Nutritionally balanced commercial dog food is crucial for the health of your puppy or adult dog, and wet dog food stands out as an excellent choice, especially for dogs with specific needs. Whether your dog has dental sensitivities, health conditions, or is simply a picky eater, the soft texture and high moisture content of wet food can be highly beneficial and palatable.
According to Dr. Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, an animal nutrition consultant, the quality of dog food isn’t determined by price or by having meat as the first ingredient. Dogs are adaptable and can thrive on plant-based proteins, making plant-forward wet food options perfectly viable.
To guide you in making the best choice for your furry friend, we consulted with veterinary nutrition experts to understand what defines quality wet dog food and how to select the right option based on your dog’s breed, age, and individual needs. This guide will provide you with expert-backed recommendations and tips for evaluating different brands and recipes to ensure you’re choosing the Best Wet Dog Food for your beloved companion.
What Makes Wet Dog Food a Great Option?
Wet dog food offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for many dog owners. Its high moisture content is particularly beneficial for hydration, which is vital for overall health and especially important for dogs who may not drink enough water on their own. The soft texture is gentler on teeth and gums, making it ideal for senior dogs or those with dental issues. Furthermore, the often richer aroma and flavor of wet food can entice picky eaters, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
Key Factors in Choosing the Best Wet Dog Food
Selecting the right wet dog food involves considering several crucial factors to ensure your dog receives a complete and balanced diet tailored to their specific life stage and needs. Here’s what to look for:
- AAFCO Statement: The Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement is paramount. It confirms that the dog food meets established nutritional standards for your dog’s life stage, be it growth (puppy), adult maintenance, or all life stages. “Complete” signifies all required nutrients are present, while “balanced” means they are in the correct proportions.
- Expert Nutritional Guidance: Opt for brands that formulate their recipes under the guidance of board-certified veterinary nutritionists. These experts are best equipped to ensure the food provides appropriate nutrients for your dog’s age, breed, and health status.
- Quality Ingredients at Every Price Point: High-quality dog food doesn’t have to break the bank. As Dr. Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM, from Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine, points out, nutritious ingredients aren’t always premium or expensive. Even byproducts and byproduct meals can be valuable sources of nutrients for dogs.
Top Picks: The Best Wet Dog Food in 2024
Based on expert recommendations and key nutritional considerations, here are some of the best wet dog food options available in 2024, categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your dog:
Best Wet Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies: Royal Canin Large Puppy
Large breed puppies have unique nutritional needs, requiring specific protein, fat, and calorie levels to support their growth while preventing orthopedic issues. Royal Canin Large Puppy formula is designed to meet these needs for puppies aged 2-15 months. It’s rich in protein from sources like chicken and pork byproducts and includes essential DHA and EPA for brain development, along with antioxidants for immune and digestive health.
Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breed Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy
Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy is an excellent choice for small breed puppies, providing a balanced diet with chicken, liver, and rice to support lean muscle development and energy needs. It includes DHA from salmon for brain development and healthy skin and coat. This formula ensures puppies get the necessary protein, fat, and calories for healthy growth.
Best Subscription Wet Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
For a fresh, convenient option, The Farmer’s Dog delivers personalized, pre-portioned wet food plans directly to your door. Formulated by veterinary nutritionists, their food features human-grade ingredients, cooked gently to retain nutritional value and hydration. This subscription service ensures your dog receives fresh, high-quality food tailored to their specific needs.
Best Wet Dog Food for Adult Large Breeds: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints is specifically formulated for large breed adult dogs, incorporating glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support joint health. These added supplements are integrated directly into the formula, ensuring proper dosing and quality control, which are essential for maintaining joint function in larger breeds.
Best Wet Dog Food for Adult Small Breeds: Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes are designed for the higher metabolism of small breed adult dogs. These recipes are calorie-dense and packed with protein and fats, featuring chunks of meat in a savory broth. They also avoid common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat, making them a good option for sensitive small dogs.
Best Budget Wet Dog Food: Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner
For dog owners seeking an affordable yet nutritious option, Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner is a great choice. Despite being budget-friendly, it is formulated by veterinary nutritionists at Mars, ensuring it meets nutritional standards. This minced recipe is palatable to dogs and provides essential nutrients without compromising on quality.
