The decision between wet vs. dry food has been a longstanding debate amongst dog owners. Many dog owners ultimately choose one type of food and stick to it, but some pet parents use both wet and dry foods to create a well-rounded meal that excites their pup.
If you’re looking to add some wet food to your dog’s routine, choosing the right brand can feel daunting — there are so many options out there that offer a variety of unique and specific benefits. Be that as it may, the following guide will help you explore some of the top wet dog food brands available to find options that best suit your furry friend.
How to Choose Wet Dog Food
The first thing you need to do before updating your pet’s routine with any new food, wet or dry, is to talk to your vet. Your vet can help provide you with an educated opinion on whether your dog’s diet should be changed and what brand you should buy if so.
With that in mind, what wet dog food do vets recommend? The answer isn’t straightforward, unfortunately. In fact, it can vary greatly. You and your vet will come to a conclusion based on several factors. Your dog’s age, for instance, will play a huge role in determining the type of food they need, as certain brands and blends contain ingredients that are meant for dogs in specific stages of life.
Foods with animal protein as their primary protein source are also superior, as that will mean more essential amino acids and easier digestion for your dog at mealtime. The number of calories and grams of fat per serving can also be important to look at when choosing wet dog food.
As for how much wet food to feed a dog, your vet will be able to give detailed advice about your dog’s caloric needs and fat intake limits based on their size, age, activity level, and overall health. Make sure to regularly consult with your vet as you try out new food options.
5 Best Wet Dog Food Brands
The following brands differ in the flavors they offer, the types of ingredients they use, and the stages of life they’re intended for — some dog food brands even offer multiple types of wet dog food designed to meet different needs.
Nevertheless, check out these five top wet dog food options.
1. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo wet dog food is a solid choice for most adult dogs. The brand offers a few different selections — namely Basics Skin & Stomach Care and True Solutions Jolly Joints — and it’s a long-standing name in the industry that can be easily found at most pet-centric stores.
Basics Skin & Stomach Care is a duck-based grain-free wet dog food that is well-suited for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins, like turkey, beef, chicken, or lamb. The blend also contains pea protein and potatoes.
True Solutions Jolly Joints is made with chicken, which naturally supports joint health due to its high levels of chondroitin and glucosamine. That effect is enhanced with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the recipe, making it a great option to promote joint health in adult or senior dogs.
2. Purina
Purina continues to be a well-respected name in dog food thanks to its offerings of so many blends of both wet and dry food that dogs love. Purina wet dog food is packed with real food ingredients and all the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to thrive. Their primary sub-brand, Beneful wet dog food, also comes in its own wide variety of flavors and textures designed for smaller dogs and toy breeds.
Other sub-brands include Purina Pro Plan wet dog food and Purina One wet dog food, both of which are designed to give dogs of all sizes and ages the full range of nutrition they need, packaged in multiple tasty flavors.
3. Iams
Perhaps the best wet dog food for senior dogs, in particular, is Iams — though you can also find Iams wet dog food specially formulated for adults and puppies.
The brand offers an extensive variety of wet food flavors and specialties, including their Healthy Aging wet food, which supports older dogs’ mobility and skin health with omega fatty acids and additional vitamins and minerals.
4. Pedigree
With the many protein types and opportunities it provides, Pedigree wet dog food is a great brand choice for dogs who tend to be picky eaters — it’s also made with extra soft meat morsels, making it a great wet dog food option for puppies that are still teething.
5. Royal Canin
Royal Canin takes special care to create wet food blends that cater to the needs of many types of dogs. For example, their Puppy Loaf is loaded with vitamins and minerals to help puppies grow during their developmental stages, while their Mature 8+ Loaf supports healthy aging for older dogs.
Find a Balance Between Nutrients and Taste
There are so many options available when it comes to wet food brands for dogs. Making a decision can seem impossible, but keep in mind that it’s natural to experience some trial and error in finding wet food for your dog.
The nutrition facts on your dog’s wet food play a huge role in knowing what’s best for them, but a tasty recipe is key to making your dog finish their bowl every time. Try a few options with various protein sources to see which one your dog favors, keeping a close eye on them to ensure their new food digests well and that they have no negative reactions.
With all of the above in mind, you’ll be able to make mealtime an enjoyable experience for your pup every time, all while knowing that they’re getting the nutrients they need to live life to the fullest.
