The 13 Best Wet Dog Foods in 2023

This updated guide lists all of the best wet dog foods available this year.

When choosing dog food for my dogs, all things being equal, their preference matters… Wet food can often be pricer than their kibble counterparts, but they usually pack more proteins for your pup.

Wet foods are usually low in fat, high in fiber, and contain just the right amount of carbs. Dogs find the smell of wet food irresistible and are eager to get to their bowls. After hours of research, ingredient analysis, product comparison, and more (here is my full 40-point inspection)  – I have reviewed the top-rated foods for your pup.

Let’s dive in!

The Best Wet Dog Foods in 2023

The Best Wet Dog Foods Reviewed

#1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Main Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Chicken Broth, 5. Chicken Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,260 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 12% | Fat (min.) 8% | Fiber (max.) 0.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

We all want our dogs to love us for the choices we make for them, and poultry-based foods are a favorite of many canine tummies. Wellness CORE has the best of both worlds for your dog’s taste buds. This offering combines turkey meat with a delightful blend of turkey and chicken livers.

Wellness CORE boasts a high protein formula, with 50% more protein than most canned dog foods. It features delectable turkey and chicken liver, using chicken broth for essential moisture. Undoubtedly, it is one of the finest wet dog foods available today.

#2. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Turkey, 4. Chicken Broth, 5. Turkey Broth

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,286 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

Surprise your growing pup with the protein-rich and delicious Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Canned Dog Food. It is loaded with premium-quality meat and organs that help build muscle blocks and fuel your pup’s growing body. Whole brown rice is added to support their developing digestive system, and carrots, peas, and potatoes are included to deliver essential micronutrients.

Catering to active puppyhood, this formula packs 474 calories per can. Ideal for all breeds, especially sensitive or allergic puppies, as it’s free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. A top-notch choice for your furry companion!

#3. Iams ProActive Health Senior Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Meat By-Products, 2. Chicken, 3. Chicken By-Products, 4. Brewers Rice, 5. Wheat Flour

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 711 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 7% | Fat (min.) 3% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 84%
• Form: Wet Food

There are many reasons why senior dogs become picky eaters. They may not be able to digest as well as they used to, and their teeth and sense of smell aren’t top-notch anymore. This formula by IAMs proactive health keeps all those factors and mind and gives your dog a palatable meat that can also fulfill their dietary requirements. 

It promotes good muscular and bone health in seniors while keeping their coat shiny and healthy. All the amazing ingredients are slow-cooked to avoid loss of flavor and nutrients.

#4. Nutro Hearty Stew Meaty Lamb in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Pork Broth, 3. Chicken Broth, 4. Beef Liver, 5. Green Beans

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,084 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 4.5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 82%
• Form: Wet Food

Serve your dog a premium meal with Nutro meaty lamb, green bean, and carrot stew! Your pooch with fall in love with you…all over again, meal after meal. The protein levels in this recipe are higher than most wet dog food formulas. Aside from lamb, there is pork and poultry in the mix as well.

With a well-rounded mix of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this formula strikes the perfect balance. Primarily designed for larger breeds, it can also serve as an occasional protein boost for medium and smaller dogs.

#5. Purina Beneful IncrediBites Variety Pack Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef Broth, 2. Beef, 3. Wheat Gluten, 4. Liver, 5. Tomatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,011 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 2.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 76%
• Form: Wet Food

Crafted for the tiny mouths and finicky appetites of small breeds, Purina Beneful IncrediBites is our top pick for owners of miniature dogs. The variety pack comes with three distinct flavors; chicken, beef, and salmon, all of which are fully balanced and contain fresh veggies like carrots and tomatoes. Each flavor also contains a decent amount of meat to build/repair muscle and a delicious broth to pique their interest.

