Are you in search of high-quality wet food for dogs? For this review, we rigorously tested over 50 dog food brands. Additionally, we sought the opinions of experts and veterinarians. First and foremost, we’ll present our top recommendations to you.
Our Top Picks
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How we test 🐶
We established the criteria for the wet food test based on the ingredients, composition, and labeling. We made sure that many proteins are included since a dog requires a lot of energy. In our assessment, many meat components were also very important. A good wet food should have a high quantity of meat components, including not only fresh meat but also offal. A good wet food is complemented by omega fatty acids and vegetables.
Who is this test for?
This test is suitable for all dog owners who have a dog from the age of one year onwards. These dogs no longer require puppy food and can be provided with adult food. Now is the time for you to find the right wet food to supply your beloved pet with sufficient nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
How we selected
There are dozens of wet food brands and varieties available in retail stores or online. No wonder you want to inform yourself about the best wet food for adult dogs in this test today.
First, we consulted experts and veterinarians to determine the key points in choosing the best wet food. Then we compared over 100 products in our online research. Products with very poor ingredients such as sugar or wheat were the first to be removed from our list.
In our opinion, these ingredients do not belong in good dog food. Then we examined the composition of the products and made sure that there is enough protein, fat, and vegetables in the food. Finally, a transparent labeling was important to us.
We stand on the side of the consumer and want you as a buyer to have a sense of security regarding what your dog is eating at the end of the day. In advance, we read the reviews on popular dog shops to include other opinions as well. At the end of our research, we came across a few brands that we ordered and fed to our dogs. We examined these products in a practical test.
What are the advantages of Wet Food?
Dogs need to be fed daily. There are countless varieties on the market, broadly divided into dry food or wet food. There are some differences between the two types of food. In principle, both types of food can be fed without any problems.
The most significant difference lies in the water content. While dry food has a water content of between 3 and 12%, wet food has a whopping 60% to 84%. However, the water content is also a reason why wet food can spoil much faster than dry food.
Both types have pros and cons.
Dry food is more energy-rich and lasts longer than wet food. Additionally, feeding dry food keeps the area around the bowl cleaner.
Wet food scores in terms of taste. The high water content improves your dog’s fluid balance. Wet food is also suitable for dogs prone to overweight. They can eat a larger quantity and still maintain their weight.
The choice of food depends on the needs of your dog and your own preferences. There is no clear right or wrong.
Important: Wet food should also be labeled as a complete food.
This is what a good composition for Wet Food looks like
Good wet food combines several components. Fresh meat is an important part of wet food. But fish is also a good alternative. However, only high-quality fresh meat, offal, or fish should be used in wet food. This should also be fully disclosed in the labeling.
This way, your dog gets high-quality protein, which is important for muscle building. In addition to meat, vegetables or grains also play an important role. Unlike cats, dogs not only need meat but also a small proportion of vitamins from vegetables.
Grains are not part of the natural diet of dogs but are an energy source. Dogs move a lot and consume energy in the process. To replenish their energy reserves, they need to consume energy sources, which can include grains.
But there are better energy sources. For example, potatoes.
Vegetables are important for vitamin supply. They keep the dog healthy.
Is Organic Wet Food worth it?
A change in thinking has been underway for years not only in human food but also in pet food.
Good news: preservatives and flavor enhancers are being used less and less. Sustainability is also being considered in meat production. The meat should come from the vicinity of the processing plant and from known farmers.
In addition, many people consider gentle processing of the individual ingredients to be very important. They ensure that many vitamins are included, which is only possible with gentle processing. Additives are deliberately avoided.
In dogs, there are many that can react allergically to some ingredients. Digestive problems can be triggered. If your dog has these problems, we recommend choosing a monoprotein. So only one meat source.
Especially with organic dog food, attention is paid to every detail. Many factors come together here, from the ingredients, which are mostly of food grade quality, to gentle preparation. However, it doesn’t always have to be organic wet food because there are now many wet food varieties that pay just as much attention to ingredients and preparation.
What to look for when buying Wet Food?
Good wet food should have a high meat content. Quality plays an important role. Ideally, proteins should be of food grade quality. By-products should not be used in good wet food. The composition provides an overview.
The meat content should always be listed first. This makes it clear that there is a high concentration of meat inside. Additives must be carefully checked in the ingredients. Artificial ingredients, colorings, and preservatives should definitely not be included.
This is the correct amount of Food
The feeding amount should generally be based on the weight of the dog. For an adult dog, it is recommended to feed 2% to 4% of its own body weight in food. However, this amount cannot be generalized.
For a dog with normal activity, this amount is sufficient, but for a four-legged friend who is active all day, the amount will be too little. So, the activity level also plays an important role in the feeding amount.
