14 Best Canned Dog Foods

When you go food shopping, you probably wonder about the best food option for your dog because there are countless varieties of dog food. Previously, we made a comparison of the different types of dog food. In this particular article, we will review some of the best canned food for dogs. If you read the previous article, you will notice that canned dog foods gained a large amount of praise from us. This praise is because of its unmatched quality and great taste.

However, there are so many canned food options in the market for dogs, and making a choice becomes tricky. Also, picking a random cheap option is not advised for your pooch’s health. So, we have created a review of some top canned dog food prospects in the market and a guide to help your choice in case our options are not available for you.

14 Best Canned Dog Foods

There are so many dog food variations in the market, which makes food decisions get hard. Canned food, in particular, has a lot of variety, and getting the cheapest one is not the best option. To ease decision-making, here are some of our top canned food options.

1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo makes good quality dog food, and this canned meal is no exception. It has a high-quality protein sourced from chicken chunks. Also, it contains fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional combination is ideally suited for supporting muscle mass in adult dogs.

Like every good canned dog meal, it is tasty, which is an excellent help for your dog’s appetite. The meal is terrific for both adult dogs and puppies. It contains just enough calories to keep your dog active. The best part of this meal is its volatility: it can be served alone, with kibble, or even as a treat. One perk of this food is that you can give it to a dog on medications to hide the taste of the drug.

You may not enjoy the runny consistency of the meal if you prefer solid food for your dog. Also, buying canned food online may lead to wrong courier handling that can damage the can.

2. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Canned Food

Hill’s science diet dog food contains nutrients that maintain a healthy weight in your adult dog. The meal has a stewy texture. Also, it contains prebiotic fibers that will improve your dog’s digestive health. Boosting weight loss in obese dogs enhances their life expectancy.

First of all, this dog canned meal is vet recommended. Secondly, it promotes healthy weight gain in dogs of all breeds. Apart from improving life quality, it also increases life expectancy by helping your dog’s circulatory health. Also, it has antioxidants and vitamins that boost immunity.

This product is well suited for less active dogs that do not have a high-calorie need, so it’s not advised for your energetic dog.

3. Cesar Poultry Variety Pack Food Trays

Not necessarily tin-canned, the Cesar food trays come with easy-to-peel freshness seals. Apart from ease of operations, it is enriched with minerals and vitamins that ensure your dog eats a balanced diet. It has real meat as its top ingredient. The meal has a loaf in sauce texture and a rich taste.

The first ingredient is meat, which confirms protein density. Your dog’s breed and size don’t matter since it is perfect for all dogs’ health. Whether or not your dog is a picky eater, the taste is irresistible. It is convenient for easy access because of the cover. The sodium content is minimal, which makes it safe for large breed puppies.

If you are not comfortable with non-canned canned foods, you may not entirely enjoy this meal’s packaging.

4. Purina ONE Smartblend True Instinct Canned Dog Food

Purina ONE canned food has turkey meat as the number one ingredient. The meat source meets your dog’s protein requirements for optimal metabolic function. Also, the diet contains glucosamine sources to support healthy bones and joints. This grain-free food also has a pate texture.

Containing antioxidant sources, it boosts your dog’s immune system. It has omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coats. The meal is excellent for both small and large-breed adult dogs. Also, it has minimal carbohydrate content to avoid loose stool.

Your picky eater pooch may not enjoy this meal so much but, most picky eaters enjoy the meal.

5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Canned Dog Food

Limited ingredients dog food is prepared to meet your dog’s nutritional needs while preventing allergies. Natural Balance L.I.D provides essential nutrients like high-quality proteins and complex carbs while excluding grains to avoid sensitivity reactions. It is excellent for all breeds of adult dogs and has a pate texture.

To support the immune system of your dog, it contains vitamins—like vitamin B12 and vitamin A— along with minerals. It is also good for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. The formula is suitable for digestive health because of the following:

• Its limited ingredients content and absence of grains to prevent allergies and hypersensitivity reactions
• The food blend has maximally digestible ingredients
• It has sweet potatoes which is a good quality carbohydrate
• Apart from potatoes, it has other good quality carbohydrates for boosting energy like brown rice and peas

What may not be too appealing about the product, however, is the container. You will need a can opener to open it, which could get frustrating.

6. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Veterinary Diet

The Royal Canin vet diet is perfect for convalescent dogs, especially ones that are recovering from digestive issues like appetite loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. All-in-all, the food is well suited for your dog’s digestive health for the following reasons:

• It contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil– this relieves your dog’s gastrointestinal tract
• The prebiotic content stimulates the production of good gut bacteria
• Containing dietary fibers, it eases food flow in the gut
• This meal has low-fat content

One key benefit of this meal is that it boosts urinary tract health. Also, it contains antioxidants that boost immunity. Another advantage of this food is that you need a veterinarian’s authorization to purchase the meal, so your dog will be getting the best meal option for it. It is also suitable for aged dogs.

7. Purina ONE Smart Blend True Instinct Variety Pack

Much like the first Purina ONE food, this is also a great meal. However, unlike it, this one is a pack with two protein options from either chicken or turkey and additional venison or duck for flavor. This means a more variety of quality proteins for your dog to boost muscle growth.

It also contains a natural glucosamine source to support healthy joints. This Purina ONE canned food is made for adult dogs of all breeds. The pack has some of the best affordable wet dog food.

Because this meal doesn’t have fillers or artificial flavors and colors, it will not stimulate allergies. The all-natural flavor is rich, so your dog will enjoy the taste. It has antioxidant sources that aid immunity. This meal will also boost coat health.

8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Wet Food For Dogs

The Rachael Ray Nutrish wet of food is another balanced variety pack food tray. It has chunks of tender meat and vegetables in a savory gravy sauce. This variety pack has two pieces each of chicken paw pie, savory lamb stew, and hearty beef stew flavors. Without allergenic grains, it will not cause allergies for your dog.

The meal has no meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or fillers. It is a well-balanced diet for your dog’s health and has vitamins and nutrients for a wholesome, healthy dog. The packaging is also optimized for easy use. The Rachael Ray Nutrish is the best-wet dog food for puppies because it is suitable for all life stages of a dog.

A factor you will need to consider when purchasing it for your puppy is that they will need twice as much of the meal as an adult dog. If you are pro-earth, you may not enjoy the packaging because of the plastic containers.

9. Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Country Stew

Made with a taste your dog cannot resist, the Pedigree choice cuts in gravy have been optimized for digestibility. Also, it contains ample quality oils and minerals for skin and coat health care. The texture is stewy with chunks in gravy. It is also made for adult dogs of all breeds.

One of the significant benefits of this meal is first the taste. You can serve it mixed with kibble or alone. It is balanced and highly digestible, so you can ensure that your dog is enjoying your money. They have a tab on top of the can that makes it easy to open. Among its top ingredients is water, so stool flow will be natural.

Bad courier handling can dent the cans and cause damage to it.

10. American Journey Poultry and Beef Variety Pack Canned Dog Food

This pate, textured American Journey variety meal is excellent for all breeds of adult, energetic dogs. The first ingredients are real meat mixed in a savory broth to ensure quality taste and muscle maintenance. It contains essential amino acids and omega fatty acids for a luscious coat and healthy skin. The meal also has vitamins and minerals added.

You can avoid allergy and sensitivity reactions because of the grain-free content. Because of real meat, your dog’s lean muscle mass will be maintained. Its added nutrients are just right for your dog’s skin and coat. The best part is that your dog will enjoy the taste.

If your dog doesn’t enjoy mushy food, you have no luck here sadly because this food is mushy.

11. Wellness Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

This dog food from Wellness is ideal for daily feeding, snacking, or toppings. It does not contains any fillers, artificial preservatives, or meat by-products. Those ingredients can cause an upset stomach to dogs.

This dog food provides complete essential vitamins and minerals. It is crafted with premium meat cuts and nutrient-dense vegetables slowly cooked in a savory gravy. Additionally, it is crafted by expert pet nutritionists, animal lovers, and veterinarians.

12. Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Weruva is made with natural, boneless, tender, and skinless chicken breast soaked in tasty gravy. It contains high-quality protein and minimal carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight. This dog food is also high in moisture content.

This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, and carrageenan-free making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. It is also suitable for all breeds and life stages. This food can be served as a meal or topper.

13. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula Canned Dog Food

Canidae is a canned dog food for all life stages with chicken and rice formula. The real chicken is simmered in a mouthwatering broth that your dog will surely love. It is ideal for a household that has many dogs since it is suitable for all breeds, life stages, and sizes.

It is expertly crafted by veterinarians so you can be sure that your dog can get the nutrients that it needs. This wet dog food contains wholesome grains that improves energy utilization of your dogs. It is free from soy, wheat, and corn.

14. Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Cowboy Cookout

Last on the list is the Merrick cowboy cookout wet dog food. It features chunks of USDA-certified deboned beef as the main ingredient. Aside from the main source of protein, it also contains green beans, granny smith apples, and carrots. It is 100% free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

This wet food is also free from meat by-products which can cause allergic reactions and upset stomachs. It has an easy open cans making feeding time convenient and quick. It can be served as a topper or a complete meal.

