What Is The Best Wet Food For Cats

Nobody likes to see their pet struggling to eat or get sick because they are eating the wrong things. Some cats like canned food better than dry food because of the added water content. But, let’s face it; some cats will always prefer wet food because of its juiciness. When you go to feed your pet, your options can be overwhelming. Today I want to share with you what types of wet foods are available and why.

What Is The Best Wet Food For Cats

Kittens are growing cats, so their nutritional needs are different than adult cats. Wet foods designed specifically for kittens will help them grow healthy and strong, allow for chewing and swallowing even if they don’t have all their teeth, and are a great way to wean them off of nursing.

Overall, wet foods are great for kittens. “Cats should be introduced to wet food early,” says Dr. Kerri Blackburn of River’s Edge Animal Hospital in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “Many common diseases/illnesses that cats can get as they progress through life can be managed well with increased moisture in canned diets.” Also, as creatures that evolved in the desert, she says cats are not programmed to drink a lot, so feeding them canned food helps increase water intake.

Wet food is something all kittens should eat, but not all wet foods are the same. Dr. Blackburn says “canned foods with gravy, i.e. the shreds, chunks, etc., are actually pretty heavy on carbohydrates, especially those that come in gravy. The best type of canned food is the old fashioned paté.” Ingredient variations can also make it confusing for a kitten owner to choose the right wet food for their young cat.

To help you narrow down your search, here are the best wet foods for your kitten, chosen by veterinary professionals.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food at Chewy

Best Budget:

Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Kitten Canned Food at Chewy

Best for Weaning Kittens:

Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Canned Food at Chewy

Best for Sensitive Stomachs:

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Kitten Food at Chewy

Best Grain-Free:

Purina Pro Plan Grain-Free Kitten Canned Food at Chewy

Best Splurge:

Blue Buffalo Woodland Blend Grain-Free Kitten Wet Food at Chewy

Best Organic:

Castor & Pollux Grain-Free Kitten Recipe at Amazon

Best Overall: Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food

Amazon

Ingredients: Chicken, liver, chicken broth, pork lungs, salmon, natural flavors, minerals, taurine | Calories: 105 kcal/can | Protein: 11% min.

What We Like

• No fillers
• Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• About $1 a can

What We Don’t Like

• Lower cost options exist
• Multiple cans may be needed in one day to feed larger kittens

Purina is a well-researched, trusted brand, and its ONE line of food offers nutritious options for kittens. The Healthy Kitten paté wet food is about $1 per can and is readily available at most retailers that sell pet food both in-store and online. The formulation meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for kittens, so you know you’re giving your growing cat what it needs. Plus, it is meat-based, grain-free, and easy for small kittens to chew. Pet owners state their kittens clean their plates when they are fed this paté, so you also don’t need to worry that your baby cat won’t consume what they need.

Best Budget: Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Kitten Canned Food

Amazon

Key Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, liver, poultry broth, fish, coconut milk, natural flavor, minerals | Calories: 96 kcal/can | Protein: 11% min.

What We Like

• Multiple flavor options
• Less than $1 per can
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

What We Don’t Like

• Multiple cans may be needed in one day to feed larger kittens
• Lower in calories when compared to other options

Wet food is more expensive than dry kibble, so it’s understandable that you may need a low-cost yet healthy option for your kitten if you opt to feed them wet food. Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Grain-Free paté is therefore a great option. These 3-ounce cans cost less than a dollar each and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They are also grain-free for those kittens that need to avoid grains. While Fancy Feast is often considered a lower-cost option, it is still made by Purina, so it has been formulated by veterinary nutritionists according to AAFCO standards for kittens. It is also a smooth paté, which is easy for kittens of all ages to eat.

Best for Weaning Kittens: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Canned Wet Cat Food

Amazon

Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken, chicken liver, pork by-products, wheat gluten, powdered cellulose, modified corn starch | Calories: 133 kcal/can | Protein: 9% min.

