The 12 Best Canned, Soft, & Wet Cat Foods
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A cat’s favorite sound in the world is that of the can opener. The can opener means that a meal is on its way, and that is always cause for excitement.
Cats can’t resist wet food but just because they will eat any wet food you put in front of them doesn’t mean that all wet cat foods are created equal.
Take the time to learn about your cat’s nutritional requirements and how a good pet food can meet those needs.
Compare Best Canned, Soft, & Wet Cat Foods
|
Best Affordable
4. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food |
Best Wet Cat Food For Kittens
5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Wet Food with Gravy
6. Weruva Meow Luau with Mackerel & Pumpkin Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Wet Cat Food For Allergies
8. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Rabbit Recipe Canned Cat Food |
Best Grain Free Wet Cat Food
9. Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Flaked Wet Food
10. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Tuna, Chicken, Fish & Shrimp Entrées Variety Pack Flaked Wet Cat Food |
Best Vet-Recommended Wet Food
11. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Loaf In Sauce Canned Cat Food |
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|
Protein
21.2% Min |
Protein
8% Min |
Protein
8% Min |
Protein
9% Min |
Protein
11% Min |
Protein
12% Min |
Protein
9% Min |
Protein
11.5% Min |
Protein
18.4% Min |
Protein
12% Min |
Protein
10.5% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
|
Fat
8.05% Min |
Fat
3.5% Min |
Fat
5.5% Min |
Fat
2% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
1.5% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
2.3% Min |
Fat
1.5% Min |
Fat
2.5% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
|
Fiber
0.4% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
2.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
0% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
|
Moisture
66.1% Max |
Moisture
82% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
82% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
84% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
76% Max |
Moisture
77% Max |
Moisture
84% Max |
Moisture
81% Max |
Moisture
75% Max |
|
Caloric Content
550 kcal/package |
Caloric Content
750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton |
Caloric Content
185 kcal/170g can |
Caloric Content
75 kcal/can |
Caloric Content
122 kcal/3 oz can |
Caloric Content
62 kcal/3 oz can |
Caloric Content
99 kcal/can |
Caloric Content
108 kcal/3 oz can |
Caloric Content
160 kcal/6 oz can |
Caloric Content
62 kcal/3 oz can |
Caloric Content
135 kcal/5.8 oz can |
Caloric Content
0.116 kcal/100 g |
|
Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Chunks in Gravy |
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Chunks in Gravy |
Food Type
|
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Shredded |
Food Type
Flaked |
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Pate |
Continue reading to learn more about your cat’s basic nutritional needs and to receive some simple tips for picking the best cat food to provide for those needs. You’ll also receive our top 11 picks for the best wet cat food brands on Chewy and Amazon.
The 12 Best Rated Canned, Soft, & Wet Cat Foods Reviewed
Now that you have a better understanding of your cat’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping. Remember, the best wet cat food will be made with primarily animal-based ingredients and low in carbohydrates.
It should feature premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and beneficial supplements.
Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21.2% Min
- Fat: 8.05% Min
- Fiber: 0.4% Max
- Moisture: 66.1% Max
- Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package
- Food Type: Fresh
- Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
- High in moisture for digestion and hydration
- Free from grains and fillers
- Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)
- Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.
If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible cat food made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.
Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 3.5% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton
- Food Type: Fresh
- Made with high-quality ingredients to improve digestion and nutrition
- Rich in animal protein
- Free from artificial additives, fillers, and by-products
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
- Made with some thickener (agar agar)
Your cat’s food will be prepared and delivered fresh on a monthly basis, sent in perfectly portioned packages that you can refrigerate or freeze. Because there are no artificial preservatives, refrigeration is important to keep the food fresh.
Simply fill out your pet’s profile online to get started and choose from their recipe collection.
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 5.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 185 kcal/170g can
- Food Type: Pate
- Rich in protein and fat, low in carbohydrates
- Made from premium, all-natural ingredients
- Formulated for all life stages and breeds
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Doesn’t contain probiotic supplements
Available in several flavors, this cat food is formulated for all life stages and all breeds. It features 93% meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels which means that it is very low in carbohydrates and rich in both protein and fat.