Additionally, age plays an important role. An older dog needs less protein but should contain more vitamins. Generally, the dog owner should take good care of their four-legged friend. If the dog appears content and is as active as before, then the amount up to 4% of body weight is just right.
What to look for
The first look should always be at the ingredient list of the wet food. Then the food should also taste good to the dog. When choosing the flavor, chicken, lamb, beef, or venison are suitable options. However, there are many more varieties available. If your dog tolerates them, you can feed those too.
Important factors to consider are: stool, fur, skin, teeth, and gums. Furthermore, activity is crucial. A dog should remain active and willing after eating. If this diminishes, then the food may not be optimal.
More flavor
The biggest advantage of wet food: The taste. This naturally depends on the meat consistency and water content. Your dog loves wet food more than dry food.
Wet food is especially helpful if your dog needs to be medicated. You can easily mix the medication with the wet food.
In addition, the high water content ensures that your dog is adequately hydrated. The meat content in wet food is high, but the chunks are soft and can be chewed well. This is especially important for older and sick dogs.
Supplementary Food – When is it important?
Wet food is very suitable as a complete food. In certain cases, you may also want to use supplementary food.
Especially with dogs that have reached a certain age, wet food can be combined with supplementary food. For dogs with a sensitive stomach, you can help them with a good supplement for the intestinal flora.
Differences in wet food for:
- Small dogs: When it comes to wet food, not only the ingredients and composition need to be considered, but also the dogs themselves. Small breeds need wet food with small meat pieces. Additionally, small dogs often expend more energy, so there should also be an increased proportion of proteins. However, the wet food must still be formulated to prevent overweight. Small dogs gain weight faster than large dogs.
- Large dogs: Medium-sized and large dogs need larger meat chunks to stimulate chewing muscles. In addition, there must be ingredients responsible for the function of muscles, tendons, and joints. Large dogs often have problems with these areas. They also often have stomach problems. The stomach can twist, causing great difficulty for the dog. Manufacturers also offer specialty food with light ingredients.
- Allergies: For allergic dogs, hypoallergenic wet food is ideal. This wet food contains neither allergenic ingredients nor other additives. Instead, it focuses on light ingredients and good nutrients that do not burden the dog’s digestion.
- Diet: Older dogs often tend to be overweight. The right wet food for these dogs has a very low fat content but should have good digestibility. The diet food is always without sugar and has a lower energy content. So, diet food can be used not only for overweight dogs but also for seniors.
What to Consider When Switching Food
A food transition may be necessary for various reasons. However, the switch of food must be carefully planned to avoid harming your dog’s digestive tract.
In general, the food should be changed with caution. In the first few days, the old food should comprise a high proportion, while the new food should only have a small proportion.
In the following days, the mixture is gradually changed until the old food is completely replaced. This procedure typically takes about 10 days. However, food should not be switched too frequently. You can find more on this topic in our step-by-step guide to food transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wet food for dogs?
In the list above, we have selected the currently best recommendations. This list is constantly updated. Here you will find grain-free varieties as well as hypoallergenic food for allergic or sensitive dogs.
What are the advantages of wet food?
Dry food consists mostly of dried or ground ingredients. Wet food, in comparison, is much fresher and therefore more similar to real food. Another significant difference is the water content. While dry food has a water content between 3 and 12%, wet food has a whopping 60% to 84%.
Is wet food or dry food better?
Compared to wet food, dry food has the advantage of storage and shelf life. This is very practical for modern life. However, when it comes to quality and freshness, dry food performs worse compared to wet food or even raw feeding.
Who is this test for?
This test is suitable for all dog owners who no longer have puppies. Now is the time for you to find the right wet food to provide your beloved with sufficient nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
What should you look for when buying wet food?
Good wet food should have a high meat content. Quality plays an important role. Ideal are proteins that are of food grade quality. By-products should not be used in good wet food. An overview is provided by the composition and our detailed test reports.
How do I recognize good wet food?
Good wet food is usually recognized by high-quality ingredients and the right composition. What you should pay attention to exactly can be found above in the article.
What should be the meat content in wet food?
Dogs are carnivores, and we recommend a minimum meat content of 70% to ensure your dog is optimally supplied for everyday life.
How long is wet food shelf life?
Since dry food usually contains preservatives, it is much longer-lasting than wet food. However, in a closed state, wet food in cans is also durable for several years. Once the can has been opened, refrigerated storage and consumption within 24 hours are advisable.
Is a pure wet feeding sufficient?
This question can be clearly answered with YES. We recommend a pure wet feeding to most dog owners.