What We Like

• Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• Come in different can and case sizes
• Higher calories per can

What We Don’t Like

• Contains corn, wheat, yeast, and rice ingredients that may not be suitable for all kittens
• Usually over $1.50/can

Kittens who are weaning are new to the experience of chewing their food, so you’ll want to offer something that doesn’t take much effort. Royal Canin’s Mother & Babycat formula is a mousse that is super soft and designed specifically for weaning kittens. Royal Canin has a long history of making high-quality pet foods, and this wet food is also well-accepted by tiny kittens. Since the only other experience they have with food is sucking milk from their mother or a bottle, kittens can be messy eaters when they start eating something else.

Because of this, Dr. Blackburn recommends feeding weaning kittens in a large, easily cleaned area and offering the canned food on a very large, shallow plate/flat surface. “They tend to be messy eaters and explore foods by walking in them and grooming said food off their paws, etc,” she says.

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Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Kitten Ultra Soft Mousse in Sauce Canned Cat Food

Amazon

Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken liver, chicken, chicken by-products, pork by-products, natural flavors, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten | Calories: 137 kcal/can | Protein: 10% min.

What We Like

• Added beneficial ingredients for gastrointestinal tract health
• Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• Ultra soft mousse texture

What We Don’t Like

• Double or triple the price of many other wet kitten foods
• Only available in one flavor
• Requires veterinary authorization to purchase

Some kittens are especially sensitive to food and while each may have a different reason for that sensitivity, there are some ingredients that can help. Fiber, prebiotics¹, omega-3 fatty acids, beta glucans, marigold extract, and other ingredients in Royal Canin’s Gastrointestinal Veterinary Diet for kittens can be beneficial for kittens with tummies that are prone to problems. This ultra soft mousse is easy for weaning kittens to chew, and while you’ll need veterinary approval to purchase these cans, it’s especially nice to know that it was formulated by veterinary nutritionists. This formula is also very high in calories, which means one can will last your kitten longer since they doesn’t need to eat as much of it.

Best Grain-Free: Purina Pro Plan True Nature Grain-Free Kitten Formula Canned Cat Food

Chewy

Ingredients: Ocean whitefish, salmon, liver, meat by-products, water sufficient for processing, natural flavors, guar gum, minerals | Calories: 106 kcal/can | Protein: 12% min.

What We Like

• Very palatable to kittens
• Safe for kittens that cannot have chicken
• Formulated by veterinary nutritionists

What We Don’t Like

• Cats that don’t like fish may not be willing to eat this formula
• Only available in one size

Most wet foods are grain-free or at least low in grains, but this formula is also free of chicken. This is a good thing for cat owners that need to avoid both grains and chicken due to their specific kitten’s sensitivities or allergies. Fish makes up the bulk of this wet food and provides not only the flavor but also beneficial omega-3s that help with eye and brain development. This wet food is also high in protein and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, Purina products are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, so you know you’ll be giving your growing kitten exactly what they need.

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Best Splurge: Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free Kitten Wet Cat Food

Chewy

Ingredients: Chicken, turkey broth, turkey, mackerel, dried egg product, duck, turkey liver, chicken liver | Calories: 130 kcal/can | Protein: 12.5% min.

What We Like

• Contains both organ and muscle meats
• High in protein
• High in calories, so less food may be needed

What We Don’t Like

• Some kittens don’t like the mixed flavors
• Cost is higher per can than other wet food options

If you’re looking for a special food for your kitten and aren’t afraid of spending a little extra money, Blue Buffalo’s Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free kitten wet food is a balanced option. It is 95 percent meat-based but still offers the key vitamins and minerals that growing kittens need. Instead of containing just one type of protein, this wet food is a mixture of different animals including fish, duck, chicken, and turkey. Additionally, more than just muscle meat is found in this food, so your kitten will also get the benefits of eating various organs, much like they would if they were wild cats.

