The Top 5 Wet Puppy Foods (2023)
We’ll look at the finest wet foods for pups in this tutorial. We compared ingredient quality, nutritional information, and value for money to give you our top choices.
Consider wet food and (or instead of) dry kibble when it comes to feeding your dog. Although dry food is more convenient, some puppies prefer the smell, taste, and texture of wet food. This could be beneficial if your dog is finicky about his food, and the increased moisture level can also help them stay hydrated. Most owners will switch their puppies back to dry food as they grow older, but in the meanwhile, here are some things to think about when selecting wet food for your dog.
Vet’s Advice
Choose a diet that contains at least 22.5 percent protein on a dry matter basis.
Although most wet feeds are inherently higher in meat than dry kibbles, it’s still a good idea to double-check the protein profile. Puppies require more protein than adult dogs, so the dry matter protein content of the meal should be at least 22.5 percent.
Look for animal fats that are good for you.
Your diet should include animal fats, such as those found in chicken and fish. A good source of energy and critical nutrients will be provided for your dog. Most puppies also prefer animal fats over veggie fats. The overall fat content should not be too high to minimize undesirable weight gain, at around 10%.
Make sure that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is 1:2.
It’s critical to get your puppy’s calcium levels correct for bone and joint growth. The calcium to phosphorus ratio must be around 1:2. A buildup of calcium in the body can lead to anomalies in the skeleton.
Choose a diet that has been certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Selecting an AAFCO-approved diet ensures that the food is appropriate for your puppy’s age and size. According to this certification, the meal is comprehensive and balanced for your dog’s life stage. For the optimum nutrition for your puppy, choose a growth-oriented food.
Wet Puppy Food Reviews
1. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Pate Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food Review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth Turkey Broth
- Type: Canned food
- Lifestage: Puppy
- Calories: 474 kcal/can
- Protein: 9%
- Fat: 6%
- Fiber: 1%
This high-quality wet food for puppies named Soup for the Soul (Chicken Soup) Puppy Pate is specifically prepared to suit the nutritional demands of developing puppies. The name of the product comes from the popular chicken soup. This diet is well-balanced in order to foster a healthy development rate as well as general well-being for the individual. This dish’s star ingredient is a whole chicken, which, by itself, is a fantastic source of protein. However, the dish’s nutritional profile is boosted even further by the inclusion of chicken liver and ground turkey, which together form a veritable powerhouse.
Chicken soup for the soul (Puppy Pate) does not have any of the following ingredients: wheat, maize, soy, artificial colors or flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
Cons
2. Solid Gold Love At First Bark Chicken, Potatoes & Apples Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Review
At a Glance
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Dried Egg Whites
Type: Canned food
Lifestage: Puppy
Calories: 334 kcal/can
Protein: 9%
Fat: 3.5%
Fiber: 1%
Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy wet food provides nutritional assistance for your puppy throughout all of the crucial growth phases. This high-protein meal includes both whole chicken and chicken liver, which together provide a balanced intake of amino acids that are beneficial to the development of strong, lean muscle.
The Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy is an appetizing dish that has the flavor of a hearty stew that’s been prepared with a lot of different kinds of meat and veggies. Because it contains carbohydrate powerhouses like pumpkin, spinach, cranberries, and blueberries, it is also rich in antioxidants and fiber. Blueberries, cranberries, and cranberries are also included. Because of this, it is considered to be one of the best available wet puppy meals.
The gold standard is Love At First Bark. Fillers, corn, wheat, soy, grain, gluten, carrageenan, and artificial preservatives are not present in Puppy. Neither are any of the other ingredients listed.
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Cons
3. Merrick Grain Free Wet Puppy Food Puppy Plate Chicken Recipe
At a Glance
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots
Type: Canned food
Calories: 395 kcal/can
Lifestage: Puppy
Protein: 9%
Fat: 5%
Fiber: 1.8%
When it comes to providing a delicious and very nutritious meal for puppies, the Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate is hard to top. The deboned chicken and turkey were the first ingredients in this protein-rich wet food for puppies. These meats ensure an adequate supply of amino acids, which are necessary for a puppy’s development, health, and growth. The flavor of the cuisine is enhanced with chicken broth, which is also utilized to make an appealing gravy, which contributes to the food’s overall allure.
The carbohydrates in Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plates come from fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and are easily digestible. These include sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and peas. The food does not contain any grains. This high-quality wet food is one of the best-wet diets for puppies because it does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives of any kind.
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4. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Canned Dog Food
At a Glance
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey Salmon
Type: Canned food
Lifestage: Puppy
Calories: 436 kcal/ 12.7 oz. can
Protein: 9%
Fat: 6.5%
Fiber: 1.4%
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Puppy is one of the finest wet puppies feeds on the market because it combines great value, quality, and nutrition into a single convenient package. This makes it one of the best-wet puppies feeds on the market. Chicken, turkey, and other high-quality meats are the foundational components of this eating plan.
