The 10 Best Wet Puppy Food (Updated Review)

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Alina Andreeva

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Dr. Linda Simon
Dr. Linda Simon

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by Dr. Linda Simon

Dr. Linda Simon is a veterinary surgeon working with seven years of experience. She is a fellow of the British Veterinary Association and specializing in animal medicine. Also, she has been the Woman magazine resident vet for the past two years and writes a regular column for them, focusing on pets and their health.

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Updated on: 07/26/2021

When caring for a puppy, must that you know what they need to have a healthy diet. This will ensure that they grow to be healthy and happy dogs, without any possible deficiencies. Wet food, in general, considered a healthier choice for many dogs given the moisture content that can help prevent and treat a number of conditions such as chronic cystitis. But it can be quite difficult to set apart high-quality wet food as there is plenty on the market.

best wet food for puppies

The Best Canned Food for Puppies Overview

So, we have prepared a list of ten of the most suitable products.

1. Hill’s Science Plan Puppy Food with Chicken

hills science plan wet puppy food with chicken
Our #1 Rated

Hill’s Science Plan for puppies has been examined by veterinarians, so you can rest assured that it is made keeping the health of your puppy in mind. One can offer 370g worth of food for your puppy that has real chicken that your puppy can easily digest.

This blend is perfect for puppies less than a year old as it has the right ingredients to help them grow properly. It is a mix of ground corn, chicken, turkey flour, animal fats, dehydrated beet pulp, and other natural elements.

Key Features:

  • Prepared with ground corn, chicken, turkey flour, and more beneficial ingredients.
  • Suitable for puppies of less than 1 year.
  • It is also preserved using natural items such as citric acid and rosemary extracts.

Pros

Cons

  • Ample protein and an appropriate fat component.
  • Small kibble for puppies to eat.
  • Doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.
  • Nutrients to help develop muscles and bones.
  • Not found.

2. Royal Canin Starter Mousse

royal canin starter mousse
Our #2 Rated

The Royal Canin Starter Mousse is AAFCO approved as it meets the relevant nutrition levels that a wet dog food must have. It is also recommended for nursing mothers to help stay healthy after birth. Raw chicken, chicken liver, pork by-products, and chicken by-products not only give ample of protein for your puppy’s meals, but these ingredients also provide the necessary moisture to the product for easy consumption.

The mousse texture makes it easy for puppies to eat and digest. This formula has an overall moisture content of 80% which is good for puppy’s intake.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for both a mother dog and her puppies.
  • Easy to digest.
  • Meets AAFCO standards.

Pros

Cons

  • Has the necessary moisture.
  • The majority of the ingredients are protein-based.
  • Sufficient fat for puppies.
  • Formulated with brewers rice.

3. Royal Canin Puppy Mini

royal canin puppy mini wet food
Our #3 Rated

The Royal Canin Puppy Mini is suitable for puppies from 2 to 10 months old. The formula of this product is recommended by many breeders and vets based on the nutritional value it provides to your puppies. It is filled with antioxidants such as lutein, vitamins E and C. This helps boost the immune system of your little puppy and helps in their growth and development. Since the protein intake is mainly chicken based, it provides the right kind of moisture/protein balance for your puppy and is easily digested, even for those with sensitive stomachs.

One thing that stands out and what could be seen as a negative is that this product has a lot of fillers that take up a lot of space. Corn, brewers’ rice and other ingredients in the formulation don’t add much nutritional value to the food and also take up some protein percentage from the entire meal.

Key Features:

  • Protein source is chicken.
  • Perfect for puppies up to 10 months old.
  • Packed with essential vitamins E and C along with minerals.

Pros

Cons

  • Helps support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
  • Boosts your puppy’s immune system.
  • Maximum protein content comes from chicken.
  • Contains fillers such as corn.

4. Lily’s Kitchen Chicken Dinner for Puppies

Lily’s Kitchen Wet Food for Puppies with Chicken is a great option to give to your puppies. It is made using all-natural and organic ingredients that are sure to keep your puppy’s stomach and digestion intact. Many dog owners have recommended this formula because of how much it has helped stabilize their puppies’digestion issues.

While the main protein source is chicken, the formula of this product also has a lot of vegetables incorporated in it. This adds to the nutritional content of the entire meal for your puppy and makes sure that your puppy is being fed a well-balanced meal. This also makes sure to gives your puppy a boost in energy as it incorporates the right kind of ingredients.

As it ensures a better digestive system, your puppy may have fewer issues when it comes to bloating and other issues in the intestinal tract. For some, this may even help improve their breath. Many other products have an unpleasant odor, but this one minimizes the problems that create bad breath.

Key Features:

  • Improves digestive issues.
  • Completely organic.
  • Boosts energy levels.

Pros

Cons

  • Organic ingredients.
  • For puppies 8 weeks plus.
  • Reduces bad breath of your puppy.
  • Might not be liked by some puppies because of the taste.

5. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy

Wellness Complete Health Just For Puppy formula is approved to meet all nutritional requirements established by AAFCO for puppies through one year of age. It provides growing pups with the proper blend of meats, fruits, and vegetables to get them the nutrition that is necessary to grow into strong, healthy adults.

The first three ingredients are chicken-based: chicken broth, chicken meat, and chicken liver. These are rounded out with salmon, sweet potato, carrots, flaxseed, and bananas, to name a few, to provide all necessary protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat and carbohydrates your puppy needs to grow. Also, included are antioxidants for a healthy immune system, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and hair coat, and DHA for proper brain development.

Key Features:

  • Made from whole foods, no meat by products.
  • Can be used in all sizes of puppies, from small to large breeds.
  • No corn, wheat or soy.

Pros

Cons

  • Suitable for up to one year of age.
  • Does not contain any artificial preservatives.
  • One of the best options for the price on the market.
  • Some pet parents found small, hard pieces in this product, possibly bone.
  • Not every puppy loves the taste.

6. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Canned Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Puppy Recipe is a great product for puppies that provides wholesome natural ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of a growing puppy. Not only are these ingredients natural, but they are also of high quality.

First ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, turkey, chicken liver and salmon. Also included are peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples to provide the vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats that a pet needs to grow and develop properly.

Key Features:

  • Great source of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids for growing puppies.
  • It also has the benefits of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and hair coat and DHA for proper brain development.

Pros

Cons

  • Free from artificial flavors.
  • Suitable for all breeds and sizes of puppies.
  • Zero recalls so far.
  • Grain-free.
  • Made with real meat.
  • Some pups just don’t like it.
  • Pet owners complained of it having too fishy of a smell.

7. AvoDerm Natural Chicken & Rice Formula Puppy Canned Dog Food

Avoderm Natural Chicken & Rice Formula Puppy Canned Dog Food will provide your little one with the high-quality protein that is necessary for healthy growth. It is also free from wheat, corn or soy for those pups with allergies or sensitivities.

First ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, salmon, rice and tuna for complete and healthy protein and fats. There’s also vegetables and fruits like peas, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and avocado to provide complete and balanced vitamins and minerals along with omega fatty acids and antioxidants for overall health. DHA is included for proper brain development.

Key Features:

  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
  • Well-balanced food.
  • For all breeds.

Pros

Cons

  • Made using high-quality, natural ingredients.
  • Incorporates avocado for healthy skin and coat.
  • High amounts of protein from animal sources.
  • No wheat, soy or corn.
  • Some puppies don’t like it.
  • The fishy smell can cause fishy breath.

8. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Plate Wet Puppy Food

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Wet Puppy Food is specially formulated for puppies of all sizes and breeds. It contains the wholesome protein that’s essential for growth, along with all the other important nutrients that are vital for proper development.

The first ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken broth, and deboned turkey to pack a high-quality protein punch to fuel your pup while they develop strong muscles. Sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and flaxseed oil are also included to provide vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids for overall health and wellness. There’s also adequate DHA in there to ensure healthy brain development.

Key Features:

  • First three ingredients — real meat.
  • No meat by-products.
  • No Corn no wheat no soy, gluten-free, grain-free.

Pros

Cons

  • Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
  • High-quality protein for proper muscle growth and development.
  • No artificial preservatives.
  • Real, whole meat in the first three ingredients.
  • Grain-free
  • No meat by-products.
  • Some pups didn’t like the taste.
  • Texture may be off-putting.

9. Wellness Core Puppy Dog Food

The Wellness Core Puppy Food provides even more protein goodness than the Wellness Just For Puppy formula. That protein is important to keep your puppy energized and for healthy muscle development. Along with all of that protein is all of the healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates that your little one needs.

The first ingredients are turkey broth, turkey, chicken, and chicken liver to provide most of that protein from animal sources. Also included are peas, herring, flaxseed, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach and many other fruits and vegetables to ensure that your pet gets the nutrients they deserve. Herring serves as a natural source of DHA for healthy brain development as well.

Key Features:

  • Only natural ingredients.
  • High in proteins.
  • Grain-free, gluten free, no corn no wheat no soy.

Pros

Cons

  • High-quality ingredients.
  • Carefully controlled nutrients levels.
  • High in antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
  • Free of grain, sugars, and wheat.
  • Some pups don’t like it.

10. Blue Buffalo Blue Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables

Blue Buffalo Blue Homestyle Recipe is a wet food for puppies of all breeds and sizes. It will provide complete and balanced nutrition using natural animal proteins and a variety of garden vegetables to keep your puppy fueled and developing properly.

The first ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver to give your pup those essential amino acids to build strong muscles. Peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal will provide the healthy carbohydrates and fiber, along with the vitamins and minerals necessary for complete health. Don’t forget the addition of DHA for healthy brain development.

Key Features:

  • Natural deboned chicken.
  • Whole grains.
  • Garden vegetables.