Purina has also made the food easier to eat for miniature and toy breeds by using smaller-sized veggies and meat chunks. The recipes are full of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that enhance immunity and general wellness. None of them contains artificial preservatives or flavors, making the food an ideal pick for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

#6. Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Water Sufficient for Processing, 3. Potato Starch, 4. Sunflower Seed Oil, 5. Tricalcium Phosphate

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per can): 268 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 1.4% | Fiber (max.) 0.5% | Moisture (max.) 85%
• Form: Wet Food

Weruva is a premium dog food brand that manufactures all its products in a human-grade facility. Their Paw Lickin’ Chicken with Chicken Breast recipe will really make your pooch lick its paws off.

You get lean chicken proteins plus a good amount of fiber and protein to aid digestion. It is low in carbs and does not contain any common allergens, including corn gluten. So, if you want to pamper your pet friend with a gourmet meal, this is a wonderful option.

#7. Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Steak & Vegetable Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Sufficient Water For Processing, 2. Chicken, 3. Meat By-Products, 4. Wheat Flour, 5. Beef

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 884 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 8.5% | Fat (min.) 3% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 82%
• Form: Wet Food

Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy – Steak and Vegetable Flavor is a healthy wet dog food that can tempt the pickiest of eaters. Aside from lean proteins, it gives your dog all the essentials it needs to maintain a healthy weight and a shiny coat.

What’s more: your pooch gets enough fiber to absorb all those goodies out of those chunks in a delicious gravy. It is one of the best formulas for dogs that actually enjoy grain in their meal.

#8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Chicken, 3. Chicken Broth, 4. Chicken Liver, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,477 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

Kickstart your dog’s appetite and muscle mass with the high-protein Blue Buffalo Wilderness Canned Food. The food offers a ton of amino acids to maximize muscle growth from real beef and chicken meat. It also has a hefty 523 calories per can, which effectively puts your dog in a caloric surplus and helps the body build muscle blocks.

Being high in calories, the formula also serves as an excellent choice for active and working breeds. Your dog will also receive a full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, for better immunity and vitality. Blue Buffalo has also reduced the risk of stomach upsets and allergies by eliminating grains, gluten, artificial preservatives, and all kinds of fillers.

#9. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Broth, 2. Pork Liver, 3. Carrots, 4. Green Peas, 5. Powdered Cellulose

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per can): 247 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 4% | Fat (min.) 1.5% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 84%
• Form: Wet Food

Losing weight can be a difficult journey for your dog, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. That’s why we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight for every dog out there. It’s guaranteed to bring a noticeable weight difference within ten weeks and promotes gut health with prebiotic fibers.

It’s a balanced formula with essential micronutrients and contains chicken meat and pork liver for muscle maintenance. Veggies like green peas, carrots, and spinach are also added to provide minerals and taste to the food. Sensitive dogs will also enjoy the food without any reactions as it’s free from preservatives and artificial colors.

#10. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Pork Liver, 4. Rice, 5. Chicken Broth

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content: 360 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 5% | Fat (min.) 3% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

Choose Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Dog Food as your pet’s daily source of nourishment, and witness the transformation in their vitality, comfort, and happiness. Because a happy tummy and a vibrant coat make for a truly joyful and thriving canine companion.

Not only does this wet dog food address digestive sensitivities, but it also nourishes your dog’s skin and coat. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, it helps maintain a radiant, itch-free coat and supports overall skin health.

#11. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Whitefish, 2. Fish Broth, 3. Potatoes, 4. Salmon Hydrolysate, 5. Pea Flour

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: All breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1088 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 7% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

Elevate your dog’s wellness with Blue Buffalo True Solutions Perfect Skin & Coat Natural Adult Wet Dog Food. This carefully crafted formula is more than just a meal – it’s a holistic approach to enhancing your canine companion’s skin and coat health.

Infused with high-quality natural ingredients, this wet dog food is a delicious blend designed to promote a lustrous coat and healthy skin from within. Essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals work in harmony to combat dryness, itching, and flaking, leaving your dog’s coat irresistibly soft and beautifully shiny.

