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Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
The best wet cat food is like a freshly killed mouse in a can. It’s soft, juicy, and delicious while providing all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs to stay fit and frisky—without excessive carbohydrates or unnecessary additives.
In this guide, you’ll discover the benefits of wet cat food and learn how to make a healthy choice for your cat. We’ve also included in-depth reviews of our favorite recipes.
At a Glance: Top 10 Best Wet Cat Foods to Buy
2760
hours of
research
230
brands
vetted
10
features
reviewed
10
top
picks
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 2 people today!
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible formula
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Get 35% OffENTER "CATS35" TO GET 35% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
Runner Up
9.8
Picked by 53 people today!
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend
- Packed with premium animal protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- No artificial additives or preservatives
Get 20% OffENTER "CATS20" TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDER
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 4 people today!
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
- Affordably priced under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
Premium Pick
9.7
Picked by 31 people today!
RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté
- Made with turkey as a single source of protein
- Negligible carbohydrate content
- Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
Best for Weight Loss
9.5
Picked by 2 people today!
Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe In Chicken Consommé
- Great for cats who prefer shreds and stew
- Wide variety of formulas and flavors
- Free from thickeners or starches
Check Price
Best for Seniors
9.3
Picked by 31 people today!
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner
- Rich in easily digestible animal protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Fairly low carbohydrate content
Check Price
Best for Sensitive Digestion
9.6
Picked by 31 people today!
Koha Chicken Stew
- Short list of simple ingredients for digestibility
- Contains over 50% dry matter protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
Check Price
Best for Picky Cats
9.4
Picked by 31 people today!
Caru Classics Turkey Stew
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
Best Novel Protein
9.4
Picked by 31 people today!
Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
- Novel protein source for cats with food allergies
- High in moisture to support hydration
- Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support
Check Price
Best for Gravy Lovers
9.2
Picked by 3 people today!
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Very high in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Many cats like the gravy-like texture
Why Trust Cats.com
When selecting wet cat foods for testing, I prioritized recipes made primarily with animal ingredients and chose a variety of flavors and textures. My selections were informed by in-depth research into the nutritional value of wet food for cats as well as my own experience having tested hundreds of products with my own cats.
I ordered these products at full price and tested them at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest. While my cats provided their opinions on taste and general appeal, I performed an in-depth analysis of the product information and made my own observations. I also researched the brands, seeking information about their recall history, manufacturing practices, and general reputation within the cat-lover community. Here’s the full methodology behind our cat food ratings.
I also consulted our team of veterinary experts to determine what features to look for in a healthy wet cat food.
Finally, we consulted seven veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Albert Ahn, DVM
- Elizabeth Youens, DVM
Top Picks Explained
We’re constantly updating our recommendations, so the products in this video no longer match our top picks, but the video still offers an in-depth look at some of the brands on this list.
Is Wet Food Better for Cats Than Dry Food?
Veterinarian Dr. Lizzie Youens, BSc, VCSc, MRCVS states that “our domestic pet cats have not altered their physiology much from their wildcat ancestor. Cats are carnivores: they are nutritionally dependent on meat.”
Some types of food are more in line with your cat’s carnivorous needs than others. Across the price spectrum and all varieties, wet food is almost universally lower in plant ingredients, starches, and sugars than kibble.
The high carbohydrate content of dry cat food is hard to nutritionally justify. Some high-carb ingredients are necessary for the extrusion process to work but your cat’s ability to digest and utilize nutrients from plant ingredients is limited. Carnivorous animals like your cat are better physiologically adapted to processing animal products.
It’s also important to understand that cats don’t naturally drink a lot of water—they instinctively prefer to get moisture from their food. Though cats who eat dry food do drink more water than those on moist diets, they nevertheless get less hydration than a wet food-fed cat. Because they take in so much less water, these cats are prone to chronic dehydration and, consequently, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
The 10 Best Canned, Soft, & Wet Cat Foods on the Market
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
ENTER “ALLABOUTCATS” TO GET 30% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day:$4.00 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients in protein-rich, low-carb cat recipes. The food is delivered frozen, so you’ll need to thaw the package overnight in the fridge before feeding. Every subscription starts with a sampler pack then rolls into a monthly delivery plan you can customize in your customer account.
