefers.
Some of the ingredients you’ll find in this formula are duck, duck and chicken broth, chicken, potatoes, quail, turkey, ocean fish, peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, raspberries and other tasty, healthy foods. This is a great blend of several animal proteins, vegetables and fruits which all work together to promote health and well-being of adult canines. As you can see, the recipe is free from grains, both whole and refined, making it ideal for sensitive pooches as well. To provide well-balanced nutrition, the food is also fortified with all the necessary minerals and vitamins.
9. Wellness Core Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1,435 kcal/kilogram or 508 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 12%
Minimum fat: 8%
Maximum fiber: 0.50%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: beef, beef broth, beef liver
Looking for healthy, high-in-protein, grain-free wet dog food? Check out Wellness Core Beef, Venison and Lamb formula that is packed with quality animal protein, plus healthy fats for that shiny coat. This canned food not only contains five different sources of animal protein, but also several wholesome fruits and veggies, providing excellent nutrition for adult dogs.
Some of the ingredients in this grain-free recipe include beef (first ingredient!) and beef broth, pork liver, venison, lamb, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, spinach, apples and blueberries. All in all, a colorful and flavorful blend of healthy ingredients, guaranteed to support your pet’s health and well-being. The formula is also fortified with minerals and vitamins, so it’s a complete and balanced diet that can be fed on its own or mixed with other foods. Importantly for sensitive pups, there are no grains, meat by-products or artificial additives here, including preservatives, colors and flavors. For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of Wellness Core Dog Food.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1233 Kcals/kg or 437 Kcals/can
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: 6%
Maximum fiber: 1.5%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: turkey, chicken broth, chicken
Formulated to support the health of senior dogs, with only the most essential ingredients, the Blue Wilderness Turkey and Chicken Grill wet dog food is a perfect choice for all older and senior dogs, including those who struggle with digestive issues. This recipe is rich in protein and fat to support muscle maintenance, skin and coat health, and energy needs of older pooches.
The formula has two animal proteins, turkey and chicken, as well as a few easily digestible ingredients such as potatoes, pea fiber, flaxseed, chicken liver and of course chicken broth. It’s a simple, yet highly nutritious dog food that promotes gentle digestion and supports senior dog’s specific nutritional needs. To provide well-balanced nutrition, the formula is enriched with all the necessary supplements, so it can be served alone or mixed with dry kibble. This is a wheat, corn and soy free recipe that is also free from any and all artificial additives, making it one of the best senior dog foods on the market.
11. Nature’s Recipe Wet Dog Food Cuts
Key Features
Calorie content: 1000 kcal/kg or 374 kcal/cup
Minimum protein: 8%
Minimum fat: 5%
Maximum fiber: 1%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: water sufficient for processing, lamb, soy protein concentrate
Affordable, tasty and nutritious, Nature’s Recipe Cuts in Gravy is a good choice for all pet parents looking for healthy dog food on a budget. Made with highly palatable and easily digestible ingredients, including protein, legumes, grains and vegetables, this recipe is suitable for all healthy adult dogs.
Some of the ingredients found in this wet food include lamb, soy protein, egg product, brown rice, barley, carrots and canola oil. It’s a nice combination of ingredients that make the food well-balanced with a good ratio of protein to fat to carbohydrates. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives here, and you’ll find no wheat or corn either, which is good news for pups with sensitivities to these ingredients. To be nutritionally complete, the formula is fortified with all the necessary minerals and vitamins, so you can use it as a food topper or serve it alone.
12. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1233 kcal/kg or 444 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 10%
Minimum fat: 6%
Maximum fiber: 1.4%
Maximum moisture: 78%
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, turkey
Packed with quality protein and healthy fat, Whole Earth Farms canned dog food for adults is a fantastic choice for all breeds. Like all Whole Earth Farms foods, this recipe too is made in the USA, guaranteeing quality and excellent nutrition. Since this is a grain-free recipe, it’s suitable for dogs with sensitivities to gluten as well.
Some of the ingredients in this canned dog food include chicken, which is the first ingredient, turkey, whitefish, sweet potatoes, apples, organic alfalfa, salmon oil and flaxseed oil. The recipe is packed with wholesome, healthy ingredients that are rich in antioxidants that help support a strong immune system. And thanks to salmon and flaxseed oil, both of which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe also supports your pup’s skin and fur health. To provide a balanced diet, the formula is fortified with all the important supplements, so you can serve it on its own or mix with kibble.
Read the in-depth Whole Earth Farms Dog Food review.