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Best Organic: Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Kitten Recipe

Amazon

Ingredients: Organic chicken, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken liver, organic pea protein, organic coconut flour, organic dried egg product, organic dried peas, organic flaxseed | Calories: 207 kcal/can | Protein: 9% min.

What We Like

• Contains superfoods
• USDA certified organic
• Grain-free

What We Don’t Like

• Double or triple the price of many other wet kitten foods
• Only one flavor option for kittens

Many kitten foods are advertised as being organic but most are not. “To be truly organic it must have the USDA organic green and white label on it and be made from completely organic ingredients,” explains Dr. Blackburn.

Castor & Pollux Organix wet food for kittens is one of the rare, USDA organic certified kitten foods. This formula is made in the United States, is tested for quality throughout the production process, and is perfect for growing kittens. It has added superfoods including flaxseed, coconut flour, cranberries, and eggs and is also grain-free. To top it off, even picky eaters enjoy this wet food.

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Final Verdict

Most wet foods that follow AAFCO guidelines for kittens and are formulated by veterinary nutritionists are going to be good options but a few foods lead the pack. When taking price and availability into consideration alongside flavor, nutrition, and texture, Purina ONE Healthy Kitten chicken & salmon recipe paté wet cat food (view at Chewy) is the best choice for most kittens. This food is affordable, contains no grains, is a soft paté that is easy for kittens to consume, follows AAFCO guidelines for growing kittens, and is formulated by veterinary nutritionists.

Purina Pro Plan True Nature kitten formula canned cat food (view at Chewy) is another great option since it has the same qualities but is fish-based. It has a slightly higher price per can but offers beneficial omega 3s from the fish and contains no chicken.

What to Look for in Wet Foods for Your Kitten

There are some key factors to consider when choosing a wet food for your kitten. Adequate amounts of protein and other key nutrients set forth by AAFCO should be met, but other added ingredients that some people may call fillers may also need to be considered.

Protein

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), growing kittens require more protein than adult cats.²This means that the food you feed your kitten should follow AAFCO recommendations to provide appropriate levels of protein for a kitten, not an adult cat. Protein is vital to the body. Without sufficient amounts of quality, animal-based protein, numerous health problems can occur.² Thankfully, meat-based, wet kitten foods usually contain more protein than dry kitten foods, so if you are choosing one that has followed AAFCO guidelines, you don’t have to worry about your kitten lacking this ingredient.

Nutrients

Dr. Blackburn reminds kitten owners that “ideally a canned food diet should be formulated to meet the nutrient needs of its target,” so your kitten food should be formulated with all the nutrients a kitten needs. Look for a statement on the wet food that says it “is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth.” AAFCO establishes the nutrient requirements that a growing kitten needs and foods with this statement have ensured that all those key nutrient amounts have been included in the food.

In addition to protein, there’s a long list of essential nutrients that must meet minimum amounts in foods formulated for kittens. “The diets most commonly formulated correctly are those that are made by food companies that employ veterinary nutritionists,” says Dr. Blackburn.

Fillers

“All canned foods are not created equally,” says Dr. Blackburn. This is not only because of the different levels of proteins and other nutrients that are present but also because of the various other ingredients. AAFCO does not define what exactly a “filler” is, so it is hard to say what ingredients are considered fillers.

High-quality foods that are formulated by veterinary nutritionists do not contain unnecessary ingredients as this would only increase the cost to produce the food. Ingredients like starches and grains may be added for formulation reasons other than to provide nutrients though. Food shape and texture or the ability to flow through a manufacturing machine without getting stuck often require these ingredients, therefore they are not unnecessary. On the other hand, if you are looking to avoid ingredients that cats do not necessarily need for nutritional reasons, such as excessive carbohydrates, some people may consider those added ingredients to be fillers.

