Nutritionally balanced commercial dog food is considered the safest and most appropriate diet for your dog, according to veterinary experts. Wet dog food stands out as an excellent choice, particularly for dogs with dental issues or specific health conditions. Its soft texture and high moisture content make it not only easier to eat but also more appealing to many dogs.
The quality of dog food isn’t necessarily reflected in its price tag, according to Dr. Dottie Laflamme, a renowned animal nutrition consultant. Furthermore, the ingredient list alone doesn’t always indicate quality. Dr. Laflamme clarifies, “Many brands promote the idea that meat must be the primary ingredient for a dog food to be good, but this isn’t accurate.” Dogs are capable of deriving essential nutrients from plant-based proteins, making plant-based or plant-forward diets perfectly viable.
To understand what constitutes high-quality wet food for dogs and how to select the best option for your dog’s breed and age, we consulted with veterinary nutrition experts. They provided valuable insights into evaluating different brands and recipes.
Selected.Our top picks
How to Choose the Best Wet Dog Food
To identify the best wet dog food options, we consulted with veterinary nutritionists to understand the elements of a nutritious diet for dogs and the quality indicators to consider at each life stage. Our selection process involved comparing numerous wet dog foods available, focusing on the following expert-recommended factors:
- AAFCO Statement: A dog food with an Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement confirms it meets nutritional guidelines for a specific life stage, either through formulation or feeding trials. This ensures the food provides a complete and balanced diet. AAFCO defines “complete” as containing all required nutrients and “balanced” as having these nutrients in the correct proportions.
- Expert Formulation: Prioritize recipes developed under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These formulations are more likely to provide the precise nutrients necessary for your dog’s age and breed size.
- Price Considerations: Premium ingredients do not automatically equate to superior nutritional value. By-products and by-product meals can be nutritious for dogs, explains Dr. Jonathan Stockman, a veterinary nutrition expert at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Best Wet Dog Food in 2024
When choosing wet dog food, it’s essential to select a complete and balanced diet specifically formulated for your dog’s age and breed. This ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients and vitamins, as emphasized by veterinary experts. Our top picks are wet foods that meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional recommendations and are formulated under the guidance of board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice for your dog.
Best Wet Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies: Royal Canin Large Puppy
Puppies, especially large breeds, have unique nutritional needs. They require higher protein, fat, and calorie levels compared to adult dogs. Puppy formulas also carefully control calcium levels, crucial for preventing orthopedic issues in large breeds, according to Dr. Stockman.
Royal Canin Large Puppy formula is designed to meet the specific nutritional demands of large breed puppies aged 2–15 months. Rich in protein from sources like chicken, pork by-products, and pork plasma, it also includes DHA and EPA, essential for brain development, and antioxidants for a strong immune and digestive system. Each 13-ounce can contains 320 calories.
Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breed Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy
Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy formula is suitable for all breeds and includes rice for energy and chicken and liver to support lean muscle development. It provides the protein, fat, and calories recommended for growing puppies. The DHA in this recipe is naturally sourced from salmon, contributing to healthy skin and a shiny coat. This formula is also available in a dry kibble form.
Best Subscription Wet Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh, human-grade dog food formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Their recipes feature chunky vegetables and meats that are gently steamed and cooked, preserving nutritional value and hydration. Pet owners complete a questionnaire to receive a personalized food plan tailored to their dog’s needs. Many pet owners report significant improvements in their dogs’ health and well-being after switching to The Farmer’s Dog, noting better weight management, increased energy, and resolution of food allergies.
Best Wet Dog Food for Adult Large Breeds: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints
For large breed adult dogs, joint health is a primary concern. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints is formulated with joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. These components are integrated directly into the food, ensuring proper dosing and quality control, unlike adding supplements separately which can pose risks of incorrect dosage or quality issues. This formula provides balanced nutrition while proactively supporting joint health in large dogs.
