To keep your puppy happy, healthy, and satisfied, it is essential to provide them with the highest quality wet dog food. This type of food is preferred due to its high protein content, absence of carbs, and overall freshness. It offers distinct advantages that cannot be found in dry kibble.
It can be challenging to determine which wet dog food options on the market are superior and which are merely promotional. Therefore, we have dedicated our time to assessing and appraising several leading wet dog food brands, aiming to assist you in selecting the most suitable one for your pet. These wet dog foods have been selected for their distinctive formulas, high-quality ingredients, and flavors that dogs enjoy, ensuring an ideal combination of nutrition and taste.
Top 5 Wet Dog Food Choices
1. JustFoodForDogs – Top Choice for Best Overall Wet Dog Food
Advantages:
- Gluten-free
- No preservatives
- Suitable for dogs and puppies
- Meets AAFCO protocol standards
Disadvantages:
- None
The self-proclaimed “dog kitchen” provides a variety of tasty wet meals for your beloved pet, but it is the Chicken & White Rice meals that will make them extremely eager. These meals consist mainly of chicken thighs, chicken gizzards, and chicken liver, making them highly nutritious and full of vitamins and minerals necessary for your dog’s overall well-being.
JustFoodForDogs includes fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and spinach in their delicious anytime meal to ensure a well-rounded diet that keeps your dog active and healthy.
In addition to the chicken liver, thighs, gizzards, and other high-quality ingredients, this wet dog food stands out as the best in the market due to the added omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to maintaining your dog’s skin and coat health.
JustForDogs offers wet food in both single and subscription orders, with options for small, medium, and large portions to cater to any dog’s requirements.
2. WeFeedRaw – Best Raw Wet Dog Food
Advantages:
- Nutritionist formulated meals
- Veterinarian approved
- USDA, human-grade meats
- Free cold shipping nationwide
The disadvantages are as follows:
- Dogs not used to raw dog food may have issues transitioning
Comparing WeFeedRaw’s wet dog food to other options is challenging due to its customized approach for each dog’s specific requirements. Nonetheless, all meals incorporate muscle and organ meats, ground bones, fresh vegetables, and other natural ingredients aimed at promoting your dog’s health and vitality.
WeFeedRaw includes specially formulated nutrient blends in their meals to enhance skin and fur, boost energy levels, and support digestion. While the raw food diet itself is known for providing these benefits, WeFeedRaw takes it a step further by incorporating ingredients that cater to your dog’s individual health requirements.
Once you have filled out the questionnaire, you have the option to pick from a variety of human-grade meats such as chicken, venison, beef, turkey, duck, and lamb for your pup’s meals. Furthermore, the website provides comprehensive details about the nutrition and ingredients of each meal, ensuring you can trust that your dog is receiving exactly what they require.
3. Merrick – Best Wet Canned Dog Food
The positive aspects are as follows:
- Easy-open can
- USDA-inspected, deboned meats
- Delicious flavor
- Grain-free formula
The disadvantages are as follows:
- Single order may not qualify for free shipping
Merrick provides a range of flavors for their canned dog food, but it is their duck and venison with Yukon Gold potatoes that are exceptional. This recipe without grains includes superior proteins, vegetables, and organic fish oils.
Furthermore, the food comprises various essential vitamins and minerals such as D3, E, and magnesium, which contribute to maintaining the health and activity levels of your dog. Moreover, this recipe is formulated for easy digestion.
Customers have the option to place orders for a case of 12 either as a one-time purchase or as a recurring subscription. If other products are bought, one-time purchases qualify for free shipping, while subscription orders receive complimentary shipping along with notable discounts on every transaction.
4. Hill’s Prescription Diet – Best Low-Fat Wet Dog Food
One advantage:
- Probiotic ingredients to support digestion
- Promotes regular bowel movements
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Pea-free formula
Cons: – It is important to consider the disadvantages or negative aspects of something when evaluating it. – When pondering a situation or decision, it is crucial to keep in mind the drawbacks or downsides that it may have. – In weighing the pros and cons of an issue, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the disadvantages or drawbacks as well. – One should always take into account the cons or unfavorable aspects before making a final judgment on a matter.
- Some products contain grains
If your dog has a tendency to gain weight, then Hill’s Prescription Diet is the ideal choice as it provides all the necessary nutrients while controlling its caloric intake. Furthermore, it stands out from other brands due to its low-fat formula, which is free from added sugar and artificial flavors, making it a healthier option.
Although there are many versions of the recipe, the most favored by pets is the vegetable, rice, and chicken stew with an enticing chicken liver taste. This canned dog food, which is low in fat, is an excellent supplement to your dog’s diet. Moreover, the formula contains advanced pre and probiotics to cater to various wellness requirements. It is also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to provide additional nutritional support.
Hill’s subscription service provides a hassle-free and convenient way to order their dog food. This service includes free shipping and discounts on all orders. Additionally, for Hill’s 5.5 and 12.5 oz cans, single orders can be delivered within one to three business days.
5. Purina One – Best for Adult Dogs
Advantages:
- Helps support healthy weight
- All natural ingredients
- Vitamin fortified formula
- Rich in antioxidants
The following are the drawbacks:
- Larger can may take up more space in a pantry
When selecting the top wet dog food from Purina One, the clear choice is Gravy Lamb & Brown Rice. This particular formula is specially crafted to promote and maintain dog health while also satisfying their palate. Additionally, this canned dog food is abundant in antioxidants, which aid in bolstering your dog’s immune system.
