As pet owners, we only want the best for our dogs. In this day and age, there are lots of options on the market, and there are also a handful of varieties that you can choose from. When it comes to dog food, how can we choose the best wet dog food for our dogs?
It is also the same as choosing the regular dog food that you usually purchase. You just have to know and consider your dog’s age, if he has an illness which requires him to have a restricted diet, or if he has an allergy for certain ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some considerations when buying wet dog food and review some of the best options available on the market.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Wet Dog Food
Always read the ingredients
Not all dogs can eat the same thing as the others. You should carefully read the ingredients if it is suitable to be eaten by puppies or senior dogs.
Check with your veterinarian if grain-free is an option
Grain-free dog food is quite controversial nowadays. It actually relates to a heart disease that a dog can have if he has been in this diet for a long time. However, if you have a dog with food allergies, then your veterinarian can tell you the proper eating habit to avoid complications.
Do your research on the brand
If you are mindlessly buying foods for your pets, it’s now time to be vigilant on the brands that you are using. Some brands don’t really care what they’re putting in your dog’s food, so it’s best to read reviews from actual customers to see if the brand is good enough for your pet.
Know your dog’s breed and activity
Knowing your dog’s breed and activity will enable you to choose the right food for him. If your dog is energetic or is into competing, it is best to choose protein-packed and high-caloric foods to sustain their energy. However, if your dog is not the active type, regular dog food is advisable.
Research what wet dog food can be mixed with dry
Not all wet dog food can’t be mixed with dry ones since it adds an odd taste that your dog might not like. If this is the first time you are adding a wet dog food on your dog’s diet, do it gradually because it will cause stomach sensitivities if your pet becomes exposed to foods he’s not accustomed to eating.
11 Best Wet Dog Foods
Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food
Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals
As the number one bestseller on the market, Cesar’s Gourmet Wet Dog Food offers a variety of flavors like filet mignon and porterhouse steak that dogs of all sizes will surely love.
Aside from that, it also contains a ton of essential vitamins and minerals to boost their overall health.
Why We Like It:
- It comes in a tray that has an easy peel-off seal, allowing you to open it with ease compared to the usual dog food cans
- It is made will real meat and will definitely tempt your dog to eat it even if he’s a picky eater.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dog owners who purchased the product reported that the dog food is too rich and made their dogs ill.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine Formula
Strict Quality Control for Ensuring the Right Nutrition for Dogs
This canine formula from Taste of the Wild is packed with the proper ingredients to ensure a balanced diet for your dogs. It is protein-rich and is made of real duck to build stronger muscles.
Apart from that, it also contains antioxidants such as flaxseed oil, folic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin B12.
Why We Like It:
- It has no fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors
- Comes with real duck flavor which your dog will like
What We Don’t Like:
- Veterinarians would disagree with the fact that it is grain-free which may cause your dogs to have serious heart disease if taken in the long run
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Dog Food
A Protein-Packed Dog Food
Wellness Core aims to produce high-quality dog foods that support the five signs of wellness and is serious in providing pets with the right nutrition for their optimal health. This product, in particular, is made of natural ingredients and has 80% more meat than other dog foods available on the market.
Additionally, it doesn’t contain wheat, corn, and preservatives while mineral levels are regulated so it can be absorbed properly.
Why We Like It:
- Contains active probiotics that aid in proper digestion as well as maintain the digestive health of dogs
- Comes in a variety of delicious flavors for your dog
What We Don’t Like:
- A few people reported having seen small pieces of plastic mixed with the dog food
- Not for dogs with sensitive stomachs as it might cause diarrhea
Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Adult Canned Wet Dog Food
The Dog Food of Choice for Champion Dogs
This particular product uses beef as its primary ingredient and also includes rice that is highly digestible. Each serving contains at least 23 vitamins and minerals that provide proper nourishment for your beloved pet.
Moreover, the Purina Pro Plan is backed by a team of scientists to give only the best nutrition that your dogs deserve. These scientists ensure customers that every ingredient used is not compromised by working with a research team of veterinarians and nutritionists.
Why We Like It:
- It is the food of choice of competitors and champions nationwide
- Only uses natural ingredients for their products
What We Don’t Like:
- You must slowly integrate this meal to your dog’s diet if he is new to eating this variant
Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Canned Dog Food
Organically Sourced Food for Healthier Dogs
The ingredients that Whole Earth Farms uses promote easier digestion, increase your dog’s energy level, improve skin and nail health, and reduce shedding. If you are a pet parent that would like to explore an all-natural dog food, then you should give this product a try.