#12. Purina ONE SmartBlend Tender Cuts in Gravy Entree Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken and Turkey Broth, 2. Chicken, 3. Liver, 4. Wheat Gluten, 5. Brown Rice

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 925 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 3% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 80%
• Form: Wet Food

Most dogs love this delicious blend of meat, grains, and vegetables. Purina One Smart Blend Chicken and Brown Rice is a powerful boost of nutrients. It has quality proteins for your pooch along with essential vitamins A and E. 

Rice adds a savory texture and enhances the taste of the gravy. You get plenty of antioxidants to keep the immune system running. You also get all the essential minerals such as Zinc and selenium for your pooch.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Classic Chicken Entrée Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Water, 3. Liver, 4. Meat By-Products, 5. Rice

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,203 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

There is a reason this one is a classic favorite of thousands of dog owners out there. This recipe was formulated to provide your four-legged friend with a perfectly balanced diet while keeping it safe and healthy. It has a powerful punch of proteins from quality sources, plus you get beneficial ingredients such as carrageenan, a known immune system enhancer.

You get the right amount of carbs, fiber, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids with this one. Purina Pro Plan is great for dogs that fall sick often or lack the energy to stay active. It can also be great for dogs that are recovering from illness and is even appropriate for senior dogs.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Related:

• The Main Dog Food Guide
• The Dry Dog Foods Guide
• The dog food for weight loss Guide
• The Sensitive stomach dog food guide

Best Wet Dog Foods – A Buyer’s Guide

As mentioned earlier, the market offers a plethora of canned dog foods, each seemingly appealing. Yet, considering your dog’s palate preference can simplify matters. Opt for a choice that genuinely delights your furry friend – a culinary delight that not only satisfies their taste buds but also contributes to their physical vitality, energy, and overall holistic wellness. Prioritizing their enjoyment translates into a positive boost for their health and well-being.

This buyer’s guide has all the information you’re looking for to find the best wet food for your dog.

Wet Dog Food vs. Dry Dog Food

To begin with, let’s first find out if wet food is better than dry food for your dog.

While high-quality kibble options abound, wet dog food offers distinct advantages. Its digestibility is remarkable, and the ingredients closely mirror their natural state. Minimal processing preserves elevated protein and nutrient levels. What’s more, its moisture content surpasses that of dry food, contributing to vital hydration for your beloved canine.

It is an excellent option for picky eaters.

While wet dog food boasts numerous benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge a potential drawback: it may not be as conducive to dental health as kibble. Kibble’s crunchiness mimics the natural texture dogs enjoy due to their affinity for bone chewing. A savvy solution is blending dry and wet food, offering a harmonious balance that satisfies both your pup’s palate and oral well-being.

Textures of Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food is available in different forms or textures. It can be a good idea to give your dog a mixture of different textures to keep meals interesting for it. Common textures include:

• Pate
• Minced
• Ground
• Stew
• Bits or chunks

Bit and chunks are usually in gravy, jelly, or broth, and tend to have the highest moisture content as compared to minced or pate.

What to Look for in the Best Wet Dog Food?

When buying wet dog food, look for the following factors:

• Meat as the First Ingredient –
• With meat as the leading ingredient, you can rest assured your dog will relish top-notch protein in their meal. From poultry to beef, fish to rare exotic options, your canine companion can indulge in a delectable array of meats, ensuring a nourishing and satisfying dining experience.
• Grain-Free or Whole Grains – If your dog isn’t sensitive to grains, you can skip grain-free and choose food with quality whole grains, such as barley and brown rice. These grains pack a healthy dose of carbs essential to an active dog.
• Nutritious Vegetables – Good vegetables like carrots and potatoes are common thickeners in many wet foods, and they have nutritional benefits as well.
• No Fillers – Wet dog food is less likely to contain fillers than dry dog food. But it is best to keep an eye out for ingredients, such as corn or soy.
• Additives – Make sure the food you buy is free from additives, such as preservatives, colorings, and flavors.

How to Choose the Best Wet Food

Every dog has different needs, so it’s crucial to consider each wet food from their perspective. Here are some of the important factors you need to look after:

1. Breed size and life stage

Prior to purchasing dog food, it’s crucial to consider your dog’s breed size and verify if the formula aligns with their age. This step guarantees that your furry companion receives the accurate amount and specific variety of nutrients essential for their well-being.