Featuring chicken and chicken liver as the top two ingredients, this fresh food is packed with animal protein from a single source. Green beans, kale, and dandelion greens are the only carbohydrate ingredients, and they are easily digestible and rich in nutrients. In addition to being high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is rich in hydrating moisture. It’s also fairly energy-dense to help maintain lean mass.
Overall, this minced chicken recipe is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition for cats in all life stages. If your cat prefers a smoother texture, the food is also available in a pate style marketed as Smooth Bird.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 13%
Crude Fat: 8.5%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 73%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 48.15%
Fat: 31.48%
Fiber: 5.56%
Carbs: 14.81%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 34.54%
Fat: 54.84%
Carbs: 10.63%
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible formula
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Best Ethically Sourced: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend
Enter “CATS20” To Get 20% Off Your First Auto-Ship Order
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Price Per Ounce:$0.54 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.60 per day
Though relatively new to the pet food industry, Open Farm has quickly become popular—especially among eco-conscious consumers. Open Farm pet food is made from responsibly sourced, human-grade ingredients. The brand’s sourcing policy emphasizes humanely raised poultry and meat, as well as sustainably-harvested wild-caught fish. All their fruits and vegetables are non-GMO.
This chicken-based recipe appears to rely primarily on animal-sourced protein, though it’s hard to say how much beans and legumes like garbanzo beans and lentils contribute to the total crude protein content. As a whole, the food is moderately high in protein, measured at nearly 39% on a dry matter basis, and fairly low in carbohydrates at under 20%.
The food’s dry matter fat content is almost equal to the protein content. At 30 calories per ounce, this recipe is fairly calorie-dense, so follow the feeding recommendations carefully if your cat is prone to weight gain. Overall, if you prefer to support brands that are conscious of their impact on the environment, Open Farm might be a good pick.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken 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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 7%
Crude Fat: 6%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 82%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 38.89%
Fat: 33.33%
Fiber: 11.11%
Carbs: 16.67%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 28.49%
Fat: 59.3%
Carbs: 12.21%
What We Liked:
- Made from responsibly-humanely raised chicken
- Animal protein sources are the food’s primary ingredients
- Free of potentially-harmful artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Cats tend to love the taste of this food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some beans and legumes
#3 Budget Pick: Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Price Per Ounce:$0.27 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$1.64 per day
With many canned foods priced under $0.30 per ounce, Dave’s Pet Food is a popular pick among budget-conscious cat owners. This brand offers a variety of flavors and textures, all in meat-focused formulas rich in hydrating moisture.
This turkey recipe from Dave’s Naturally Healthy line features turkey muscle meat as the primary ingredient. Chicken liver and chicken also contribute to the food’s 45.45% dry matter protein content. While the recipe could benefit from a source of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s still fairly energy-dense and nutritionally balanced.
Unlike many inexpensive canned foods, this formula is free from artificial additives and hard-to-digest beans and legumes Overall, it’s a simple and easily digestible recipe that most cats seem to enjoy.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Dried Squash, Zucchini, Sodium Carbonate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 2.4%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 22.73%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 16.36%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 38.85%
Fat: 47.17%
Carbs: 13.98%
What We Liked:
- Affordably priced under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Doesn’t contain peas or legumes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
- Could benefit from a source of omega-3 fatty acids
#4 Premium Pick: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté
Buy on AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Price Per Ounce:$0.53 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$2.90 per day
The RAWZ brand itself came to fruition after two members of the Scott family suffered life-altering injuries. Jim Scott III established the RAWZ fund in 2015 and launched the accompanying pet food brand. RAWZ donates 100% of their profits to benefit individuals who have experienced spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. One of the missions they support provides service dogs for these individuals.
This turkey-based canned cat food features a short and simple list of ingredients. It consists of 96% fresh turkey and turkey liver, cooked in turkey broth. It is a single-protein recipe which makes it a solid choice for cats with food allergies or sensitive digestion, and it’s packed with hydrating moisture.