Pros

Cons

  • Complete and balanced for all breeds and sizes.
  • Uses real meat, no by products.
  • High-quality protein for healthy muscle development.
  • No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • Complete vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids for overall health.
  • Some pups didn’t like it.
  • Can cause digestive upset especially with little transition.

Buying Guide: Important Features to Consider

Not all foods are created equal and there are certain things we need to watch out for when purchasing new wet food.

how to choose wet food for my puppy
  • Check to ensure the brand is AAFCO approved, so we can be happy that it meets basic regulations and the food is nutritionally balanced.
  • Make sure you purchase a ‘complete’ food rather than a ‘meal topper’ or ‘complementary’ as feeding these could lead to malnutrition and deficiencies.
  • Try to opt for food with a high proportion of meat and/or fish and, ideally, one which has meat as the first listed ingredient. Avoid cheaper meat by-products which can consist of animal products such as skin, offal, bones, and chicken eggs rather than lean meat.
  • Consider your dog’s individual needs. Select a food that is suited to their age, breed, and activity level. For example, those who are neutered typically need fewer calories so it can be sensible to feed pet food aimed at neutered pets to avoid unwanted weight gain.
  • Would your dog benefit from prescription wet food? Those with kidney disease, for example, will likely need a specific diet that is lower in protein and Phosphorous. When it comes to those dogs with food allergies, hypoallergenic diets are certainly the way to go.
  • The palatability is important; there’s no point in purchasing food only for your dog to turn their nose up at it. Read reviews to determine if the food you are considering is a hit with the pooches and mutts its fed to.
  • Choose products with the fewest additives and preservatives as some dogs may be sensitive to these.
  • Try to get value for money but never buy food that is beyond your budget. Thankfully, there is a wide range of wet food on the market that will work for your dog; from budget to luxury.

READ MORE: Puppy-Proofing House

Benefits of Wet Food

When it comes to feeding, we can go for dry, wet food or combination feeding (a bit of both). So, why choose wet food? Well, though wet food may be a little messier to consume and trickier to store than dry food, it can provide health benefits. Wet products have a very high moisture content which is particularly beneficial for those prone to kidney and bladder issues. It is also ideal during hot weather for those who aren’t keen on drinking water.

Fussy dogs (think small, white, and fluffy!) generally prefer wet food as they find it easier to eat and enjoy the flavor. It can be frustrating to offer food, only to have to throw it away a few hours later. Thankfully, this is much less likely to happen when wet food is on offer. Wet food can be used as a ‘bribe’ for those usually fed on dry food only. It can be a special treat or can be offered for dogs recovering from surgery or whose appetite has been affected by feeling unwell.

READ MORE: When can Dogs eat adult food

benefits of wet food for puppiesPhoto by Joel J. Martínez on Unsplash

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FAQ

🐾 Can Puppies eat Wet Food?

Absolutely, puppies can eat a 100% wet diet, or can be combination fed if this is preferred. In fact, it can be easier to wean little ones on to wet food rather than dry kibble as it is tasty and easy to chew and swallow. There are a range of wet puppy foods on the market and giving your little ones the best nutritional start in life can go a long way towards protecting their future health.

🐶 When to start feeding Puppies wet food?

Puppies can begin to chow down on wet food just as soon as they start weaning. Most breeders will leave down a few saucers of wet food from about 3 to 4 weeks. While the pup may not eat much initially, their curiosity will soon get the better of them and they will be over to explore what’s on offer. Initially, it may be a messy process with more food going on their fur than in their mouth, but they will persevere until their bellies are full! At this age, pups will still be getting the vast majority of their calories from their mother’s milk but by about 7 weeks old they will be fully weaned on to their wet food. Ideally, they should be sent to their new home with the same wet food they have been weaned on to as an abrupt diet change can result in an upset stomach. If the new owner wishes to change the diet, they can do so gradually over a 7 day period.

🐕 How much wet food to feed a Dog?

The amount completely dependent on their size, life stage, health and general activity level among other things. Thankfully, companies make answering this question relatively easy as they usually put feeding charts on the back of their packet. These are guidelines so owners may find they need to feed a little more or a little less, depending on their dog’s metabolism.

It is important to remember that the food companies assume that we are feeding only this food and no chews, treats or human food. So, often we will feed our dog their regular ‘extras’ as well as their full food allowance and wonder why they are over-weight!

🐩 How often should I feed my Dog wet food?

While puppies need regular feeding (often four times a day initially due to their small stomachs), those over six months will be on either one or two meals a day, depending on their own and their owner’s preference.

Typically, smaller, less active dogs (such as Shih Tzus and Malteses) will only want one meal a day, while larger, more active dogs (such as Border Collies and German Shepherds) will be happier if fed twice.

Listen to your dog; if they are consistently refusing meals but are physically well and not losing weight, they may well be being fed too often.

READ MORE: Wet vs. Dry Dog Food [Infographic]