FAQ

• Why do kittens need special wet food?Kittens have small mouths and may or may not have all their tiny teeth. This makes having soft, wet food ideal to make meal time easy. Pieces of food that are too large for a kitten to chew or swallow can cause them to choke or avoid eating and lose weight. Wet foods like patés and mousses that are ultra soft don’t require much effort on the kitten’s part, so they encourage baby cats to eat and transition from a completely liquid diet to a soft diet.
• When should I stop giving my cat kitten food?Kitten food contains what a growing cat needs according to the guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). “Kitten food should be formulated for growth,”says Dr. Blackburn, which means a cat that is no longer growing needs to switch to an adult formula. Cats usually stop growing at around one year of age, so they should also transition to adult food at this time.
• Is wet or dry food better for kittens?Wet food is often considered to be the better option for all cats but especially weaning kittens. Wet food is easier to eat, more enticing, and provides more moisture than dry food. These things ensure your kitten is eating enough food to grow strong and healthy and helps to prevent urinary and kidney issues which are common in cats.

 

If you ever wondered what the best wet cat food is, then this is the article for you.

Which is Better? Dry or Wet Cat Food?

Whether you are a first-time cat owner or a seasoned veteran, one of your most important decisions would be deciding if to feed dry or wet cat food. Cats are obligate carnivores. Their diet needs to contain real meat or be supplemented with vitamins and minerals from real meat.

Veterinarians and cat owners prefer wet cat food because the best wet cat food brands are usually made of real meat.

The best subscription-based service for human-grade cat food is by Smalls. in the review below you will find out why.

At a glance, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Pate Wet Cat Food is the best wet cat food in a can on the market for this year.

It comes in a can, and it is packed with flavor and has a smooth, silky texture.

• It is made of real meat and fish.
• Chicken or fish is the main ingredient.
• It comes in a pack of a dozen with three recipes (chicken, turkey & fish).
• It does not have any artificial flavors or preservatives.

Guaranteed analysis

• Crude Protein 10% (min)
• Crude fat 6% (min)
• Crude Fibre 2% (max)
• Moisture 78% (max)
• Taurine 0.10% (min)

Best Wet Cat Food: At a Glance

1. Human Grade Fresh: Ground Bird Recipe by Smalls (Best Subscription-based Human Grade Fresh Cat Food)
2. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Pate Wet Cat Food (Best Wet Cat Food For All Life Stages) 
3. Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Collection Wet Cat Food Variety Packs (Best Inexpensive Wet Cat Food For Adult Cats)
4. Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Wet Cat Food Tray Variety Packs (Best Wet Cat Food For Cats With Allergies)
5. Wellness, Cat Food Can Minced Chicken Dinner, 3 Ounce (Best Wet Cat Food For Adult Cats With Grain Allergies)
6. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control, Savory Chicken Recipe (Best Wet Cat Food For Indoor Cats and Best Wet Cat Food For Urinary Health)
7. Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food with Whole Seafood in Broth for Adult Cats & Kittens (Best High-Protein Wet Cat Food For Growing Cats)
8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food, 2.8 Ounce Cups, Grain-Free (Best For Adult Cats)
9. Reveal – Grain-Free | Wet Canned Cat Food | 2.47oz Cans – Premium Nutrition, 100% Natural, No Additives, and Limited Ingredients (Best Environmentally- Friendly Wet Cat Food)

The Benefits of Wet Cat Food

There are many benefits to feeding wet cat food. Most wet cat food has a high protein content similar to the natural diet of cats. The smell of wet cat food is also more attractive to cats than that of dry cat food. The best wet cat food for picky eaters usually has a ‘real meat’ or ‘real fish’ odor.

Cats are traditionally designed to be hunters, so a high protein intake is necessary to keep your cat in good health. Not just for fast-growing kittens, but adult cats will need a minimum amount of animal protein in their diet. The average guaranteed protein range in the best brands of wet cat food is 9-16%.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. It is widely distributed in meat tissue and is needed for maintaining a cat’s health. Most wet cat food brands will guarantee an average taurine level of 0.05%.