There’s not much to complain about with this cat food, though some reviewers comment that the consistency is drier than other pate-style products. Overall, however, it is a high-protein, high-fat cat food with low carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 8%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 40.91%
Fat: 36.36%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 18.18%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 27.75%
Fat: 59.91%
Carbs: 12.33%
What We Liked:
- Made with turkey as a single source of protein
- Negligible carbohydrate content
- Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers say the consistency is a little dry
#5 Best for Weight Loss: Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consommé
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 16% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Price Per Ounce:$0.60 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$5.00 per day
Although pate-style foods are typically more species-appropriate and have lower carbohydrate content than stew-style products, a few companies create stews without starches and thickeners. Tiki Cat is one of those companies. Their foods are manufactured in Thailand, a country known for good food production and safety standards. Tiki Cat has never been recalled and they seem to be popular among picky eaters.
This recipe is strikingly simple—it’s a can of fortified shredded chicken in broth and oil. The recipe consists of chicken, broth, oil, and supplements. We would prefer to see animal-sourced fat over the sunflower seed oil but there are no major red flag ingredients in this recipe.
Like all Tiki Cat foods, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a good option for cats who need to lose weight. It only contains about 25 calories per ounce and the dry matter fat content is only 13%.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 2.6%
Moisture: 80%
Ash: 1.6%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 80%
Fat: 13%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 71.7%
Fat: 28.3%
What We Liked:
- Great for cats who prefer shreds and stews over pate
- Very high in moisture and animal-sourced protein
- Low fat and negligible carbohydrate content
- Popular among picky eaters
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
- Low calorie density may require larger portions for some cats
#6 Best for Seniors: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Price Per Ounce:$0.65 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$6.00 per day
Weruva offers simple recipes with just a few minimally-processed ingredients. When you open up a can or pouch of Weruva, you see real meat—shredded meat, chunks of fish, and other good-enough-to-eat ingredients. This recipe features fresh beef as the primary ingredient.
With its high protein and moisture content, this recipe offers a carnivore-appropriate source of nutrition. The shredded texture is easy for older cats to chew and the food is relatively low in phosphorus. At around 1.0 mg of phosphorus per 1,000 calories, this recipe may support your cat’s kidney health as they age.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 1.3%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 86%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 71.43%
Fat: 9.29%
Fiber: 3.57%
Carbs: 15.71%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 65.12%
Fat: 20.56%
Carbs: 14.33%
What We Liked:
- Rich in easily digestible animal protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Fairly low carbohydrate content
- Low in phosphorus, may support kidney health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies on plant-sourced fat
#7 Best for Sensitive Digestion: Koha Chicken Stew
Buy on KohaPet.comRead Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 8% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Price Per Ounce:$0.40 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.30 per day
Koha is a wet-only pet food company, and their formulas are designed with a limited number of ingredients. Many of their recipes are made with novel animal proteins. As a line of minimal-ingredient foods, Koha is a great choice for cats with sensitive digestion. The foods are high in moisture and free from starchy potatoes, peas, and other ingredients that can be difficult for cats to digest.
This minimal ingredient formula features a short list of whole food ingredients starting with fresh chicken. It’s cooked in chicken and vegetable broths, yielding a high-moisture recipe that is both hydrating and easy for cats to digest. As a single-protein recipe, this formula may be a good choice for cats with food allergies and sensitive digestion—as long as they can tolerate chicken. If not, Koha offers several other minimal ingredient stew flavors such as duck and turkey.