Why We Like It:
- The can is densely packed which means you get more than just gravy
- Since it’s all natural, you can also see bits of veggies in your dog’s food
- The natural ingredients support better digestibility for your pets
What We Don’t Like:
- The product has quality control issues; some have lower weight and some are solidly packed
- There are pet owners who have seen molds upon opening the can
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
Comes with Antioxidants for Improving Overall Health
This product from Blue Buffalo comes with added antioxidants such as blueberries and cranberries that aid your dog’s urinary and immune system to function properly. It is also perfect for those that have an allergic reaction to wheat and corn since it is gluten-free.
Why We Like It:
- It contains chicken that provides lean protein
- This dog food has a pate consistency, making it easier to be eaten by dogs and is also perfect as puppy food
What We Don’t Like:
- It doesn’t have meat chunks inside the can which most dogs prefer to eat
- If your dog isn’t used to eating chicken, then this might not be a good choice
Nutritious and Savory Meal for your Dogs
Natural Balance’s wet dog food is available in lamb formula that is sourced from premium-quality lamb. Its ingredients include brown rice, potatoes, and oat bran, making it a complete meal for your dogs. The company does nine different safety tests on every batch so customers can be sure that the product you’re getting for your pet is safe to eat.
Why We Like It:
- It’s considered a better option if you are searching for dog food for allergies because it has no added sugar
- Contains taurine which helps dogs maintain proper function and development of the heart
- Comes with low sodium which is great for those who need a restricted sodium diet
What We Don’t Like:
- It is not an easy-to-open can and still requires a can opener instead of a pull-off tab
Weruva Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Gluten-Free Food for Dogs with Food Allergies
Weruva devotes itself to making pets happy and healthy. Their canned dog food is free of gluten, grain, GMO, and monosodium glutamate. Avoiding all the bad stuff and sticking to high-quality ingredients is not an easy feat, but Weruva managed to get all the right ingredients so your pets can have a better eating experience.
Why We Like It:
- Minimal ingredients are used for easier digestion
- Only organic and ethically sourced beef, chicken, and fish are used to make the product.
What We Don’t Like:
- The product has inconsistent quality; it sometimes has a congealed texture which dogs are not fond of
- More expensive than the other options on this list
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Wet Dog Food
No Preservatives for Better Health
Rachael Ray offers a pack of six dog food with various flavors. It comes in chicken paw pie, hearty beef stew, and savory lamb stew flavors. Apart from that, it’s only made of real meat and no fillers. If your dogs have certain allergies, you can feel safe knowing that it’s gluten-free.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with no artificial preservatives and flavors
- Apart from containing meat, it also has vegetables so your dogs can have a balanced diet
What We Don’t Like:
- It is not made in the US. You may choose another brand if you don’t want a product that is sourced from another country
Merrick Chunky Grain Free Can Dog Food
A Budget-Friendly Beef-Flavored Option
Merrick’s products can be eaten by dogs of all breeds and sizes. The deboned meat, which is one of its main ingredients, is best for puppies who are just starting out to eat. Additionally, it includes Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to maintain your dog’s healthy coat and skin.
Why We Like It:
- Contains big chunks of beef instead of the pate consistency that is seen in other canned dog foods
- The product is made of real meat without any fillers
What We Don’t Like:
- There are some cases where the product has mold in it, so better to purchase your dog food in reputable stores
Nature’s Recipe Wet Dog Food
Made with Experts to Make Only the Best Dog Foods
Nature’s Recipe has been making food for dogs and other pets for 30 years. With this expertise, you are sure to get only the finest ingredients that are beneficial for your pet’s health. This wet dog food, in particular, uses chicken as its primary ingredient and includes brown rice and carrots that have carbohydrates for energy.
Aside from that, it smells and looks like real food compared to the usual dog food which has a mushy texture, making it tempting for your dogs to eat.
Why We Like It:
- They only use parts of the chicken that are tender enough to be eaten and served with gravy inside
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s not an affordable option. If you are saving money, look elsewhere.
FAQs
Q: How frequently should I feed my dog?
A: All packages of dog food has feeding instructions written on them so you will not be confused about how frequent or how much food to feed them.
Q: What is the recommended food for senior dogs?
A: The most recommended foods for senior dogs are those that have high protein content but contain low fat. Also, you have to consider choosing dog foods that help with the joint function of dogs.
Q: How long does a wet dog food stay edible?
A: It depends. If it is still not opened, it usually lasts up to three years (you can also view the expiration date on the lid). However, once it is opened, it should be consumed immediately. Wet dog food is more prone to getting spoiled than dry dog food.
Final Thoughts
Dogs have different tastes. It takes a trial and error process to know what they like and will eventually love. As a pet owner, it is our responsibility to give them the right food, in this case, the right wet dog food for them to enjoy. Also, always consider the nutritional content of each dog food so you will be assured that your dogs will benefit from eating them regularly.