In cats, taurine is critical for vision as well as a healthy immune system. It is also vital in cardiac muscle (heart muscle) function. Cats who are not fed sufficient taurine levels can develop diseases such as Feline Central Retinal Degeneration (FCRD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Cats who suffer from Feline Central Retinal Degeneration soon lose their vision and become blind. Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscles get thinner, and the heart loses function. As a result, the circulation is affected, and a lot more blood stays in the heart than usual. This can lead to organ failure and eventually death.

Most of the top brands of wet cat food, which are made with real fish or meat, do not contain by-products and fillers–this is an advantage over dry cat food, which can be packed with fillers such as chicken by-products, wheat, soybean, and corn.

We know that many cats are picky drinkers and can stay off the water bowl for long periods. With an average moisture guarantee of 70-80%, most wet cat food will help keep your cat hydrated. The soft texture also enhances its palatability.

The softness and meat-like texture of wet cat food lessens the difficulty of getting young kittens to eat adequate portions. In addition, the best wet cat foods for kittens are very flavorsome and have high protein and fat content, which is essential for healthy growth.

Cats of all ages will choose to eat wet over dry food. This is more important for young kittens and picky eating elderly cats. It brings added enrichment to their daily lives.

There are many more varieties of wet cat food recipes and flavors than you would find in dry food. Most of the good wet cat food brands have four to six different recipes in a single package. Cat owners prefer this over dry cat food, which usually comes as a single recipe in a pack.

The Disadvantages of Wet Cat Food

As much as we can all agree that wet cat food is a better choice to dry, there are some disadvantages to feeding wet cat food that we cannot deny.

The soft texture does not give the teeth any resistance and does not help in teeth cleaning. As a result, cats fed on only wet food usually develop Periodontal Disease (gum disease) and have bad breath. Over time they may even lose teeth or need veterinary dental care.

Even the best wet cat food for indoor cats can still have a very strong odor, that coupled with the cat being a messy eater, can leave the entire house smelling like salmon or tuna. It is very easy for cats fed on wet food to make a mess around the house.

Unlike dry cat food that you can leave out for the day so the cat can take a little bit at a time, you will need to have a feeding schedule in place when feeding your cat with wet food.

A cat is more likely to attempt eating the entire day’s serving in one sitting if left out. As a result, owners who feed wet cat food will have to divide the day’s ration into multiple small servings. This can be very time-consuming.

What is The Best Way to Store Wet Cat Food?

You should note that some of the best wet canned cat food will come with multiple servings in a single can. This can create problems for storage as well as maintaining freshness and flavor. Even the best tasting wet cat food can lose flavor if not stored correctly.

Firstly, we should note that canned wet cat food usually has a longer shelf life than dry cat food. However, from the time you open the can or bag, this changes completely.

An opened can or sachet of wet cat food will have to be refrigerated. Some of the most expensive wet cat food brands will have caps for the cans enclosed in the packaging. However, the best affordable wet cat foods may not have such luxuries.

The best way to store wet cat food after it is opened would be in an enclosed container in the refrigerator. If there are multiple servings in the can or sachet, a lid should be fitted to the can or the sachet placed into a container and closed. This should be kept refrigerated until it is needed for feeding.

Most of the best-rated wet cat food will maintain its freshness and flavor if stored as directed above. Some may come with a guide for how long the wet food can be fed after being opened.

Which Are The Best Wet Cat Food Brands?

Here are the best eight wet cat foods we tested and reviewed for this year. Let the experts at I Love Veterinary give you a breakdown of why these are the best and which products you should get for your cat.

Human Grade Fresh: Ground Bird Recipe by Smalls

Best Subscription-based cat food service

It’s made of all-natural ingredients, and real chicken, other birds, or beef is the main ingredient and the best thing is that it is delivered right to your door! Smalls is a subscription service for high-quality cat food and has been on the market for more than 5 years now.

In the subscription process, you tell them about your cat, and they figure out the recipes and also send you a starter test pack.