Best Wet Dog Food for Adult Small Breeds: Rachael Ray Nutrish
Small breed dogs have unique metabolic needs, typically requiring more protein, fats, and nutrients per calorie than larger breeds. Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes variety pack is designed with this in mind, averaging 33 calories per ounce. These recipes feature chunks of chicken and beef in a flavorful broth-based gravy. Notably, they are formulated without common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
Best Budget Wet Dog Food: Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner
Nutritious dog food doesn’t have to be expensive. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner is a budget-friendly wet dog food that is popular among dog owners and appealing to dogs. As part of the Mars brand, Pedigree benefits from the expertise of full-time veterinary nutritionists who oversee ingredient selection and formulation. This minced recipe offers a soft texture in convenient 13.2-ounce cans, making it a cost-effective yet nutritionally sound option.
Best Wet Dog Food for Weight Management: Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic is a highly recommended weight management wet dog food. It’s praised by pet owners, even for picky eaters, due to its palatable formula featuring pork liver. Dr. Stockman recommends therapeutic weight-loss diets like this one because they are formulated to promote both weight loss and maintenance by helping dogs feel full. Key ingredients include fiber-rich powdered cellulose and carrots, along with salt to encourage hydration, which aids in satiety.
Best Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care is an excellent choice for senior dogs who don’t require calorie or protein restriction. It includes pumpkin to support digestive regularity and omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and coat. Given that senior dogs’ needs vary significantly, consulting with a veterinarian before changing their diet is crucial, as advised by Dr. Stockman.
How to Shop for Wet Dog Food
Selecting the best wet dog food involves considering your dog’s individual preferences, life stage, and breed size, according to our veterinary experts. Here are essential factors to keep in mind when shopping for dog food:
Verify the AAFCO Label: The AAFCO sets nutritional standards for pet food in the U.S. While AAFCO does not approve or regulate pet food, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label indicates the food has undergone testing to meet these standards.
Check Nutrient Levels: Nutrient requirements vary significantly between puppies and adult dogs. Puppy food should contain a minimum of 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat on a dry matter basis, along with DHA, calcium, and phosphorus. Adult dog food requires at least 18% protein and 5.5% fat on a dry matter basis. Overweight dogs may benefit from therapeutic veterinary weight-loss diets, which are typically higher in protein and fiber. Senior dog food nutrient needs are not specifically defined by AAFCO and can vary widely.
Life Stage Appropriateness: Choose food labeled for the appropriate life stage: “growth” or “all life stages” for puppies, and “adult maintenance” or “all life stages” for adult dogs. “Adult dog food” is not suitable for puppies due to lower fat, protein, and nutrient content.
Breed Size Consideration: Select food formulated for your dog’s breed size, as large and small breeds have different growth patterns and nutritional needs.
Formula Oversight: Opt for brands that employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate their recipes. You can verify this by contacting the company or checking the Pet Nutrition Alliance’s Dare To Ask database.
Budget-Friendly Brands Can Be Quality: Price doesn’t always dictate quality. Many affordable brands offer nutritionally complete options.
Grains Are Not Harmful: Unless your dog has a diagnosed gluten intolerance, grains are not detrimental and provide nutritional value. The notion that grains are linked to diseases like cancer and obesity in dogs is not supported by scientific evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wet Dog Food
Is wet or dry dog food better?
Both wet and dry dog food can provide balanced nutrition. Wet food’s higher moisture content is beneficial for hydration and can be easier for dogs with dental or medical issues to eat. However, wet food is generally more expensive per ounce and has a shorter shelf life once opened compared to dry food.
What is the best brand of wet dog food?
There is no single “best” brand for every dog. The ideal wet dog food meets AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s life stage, is affordable, and is recommended by your veterinarian based on your dog’s specific health needs.
How do I know if a wet dog food is healthy?
A healthy dog food is formulated for your dog’s life stage by a veterinary nutritionist and carries an AAFCO statement confirming it meets nutritional standards. For assurance, check if the brand employs full-time veterinary nutritionists and owns its manufacturing plants, as recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. The Pet Nutrition Alliance provides a helpful database compiling this information for various brands.
Meet Our Experts
Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, is an independent animal nutrition consultant and retired from Purina’s Research and Development team.
Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM, is an assistant professor at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine and a veterinary consultant for Petco.
Why Trust NBC Select?
Janelle Leeson, a science writer with a biology degree, conducted thorough research and expert interviews for this article. Her approach is grounded in scientific principles related to pet health and nutrition. She consulted with veterinary nutrition experts and evaluated numerous wet dog foods based on their recommendations and quality criteria to provide reliable and informative guidance.
