It may be difficult to understand why certain dogs are picky eaters, but it can be even more challenging to discover dog food that they will enjoy. Numerous dog owners have found success by using meal toppers and wet dog food. Luckily, there are numerous canned food choices available, although it can still be overwhelming to experiment with each one.
If you explore canned dog food, it could be costly and a potential waste if your dog doesn’t like it. Therefore, we have gathered reviews of popular canned dog food options that numerous owners of choosy dogs have found to be effective.
The 13 Best Canned Dog Foods for Picky Eaters
1. Merrick Wet Dog Food Grammy’s Pot Pie – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Deboned chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, carrots |
| Protein content: | 8% |
| Fat content: | 4% |
| Moisture content: | 82% |
| Calories: | 383 kcal/can |
Merrick’s Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Grammy’s Pot Pie is an excellent choice for finicky eaters as it not only satisfies their taste buds but also provides a healthy meal. The primary ingredient is USDA-inspected deboned chicken, and it is complemented with other wholesome foods like carrots, apples, and peas. Furthermore, the delectable flavors of the savory gravy make this dog food highly enjoyable for dogs.
The food can be used as either a meal topper or a standalone meal, although it may be more suited as a meal topper. Despite being marketed as having chunky bits and gravy, the actual texture resembles more of a pate. Therefore, some dogs may not enjoy the smooth texture alone and may prefer it when mixed with dry food.
Advantages:
- Some dogs may not like smooth texture
2. Purina ONE Classic Ground Adult Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Beef, chicken, beef broth, liver |
| Protein content: | 8% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Moisture content: | 78% |
| Calories: | 416 kcal/can |
If you want to find a delicious and healthy meal for your dog without spending too much, this Purina ONE recipe is the top choice of canned dog food for picky eaters. It contains high-quality ingredients and is budget-friendly.
The recipe includes beef as the primary ingredient, as well as wholesome nutritious grains like brown rice and oatmeal that are rich in fiber, aiding digestion. Additionally, there are small pieces of carrots and spinach added to the food to provide extra nutrients.
Although the recipe name only refers to beef, this dish actually comprises a mixture of beef, chicken, and pork meat products. The liver listed as an ingredient is also unclear as it lacks linkages to a specific meat source. Hence, this dog food offers a delicious assortment of meats for dogs, but it may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Advantages
When considering a problem or situation, it is important to think step by step. This means breaking down each aspect and thoroughly examining it before moving on to the next. It is crucial to maintain the same meaning and not add or remove any information.
- Not for dogs with food allergies
3. The Honest Kitchen Butcher Block Pate Dog Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, turkey bone broth, turkey liver, duck |
| Protein content: | 8% |
| Fat content: | 5% |
| Moisture content: | 82% |
| Calories: | 343 kcal/box |
The Honest Kitchen produces tasty recipes using natural, non-GMO ingredients. This specific recipe is easily digestible for dogs of any age and breed because it has a ground meat texture. All packaged food is made in small batches in a facility that meets high quality control and safety standards for human food.
The initial ingredient is turkey, and the recipe exclusively contains turkey and duck as its meat sources. This makes it suitable for dogs with chicken and beef allergies. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that a small quantity of salmon oil is included. Therefore, dogs with significant sensitivity to salmon and severe fish allergies may experience challenges when digesting this particular dog food.
Advantages
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- May not be suitable for dogs with fish allergies
4. Forza10 Nutraceutic Legend Salmon & Lamb Dog Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Water sufficient for processing, salmon, lamb meat, minerals |
| Protein content: | 8.5% |
| Fat content: | 9.5% |
| Moisture content: | 80% |
| Calories: | 366 kcal/can |
Finding healthy food for puppies can be even more challenging due to their specific nutritional needs and some puppies being extremely sensitive. Therefore, being picky can further complicate the task of finding suitable food for your puppy.
Luckily, this Forza10 puppy food consists of a delectable combination of Icelandic salmon and lamb that will surely bring delight to any puppy during feeding time. Although it is a high-quality product that comes at a relatively higher cost, it is definitely worth the investment.
In addition to being delicious, this recipe is specifically created to exclude commonly allergenic foods and to be easily digested by puppies. It is enriched with natural ingredients sourced from Iceland to guarantee that your puppy obtains and metabolizes all the essential vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth and development. Furthermore, this recipe is appropriate for puppies of every breed and size.
Advantages
- No common allergens
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Water sufficient for processing, salmon, rice, fish |
| Protein content: | 7% |
| Fat content: | 5% |
| Moisture content: | 78% |
| Calories: | 467 kcal/can |
If your dog has a sensitive stomach and has had bad experiences with hard-to-digest meals, they may become picky. In such cases, this Purina Pro Plan sensitive stomach recipe is a suitable option for dogs with food sensitivities or gastrointestinal issues.
This diet, which is 100% complete and balanced, was specifically designed for dogs with atopy and upset stomachs. Its ingredients are nutrient-dense, such as high-quality salmon, which dogs naturally find appealing. The presence of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet provides nourishment and assistance to the skin and coat.