The dog food, which is soft and flavorful, is made with real lamb, a great source of protein. Additionally, it is grain-free, providing dog owners with the assurance that their pets are receiving necessary nutrition without any unnecessary additives.
To enhance dog health, Purina One not only includes key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc in their recipe, but also incorporates nutrients such as folic acid and omega fatty acids to support cognitive health.
All orders, whether you choose the Gravy Lamb option or any other wet dog food from Purina, are available in cases that contain 13 oz cans.
Wet Dog Food: Buyer’s Guide
Wet vs Dry Dog Food: Which Is Better?
Wet dog food options are gaining popularity due to our increased understanding of dogs’ dietary needs. Nowadays, there is a wide range of wet dog food choices available for pet parents, including fresh food, shelf-stable stews, and canned food. Although wet dog food offers several advantages, it is essential to acknowledge its pros and cons in comparison to dry and raw dog food.
According to Jen Jones, a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist, wet dog foods are tasty for dogs and have a lower amount of additives or artificial ingredients, making them easier to digest. However, wet dog foods have a decreased amount of carbs, which are necessary for keeping your dog satisfied and satiated.
It is important to select wet dog foods made with quality ingredients in order to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. Opt for dog foods that are high quality and contain real meat protein. Steer clear of wet dog foods that have additives, dyes, or unnecessary fillers. If you decide to feed your dog a grain-free diet, note that the FDA is currently investigating a potential link between diets containing legumes and pulses high on the ingredient list (such as peas or lentils) and the onset of canine heart disease. If you come across “by-products” listed in the ingredients, there is no need for concern. These ingredients refer to organ meats like liver and kidneys, which are rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian based in Colorado, states that the primary advantage of feeding a combination of both canned and dry food is that canned food contains more protein and moisture compared to dry food.
Wet Dog Food Benefits
Switching to a wet food diet or combining wet and dry dog food may come with a slightly higher price compared to dry kibble. However, it might be worth it for some pet parents and their dogs due to the following benefits.
Wet dog food is recommended for dogs who are dehydrated as it helps in increasing their water intake, according to Dr. Sara Ochoa, a small animal veterinarian. She often suggests switching to wet dog food for dogs with kidney or urinary issues to address their hydration needs.
“According to Jones, wet dog foods, known for containing visible and fragrant quality ingredients, are highly favored by owners of dogs with diminished appetites due to their potential to promote better eating habits.”
Wet dog food, when canned, can last for years, making it a suitable choice for long-term storage in the pantry or for buying in bulk to save on the cost of wet food.
According to Jones, wet dog food is generally abundant in high-quality meat proteins and less likely to have as many additives as certain dry foods.
Wet Dog Food: What to Look For
When shopping for the best wet dog food, it is important to consider that there is a wide range of options available on the market. However, some brands and formulas are noticeably better than others in terms of the quality of ingredients and nutritional value. Here are the key factors to consider while looking for the ideal wet dog food.
To ensure that your pet’s food is properly formulated to support its health, look for the AAFCO statement. AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, an organization that publishes guidelines. The statement will be found on the can and it confirms that the food meets the nutritional standards set by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for various life stages such as “growth,” “all life stages,” or “maintenance.” If this statement is not present, it is advisable to select a different food, according to Wooten.
Wooten suggests that when it comes to canned food, the primary ingredients should be meat and water. Therefore, it is advisable to choose canned food where the first ingredient is clearly a recognizable meat source, and the first three ingredients consist of water or broth.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables in canned food, the same principle applies: they should be positioned lower in the list of ingredients.
When considering size, Ochoa recommends searching for food that enables you to feed your dog with just one or two portions per day. “It is not preferable to have leftover food for the next day, as it can spoil rapidly after opening,” she clarifies.
Wet Dog Food FAQ
Pet parents often have many questions about wet dog food. Here are some helpful answers to the most frequently asked ones.
Is wet dog food good for dogs?
Wet dog food generally possesses a greater protein and moisture content compared to dry dog food, while having lower levels of carbohydrates. It is possible that wet dog food possesses fewer additives or synthetic ingredients when compared to specific dry dog food varieties. Wet dog food may be more enjoyable for your dog and facilitate easier digestion in comparison to dry dog food, and the presence of moisture aids in hydration.
How much wet food should I feed my dog?
To determine the appropriate portion of wet food to feed your dog, consider several factors such as their age, weight, and activity level. If you are unsure about the correct serving size, consult the label’s recommended feeding instructions or seek guidance from your veterinarian.
How long can wet dog food sit out?
If your dog tends to be a fussy eater, it is important to monitor the amount of wet food remaining in their bowl and the duration it stays there. Wet food should not remain at room temperature for more than 4 hours, and it is necessary to wash the bowl after each feeding.
Does wet dog food need to be refrigerated?
Fresh dog food should be kept in the refrigerator. If your dog won’t eat it immediately, it should be placed in the freezer. Unopened canned dog food can be stored in the pantry. Nevertheless, once the can is opened, any leftover portions should be covered and kept in the fridge. Since opened wet dog food typically lacks preservatives and additives, it is intended to be consumed within 3-5 days or less.
How long is wet dog food good for?
If you’re purchasing canned dog food in bulk or intending to store it for a prolonged period, it is advisable to verify the date on the bottom of the can before opening it. Generally, unopened canned dog food can last for around five years. However, fresh dog foods typically remain fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 4 days and can be stored unopened in the freezer for up to 6 months, duration may vary depending on the brand.