The food is supplemented with porcine plasma, a species-appropriate source of amino acids and essential nutrients. It also contains New Zealand green mussels which provide animal-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth, Chicken Liver, Porcine Plasma, Dried Egg Product, Dried Chickpeas, Xanthan Gum, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Cranberries, Dried Kale, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Ginger, Fenugreek Seed, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Porcine Plasma, Dried Egg Product, New Zealand Green Mussel
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Chickpeas, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 8%
Crude Fat: 3.5%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 82%
Ash: 2.59%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 44.44%
Fat: 19.44%
Fiber: 8.33%
Carbs: 13.39%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 42.31%
Fat: 44.95%
Carbs: 12.74%
What We Liked:
- Short list of simple ingredients for digestibility
- Contains over 50% dry matter protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
- Free from potatoes and peas
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains chickpeas
#8 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classics Turkey Stew
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Price Per Ounce:$0.50 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.60 per day
Finicky felines can be difficult to please but many cat owners report that even their picky cats enjoy this turkey stew-style wet food. It’s made with turkey as a single source of protein which is novel for many cats as well, so it could also be a good choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
This cat food features a short list of whole food ingredients. It’s free from carrageenan and gum thickeners, though it does contain a little tapioca starch as a binder. The dry matter carbohydrate content remains very low, however.
Though some cat owners find this food to be a little too soupy, the texture makes it a great food topper or meal mixer. It’s packed with protein and hydrating moisture without any hard-to-digest beans, peas, or legumes.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potato, Apples, Carrots, Tricalcium Phosphate, Celery Root, Marine Microalgae Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, 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, Magnesium Proteinate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Marine Microalgae Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 82%
Ash: 3.6%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 50%
Fat: 11.11%
Fiber: 5.56%
Carbs: 13.33%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 55.36%
Fat: 29.88%
Carbs: 14.76%
What We Liked:
- Single-protein recipe appropriate for cats with allergies
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- High moisture content supports your cat’s hydration
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cardboard cartons can be tricky to open
- Some customers found the food too soupy
#9 Best Novel Protein: Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: New Zealand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 34
- Price Per Ounce:$1.20 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$7.00 per day
Since being founded in 2004, Ziwi Peak has consistently produced some of the best natural cat foods on the market. While the company is best known for dehydrated jerky-style food for pets, their canned cat food offers superior hydration. Ziwi Peak relies on ethically sourced meat and seafood from New Zealand, farms, ranches, and waters. All their farmed proteins are free-range and grass-fed while their fish ingredients are sustainably sourced.
This product is 92% meat, organs, and bone from non-rendered venison, meaning that it delivers species-appropriate nutrition that’s easy for your cat to digest. In addition to lung, kidney, liver, and other organs, the food contains venison tripe, which is the deer’s highly-nourishing stomach lining.
The recipe also contains green-lipped mussel, a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients help support your cat’s joint health. Though the recipe contains a small amount of chickpeas, it’s still fairly low in carbohydrates and generally reflects your cat’s natural dietary needs. It’s made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is free from carrageenan and gum thickeners.
Ingredients
Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Chickpeas, Venison Lung, Venison Heart, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison 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).
Ingredients We Liked: Venison, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Venison Lung, Venison Heart, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Chickpeas
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 18.18%
Fiber: 9.09%
Carbs: 13.64%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 44.03%
Fat: 42.77%
Carbs: 13.21%
What We Liked:
- Made with 92% muscle meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels
- Novel protein source for cats with food allergies
- High in moisture to support hydration
- Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains chickpeas
#10 Best for Gravy Lovers: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 23
- Price Per Ounce:$0.39 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.50 per day
Cats who like table scraps and gravy will love the texture of Weruva cat food. This cat food is extremely water-dense, so it has fewer calories per can than other foods. This both makes it excellent for cats who need to lose weight and more expensive than the average food.
This chicken-based recipe consists of shredded chicken in a broth thickened with locust bean gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum. These gums aren’t a necessary part of the feline diet, but there’s little indication that they’re harmful. The food offers a hydrating source of moisture and appears easy for most cats to digest.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 2.5%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 85%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 66.67%
Fat: 16.67%
Fiber: 3.33%
Carbs: 13.33%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 55.34%
Fat: 33.6%
Carbs: 11.07%
What We Liked:
- Simple chicken-based recipe is easy to digest
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Gravy-like consistency appeals to many cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very watery—you don’t get many calories per can
- B.F.F., a Weruva brand, was involved in a serious recall in 2017
Best Wet Cat Food: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food | Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend | Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food | RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté | Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consommé | Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner | Koha Chicken Stew | Caru Classics Turkey Stew | Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe | Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee |
| Primary Protein | Chicken | Chicken | Turkey | Turkey | Chicken | Beef | Chicken Stew | Turkey | Venison | Chicken |
| Age Range | All Life Stages | All Life Stages | Adult | All Life Stages | Adult | Adult | Adult | All Life Stages | All Life Stages | Adult |
| Guaranteed Protein | 13% | 7% | 10% | 9% | 16% | 10% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 10% |
| Calories Per Ounce | 40 | 30 | 33 | 37 | 25 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 34 | 23 |
| Cost Per Day | $4.00 per day | $3.60 per day | $1.64 per day | $2.90 per day | $5.00 per day | $6.00 per day | $3.30 per day | $3.60 per day | $7.00 per day | $3.50 per day |
*Cost per day is calculated using the food’s average cost per ounce and the daily caloric requirement for a healthy adult cat (about 200 calories).
