The 10 Best Wet Cat Foods
While kibble may be convenient, it doesn't provide the hydrating moisture your cat needs to stay healthy.
The 10 Best Wet Cat Foods
While kibble may be convenient, it doesn't provide the hydrating moisture your cat needs to stay healthy. Wet cat food is often closer to your cat's ideal diet - rich in animal-sourced ingredients with minimal carbohydrates.
With so many different wet cat foods on the market, it can be difficult to sort the good from the bad. In this guide, we'll provide some quick tips to help you identify a wet cat food product that suits your cat's nutritional needs (as well as their unique preferences).
Our Top Picks
Your cat is an individual, so consider their preferences and unique needs when selecting a cat food product. Our recommendations are based on an in-depth analysis of the product's formulation and a review of the brand's history with consideration of overall customer satisfaction drawn from ratings and reviews.
Jump to Review Best Overall: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
Jump to Review Runner Up: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Premium: Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Budget: Fancy Feast Fish & Shrimp Feast Canned Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Affordable: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Recipe Canned Cat Food
Jump to Review Best for Weight Loss: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken & Chicken Liver Mousse & Shreds Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Grain-Free: Caru Wild Salmon & Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best High Protein: Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Duck & Turkey Recipe Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best for Kittens: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick âA Zee Chicken Recipe Au Jus Canned Cat Food
Jump to Review Best for Picky Eaters: Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Kitten Food
Is Wet Cat Food Better Than Dry?
When selecting a diet for your cat, there are many factors to consider but your cat's well being should be your top priority. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their bodies are designed to function best when the majority of their nutrition comes from animal sources. In other words, they need a meat-based diet.
Wet cat food tends to contain higher concentrations of protein than kibble and the process through which canned food is made doesn't require as much starch. All wet cat foods are not created equal, but they are often closer to an ideal feline diet than dry food. Plus, the moisture helps support your cat's hydration.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Wet Cat Food
As our overall top pick for wet cat food, we recommend Smalls wet cat food. Packed with protein from humanely sourced turkey and rich in hydrating moisture, this wet cat food is a nutritious choice for cats.
Though Smalls is our top recommendation, it may not be the right fit for every cat. Depending on your cat's age, activity level, and personal preferences, another product on our list might be a better choice. We've assembled a varied selection of wet cat foods in different categories to help you make an informed decision for your cat.
#1 Best Overall: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
Featuring chicken muscle meat and chicken liver as the primary ingredients, this wet cat food is packed with animal protein. Because that protein comes from a single source, this may be a good option for cats with food allergies. If your cat is sensitive to chicken, Smalls also offers turkey, beef, and fish formulas.
Smalls cat food is prepared fresh then frozen and delivered right to your door. By providing a few details about your cat, you'll receive a customized meal plan that suits your cat's flavor preferences and calorie needs. The first order you receive will be a sampler pack - you can gauge your cat's reaction to the food and adjust your subscription before your first full order goes through.
Not only is Smalls a convenient choice, but the food is made with premium ingredients and formulated with your cat's carnivorous needs in mind. It's rich in protein and hydrating moisture with limited carbohydrates and no artificial additives.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 13%
- Crude Fat: 8.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 73%
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Delivered to your door by subscription
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Easy to digest and low in carbohydrates
Cons
- Only sold by subscription
#2 Runner Up: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Made with humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients, Open Farm cat food is good for your cat and good for the planet. This brand's wet cat food is sold in cardboard cartons instead of cans, so you can easily seal up the leftovers for storage in the fridge.
This Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend wet cat food features humanely raised turkey as the primary ingredient and the sole source of animal protein. The food is rich in moisture to support your cat's hydration, and it also gives the food a gravy-like consistency cats seem to enjoy.
The downside of this food is that it contains beans and legumes which can be tricky for some cats to digest. For the most part, however, this recipe appears to be well tolerated. It can be fed as a complete diet but also works well as a wet food topper.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 82%
Pros
- Made with a single animal protein source
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Packaged in resealable cardboard cartons
- Ingredients are humanely sourced
Cons
- Contains beans and legumes
- Only sold by the case
#3 Premium Pick: Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
As carnivores, cats require a meat-centric diet and that's what this Ziwi Peak canned food provides. Not only is it rich in protein and healthy fat, but it's made with a single source of animal protein, lamb. Because lamb is a novel protein, this formula may be a good choice for cats who are allergic to common proteins.
This Ziwi Peak formula features lamb muscle meat as the main ingredient, supplemented by lamb organs and lamb bone. New Zealand green mussels provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids as well as glucosamine chondroitin which support healthy joints.