2. Health issues

Consider your dog’s health status and any diseases they suffer from before purchasing wet food. For example, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets are better for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, while veterinarian diets are more suited to dogs with more serious health issues.

3. Affordability

You must also take your budget into account before purchasing any wet dog food. Make sure you can afford your chosen wet food in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is wet dog food better than dry dog food?

Wet dog food differs from dry dog food in ways other than texture and consistency. It typically contains higher proportions of premium meat proteins and reduced levels of fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, its increased moisture content ensures optimal hydration for your canine friend. The ingredients in a can resemble their natural form more closely compared to kibble, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of the food.

2. Why do dogs prefer wet dog food?

Since wet dog food is closer to the natural form of the ingredients, especially meat, most dogs devour it with more interest. It is juicier and easier to chew than kibbles. Dogs also love the aroma of wet food, as it is stronger than that of dry food.

3. What form of wet dog food is the best?

It depends largely on your dog’s preferences and needs. If your dog is a big water drinker, or is prone to kidney and urinary tract issues, stew or gravy forms can be more beneficial.

4. Can I mix wet dog food and dry dog food?

As long as both products are of high quality, there is nothing wrong with mixing dry and wet dog food. Many dogs prefer it that way.

5. How much wet food dog does a dog need?

Portions depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, and activity level. While a general guideline is around 3 oz per 3 pounds daily, divided into 2 or 3 meals, it’s more effective to align with your dog’s caloric needs. Refer to the label for recommended quantities, and when uncertain, seek guidance from your veterinarian for precise feeding instructions.

6. Is wet dog food easier to digest?

With more moisture content,  wet dog food is generally easier to digest. It can prevent bloating and other tummy issues, even for the sensitive ones.

7. Is wet dog food bad for dogs’ teeth?

While wet dog food isn’t exactly bad for your dog’s oral health, it may not be as good as dry kibble. You will need to include teeth cleaning treats and follow a brushing regimen to keep a balance.

8. What are the side effects of wet dog food?

Wet dog food may have more benefits than dry dog food, depending on your dog, their preference, breed, and other factors. The side effects are usually associated with lower quality canned food that is over-processed and contains unsafe ingredients.

9. Is wet food good for puppies?

Wet food is good for puppies who are weaning. It is easier for them to chew and digest. It also fulfills their higher moisture requirements.

10. Is a wet-food-only diet good for dogs?

Yes, wet-food-only diet is absolutely great for dogs. It will keep them hydrated and keep renal and intestinal issues at bay. Cost is usually the only reason most people do not follow a wet-only diet for their dogs.

11. Is wet dog food good for weight loss?

Yes, wet dog food contains less fat and fewer carbs. It is perfect for dogs on a weight watch. It can also help them gain more lean mass due to a higher amount of quality proteins.

12. Does wet dog food have lower protein than dry dog food?

No, wet food has more protein than most dry dog food. The amount of crude protein on the label seems lower because of the high moisture content. Dry matter analysis can reveal the actual percentage of protein, which is around 40% to 60% for most products.

13. How often should a dog eat wet food?

Wet dog food is entirely safe and is often preferred over dry dog food. Your dog can enjoy it as frequently as desired, and you have the option of maintaining a diet solely composed of wet food.

14. How long does wet dog food last once opened?

Once opened, you can keep a can or tray of wet dog food in a refrigerator for around three days. Do keep an eye on signs of spoilage, such as bad smell or worms. Throw it away if it seems too different from how it was at the time of opening.

15. Can you warm up wet dog food?

Yes, most wet dog foods are microwaveable. Most brands recommend heating the refrigerated food before serving it to your dog. Dogs prefer warm meals.

Now that you know what the top ones are make sure you compare the top options revealed in this post and find the best wet dog food for your best friend. Cheers!

Reference and resources:

• Puppy Feeding Fundamentals
• Wet food Wikipedia