Skip to content

15 Best Moist Dog Foods

Written by Xenia
Xenia is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Tuesday 25 December 2018
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
best moist dog foods
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Studies have shown that semi-moist, wet and moist dog foods have much higher palatability than dry kibble. However, due to their higher water content, moist dog food recipes have a much shorter shelf life and once opened, they will have to be consumed immediately for safety reasons.

Kibble has for long been the food of choice thanks to its convenience. Over the last few years, dog owners have been more careful in what is embedded in their dog’s diet and kibble loses its pole position in terms of healthiness and freshness. Remember that a dog’s food intake also includes potential treats and biscuits given in between the regular meals.

15 Best Moist Dog Foods for Your Dogs

We’ve handpicked and selected the best moist dog foods currently available so you can quickly decide what will be best for your dog.

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Dog Food

The Rachael Ray brand is a top competitor in the market for wet dog food due to its added vitamins and minerals. Nutrish provides a healthy alternative to most wet dog foods as there is no soy, wheat, corn, nor fillers added. The Rachael Ray dog food is made with real meat and comes in a variety of savory flavors including lamb stew, beef stew, and pot pie.

With no artificial flavors or preservatives added, the Nutrish wet food for dogs adds an intense flavor inspired by the recipes cooked up in Rachael Ray’s kitchen. That’s why each package is made with care from the most natural, wholesome ingredients for your dog to enjoy. Due to their hearty flavors, dogs can’t seem to get enough of the Nutrish by Rachael Ray.

Pros

  • Free from artificial ingredients
  • Made with real meat
  • Filler-free

Cons

  • The containers are made of plastic
  • Small pieces of meat

2. NUTRO Kitchen Adult Classics

The Nutro Kitchen Classics provides a scrumptious, yet digestive-friendly, canned dog food for your pets to enjoy and benefit from. This moist dog food is a premium alternative to ordinary dog food and every 12.5 ounces can come with the best quality ingredients and proteins including slow-cooked chicken, tender thigh, fish, and even rice and oatmeal recipe. Each can is carefully crafted by trusted sellers and farmers, making natural ingredients a guarantee.

The Kitchen Classics canned dog food is created to encourage both coat and skin health making them shiny and soft thanks to its complete nutrition and added nutrients. The Nutro has helped many dogs who suffer from digestive issues, including ailments such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This is one wet dog food that does what it promises. Dogs enjoy the smell and the robust flavors keep them coming back for more.

Pros

  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • It is made with slow-cooked chicken and fish
  • Has great smell

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chicken allergies
  • Some cans have dents

3. BLUE Homestyle Moist Dog Food

Another wonderous wet dog food to feed your pet’s senses is the Homestyle Recipe made by Blue. Blue is a super popular brand of kibble and now their tasty recipes are made as canned food for dogs. This wet version provides the most essential amino acids and proteins to support your dog’s health and vigor.

This rich chicken dinner features real meat as its first ingredient and is made with delectable deboned chicken. The barley and brown rice incorporated into these flavors add a richness of whole grains and the needed complex carbs to your dog’s diet, adding the energy required to fuel them. Nutritious garden vegetables are added for enhanced health benefits.

One thing that sets the Blue food apart from other wet brands is that it contains no wheat, as others tend to use wheat as an agent for thickening, making this brand an all-around natural wet food for dogs. With no corn, soy, chicken by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors, the Homestyle Recipe by Blue is a top choice in canned dog food.

Pros

  • Contains essential amino acids
  • High in protein
  • Made with natural ingredients

Cons

  • Some customers received smashed cans
  • Some dogs had diarrhea

4. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adults

With the Purina adult wet dog food on today’s market, there’s a guarantee that buyers will be getting the most for their buck. Purina is known for creating their meals with top ingredients with natural origins, while always inspected by top nutritionists. With chicken being its number one ingredient, this 13-ounce canned dog food provides an appetizing meal made of chicken, carrot, and health-giving peas.

The aperitive wet food for dogs made by Purina guarantees a complete balanced meal full of wholesome vegetables. Your adult dogs are taken care of while this recipe brand comes grain-free as well as being a no poultry by-product meal. Buyers can appreciate the simplicity of Purina’s canned food that comes with no additives, soy, wheat, corn, or artificial colors and flavors. Other wondrous flavors available include a chicken and lamb blend with spinach, beef and potato, turkey, and whitefish and salmon.

Pros

  • Provides balanced and complete nutrition
  • Free from by-products
  • No artificial flavors and additives

Cons

  • It has little gravy
  • Inconsistent liquid inside

5. I and love and you Grain-Free Canned Food

With so many canned food for dogs on the market today, none beat the taste and potency of the I and Love and You brand. With its original look and feel, this canned dog food is exactly what dogs need for optimum nutrition and flavor. This grain-free moist dog food contains no fillers and is made with complete love from its makers.