Every recipe is all-natural and made with premium ingredients including animal-based proteins and fats with nutritional supplements for balance. If your cat has allergies to common proteins, you’ll also be glad to know that this is a chicken free recipe – there’s also a venison flavor.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9% Min
- Fat: 2% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 75 kcal/can
- Food Type: Chunks in Gravy
- Made with several sources of quality animal proteins
- Grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility, fiber, and nutrients
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives and byproducts
- Doesn’t contain chelated minerals or probiotics
Available in a wide variety of flavors, this cat food features premium animal proteins with grain-free carbohydrates for fiber and nutritional support. Each recipe is made with real meat as the main ingredient and is free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives.
You’ll also find beneficial supplements like vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 11% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 122 kcal/3 oz can
- Food Type: Pate
- Made with real chicken and chicken liver as the top two ingredients
- Naturally grain-free and low in carbohydrate ingredients
- Formulated to support healthy growth and development in kittens
- Doesn’t contain probiotic supplements
- Contains guar gum which can contribute to smelly poop
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient to provide your kitten with a lean source of premium animal protein.
It is grain-free for digestibility and free from thickeners like carrageenan as well. This chicken recipe features premium, all-natural ingredients and is nutritionally balanced to meet your kitten’s requirements.
Plus, it supports all aspects of your kitten’s health including growth, digestion, energy, immunity, urinary tract health, and good skin & coat condition.
Weruva Meow Luau with Mackerel & Pumpkin Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 12% Min
- Fat: 1.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 84% Max
- Caloric Content: 62 kcal/3 oz can
- Food Type: Chunks in Gravy
- Fresh mackerel as the first ingredient
- Fiber-rich pumpkin for grain-free carbohydrates
- High in moisture and full of flavorful gravy
- Low calorie content may require higher feeding amounts
This formula features fresh mackerel as the primary ingredient with pumpkin as a fiber-rich source of digestible carbohydrates. It also contains sunflower seed oil for a healthy blend of omega fatty acids without driving the calorie content too high.
In addition to being rich in protein and moisture, this formula is packed with real fish flavor.
Halo Grain-Free Senior Recipe Wet Food
Product Info
- Protein: 9% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 2.5% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 99 kcal/can
- Holistic recipe made from digestible, high-quality ingredients
- Lean source of protein (real deboned chicken)
- Supplemented with chelated minerals for nutrient absorption
- Some cats don’t like pate texture wet foods
It is made with real, whole chicken instead of chicken meal as well as digestible grain-free ingredients and it is lower in fat than traditional cat food to prevent your senior cat from gaining an unhealthy amount of weight. What’s not to love?
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Rabbit Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 11.5% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 76% Max
- Caloric Content: 108 kcal/3 oz can
- Food Type: Pate
- Made with a limited number of premium-quality ingredients
- Features real turkey as the first ingredient with turkey liver for supplemental protein
- Contains chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
- Doesn’t contain probiotic supplements
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
Not only is it made with a limited number of ingredients, but it features all-natural ingredients like cage-free turkey.
It is completely free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial preservatives as well as other common allergens. Plus, it is supplemented with chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.
Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 18.4% Min
- Fat: 2.3% Min
- Fiber: 0% Max
- Moisture: 77% Max
- Caloric Content: 160 kcal/6 oz can
- Food Type: Shredded
- Made with 100% all-natural, high-quality ingredients
- Contains 18% protein and 2.3% fat
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Some kittens may be sensitive to sea food ingredients
They are complete and balanced for all life stages. And they are hand-packed. For example, Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consommé has 16 percent protein, three percent fat, and two percent carbohydrates.
The first three ingredients are tuna, tuna broth, and crab. This food has 75 kcal per 2.8 ounce can. It’s typical of Tiki Cat foods.
They have lots of other fish-based canned foods as well as a line of similar chicken-based foods.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Tuna, Chicken, Fish & Shrimp Entrées Variety Pack Flaked Wet Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 12% Min
- Fat: 1.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 84% Max
- Caloric Content: 62 kcal/3 oz can
- Food Type: Flaked
- Three protein- and flavor-rich recipes to choose from
- All three recipes contain real animal protein as first ingredient
- Fortified with chelated minerals and vitamins for nutrition
- Fat and calorie content varies by recipe
This variety pack includes recipes featuring tuna, chicken, or fish and shrimp. Each recipe starts with real animal protein as the first ingredient with fish broth or chicken broth to provide moisture as well as natural flavor.