Best Wet Dog Food for Weight Management: Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic is a veterinarian-recommended therapeutic diet for weight loss and management. It’s formulated to keep dogs feeling full with fiber-rich ingredients and includes salt to encourage water intake, aiding in satiety. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this palatable, low-calorie recipe, making weight management easier.
Best Wet Dog Food for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care is well-suited for senior dogs, especially those with sensitivities. It contains pumpkin for digestive health and omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support skin and coat health. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making diet changes for senior dogs to ensure their specific needs are met.
How to Shop for Wet Dog Food: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the best wet dog food involves more than just brand names. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make informed decisions:
- Always Check for the AAFCO Label: This is your primary indicator of nutritional adequacy. The AAFCO statement ensures the food has been tested to meet nutritional levels for the specified life stage.
- Understand Nutrient Levels: Nutritional needs vary by life stage. Puppies require higher protein and fat for growth, while adult dogs need different ratios. Senior dogs’ needs can vary widely.
- Puppy Food: Look for a minimum of 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat (dry matter basis), along with DHA, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Adult Dog Food: Aim for at least 18% protein and 5.5% fat (dry matter basis). Foods for “all life stages” are also suitable for adults.
- Weight Management Diets: Veterinary therapeutic weight-loss diets are often higher in protein and fiber to promote satiety and nutrient density.
- Senior Dog Food: Nutrient needs for seniors are less standardized; consult your vet for the best approach.
- Match Food to Life Stage: Select food specifically labeled for your dog’s life stage: “growth” or “all life stages” for puppies, and “adult maintenance” or “all life stages” for adults. Avoid “adult dog food” for puppies as it lacks essential nutrients for growth.
- Consider Breed Size: Large and small breeds have different growth patterns and nutritional requirements. Choose formulas tailored to your dog’s breed size, especially during puppyhood.
- Look for Formula Oversight: Brands that employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists are more likely to produce nutritionally sound foods. Check brand websites or resources like the Pet Nutrition Alliance’s Dare To Ask database to verify.
- Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Low Quality: Quality dog food is available at various price points. Don’t equate higher price with better nutrition.
- Grains are Generally Okay: Unless your dog has a diagnosed gluten intolerance, grains are not harmful and provide nutritional value. Grain-free diets are not inherently superior and may sometimes compromise nutritional balance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wet Dog Food
Is wet or dry dog food better?
Both wet and dry dog food can be nutritionally balanced. Wet food’s higher moisture content is beneficial for hydration and can be easier to eat for dogs with dental issues. Dry food is often more cost-effective and has a longer shelf life once opened. The best choice depends on your dog’s individual needs and preferences.
What is the best brand of wet dog food?
There isn’t a single “best” brand for every dog. The ideal wet dog food meets AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s life stage, fits your budget, and is approved by your veterinarian based on your dog’s specific health and nutritional needs.
How do I know if a wet dog food is healthy?
A healthy wet dog food will have an AAFCO statement confirming it meets nutritional standards. Look for brands that employ veterinary nutritionists and are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. Resources like the Pet Nutrition Alliance can also help you evaluate brands.
Expert Insights on Wet Dog Food
Dr. Dottie Laflamme, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, emphasizes: “Nutritionally balanced commercial dog food is the safest and most appropriate diet.” She also notes that wet food is “a great option, especially if you’re looking for something for pets with certain dental or health conditions,” due to its soft texture and high moisture content.
Dr. Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM, advises: “Look for recipes created under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.” He also highlights that “premium ingredients don’t necessarily equate to higher nutritional value” and that “byproducts and byproduct meals are nutritious for dogs.” Regarding weight management, he recommends “therapeutic veterinary weight-loss diets” for overweight dogs.
Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations
NBC Select is committed to providing trustworthy and expert-backed recommendations. Our writers and editors adhere to rigorous standards, consulting with experts who have specialized knowledge and experience. For this guide, we interviewed veterinary nutritionists Dr. Dottie Laflamme and Dr. Jonathan Stockman. Our recommendations are based on their professional insights, combined with thorough research of available wet dog food options, ensuring we provide you with helpful and reliable guidance for choosing the best wet dog food for your dog.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