What to Look for When Buying Wet Cat Food
With its focus on animal ingredients and hydrating moisture, wet cat food is one of the most species-appropriate options for cats. But all wet cat foods are not created equal. It’s important to prioritize formulas that complement your cat’s biology as an obligate carnivore and avoid additives that could harm your cat.
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for wet cat food.
Choose Low-Carbohydrate Options
Dr. Youens reminds us that, as carnivores, cats “have quite unique needs from their diet, gaining most of their energy from protein rather than carbohydrate and using fats to process certain vitamins and essential nutrients.” An ideal diet for cats gets fewer than 10% of its calories from carbohydrates. When carbohydrates are included, whole grains and low-glycemic veggies are preferable to harder-to-digest ingredients like peas and legumes.
Prioritize Animal-Sourced Protein
Your cat’s body is designed to process whole prey, so animal-sourced ingredients are more biologically valuable than plants. Animal protein contains all the amino acids your cat needs, so it’s best to choose cat foods that list whole meat as the first ingredient. Plant proteins like corn gluten meal and pea protein aren’t carnivore-appropriate.
Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM recommends choosing whole proteins over meat by-products. While by-products are not necessarily problematic, there is some degree of uncertainty surrounding their quality. Dr. Ahn recommends cat foods “that are minimally-processed, using high quality, wholesome ingredients that can help provide excellent nutrition.”
Avoid Artificial Additives and Unsafe Ingredients
Synthetic flavors, colors, and preservatives can trigger inflammation or otherwise damage your cat’s health over time. It’s best to stick with wet cat foods that use natural alternatives. Canned foods tend to rely less heavily on preservatives than kibble but often make use of binders and thickeners. Though naturally derived, gum thickeners may contribute to loose stools while some ingredients, like carrageenan, have been called into question as a potential health risk.
Select Reputable Brands
Buy from companies with a reputation for quality control, safety, reliability, and good customer service. Avoid brands with an extensive history of recalls or poor customer service. There’s no need to dismiss a company based on a single minor recall, however, provided that they responded to it swiftly, honestly, and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wet food do vets recommend for cats?
Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM recommends that “pet owners look at the ingredient panel of the food they are purchasing for their kitten or adult cat. The more ingredients that are whole (e.g. chicken, beef, etc.), rather than heavily processed (e.g. chicken meal, fish meal, turkey meal, etc.), the better.”
What is the best wet cat food from the grocery store?
Product availability differs by location and store, so pet owners should evaluate individual products before making their selection. Choose a wet cat food that names a whole animal protein as the first ingredient. Foods with shorter ingredients lists tend to be more easily digestible, provided they do not contain artificial additives or a high concentration of plant ingredients.
What wet food is the healthiest for cats?
The healthiest option is one that honors your cat’s nutritional needs as an obligate carnivore. The food should contain a higher concentration of animal than plant ingredients, ideally with a carbohydrate content under 10% (measured as dry matter). It should be rich in moisture and free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
How many cans of wet cat food should a cat eat per day?
It depends on the recipe’s caloric density. A healthy 10-pound adult cat requires about 200 calories per day. To determine how many cans you’ll need to offer, divide 200 by the total number of calories per can. Alternatively, you can find the approximate per-ounce caloric density by dividing the calories per kilogram by 35.