When you open a can of this food, be ready to experience a strong smell as the meal is enticing to dogs but might be overpowering and fishy for humans.
Advantages
- Safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- 100% complete and balanced diet
- Omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat
6. American Journey Active Life Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots |
| Protein content: | 9.5% |
| Fat content: | 5% |
| Moisture content: | 78% |
| Calories: | 393 kcal/can |
Developed by American Journey, this delicious recipe is guaranteed to appeal to those who adore beef. The initial three components of this recipe consist of beef, beef broth, and beef liver, thereby ensuring that beef is the exclusive meat utilized. Hence, it is an ideal option for dogs with allergies to poultry, fish, or dairy products.
In this canned dog food, you will discover numerous healthy natural ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries. Moreover, the formula includes ample sources of antioxidants to bolster your dog’s immune system.
This food can be used as either a meal topper or a standalone meal, although it might be more suitable as a topper. The texture in certain cans can be overly pasty. Therefore, it mixes well with dry dog food, yet it can be excessively soft for certain dogs to fully enjoy as a whole meal.
Advantages
Cons along with pros should be considered when making a decision.
The advantages are
- USA-based facilities
- Tasty flavor
- Well-balanced recipe
Cons, or disadvantages, are factors or aspects that work against a particular situation, idea, or decision. They are negative aspects that need to be considered and taken into account when evaluating the overall merits or feasibility of something.
- Not allergy friendly
8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken broth, chicken, dried egg product, egg white, pea protein |
| Protein content: | Varies |
| Fat content: | Varies |
| Calories: | 235-252 per serving |
If affordability is a priority, Rachael Ray Nutrish is a delicious option to consider. It is an ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money. Give Rachael Ray Nutrish a try, as it can be easily found in various retail locations and online. Moreover, it is the most cost-effective canned dog food we discovered.
Rachael Ray, who is a chef, possesses great knowledge about nutrition, which is evident in her choice of ingredients for her dog food recipes. In this particular dog food, she offers three delectable recipes: chicken paw pie, hearty beef stew, and savory lamb stew.
By excluding corn, wheat, soy, gluten, poultry byproducts, fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives, these recipes aim to enhance mealtime with an array of delightful flavors and extra moisture.
This recipe also prioritizes good health. Each formula is properly balanced to be used alone or with dry dog food. They are also suitable for different dietary sensitivities thanks to their careful design.
Who could ask for more than affordable, delicious, and nutritious?
One advantage of thinking in a step-by-step manner is that it allows for clear and organized problem-solving.
- Affordable chef-prepared meals
- No harmful additives
- Works for several sensitivities
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- Not packaged for large breeds
9. Canidae Chicken & Rice Dog Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, brown rice |
| Protein content: | 9.0% |
| Fat content: | 6.5% |
| Calories: | 504 kcal/can |
Despite the higher price, we have a genuine affection for this Candidae dog food. It provides great benefits and could be worth including in your budget. Additionally, it is suitable for all stages of your pup’s life, allowing you to feed it to them regardless of their age.
Although this brand provides both grain-inclusive and grain-free choices, we decided to select a specific recipe that includes grains because most healthy adults generally benefit from a diet that includes grains. Nevertheless, if you have a dog that is sensitive to grains, this brand offers various other recipe options suitable for all stages of life.
The first ingredient of this recipe is real chicken, which is lying in a broth bed that can enhance any appetite. It is made solely from exceptional ingredients, packed with omega fatty acids to support skin and coat maintenance.
We appreciate the fact that the ingredients list is concise and easy to understand, making it a preferred choice in terms of food. This meal is unquestionably a nutritious option with a high protein content, suitable for seniors, adults, and puppies.
- All life stages
- Frain-inclusive
- High protein
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- Expensive
10. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Grain-Free – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas, pea flour, sweet potatoes |
| Protein content: | 10.5% |
| Fat content: | 7.0% |
| Calories: | 425 per can |
If your new small pet has rejected all the dry kibble options you have offered, it is possible that they will be unable to resist Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Healthy Growth puppy food. Simply open a can and observe their tails wagging in delight as they enjoy it.
This recipe has been skillfully developed to provide your growing boy or girl with the required nutrients. It includes DHA to support brain development, a rich protein source for nourishing muscles, and a high calorie content to encourage proper organ growth.
With chicken and broth listed as the initial ingredients, your dog directly gains advantages from the main protein source. Additionally, it includes chicken liver, which possesses various other health benefits.
Additionally, Chewy provides a great bargain that allows you to purchase this particular formula in its dry kibble version along with a bag of it. By choosing the dry kibble version, you receive all the same advantages as well as extra LifeSource bits that contribute to antioxidant health.
We are confident that your little bundle of joy will enthusiastically eat their servings and request more.