The downside of this recipe is that it contains chickpeas, a legume which can be difficult for some cats to digest. The food is also fairly pricey, though you can reduce the cost by purchasing it in large 6.5-ounce cans instead of the smaller 3-ounce cans.
Ingredients
Lamb, Water Sufficient for Processing, Lamb Lung, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Chickpeas, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Heart, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Bone, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 9.5%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Made with a single source of novel animal protein
- Contains 92% muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- Chickpeas can be hard for cats to digest
- Can be expensive
#4 Budget Pick: Fancy Feast Fish & Shrimp Feast Canned Cat Food
Priced around $0.30 per ounce, this Fancy Feast formula is an affordable option. It's still packed with animal protein and hydrating moisture, and the carbohydrate content is very low.
With its fish-based formula and strong aroma, this recipe may also be an appealing choice for picky cats. It features ocean fish and shrimp as the main ingredients.
To keep the price of this formula down, Fancy Feast relies primarily on plant oils rather than animal fats. These are less biologically appropriate for cats but not inherently harmful. This recipe also contains gum thickener which may contribute to stomach upset in some cats.
Ingredients
Ocean Fish, Fish Broth, Shrimp, Vegetable Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Minerals [Ferric Pyrophosphate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Sodium Nitrite (To Promote Color Retention).
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 17.5%
- Crude Fat: 2%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Affordably priced around $0.30/ounce
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- May be appealing to picky cats
Cons
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
- Gum thickeners give some cats digestive troubles
#5 Best for Kittens: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Recipe Canned Cat Food
Growing kittens require an energy-dense diet that meets their needs for protein and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This Wellness Complete Health formula is specifically designed to provide for those needs and it has a smooth pate texture that's easy for kittens to chew.
Featuring chicken muscle meat and chicken liver as the primary ingredients, this canned food contains about 50% protein, measured as dry matter. Menhaden fish oil makes up the bulk of the added fat, providing a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids - including the DHA kittens need for brain and eye development.
This food is a good source of hydrating moisture for your kitten and the moisture content helps with digestion as well. Overall, the recipe doesn't contain much that would likely upset your kitten's stomach. The main concern would be the gum thickeners which contribute to loose stools in some cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in omega-3s like DHA
- Energy-dense formula to support growth
Cons
- Gum thickeners give some cats digestive troubles
#6 Best for Seniors: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken & Chicken Liver Mousse & Shreds Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Dental problems are common in older cats. If you're looking for a senior-friendly formula that's easy for cats to chew, consider this Tiki Cat Silver recipe. It's a high-moisture formula that consists of creamy mousse paired with fine shreds.
This Tiki Cat recipe features chicken muscle meat as the primary ingredient with supplemental protein from salmon, chicken liver, and dried egg. While coconut oil is the main source of added fat, the food also contains salmon oil as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Overall, this is a protein-packed, easily digestible wet cat food that is soft enough for older cats to chew. It's also energy-dense at about 33 calories per ounce, so it may help skinny senior cats maintain lean mass without having to eat large portions.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Dried Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Turmeric, Salmon Oil, Green Tea Extract, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 5%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 80%
Pros
- Soft texture is easy for older cats to chew
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Good source of moisture and omega-3 fatty acids
- Energy-dense to support lean mass
Cons
- Main source of added fat is plant-based
- Can be expensive
#7 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Wild Salmon & Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
If your cat is turning up their nose at their usual food, switching to something with a strong aroma and meaty flavor might help. Featuring fresh salmon and turkey muscle meat as the main ingredients, this dual-protein formula is full of fish and poultry flavor.
Aside from these ingredients, the food only contains a little tapioca starch to thicken it and some sweet potato and apples for dietary fiber. Marine microalgae oil is the only added fat - a good source of omega-3 fatty acids - but it's the last ingredient on the list.
While some cat owners find the consistency of this product a little too thin, many picky cats enjoy it. It may even work well as a food topper or mixer to help a finicky eater enjoy their food a little bit more.
Ingredients
Salmon, Turkey, Fish Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Tapioca Starch, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potato, Apples, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite), Magnesium Proteinate, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Marine Microalgae Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids).
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fat: 2%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 82%
Pros
- Dual-protein formula rich in flavor
- Easily digestible formula
- Packaged in a resealable cardboard carton
Cons
- Some cat owners find the consistency too thin
#8 Best Novel Protein: Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Duck & Turkey Recipe Wet Cat Food
Whether you're looking for a product that won't aggravate food allergies or something to appeal to a cat who's tired of the usual, this duck and turkey recipe from Dr. Elsey's may be a good choice. It features duck muscle meat as the main ingredient with supplemental protein from pork liver and dried egg.