What are Canned Dog Foods?

The most straightforward definition of canned dog is implied in its name. That is, food preserved for later use in a can for a dog. Canned dog foods are also referred to as wet or moist dog food because of their 75% water content. Their unique taste makes them popular among dog owners.

In terms of taste quality, canned dog foods taste the best for dogs. Also, it has fresh ingredients and vegetables because cans can preserve food quality in the long term. When a dog has digestive issues, giving it canned food will help improve gastrointestinal health by easing food flow.

With its reduced carbohydrate content, you will not have to worry about lactose intolerance or obesity. However, this also means reduced caloric content; hence it becomes crucial to give your dog more food, which is not totally pocket friendly. One major downside to canned dog food is that the water content leads to more poop surprises. Although this equals more cleaning up for you, it is healthy for your dog’s gut.

How to Choose Canned Dog Foods

Whenever you choose food for your dog, your first thought should be your dog’s preference and individual nature. If your dog doesn’t like the food, all the other benefits of the food would not matter because the dog will not eat it. As you consider your dog’s taste buds, some other essential factors to consider when making choices include but are not limited to the following:

Meat Source as the First Ingredient

Dogs are descendants of wolves, which are carnivores. Although there are arguments about whether or not dogs are carnivorous or omnivorous, dogs need meat. Meat is a complete protein source because it has all the essential amino acids for growth.

Giving your dog only plant proteins does not help your dog grow optimally. Therefore, having meat is a crucial part of its diet. A first ingredient means that it is densely packed in the food. So, having meat as a primary ingredient ensures that your dog gets the right density of proteins needed to maintain muscle tone and body tissues.

AAFCO Award

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an association that regulates the sales and distribution of animal food and drugs in line with FDA standards. AAFCO ensures that before a manufacturer can claim that their food is nutritionally complete, they meet their requirements.

AAFCO makes a list of the standard minimum, and maximum levels of essential nutrients dog food should have. Nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Having an AAFCO award means the food has sustainable levels of each ingredient and that the content amount is not harmful.

However, it is essential to note that because they are an NGO, it cannot strictly monitor the source of each nutrient. They can only watch the amount of each nutrient present in the food. Quality monitoring is the job of the FDA check here for more on AAFCO‘s guidelines.

Specified Animal Source

When buying canned dog foods, always stay away from food brands that keep their meat parts unnamed, seeing parts like kidneys or liver without the specific animal source is a red flag.

If you are buying any food for your dog, ensure that every animal body part named in the diet has a source animal. Guaranteeing the meat source is a form of insurance on the type of meat your dog is eating. That way, you can avoid your dog eating specific meat types.

Limited Extra Ingredients

Because your dog is a carnivore, feeding it the same food you eat is not ideal. A dog’s requirement for some nutrients is limited. So, having too many of such nutrient types in your dog’s diet will lead to health problems. Most dogs are allergic to soy, corn, and grains, any food that has these contents in large quantities is a stomach hazard for your dog.

A limited ingredients diet works in two ways. One is a specific diet for special-needs dogs like aging dogs or sick dogs. Another is a generally restricted diet that consists only of essential ingredients for growth. A limited ingredient diet is a sort of exceptional food that is safe for your dog’s health.

Other Factors to Consider

Due to the delicate nature of your dog’s health, there are so many factors to consider when feeding it. The ones we have listed above depend more on the food. Some that depend on the dog include:

• Your dog’s breed – As a pet owner, you know that different breed types have special diets, especially large and giant breeds
• The dog’s age – at every age, your dog has different nutritional needs. The best-wet dog food for puppies is not the same for a senior or adult dog
• Health history – a dog with a long history of obesity, for example, should not eat specific brands of canned food
• Activity levels – a hyperactive dog will typically lack enough calories for sustainability from canned food
• Your budget for the dog food

Canned Dog Foods – FAQs

In their rights, every single wet dog food we have reviewed is excellent. They all meet the criteria for a healthy dog food option. These are some of the top chewy dog food options, and you can check their website to buy them or for more options.

After reading this article, we are sure your doubts are clear, and all your questions have been answered already. But, this section of the article is solely dedicated to answering questions you probably did not ask but are frequently asked.

We sincerely hope that you find a meal your dog cannot get enough of that is affordable for you and healthy for your dog. When picking the best-canned dog foods, try your best to read the ingredients list to get an overview of the content. Always introduce new food slowly with careful observation of your dog’s stool and reaction to the taste.