The best wet dog food contains more meat, fewer carbs and preservatives than the average kibble. Yes, they are messier and smellier from a human perspective, but many dogs love wet food and there are health benefits, too. The higher moisture content is helpful for those dogs that don’t drink as much as they should, or have a medical condition, such as urinary or kidney disease. When considering what to feed your puppy or dog for the best nutrition, these balanced and steamed options that hold in the nutrients are the next best option after feeding raw, which doesn’t suit everyone.
Some dogs simply prefer to eat wet, meaty food, which tends to be stronger-smelling than even the best dry dog food. And while kibble can encourage dogs to chew, which helps prevent tartar build-up (as do the best dental chews), dogs that have dental disease or teeth problems may prefer wet food. As with any dietary changes, introduce new food gradually.
Best wet dog food
Forthglade Grain-Free
Flavours: Turkey, duck and lamb
RRP: £22.20 for 12 x 395g trays
Featuring popular grain-free recipes, such as turkey, duck, chicken with liver, chicken and lamb, Forthglade’s variety pack are the ideal way to mix up mealtimes. Gentle on sensitive tummies and free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, Forthglade uses naturally delicious recipes with healthy vegetables, such as sweet potato and butternut squash, in the place of grains to provide a balanced diet. Crude protein level approx 10.5%; fat 8%.
In the UK? View now at forthglade.com amazon.co.uk or petsandfriends.co.uk
Naturediet Feel Good
Flavours: Chicken, chicken/lamb, fish, lamb, salmon or turkey/chicken
RRP: £28.22 for 18 x 390g
This complete and nutritionally balanced natural dog food contains all the essential nutrients needed for a healthy canine diet. Made from 100% natural ingredients to provide a gentle, nourishing diet ideal for fussy eaters and dogs with sensitive tummies. Wheat-free and gluten-free.
Made in Norfolk with eco-friendly recyclable packaging and British sourced ingredients to keep food miles low and carbon footprint small. Crude protein level approx 10%; fat 2–9%.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Butternut Box
Flavours: Chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, pork, veggie, salmon or game
RRP: Price dependent on individual box – use the calculator on the website
With quality human-grade ingredients steamed at just 90°C to hold in all the goodness, this balanced food is then quickly frozen to lock in the freshness without relying on preservatives.
Choose between lots of flavours, some of which are grain-free or plant-based, and have them delivered straight to your door in the exact quantity you need.
In the UK? View now at butternutbox.com
Pooch & Mutt Wet Cartons
Flavours: Chicken/pumpkin/pea, turkey/chicken, chicken/beef and turkey/duck
RRP: £24.99 for 12 x 375g
Premium grain-free, complete wet dog food, made to a new and improved recipe that includes locally sourced fresh meat and vegetables from British farms and prebiotics. Free from grain, cereal, gluten and GM produce. Suitable from one year plus, and puppy food for young dogs is also available. Crude protein approx 10%; fat 7.5%.
With 100% recyclable packaging; according to the manufacturer, cartons have an 80% lower global warming potential than cans.
In the UK? View at poochandmutt.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Lily’s Kitchen Classic Dinner
Flavours: Chicken/turkey casserole, lamb hotpot and cottage pie
RRP: £44.40 for 12 x 400g tins
An array of dinners from “cottage pie” and “Sunday lunch” to “chicken and turkey casserole”, this is a multipack of nutritionally complete wet food for dogs at all stages from four months.
It is made from freshly prepared meat, vegetables, fruits, botanicals and herbs, with no meat meal, bone meal or rendered meat. Crude protein level approx 10%; fat 5.1%.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
Billy + Margot
Flavours: Lamb, wild boar, herring, chicken or salmon
RRP: £17.99 for 6 x 395g tins
Premium wet dog food made by a canine nutritionist containing a fresh single protein source, plus luxury superfoods – such as flax seed and safflower oil – and holistic ingredients designed for a dog’s complex nutritional needs. Ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion, gluten intolerance, wheat allergy or chemical sensitivities such as hair loss, itchiness and sore skin. Also available in pouches.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk or petsandfriends.co.uk
Pets Love Fresh
Flavours: Chicken, pork or beef
RRP: £29.45 for 4 x 600g
Chubb roll made with fresh British meat, as well as organic brown rice, vitamins and nutrients, seaweed, egg and cranberries. There are no additives or preservatives – this dog food arrives at your door frozen straight from fresh and is defrosted prior to feeding. It is vet and nutritionist approved, and is designed to be easily digestible for dogs to get the most nutrition possible out of their food. Also available for puppies.
In the UK? View at amazon.co.uk
You may also like to read…
Naturally delicious: the best raw food meals to help your dog flourish
Best wet puppy foods for satisfaction, healthy development and happy mealtimes
Wet, dry or raw: best food for puppies to grow and flourish
Best dog food for sensitive tummies, itchy skin and other allergies
Gently does it: best slow-feeder dog bowls for speedy eaters
Eat well, feel good! Best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs
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