In addition to being a protein-packed recipe, this formula is rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids from New Zealand green mussel and salmon oil. The mussels also provide a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
Overall, this is a fairly high-protein formula that provides plenty of healthy fats and hydrating moisture. The short list of ingredients makes it highly digestible for many cats and the food is free from any artificial additives.
Ingredients
Duck, Duck Broth, Pork Liver, Dried Egg Product, Agar-Agar, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Olive Oil, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salmon Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt, Dried Barley Grass, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Choline Chloride, Betaine Anhydrous, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 7%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Primary protein is novel for many cats
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Limited list of ingredients, easy to digest
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Not a single-protein recipe
#9 Best for Weight Loss: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick âA Zee Chicken Recipe Au Jus Canned Cat Food
Simply reducing the amount you feed your cat isn't the best way to help them lose weight. Feeding less may contribute to nutritional deficiencies and, in some cases, may put your cat at risk for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). The safest option is to feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet that is lower in calories than their typical diet.
This Chicken Frick âA Zee recipe from Weruva features lean chicken as the primary ingredient. It's a protein-packed, high-moisture formula with a shredded texture cats seem to enjoy. Most importantly for weight loss, it's low in calories at about 24 calories per ounce.
In addition to being low in calories with moderate fat content, this formula is low in carbohydrates. Unlike some weight control formulas, it doesn't contain an excessive amount of fiber, either.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Calcium Lactate, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 2.5%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 85%
Pros
- Lean chicken is the main ingredient
- Low in calories, about 24 kcal/oz.
- Shredded texture cats seem to enjoy
Cons
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
#10 Best for Weight Gain: Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Kitten Food
The key to helping an underweight cat gain weight is to provide an energy-dense diet rich in animal protein. Kitten foods are often a good choice. This kitten recipe from Instinct provides 42 calories per ounce and contains over 54% protein, measured as dry matter.
In addition to being an energy-dense diet, this Instinct recipe features numerous sources of animal protein: chicken, salmon, beef liver, and egg. Tuna fish oil is a biologically appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids and contributes significantly to the food's 27% (dry matter) fat content.
Because this food is calorie-dense, your cat won't have to eat large portions of it. The multi-protein formula and smooth texture is appealing to many cats as well, so it may help entice a finicky cat to eat a little more.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon, Beef Liver, Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tuna Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Tomato, Kale, Cabbage, Guar Gum, Broccoli, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Parsley, Salt, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Iron Proteinate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement).
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Contains numerous sources of animal protein
- Energy-dense at 42 calories per ounce
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Smooth texture with plenty of moisture
Cons
- Guar gum may cause loose stools in some cats
- Can be expensive
5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Wet Cat Food
The quality of your cat's diet significantly influences their longevity and overall health. The best cat food honors your cat's carnivorous biology and provides the essential nutrients they need for their body to function optimally.
Here are a few features that indicate a high-quality wet cat food:
- It is made primarily with animal ingredients.
- It doesn't rely heavily on starchy carbohydrates or hard-to-digest legumes.
- It has a relatively short list of easily digestible ingredients.
- It contains plenty of moisture to support your cat's hydration.
- It doesn't contain unnecessary additives like synthetic colors, flavors, or preservatives.
In addition to evaluating the nutritional merits of a cat food product, be sure to keep your cat's preferences in mind. Wet cat food comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures, so you may need to try a few to find what your cat likes. If they're not a fan of pâté, try a shredded recipe or a formula featuring chunks in gravy. The options are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vets recommend wet food for cats?
Yes. Many veterinarians recommend wet cat food over dry cat food because high-moisture diets better support your cat's hydration. Cats don't tend to drink a lot of water - they get most of their moisture from the water content of their diet - so wet food is preferable.
Is it okay to give cats wet food every day?
Yes! Wet cat food is a great choice for your cat's everyday diet. If you're concerned about cost, you can split your cat's daily meals between dry food and wet food. To make sure your cat stays hydrated throughout the day, however, consider using wet food as a meal topper for the kibble instead of feeding the two foods separately.
How do I choose wet food for my cat?
Look for wet cat food made primarily with animal-sourced ingredients. Meat, poultry, or fish should be the first ingredient and animal-based fats are more biologically valuable for cats than plant oils. Ideally, the dry matter carbohydrate content should be under 10% and the food shouldn't contain any artificial additives.