This diet has been improved by the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are favorable to one’s health in order to deliver the best possible health benefits. This dish makes use of a variety of high-fiber, superfood ingredients, including blueberries, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
This grain-free puppy food from Whole Earth Farms does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy.
Pros
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5. AvoDerm Natural Chicken & Rice Recipe Puppy Canned Dog Food
At a Glance
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Peas Carrots
Type: Canned food
Lifestage: Puppy
Calories: 464 kcal/can
Protein: 9%
Fat: 4.5%
Fiber: 1.5%
A wet food of exceptional quality called Avoderm Natural Puppy has been developed specifically to cater to the needs of pups. The food bears the brand name Avoderm Natural Puppy. As a result of its one-of-a-kind formulation, Avoderm is widely regarded as one of the most effective wet foods for pups with sensitive stomachs. The recipe has been carefully developed to be well-balanced in order to lend support to an individual’s attempts to keep their current level of health or to improve it.
Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants helps to boost the natural immunity that is present in the body. Avocados and avocado oil have both been used in the dish in an effort to increase the overall quantity of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are present in the meal. This will assist in the delivery of energy as well as the preservation of good skin and a healthy coat.
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How to Select the Most Appropriate Wet Puppy Food
Instead of the dry kibble that most people who are new to raising puppies are used to, feeding their puppies wet food is a wonderful option. Foods that are moist tend to have a higher calorie density and are simpler to digest. Because of their irresistible aroma and flavor, puppies are drawn to them like magnets.
There are a variety of benefits that can be reaped when puppies are fed wet chow. The fact that puppies are inherently busy little animals makes it difficult for many of them to sit still for long enough to eat. Active dogs benefit from the speed and convenience of wet food, which is easy to chew and digest. Because of its high calorie content, a relatively small amount can provide a significant amount of sustenance.
Canned dog food typically contains water as a component to keep the food juicy and appetizing for canine customers. As a result of the poor drinking habits of many young dogs, cases of dehydration are all too common. The high water content of wet meals allows the body of the puppy to be fed while also being rehydrated. This allows the puppy to receive the maximum amount of nutritional value from a single delicious meal.
Puppies that have lost interest in their kibble can benefit from a moderate amount of wet food to stimulate their appetite and rekindle their interest in eating.
As pups mature into adulthood, the ideal course of action is to transition them to kibble, raw food, or home-cooked meals as their primary source of nourishment. Plaque, which can contribute to tartar formation and early tooth disease, can form on teeth that have been exposed to wet meals.
The diet of any puppy ought to have the appropriate ratio of calcium to phosphorus in order to promote a healthy rate of growth. Look for foods that include 1.2 parts calcium for every unit of phosphorus in their composition.
Puppies should be fed food specifically formulated for puppies until they are either one year old or until they have reached 75% of their adult size, whichever comes first. Once it reaches this stage, the dog can start transitioning to the diet of an adult.
Choosing Wet Puppy Foods with the Correct Calorie Count
When determining how much of the best-wet food to give a puppy, it is a good idea to refer to the serving sizes that are recommended on the back of the food container. You can find this information on the back of the food can. This quantity can be altered to fulfill the nutritional needs of the puppy by taking into account its size, appetite, breed, and the amount of exercise it receives on a daily basis.
It is important to modify the quantity of food that is provided to developing puppies so that it is appropriate for their size. Modifications should be made on an as-needed basis depending on the physical state of the puppy as well as the level of hunger that it is experiencing.
In order to prevent oneself from taking on additional weight as a direct result of overeating, it is vital to exercise proper self-control with regard to eating habits.
Wet Puppy Foods Dietary Requirements
The first thing that each puppy should receive is a protein that is derived from the greatest possible quality of meat. This should be the first thing that is provided to the puppy. Even though complete cuts of meat are preferred, it is acceptable to serve any dish that incorporates meat in some way. Due to the inferior quality of by-products, it is impossible to satisfy the nutritional needs of growing puppies through their consumption of these items.
Plant-based proteins, such those found in soy, wheat, and corn, can be challenging for pups to digest and difficult for them to efficiently utilize as a source of nutrition. In addition, many dogs have adverse reactions to the nutrients in these foods, which might make them sick. Because of this, you ought to stay away from any diet that contains these foods in any way you can.
Even though a puppy only consumes a very little amount of carbs on a daily basis, these macronutrients are nevertheless an essential source of both dietary fiber and antioxidants. It is imperative that any carbs that are included in a puppy’s diet be quickly digested, regardless of the source of the carbohydrate. This is the case even if the carbohydrate came from vegetables (whole grains, fruits, or vegetables).
Any diet for a puppy absolutely needs to incorporate a variety of different types of healthful fats. Puppies that aspire to enjoy an active lifestyle are reliant on them as their primary source of energy because of this necessity. The consumption of good fats is an additional factor that contributes to the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin. When it comes to wet puppy food, the finest sources of nutritious fats are components derived from animals, such as chicken fat and oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. These animal-based components are found in wet foods. Turkey fat is one of the other components derived from animals.