13. Purina Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: Beef: 990 kcal/kg or 370 kcal/can; Lamb: 1021 kcal/kg or 382 kcal/can
Minimum protein: 10%
Minimum fat: 3%
Maximum fiber: 1.5%
Maximum moisture: 80%
First three ingredients: Beef: water sufficient for processing, poultry, meat by-products; Lamb: water sufficient for processing, poultry, liver
Made with delicious and nutritious ingredients, Purina Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy is a great choice for picky eaters who quickly get bored of their regular, dry kibble. Tender, moist and highly palatable, this variety pack that contains 6 cans of Beef in Gravy and 6 cans of Lamb & Rice in Gravy makes for a fantastic topper.
Both recipes contain similar ingredients, including poultry and meat by-products, wheat, beef, and soy, making them the same in the terms of macronutrients. High in protein and moderate in fat, these formulas can be served as a “dessert” (after a regular meal), as a topper, or on its own. This is because both recipes contain all the necessary (added) minerals, vitamins and nutrients making them complete and balanced. With 12 cans of wet dog food in total, this is a real bargain!
Best Wet Dog Food Buying Guide & FAQ
If you want only the best for your pet in terms of nutrition, wet dog food is probably the best choice. This is because wet foods typically contain more protein and fewer carbohydrate sources than dry dog foods. Furthermore, they’re naturally high in water, helping your furry friend stay hydrated for longer, and they’re highly palatable, making them perfect for picky eaters. They're also naturally easer to chew than kibble, so they're ideal for senior dogs. The only downside? Most wet dog foods are more expensive than kibble. This is not something that should discourage you from incorporating wet recipes into your dog’s regular diet though – if you know what to look for and what to avoid, you’ll easily choose the best quality food within your price range, whatever it may be.
To help you with that, we’ve prepared this comprehensive buying guide. Here, we cover everything you need to know about wet dog food, including the ingredients to look for and avoid, as well as the benefits of feeding your pet wet food over dry food. We’ve also answered some of the most commonly asked questions about wet food, so make sure you check that section out as well if you feel like the guide hasn’t covered everything you wanted to know.
What to Look for in Wet Dog Food
When it comes to canine nutrition, quality wet dog foods are not much different than good kibbled foods. They should contain plenty of protein for proper muscle development and maintenance, a moderate amount of fat to support healthy heart, skin and coat, and moderate to low amount of carbohydrate sources to promote a strong immune system and healthy digestion. But the questions that remain are: what kind of protein sources, fats and carbohydrates are the best in wet dog foods? Read on to find out.
- Protein
There’s no doubt that protein is one of the most important macronutrients in canine nutrition. Generally, wet food already contain more protein than kibble, but when it comes to percentages specifically, you should look for at least 7% of protein for healthy adult dogs, less if they need to lose weight or have kidney issues, more if they’re highly active. As for protein sources, real meats and fish are always the best choices, although there is nothing wrong with meat meals and quality meat by-products. If you’re concerned about named and generic meat by-products, there’s no reason to be if your pet is otherwise healthy. Meat by-products refer to ground-up animal parts, such as organs and bones, which are highly nutritious – in some cases, even more nutritious than lean muscle meats. As for grains, although some pet parents stay away from them because of sensitivities and allergies, it’s good to know that, unless your pet has been diagnosed with a particular grain allergy or has serious digestive issues, there’s no reason to avoid grains, especially the whole kind ones. Barley, oats, rice, even cornmeal and soybean meal contain lots of protein, some fiber and micronutrients, making them ideal for most healthy dogs.
That all being said, if you want only the absolute best for your pet who is of sensitive health, it may be a good idea to focus on dog food that contains animal protein as the first ingredient. For more options, check out our detailed review of high protein dog food.
- Fat
While some pet parents may automatically think that fat is bad for canine health, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Fat is absolutely essential for proper development and function of body cells, nerves, tissues and muscles. Fat also provides energy (much more than protein and carbs!) and adds taste and flavor to dog food, making it crucial in a proper diet. But not all fats are good fats – the source, quality and quantity of fat all need to be considered before choosing dog food. Common fats used in both wet and dry dog foods include chicken and pork fat, flaxseed oil, salmon oil, canola oil and others. These are all good choices, as long as they’re present in moderate amounts. A balanced diet should provide between 5-10% of fat, depending on your dog’s current health conditions and weight. Take a look at our review of the best dog food for weight loss.
- Carbohydrates
When it comes to carbohydrates, most dog owners seem to prefer low-carb options. Although not always necessary, lower-in-carbohydrate dog foods definitely have their advantages. For one, they don’t spike blood sugar as some high-in-carbs foods do, and two, they’re usually easier to digest. Wet dog foods typically contain fewer carbohydrates and more protein, making them ideal for dogs with a predisposition to diabetes, overweight pooches and those with digestive issues. As for what carbohydrate sources you should look for, whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits are always welcome in canine nutrition. So, foods such as brown rice, oats, peas, beans, soybean meals, carrots, apples, blueberries and others are all excellent choices. Even wheat and corn are perfectly fine additions to well-balanced formulations, and as long as your dog is not sensitive to grains, there’s no reason to avoid them.