Advantages
- DHA-packed
- Comes in combo version with dry kibble
- Contains antioxidants
Consensus is achieved when a group of people reaches an agreement or a shared understanding.
- Peas are controversial
11. Nutro Ultra-Grain-Free Trio Protein Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, lamb, whitefish |
| Protein content: | 8.0% |
| Fat content: | 5.0% |
| Calories: | 98 |
According to our vets, the ideal wet canned dog food is Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein, which contains essential animal ingredients but no grains. It’s a great option to enhance regular dog food and can even be a suitable main course for dogs with grain sensitivities.
We greatly appreciate the fact that this recipe incorporates organ meats to properly nourish your pet’s system. This specific formula includes a variety of valuable ingredients. While not mandatory, it is particularly pleasing to observe, especially in wet food recipes.
This recipe contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as spinach, flaxseed, blueberries, apples, chia seeds, and carrots, which contribute to enhancing your dog’s immune system and overall bodily functions. Additionally, the recipe does not include GMOs, chicken byproducts, corn, wheat, soy, grain, or artificial additives.
This recipe can be expensive, so it is recommended to mix it with a more affordable dry kibble. However, it provides unmatched nutritional support. By using this recipe, you are ensuring that your fussy eater receives all the necessary flavors and nutrients in their regular diet. Our veterinarians can vouch for its effectiveness.
The following text can be rephrased step by step while maintaining the same meaning: Step 1: Identify the subject of the text. Pros Step 2: Determine if there is any additional information that can be included in the rephrased version. There is no additional information to be included in the rephrased version. Step 3: Proceed with rephrasing the subject. Advantages Step 4: Evaluate if the meaning of the original text is preserved. The meaning of the original text is preserved as “pros” and “advantages” convey the same idea. Therefore, the rephrased version would be: Advantages.
- Vet-recommended
- No GMOs or artificial ingredients
- Immunity boosting
Considering each point systematically, rephrase the given text without altering the meaning, adding new details, or omitting any information: Cons
- Pricey
12. Wellness Beef Stew Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef, beef broth, water, beef liver, carrots, potatoes |
| Protein content: | 8.0% |
| Fat content: | 4.0% |
| Calories: | 327 per can |
We have discovered that Wellness Beef Stew is the best canned dog food available. It is highly appetizing for even the most selective dogs and contains all the high-quality nutrients we desire. We challenge any fussy eater to turn it down.
Wellness products, including this one, are highly beneficial. These recipes are made with tender cuts of high-quality protein, vegetables, and delicious gravy. Additionally, they feature easily digestible beef liver, which adds exceptional animal-based content.
The recipe is suitable for individuals engaged in low to moderate physical activities, as it has a moderate calorie content. In our opinion, it is an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy diet and goes well when combined with dry kibble. Additionally, it contains natural antioxidants derived from nutrient-rich vegetables.
This grain-free option is suitable for dogs with gluten sensitivity or for supplementing regular dry kibble. However, we highly praise the recipe and are confident that upon reviewing the ingredients, you will share our enthusiasm.
One of the advantages
- Great maintenance diet
- Works well as a topper
- Gluten-free
In order to maintain the same meaning while rephrasing the text step by step, the following is the potential rephrasing: An individual should consider each step carefully without rushing when thinking, making sure not to add new information or remove existing information.
- Not grain-inclusive
13. Blue Buffalo Blue Stew Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, water, chicken liver |
| Protein content: | Varies |
| Fat content: | Varies |
| Calories: | 322-326/cup |
Blue Buffalo Blue Stew is a great option for adult dogs who want to eat healthily. We previously shared Blue’s special recipe for puppies, and now we want to inform you that they have an equally beneficial option for your adult dogs.
This assortment includes both beef and chicken flavors, ensuring that your choosy little one will always stay entertained. These cans are perfect for adding an extra touch to meals, but they are just as effective when used as a main part of their diet.
What we particularly appreciate about this recipe is its use of visible ingredients. These include diced carrots, diced carrots, and whole peas. Additionally, besides providing high-quality protein, it also incorporates liver, which is incredibly healthy. Therefore, you can be confident that your dog is receiving meat and vegetable pieces as necessary.
Your puppy will enjoy the delicious taste and benefit from the essential vitamins and minerals in this food, which is suitable for a balanced diet. Despite containing rice, it does not include any wheat, making it suitable for dogs with gluten sensitivities. Thus, it is inclusive of grains yet free from gluten.
The advantages of thinking step by step
- Grain inclusive but gluten-free
- Contains organ meat
- Ingredients you can actually see
Please rephrase the following text while maintaining the same meaning, without adding or removing any information: “Cons” refers to the negative aspects or disadvantages of something. It entails considering the drawbacks, downsides, or weaknesses of a particular situation, decision, or object. It is essential to carefully evaluate the cons alongside the pros (the positive aspects) before making a final judgment or decision. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages, one can make an informed choice and minimize any potential risks or drawbacks associated with a particular option.
- Too low calories for active dogs
