The Best Canned Dog Food of 2024 (Reviews & Guide)
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How We Selected Our Top Choices of Best Wet Dog Foods
Americans spend over $30 billion on pet food each year to provide only the very best for their dog. Yet, finding the ideal meal for your pet in a sea of brands can be a real nightmare. That is why we tried and tested the best brands on the market today and separated the wheat from the chaff (so to speak).
We ranked the foods for:
- Ingredients — the healthiest wet dog food should contain lots of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, fruits, and veggies.
- AAFCO guidelines — the Association of American Feed Control Officials has strict guidelines for dog food quality. Each company on our list adheres to or exceeds these guidelines.
- Taste and smell — besides being healthy and nutritious, high–quality can dog food should also have a pleasant smell (and taste) so dogs find it yummy.
- Origin — top-quality, best dog foods come from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe.
- Reviews — we took into account other users’ opinions, thoughts, and reviews. Only the brands with the most positive reviews made it to our testing round and beyond.
- Cost per feed — bigger meals or lower prices don’t always imply a better deal. We included the most economical options and the foods that justify their price with exceptional quality (and value).
What You Need to Know When Choosing the Best Canned Dog Food
Over 50% of pet owners prefer organic and natural food for their pets, but how to choose? Follow our guide, and you’ll find the tastiest and healthiest food around.
Which Is Better Dry or Canned Dog Food?
Both types have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. For instance, dry dog food is better for dental health. It’s also easier to store, is more affordable, and has a longer shelf life. The main advantage of wet dog food is that it’s more hydrating. It’s also softer and chewier, so senior dogs and dogs with dental issues find it more palatable.
Better yet, it has fewer calories and carbs, making it an okay choice when you’re trying to limit your pet’s food intake and avoid obesity. Nevertheless, it’s a lot more expensive than kibble, yet dogs love it.
Textures
We recommend giving your dog different wet food textures to keep their mealtime exciting and allow them to try other things. The most common textures include:
- Pâté
- Stew
- Ground
- Minced
- Chunks or bits
Bits and chunks usually come in broth, gravy, or jelly. Along with stews, they have the highest moisture content.
What to Look For
Just because it’s canned food doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for your dog. Pay close attention to:
- Protein — this should be the number one ingredient. Moreover, it should always name a specific animal (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.).
- Whole and unprocessed grains — these should always be your choice unless your dog is sensitive to them. In that case, opt for grain-free foods.
- Vegetables and fruits — again, these should be present in the best wet dog foods. Nevertheless, they shouldn’t be the first three ingredients on the list.
- Additional ingredients like DHA — these help puppies develop healthy eyes and brains, while glucosamine keeps senior dogs’ joints healthy. Choose the food that best suits your dog’s age and needs.
- Complete and balanced foods that have passed the AAFCO feeding trial — Also, look for a guaranteed analysis of ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid
Try avoiding the following ingredients to keep your dog in the best shape and health:
- Fillers are more likely to appear in kibble, but keep an eye on them in wet foods too.
- Additives like preservatives, artificial flavoring, and colors are mostly unnecessary in dog food. Of course, natural preservatives are acceptable as they have vitamins and plant extracts in them.
- Byproducts shouldn’t be high on the ingredients list of top-rated canned dog food either. All types of foods can contain byproducts — meat, veggie, and grains, so be careful about that too.
- Food binders like wheat gluten, guar, and carrageenan hold the meat together to resemble natural chunks but should be at the bottom of the ingredients list.
- Sugar and sweeteners are part of low-quality foods. They add taste to food but are incredibly unhealthy.
Think About Your Dog’s Breed and Size
To give your pet the best meal ever, take into consideration their size and breed. Nowadays, you can get your hands on the best wet dog food for small dogs, medium, and even large ones. There are also breed-specific foods that cater to different needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wet dog food is the best quality?
All the foods on our list are top quality. However, the best one for your particular doggo will depend on their age, size, breed, and nutritional needs. Go through our reviews, and you’ll surely find the best one for your pet.
What wet dog food do vets recommend?
Each vet may have their favorite brand, yet they’ll always consider your dog’s overall health and dietary needs before recommending one. The Farmer’s Dog is vet-formulated, so it may be the right solution for you.
What is the best canned dog food?
You can pick any one of the foods above since all of them are truly outstanding. We’ve tested and reviewed foods suitable for dogs’ sensitivities, allergies, and dietary needs, so you’ll most certainly find one that’s suitable for your pet.
Is wet dog food good for dogs?
Yes, indeed, it is. It provides much-needed nutrients, hydrates them, and is easy on their teeth and gums.
Should I mix wet and dry dog food?
You can mix the foods to add some variety and entice your pet’s appetite. However, pay attention to the calories and consult your vet before mixing the foods.
The Bottom Line
Giving your pet the best canned dog food will make them both happy and healthy in the long run. Despite being more expensive than kibble, canned dog food is packed with nutrients and is rich in moisture. It will support your pet’s wellness and overall health and enrich their diet.
At any rate, our guide and reviews will make it easier for you to find the most irresistible food for your furry friend.