Best Wet Dog Foods: Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs get bored of kibble food… Some may even refuse to eat dry dog food, while some dogs must be switched to wet food due to some health-related reason…

Compared to dry dog food, the best wet dog foods offer more protein and fewer carbs, plus they are super easy to chew, which is especially handy for senior dogs.

Not only that wet dog food is practical for puppies, smaller dogs, adult dogs, and seniors, but it is also a wise choice health-wise.

In this guide, we will share the best wet dog foods… and answer the most commonly asked questions about feeding a wet diet, like whether is it ok to feed your dog completely on wet food.

Check the best wet food listed below.

How we chose

Because choosing the right food for your dog can be confusing and overwhelming, we reviewed all dog foods.

Every product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Barking Royalty’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs)
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust

Additional factors we considered included:

• Ingredients. We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients such as fillers and artificial
• sweeteners and colors.
• AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. We checked if the food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.
• Price. We included products to suit a range of budgets.

Here are the top 10 best canned dog foods:

Best Overall

1. Instinct Original Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, turkey, chicken broth, chicken liver, ground flaxseed

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1,342 kcal/kg, 502 kcal/13.2 oz can, 209 kcal/5.5 oz can
• AAFCO Profile: All life stages
• Grain-free: Yes

Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient in this formula making this recipe rich in protein and great for muscle building.

Next to cage-free chicken, this formula contains turkey, chicken broth, chicken liver, and ground flaxseed.

As a formula for all life stages, this formula is rich in protein and made with 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver, while the 5% are made of vegetables, fruit, and other wholesome ingredients.

This formula contains 0% grain and is equally free of grain, potato, corn, and wheat.

For an additional protein boost, it contains egg products, while carrots, fiber-rich pumpkin, tomato, and broccoli provide enough fiber and a stronger gut.

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Best Budget

2. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1,254 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: No

The first ingredient in this formula is chicken for better taste and stronger nutrition, followed by chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, and peas.

Fine-chopped pate is suitable for breeds of all sizes and even for dogs who prefer a more sensitive bite.

This wet food is carefully crafted to support lean muscle mass and other nutritional needs.

Since this formula has no by-product meals it means that it contains no soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Real fruit and vegetables are added to provide enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

If your dog prefers dry dog food, but you want to mix his meals a bit, adding this formula to dry food is still a great option.

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Best Grain-Free

3. Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned beef, beef broth, beef liver, deboned lamb, deboned bison

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1,111 kcal/kg, 399 kcal/12.7-oz can
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Deboned beef is often used as an effective ingredient that helps dogs have healthier skin and better coats, thanks to the products’ omega fatty acids.

This first ingredient is followed by beef broth, beef liver, deboned lamb, and deboned bison.

Each of the first five ingredients is carefully blended to provide enough protein by offering high-quality ingredients that are sourced from trusted farmers.

Crafted in Hereford, Texas this formula is cooked in the States and made out of the finest ingredients.

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4. Canidae All Life Stages Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, brown rice

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1,367 kcal/kg; 504 kcal/13-oz can
• AAFCO Profile: All life stages
• Grain-free: No

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula to serve as a protein source, followed by chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, and brown rice.

The first five ingredients are selected to create a proper protein base, to provide enough energy, and a richer taste.

Sunflower oil is added to prevent dry skin and to keep the dog’s skin healthy and strong.

Next to sunflower oil, this formula comes with salmon oil as well, making it a great source of omega fatty acids.

Once you start giving your dog salmon oil regularly, as part of food, or as external food addition, you should notice in a matter of a few days stronger skin and a healthier/shinier coat.

This wet food is suitable for breeds of all sizes and is made without corn, wheat, or soy.

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5. Weruva Bed & Breakfast Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, water, egg, pumpkin, sweet potato

• Price: $$
• Energy: 230 kcal/14 oz can, 90 kcal/5.5 oz can
• AAFCO Profile: All life stages
• Grain-free: Yes

It is common for both dry and wet dog food to contain chicken as the first ingredient, and this formula is no exception.

Boneless, skinless, white breasts are the most used chicken parts for better taste and great nutrition.

Chicken is a great ingredient to mix with other ingredients, especially for creating a creamy texture that dogs love so much.

For richer flavor, this wet food is packed with sweet potato and ham.

Sunflower seed oil is added to keep the dog’s skin healthy and skin strong, while Vitamin B12 Supplement supports a healthy nervous system and brain function.

Know that dogs need B12 to maintain healthy digestion, as well as the formation and growth of blood cells.

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6. Wellness Complete Health Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, whitefish, ground barley

• Price: $$
• Energy: This food contains 1,110 kcal/kg or 393 kcal/can ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
• AAFCO Profile: Adult Stage
• Grain-free: No

Wet food tends to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein, which is why chicken is often included in every formula.

Chicken is the first ingredient in this wet food formula to provide enough protein and prevent weight gain.

Plus, chicken is also a great way to mix with other ingredients and create a soft texture that dogs love.

Chicken is followed by chicken broth, chicken liver, whitefish, and ground barley.

Chicken broth can boost a dog’s immune health and deliver healthy minerals and amino acids.