All three recipes in this variety pack are balanced with healthy fats, low in carbohydrates, and fortified with essential nutrients to deliver balanced nutrition.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Loaf In Sauce Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10.5% Min
- Fat: 2.5% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 81% Max
- Caloric Content: 135 kcal/5.8 oz can
- Food Type: Pate
- Recipes formulated for specific health concerns
- Available in wet and dry food recipes
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition
- Requires a prescription to purchase
- Significantly more expensive than typical cat food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet recipes are formulated to address specific dietary concerns such as urinary tract or renal health, so you can choose the best food for your cat’s needs.
Wysong Uretic with Organic Chicken Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 75% Max
- Caloric Content: 0.116 kcal/100 g
- Food Type: Pate
- High protein recipe, low in carbohydrates
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Affordable price for the quality of ingredients
- Some customers found the smell very strong
This canned food employs the same nutritional principles, being high in meat, low in carbohydrate, and fortified with essential micronutrients and nutraceuticals.
The first ingredient is organic chicken, followed by brown rice and blueberry.
You’ll also find other natural ingredients in the lineup like cranberry extract, organic barley grass powder, kelp, and chicory root. Overall, this recipe provides a dry matter value of 40% crude protein and 28% crude fat with 8% fiber.
What To Look For In Wet Cat Food?
Wet cat food typically comes in cans to keep it fresh until you open it and, once you do, it should be refrigerated and used within 2 to 3 days.
Though all wet cat food may look the same, each brand and every food company and formula is different. The quality of the ingredients matters a great deal, and it should provide for your cat’s basic nutritional requirements.
Here are some things to look for in a good wet cat food:
- Quality Ingredients. The quality of the ingredients in your cat’s wet food determines how well your cat can digest it and how it impacts its overall health. The majority of the ingredients in your cat’s food should be animal based.
- Animal Proteins. Your cat requires a diet rich in protein to support its lean muscle mass, so look for premium animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish.
- Healthy Fat. Essential fatty acids provide your cat with energy and support its skin and coat health. Look for a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, ideally from animal sources.
- Beneficial Supplements. In addition to protein and fat, your cat can benefit from vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance as well as probiotics for healthy digestion.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best wet cat food. Here’s what you need to know:
Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
When shopping for wet cat food, you need to keep your cat’s minimum nutritional requirements in mind. Animal nutritionists recommend a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat in feline diets, though growing kittens may need more.
For more info you can click here to read our guide on the best kitten food
The thing to remember is that these percentages are calculated on a dry matter basis. Because wet cat food has a much higher moisture content, these percentages are calculated differently.
You’ll need to divide the percentage of by 100 minus the moisture content and multiply the result by 100 to find the dry matter basis for protein or fat in wet cat food.
In addition to considering the percentages of certain nutrients in wet cat food, you also need to consider their source.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means that they are better adapted to digesting and utilizing nutrition from animal than from plant sources.
Protein sources should come from animals like meat, poultry, and fish while fat should come from things like chicken fat and salmon oil.
Cats have no nutritional requirements for carbohydrates in their diet, though digestible sources can provide fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Just make sure the carb content of your cat’s diet is as low as possible. You should also look for beneficial supplements like chelated minerals to improve nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion.
Should You Mix Wet And Dry Cat Food?
Because both wet cat food and dry cat food offer some important benefits, many cat owners choose to feed their cats a mixture of both.
Wet food is rich in moisture and tends to be more concentrated in protein while dry food provides dental benefits and can help with weight management. Higher moisture content may also help reduce hairball frequency by boosting digestion.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight, mix 25% wet food with 75% dry kibble (ideally a healthy weight recipe). For pet owners concerned about urinary tract health in which moisture plays a key role, feed your cat 70% wet food and about 30% dry food.
What About Food Allergies And Sensitivities?
If your cat suffers from frequent skin problems including ear infections, itchy skin, and a dry or brittle coat, it could be due to a food allergy or sensitivity.
Cats can develop allergies to nearly any food ingredient, though the most common culprits are grains, common proteins like beef and chicken, dairy products, and artificial additives.
To treat food allergies and sensitivities (or to appeal to picky eaters), switch to a limited ingredient diet free from the offending ingredient to minimize the risk of triggering the allergy.
Final Remarks
Wet cat food provides a healthy balance of protein and fat with plenty of moisture to support your cat’s urinary tract health. It also supports its skin and coat health.
The best wet cat food will be rich in high-quality animal protein sources, balanced with healthy fats, and supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure nutritional balance.
If you’re not sure where to start in shopping for a wet cat food, try one of our top 11 picks reviewed above!