What to Look for in the Best Puppies’ Wet Food
Here’s a quick rundown of the most crucial features to look for in a wet puppy food:
- Proteins from whole meat or meat meals are at the top of the ingredient list.
- Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or unknown components are not used to prepare this dish.
- Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and beneficial vitamins are included.
- AAFCO nutritional standards for a complete and balanced diet are met.
- Healthy fats such as chicken fat or salmon oil are included.
- To encourage healthy growth, it’s enriched with the right amount of calcium and phosphorus.
Buying Canned & Wet Puppy Food
The first year of your puppy’s life is critical to their overall health and well-being in the years to come. It is essential to provide your puppy with complete and balanced nutrition; as a result, the food that you select for him is critical. Adults prefer dry food, but puppies require food that is moist. It is more easily digested, contains more nutrients, is easier on the teeth and gums, and contains more moisture than the alternative. The components that make up puppy food are of the utmost importance.
When purchasing wet dog food, search for these ingredients:
Protein puppy food
Protein aids in muscle development in growing puppies. Ideal protein sources include chicken or beef as the first or second ingredient. If a meat item is first on the list, it makes up most of the food.
Dogfood carbs
Your puppy needs healthy carbohydrates whether you offer them grain-free food or not. Dogs are not obligate carnivores like cats and need protein, veggies, and fruits. This can be whole grains, sweet potatoes, peas, or fruits like cranberries, apples, and blueberries.
Supplements
Your puppy’s food should be full and balanced, with the proper combination of vitamins and minerals. It should contain vitamin E and C for immune support and calcium and phosphorus for tooth and bone development.
Vitamins
Other nutrients are important. Essential omega fatty acids for skin and coat health should come from fish or flaxseed oil. DHA is crucial for eye, heart, and brain development and is found in most fish oils.
Avoidable ingredients
While some substances can help your puppy grow and thrive, others should be avoided. Examples:
- Corn. Typically used as a filler, it provides little to no nutrition for your dog.
- Meat by-products. Meat meals vs. by-products. Meat meals sometimes include identifiable organ meats, while meat by-products are leftover animal bits. Non-hazardous but less nutritional than whole meats and meat meals.
- Artificial ingredients. These contain synthetic colors, tastes, and preservatives harmful to your dog.
- Powdered cellulose. Which is frequently used as a filler, has no nutritional benefit for your dog, and is just powdered cardboard!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Wet Food for Puppies
For early puppies, wet food is a terrific option. Dry food might be challenging to chew and swallow for those who have only recently formed their teeth and moved to solid foods. This type of meal may appeal to picky eaters due to its meaty texture and fragrant aroma.
Wet dog food has a lot of advantages. Our canned dog food is nutritionally full and balanced for either adult dog maintenance or puppy growth. Whether you offer wet dog food to your dog daily or as a special treat, you can be confident that he is getting all of the nutrients he needs.
It’s allowed to mix wet and dry pet food as long as both are excellent quality and match your pup’s nutritional and health requirements. Wet and dry dog diets are formulated to supply your puppy with all the protein, vitamins, fat, minerals, and other essential components they require to flourish.
Once your puppy has been weaned off their mother’s milk, you may start giving them soft foods like canned or dry dog food (if you’re not sure what that is, check our advice here) (for about eight weeks). Your puppy should not be given hard foods until at least 9-10 weeks old.
Around 6-8 weeks, wet food can be introduced into the puppies’ diet once they eat solid dry food consistently and are no longer nursing from their mother. Wet food can be offered to most puppies at around 6-8 weeks.
10 oz Tubs of Wet Dog Food Feeding Give your dog one 10 oz container every 1012 – 1212 pounds of body weight, split into two or more meals per day. Adjust this quantity as needed to keep your dog in peak physical condition.
So, what’s the gist of it? Pedigree is a one-star plant-based dry dog food with a small proportion of chicken by-products or meat and bone meals as the main animal protein sources. This is a terrible concept.
Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner gets an A+ from us. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner is a grain-free canned dog food that relies on many identified and nameless meats and by-products as its primary source of animal protein, earning it two stars. This is not a good idea.
Soaking Your Dog’s Kibble Has Health Benefits Increased moisture content in your dog’s food can assist the kidneys clear waste through urine, reducing the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Digestive health is essential. Your dog may be able to digest soaked kibble more easily.
Is mixing wet and dry dog food a smart idea? For most dogs in excellent health, mixing meals isn’t essential because wet and dry diets give all of the nutrients they require. However, if you have the time and money, go for it! When you merge wet and dry, you get the best of both worlds!
For short-term or recurring supplementation, chicken broth might benefit your dog’s diet. Dehydration, diarrhea, upset stomach, picky eating, healthy joints, and more can benefit.