Ground barley comes with high soluble fiber content and is more than a suitable source of dietary fiber for dogs.

Plus, fiber helps dogs regulate blood sugar levels, keeps cholesterol in balance, and even can reduce the risk of heart disease.

This wet food offers a meaty experience and a mouth-watering texture that is easy to chew and digest.

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7. Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Beef, beef broth, beef liver, lamb, pork liver

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1,100 kcal/kg, 396 kcal/can
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: Yes

Beef is the first ingredient in this formula, followed by beef broth, beef liver, lamb, and pork liver.

The top five ingredients are packed with protein, delicious flavor, and overall nutritious ingredients that aim to support the dog’s overall health.

Beef is especially rich in protein making it a great addition to any sort of dog food.

Next to animal protein, this formula contains carrots for fiber support and sweet potatoes to provide enough energy.

Made with no corn, wheat, or soy, this formula is cooked in America with the earth’s best ingredients mixed into one meal.

Real fruit and vegetable, such as sweet potatoes and apples are added to provide enough vitamins and minerals.

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8. Eukanuba Adult Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Water, chicken, beef liver, tomato, beef

• Price: $$
• Energy: 345.51 kcal/cup
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: No

As grain-inclusive food, this formula offer chunks in gravy best suited for adults.

This formula is not recommended for puppies and should be served to adult dogs only.

The first five ingredients are carefully mixed to provide enough nutrients while keeping the texture soft and delicious.

Most of the protein comes from chicken and beef, making up 44% of protein, 22% of fat, and 25% of estimated carbs.

In this specific case, a fat-to-protein ratio is about 50% making it a superior formula for adults.

All in all, this formula provides a supportive balance of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

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9. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Water, chicken, pork liver, brown rice, carrots

• Price: $$
• Energy: 305 kcal/12.8 oz can
• AAFCO Profile: Senior Dog Food
• Grain-free: Yes

This formula provides balanced nutrition that aims to support dog’s overall health of senior dogs.

Older dogs need food that is rich in protein, which is why real chicken is included in this formula, while rice provides needed energy.

Thanks to high-quality protein this formula keeps muscles lean and strong while supporting the dog’s overall health.

Fibers from green peas, spinach, and dried beet pulp are present to promote healthy digestion.

All in all, this formula is best suited to mature adult dogs 7+ years of age.

Even if your dog isn’t a senior yet (or if Fido is coming close to his senior stage) it can not harm to learn about nutrition for senior dogs.

They need food that is rich in high-quality protein and as such helps them keep their muscles in balance.

Next to enough protein they need food of soft texture that is easy to chew and easier to digest, which is something that is easily found in this formula.

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10. Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Beef, water, liver, meat by-products, chicken

• Price: $$
• Energy: 1169 kcal/kg, 431 kcal/can
• AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
• Grain-free: No

Real beef is the first ingredient in this formula to provide enough high-quality protein, followed by water, liver, meat by-products, and chicken.

Rice is added for a fuller taste, while folic acid is present to keep normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.

As high-protein formula with grain, this food can be served to adult dogs of every size.

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How To Choose The Best Wet Dog Food?

Choosing the best wet dog food for dogs of different ages and sizes may be tricky and often overwhelming.

This is something that even experienced dog owners have struggled to deal with.

Luckily, with the right kind of knowledge and straightforward directions finding the best food is easy, or at least easier than it used to be.

As your first step, you can once again go through the wet food listed above and choose the food that is best suited for your dog’s needs.

To decide on this one you should know that dogs should be feed food that is carefully designed for them specifically.

This means that dogs should eat food that is made for their age, size, and activity levels.

You can always talk with your veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s nutritional needs and learn what your dog needs.

This is always a smart move, especially if your dog suffers from some kind of health issue, or if he is on some sort of special diet.

Know that dogs will only thrive on food that can meet their nutritional needs.

In practice, this means that you should feed puppies with puppy food only, while adult and senior dogs should eat food that is specially crafted to meet their needs.

Can something harmful happen to your puppy if he eats some senior dog food? No, if it is a one-time thing.

However, you should know that although it may provide your dog with a full stomach, it won’t deliver the nutrients that dogs need to thrive.

In other words, your puppy will have a full stomach, but won’t get any sort of nutrient that will help him grow and thrive.

Know that canned food is much more expensive opposite to dry dog food. Price will serve just like for human nutrition, to indicate the quality of ingredients.

By some sort of rule: the higher the price better the quality of the ingredients.

A higher price may also guarantee more ethical ingredients, such as grass-fed meats and cage-free poultry.

Although these factors are interesting to think about, know that the most expensive product isn’t necessarily the best one for your dog, as every dog is different. That being said, every dog has different nutritional needs that should be met.

Here are the most effective tips on finding the best wet dog food for your Fido:

• Always search for food that is formulated for your dog’s life stage
• Always check for the amount of protein and fat
• Check the ingredients (that is why knowing how to read pet food labels is so important)

Is Wet Food Good For Dogs?

Simply said, yes. Wet food is perfectly healthy and beneficial to dogs as long as you choose the right one for your dog.

Wet food is easier for dogs to digest and keeps them hydrated due to its moisture content.