Pros

• It has a variety of recipes
• 100% natural; no artificial flavors or preservatives
• No chicken by-products
• No wheat, corn, or soybean

Con

• If your cat needs a change of diet you need to remember to cancel the subscription.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min) 15 %
• Crude Fat (min) 6%
• Crude Fiber (max) 0.5%
• Moisture (max) 72%
• Taurine (min) 0.08%

Ingredients by % in the Ground Bird Recipe

• Chicken Thigh Skin On: 42.55%
• Chicken Breast: 36.91%
• Chicken Livers: 4.70%
• Green Beans: 3.77%
• Peas: 3.77%
• Water: 2.78%
• Smalls Supplement Mix: 2.24%
• Chicken Hearts: 1.89%
• Kale: 0.94%
• Canola Oil: 0.47%

Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Pate Wet Cat Food

Best Wet Cat Food For All Life Stages

It’s made of all-natural ingredients, and real chicken, turkey, or fish is the main ingredient and comes in a package of 12 cans (four cans per recipe)

Pros

• It has a variety of three recipes
• 100% natural; no artificial flavors or preservatives
• No chicken by-products
• No wheat, corn, or soybean
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins B1,B2,B3,B5,B6,B7,B9 & B12
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D3
  • Ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate
  • Taurine
• Portion size is adjustable and can be refrigerated after being opened

Con

• 5 oz can makes feeding messy

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 10%
• Crude Fat (min) 6%
• Moisture (max) 78%
• Crude fibre (max) 2%
• Taurine (min) 0.10%

Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Collection Wet Cat Food Variety Packs

Best Inexpensive Wet Cat Food For Adult Cats

This is Amazon’s choice in canned cat food from Purina Fancy Feast. 

This comes in  24 x 3 oz cans packaged with chicken, turkey, and beef-flavored meaty morsels in a flavorful poultry broth.  This gives you great value for your money.

Pros

• It comes with a high-quality ingredient seal
• 100% complete balanced nutrition
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins B1,B2,B3,B5,B6,B7,B9 & B12
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin D3
  • Ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate
  • Taurine
• Tender meaty texture
• Portion size can be adjusted; it can be sealed and refrigerated after being opened

Cons

• Has meat by-products in the ingredients
• Contain soy flour and wheat gluten in the contents
• Possesses corn starch in the product
• Has artificial flavors

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 9%
• Crude Fat (min) 2%
• Moisture (max) 82%
• Crude fibre (max) 1.5%
• Taurine (min) 0.05%

Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Wet Cat Food Tray Variety Packs

Best Wet Cat Food For Cats With Allergies

It is one of the best grain-free wet cat foods for cats of all life stages. It comes in two packs of 18x 2.6 oz twin pack trays (72 servings total). It has three recipes: chicken, salmon, and fish, and comes in single-serving packs.

Pros

• Made with premium ingredients (chicken, tuna, salmon)
• High-quality protein that cats love.
• Grain-free (no corn, soy, or wheat)
• Does not include meat by-products in the ingredients.
• Supports healthy skin and coat with Vitamin E and Omega-3s & -6s
• Has essential vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamin D3
  • Ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate
  • Taurine
• Natural flavor

Con

• Cannot adjust feeding portions

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 7%
• Crude Fat (min) 2.5%
• Moisture (max) 84%
• Crude fibre (max) 1.5%
• Taurine (min) 0.06%

Wellness, Cat Food Can Minced Chicken Dinner, 3 Ounce

Best Wet Cat Food For Adult Cats With Grain Allergies

It is a formulated chicken-flavored adult maintenance wet cat food made from real chicken. It is also one of the best grain-free wet cat foods and comes in 12x 3oz cans.