- Micronutrients
To be nutritionally complete, most pet food needs to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. So, if you want to feed your dog a good, healthy diet, it’s crucial to look for 100% complete and balanced dog food. In case you’re wondering exactly what a “complete diet” is, it’s a product that meets or exceeds nutritional standards set by authorities, specifically AAFCO. Needless to say, all wet dog food featured on our Top list satisfies this criterion.
Things to Avoid in Wet Dog Food
Now that you’ve learned what things are welcome in wet dog foods, it’s time we talk about the ingredients you should avoid.
- Artificial Additives
All pet food needs preservatives for a long shelf-life, however, most wet canned food doesn’t. For this reason, if you’re trying to cut down the number of useless chemicals your dog is eating, it’s a good idea to switch to wet dog food. That being said, some wet formulas definitely need to be preserved in order not to spoil, and if you’re buying such brands, it’s wise to stick to natural preservatives such as vitamins E and C, and stay away from artificial ones (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin). As for artificial colors and flavors, it’s always best to avoid them, particularly if your pet has sensitive health. However, if they're perfectly healthy – a little bit of added, preferably natural flavor doesn’t hurt.
- Sugar and Sweeteners
Many dog food brands use sugar and other sweeteners to increase the palatability of their formulas, which, in very small amounts, don’t pose a danger to canine health. However, if your dog is predisposed to diabetes, or already has it, or is of sensitive health, it’s best to stay away from sweetened dog food completely. Sugar, corn syrup, sucrose and many other sweeteners increase calorie content of the food, which is bad news for all overweight dogs. They also spike blood sugar which can lead to diabetes if not careful.
Wet Vs. Dry Dog Food
There’s no denying that dry dog food has many advantages: it’s economical, convenient and comes in many different flavors. But is it better than wet dog food? After all, wet food typically contains more protein and fewer carbs, making it healthier and as a result, actually more affordable than dry food. The truth is, both of these diets have their advantages and disadvantages, so the only thing that matters is which type is more convenient for you and your pet.
Wet Dog Food
- Pros
More protein, fewer carbohydrates: quality wet dog food contains more meat protein and fewer carbs than their dry counterparts.
No artificial preservatives: most canned foods don’t need preservatives for a long shelf-life.
Highly appetizing: it’s no secret that wet dog food is tastier than most kibble. In fact, most pet owners find that when their dogs lose their appetite for kibble, they happily eat wet formulations.
High water content: some dogs don’t drink as much water as they should, which is where wet recipes can help. High in moisture, they can help hydrate your dog, which is especially important for pets with kidney problems.
Easier to chew: aging and senior pets may have trouble chewing crunchy kibble, in which case, wet dog food is a fantastic option.
- Cons
Spoils quickly: unlike dry dog food which contains preservatives that allow it to stay fresh for longer, most canned formulas don’t contain any preservatives. While this is a great thing on one hand, it’s also bad on another since the food needs to be used quickly before it can spoil.
Messy: some pets make a mess while eating wet food, which can be a real concern if you live in a small apartment.
More expensive: most wet dog food is pricier than their dry counterpart, which can be a deal-breaker for some pet parents.
Dry Dog Food
- Pros
Highly convenient: unlike moist dog foods, kibble can be left out for the pet to eat whenever they want to without fear of spoilage. Dry food is also easier to store as one big plastic container with a tight lid can keep large amounts of food fresh and safe.
Economical: dry dog food is more budget-friendly than wet food, which is the deciding factor for many pet parents. It’s also more economical when feeding multiple dogs.
Good for dental health: some dry foods are formulated and shaped to clean teeth and stimulate the gums as the dog chews it. Check out our guide on the best dog chews for more info.
- Cons
Lower in protein and higher in carbs: most kibbled foods contain less protein than wet formulations, which can be a huge downside for still-developing dogs. These recipes also have higher carbohydrate levels, which may not be ideal for many dogs, especially those predisposed to diabetes.
Not enough moisture: while not having lots of water content in food is good on one side as it helps it stay safe and fresh for longer, it’s also bad on another as it cannot help hydrate your pet. High water content helps in managing certain health conditions such as kidney disease, bladder stones and obesity.
You may also like our article on Organic Dog Food.
Our Top Pick
All wet dog foods we reviewed in our top list are good, tasty products that can help improve or spice up your dog’s regular diet, so whichever one you choose, we’re certain you won’t regret it. As for us, we chose the Rachel Ray Nutrish, Super Premium Wet Dog Food as our number one choice, because it’s a very well-balanced, reasonably priced formula that helps support canine health and well-being, no matter their size or age (in fact, we find this pack to be the best puppy food too!). Free from artificial flavors, preservatives, wheat and corn, we believe this is the best dog food for our beloved furry companions, including the sensitive pooches.