Pros

• No meat by-products
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins B12
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D3
  • Ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate
  • Taurine
• Tender meaty texture
• Adjustable portion sizes and can be refrigerated after being opened.
• No artificial flavor (natural flavor)
• It comes with an AAFCO statement

Con

• Only one flavor (chicken)

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 8%
• Crude Fat (min) 5%
• Moisture (max) 82%
• Crude fibre (max) 1%
• Taurine (min) 0.05%

Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control, Savory Chicken Recipe

Best Wet Cat Food For Indoor Cats and Best Wet Cat Food For Urinary Health

This is Amazon’s choice in canned cat food by Hill’s Science Diet. 

This is the #1 Veterinarian recommended adult wet cat food for support of the entire urinary system. It comes in a 24 x 5.5 oz can package.

Pros

• Made with high-quality ingredients
• High-quality protein helps elder cats maintain muscle mass
• Supports healthy skin and coat with Vitamin E
• Has essential vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins  B12
  • Vitamin D3
  • Ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate
  • Taurine
• Adjustable portion sizes;  5.5 oz cans can be sealed and refrigerated after being opened
• Natural flavor
• It comes with an AAFCO statement

Cons

• It only comes in one flavor (chicken)
• Contains meat by-products in the contents of the product
• Soybean meal is listed in the ingredients
• Corn starch is present

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 7%
• Crude Fat (min) 3.5%
• Moisture (max) 78%
• Crude fibre (max) 4%

Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food with Whole Seafood in Broth for Adult Cats & Kittens

Best High-Protein Wet Cat Food For Growing Cats

This is Amazon’s choice in canned cat food by TIKI Pets.

It has six recipes, making it one of the wet cat foods with the most varieties per package. In addition, the high-moisture, protein-rich formula closely replicates the natural prey of cats.

Pros

• Made with high-quality ingredients
• Made with real fish and meat (real protein)
• Supports healthy skin and coat with Vitamin E
• Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins  B1, B2, B3, B6, B12
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin A
  • Taurine
• Non-GMO
• Many recipes:
  • Tuna and crab surimi
  • Ahi tuna and crab in broth
  • Mackerel and sardines in calamari consomme
  • Sardine cutlets in lobster consomme
  • Ahi tuna
  • Sardine cutlets in sardine consomme

Con

• The package only comes with twelve 2.8oz cans

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 16%
• Crude Fat (min) 2%
• Moisture (max) 79%
• Crude fibre (max) 0.5%
• Taurine (min) 0.04%

Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food, 2.8 Ounce Cups, Grain-Free

Best For Adult Cats

It is intended for adult cats but can be fed to kittens as well as pregnant queens. It comes with a package of 24 x 2.8 oz tubs of shredded chicken in sauce.

Pros

• Real chicken is the main ingredient
• No meat by-products or filler material
• No wheat, corn, or soybean
• Natural wet cat food
• Supports healthy skin and coat with Vitamin E
• Added vitamins and minerals
  • Vitamins  B12
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Taurine

Con

• Only one recipe

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 9%
• Crude Fat (min) 5%
• Moisture (max) 79%
• Crude fibre (max) 3.5%
• Taurine (min) 0.05%

Reveal – Grain-Free | Wet Canned Cat Food | 2.47oz Cans – Premium Nutrition, 100% Natural, No Additives, and Limited Ingredients

Best Environmentally- Friendly Wet Cat Food

It is a limited-ingredient grain-free food that has six different recipes. Each recipe is made with ingredients that are ethically & sustainably sourced with environmental and social impacts considered. It comes in a package of 24 x 2.47 oz cans, each containing a single recipe.

Pros

• Made with 100% natural ingredients
•  The six available recipes include:
  • Ocean Fish
  • Tuna with Sea Bream
  • Chicken breast
  • Chicken with cheese
  • Tuna with Seaweed
  • Tuna with Crab

Cons

• Taurine is not listed in the guaranteed analysis
• Not the best for weight gain; crude protein (8%) and crude fat (0.1%) is lower than the specified average intake

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude protein (min) 8%
• Crude Fat (min) 0.1%
• Moisture (max) 95%
• Crude fibre (max) 2%

What to Consider Before Buying Wet Cat Food

Lifestage of your cat

Cats at different life stages will have different nutritional needs. For instance, fast-growing young kittens will need to consume more protein and fat in their diet than an adult cat will. Elderly cats will need less protein but simultaneously require a diet with high-quality protein.

When buying wet or dry cat food, you should always consider what stage of development your cat is at. Getting the right food for your cat’s stage of life is essential to maintaining good health.

Nutritional Needs

Cats being obligate carnivores, will all need sufficient Taurine in their diet. Therefore, owners should always look for the minimum percentage of Taurine in cat food before purchasing it.

Growing kittens, pregnant and lactating queens, and sick and elderly cats will all need balanced nutrition with adequate minerals and vitamins. This is as important as protein and fat content.

Allergies

Owners of cats with soy or wheat gluten allergies should consider buying grain-free or all-natural cat food. Luckily, most grain- and gluten-free cat foods are also hypoallergenic.

Your veterinarian may recommend a specific brand of wet cat food that would be best for your cat with allergies.

Essential vitamins and minerals

Taurine is the most important essential vitamin for cats. Most cat food brands will display the minimum guaranteed taurine percentage on the labeling. For example, you would want to buy food with 0.05% taurine or higher.

A balanced nutritional feeding regime will need to have Vitamin E for skin health, B vitamins for cell function, and Vitamin D3 for strong bones. Therefore, you should always purchase cat food with the needed essential vitamins and minerals.

Fat Content

Some owners may think that fat in the diet is a bad thing. But, you should know that fat is fundamental in maintaining the good health of your cat.

Young and very active cats will need the caloric boost of a high-fat diet to give them the energy required in their active life.

Your cat also needs fat for making hormones and keeping its skin and coat healthy. So when buying food, you should get a low-fat diet (1%) for your elderly inactive indoor cat and a high-fat diet (3-5%) for your young active, and outdoor cats.

Protein Content

When you are heading out to buy some cat food, you would want to know about the protein content.

Over the years, I have had clients ask me if they can feed their cats with soy protein or vegan protein. I had to remind them that cats are obligate carnivores and need real meat protein in their diet.

The first thing you should check is the guaranteed minimum crude protein percentage. For example, a good quality wet cat food will have a minimum crude protein guarantee of around 8% or higher.

The type of protein is as essential as the crude protein percentage. Real meat or fish is considered to be high-quality proteins. Some cat foods will make up their protein percentages by using animal by-products and soy protein.

You should buy cat food with protein sourced from real meat or fish.

Ingredients

The first ingredient is the most abundant content in the food, so when purchasing a brand of food for your cat, owners should start by reading the label. The first ingredient in the best wet cat food brands is usually real meat.

When buying cat food, it is wise to check that meat by-products, wheat or corn, are not listed in the first five ingredients.

Why Should You Trust I Love Veterinary?

If you are questioning the authority of the I Love Veterinary platform, you should know that the writers and support team are made up of individuals from all faculties of veterinary meIn addition, mostne. Most articles are written by veterinary professionals with years of experience in the field.

If this wealth of experience is not enough, the I love veterinary team has a vast database of resources and articles to bring you the latest and most accurate information.

I Love Veterinary’s Final Verdict

The jury is out! After a closer look at the top eight best wet cat foods this year, we can agree that Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Pate Wet Cat Food is the best wet cat food available on the market.

It has complete nutrition for cats of all life stages and comes in a 12 can variety pack with three recipes (chicken, turkey and chicken, ocean fish, and tuna).

Naturally canned wet food is enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals but doesn’t have any artificial flavors or preservatives. It does not have any corn, soy, wheat, or meat by-products.

The wet savory pates have chicken, turkey, or whitefish as the first ingredient, making them packed with flavor and moisture.

The guaranteed analysis is on or above the recommended levels (crude protein minimum 10%, crude fat minimum 6%, Moisture maximum 78%, and Taurine minimum of 0.10%). All these benefits and you can still buy it at an affordable price.