With no by-product meals, soy, corn, rice or any artificial colors and flavors, your dog is guaranteed a more active lifestyle. What makes this canned dog food special is its legendary ingredients including flaxseeds and fish oils to provide that ultimate boost in omega 3 and 6 nutrition. The I and Love and You brand contains no harmful carrageenan thickener. For a boost in carbohydrates, instead of wheat, nutritious sweet potato is added to their ingredients. Wonderful flavors are available including various meat stews with real fruit and veggies.

Pros

  • Provides optimal nutrition
  • Rich in essential fatty acids
  • No harmful substances and thickener

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chicken allergies
  • It is pricy

6. Hill’s Science Diet Stomach & Skin

A great brand of wet dog food should not only provide maximum nutrition but also be easy on the digestive tract. With Hill’s Science dog food, you get just that. Created for dogs with sensitive digestive systems and skin, the Hill’s Science canned dog food is made from the highest quality ingredients that are easy to digest and are soft in texture.

The natural fiber from the vegetables supports a smooth transit for your dog’s tummy troubles. The Hill’s Science food for sensitive skin and stomach is a clinically proven blend of vitamins C and E as well as antioxidants that provide nourishment and strengthens your dog’s immune system. It helps create and maintain shiny coats in your pet’s appearance. Complete and nutritionally balanced, various appetizing flavors include salmon and chicken with vegetables. Hills Science is a top recommendation by vets so you can be assured you are receiving the best ingredients.

Pros

  • Good for dogs with stomach sensitivities
  • Contains natural fiber and probiotics
  • Improves dog’s immune system

Cons

  • Inconsistent color
  • Some cans arrived with dents

7. Happy Howie’s Turkey Roll

For a change of pace, the Happy Howie’s Turkey Roll, although not a canned food, still provides an exquisite alternative to some meat plates that still packs an intensity of flavor. Made in the USA, this succulent gourmet meat roll weighs in at two pounds and is made with premium turkey. Although not meant for a complete meal as it does not provide the nutrition from hearty vegetables or fruits, this turkey roll is a great topper for most foods.

Aside from the usual meal replacement, the Happy Howie’s meat roll can be applied or grated on top of your dog’s favorite kibble mix or used as an alternate healthy treat. Also great for those picky eaters, dogs love the taste and it looks appetizing as well! Due to its big size, the Happy Howie’s turkey roll can easily feed more than one dog at a time.

Pros

  • Great topper of dry and other wet food
  • Made with premium ingredients
  • Suitable for picky eaters

Cons

  • Not available in other sizes

8. Weruva Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Cans

What you see is what you get with this appeasing wet dog food. And it happens to taste just as incredible as it looks. The Weruva food provides a minimally-processed meal replacement for your dogs to not only enjoy, but can greatly benefit from.

Containing no grains, gluten, or carrageenan, this wet food for dogs in a can provides an incredibly balanced and complete meal that your pets will love. It features cage-free boneless and skinless chicken breast which provides a high source of clean protein free from the usual additives such as GMOs and MSGs. The chicken comes hand-packed, shredded and packed to your dog’s liking making it easier to chew and handle.

This wet food maintains the health and weight of adult dogs providing just the right diet based on the family-owned Weruva grade. Every 14 ounces can combine essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is meticulously produced in human food facilities based on the strictest global standards ensuring top-notch quality.

Pros

  • Free from carrageenan, gluten, and grains
  • Made from chicken breast
  • Contains antioxidants

Cons

  • Some picky eaters won’t eat it
  • Other customers received damaged cans

9. Wellness Mini Meals

The Wellness Mini Meals is the perfect meal complement to complete your pet’s meal to ensure an overall balanced diet. Grain-free, versatile, and packed with essential nutrients, the Wellness wet food for dogs contains only five ingredients or less in each can. This simple and delicious recipe is made with real chicken, pumpkin, and salmon.

A recipe formulated with all-natural ingredients, dogs are assured a healthier lifestyle as it contains no additives or wheat. The Wellness Mini Meals are convenient due to its easy to open individual serving cups. These complements make the perfect topper for your dogs’ food or kibble or simply mix them in with his usual food. They also provide an excellent healthy snack. Other scrumptious flavors range from chicken liver and broccoli, tuna with beef and carrots, and a chicken with beef and carrot mix.

Pros

  • Has limited ingredients
  • Great topper for other dog foods
  • Made with all-natural ingredients

Cons

  • It is expensive
  • Not for dogs with minimal protein requirement

10. Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food Variety Packs

For a more economic approach, the Cesar Gourmet variety packs come with thirty-six delicious trays of assorted flavors. They range from classic and porterhouse steak, classic filet mignon with potato and bacon, prime rib flavor, as well as grilled steak. Your pet is provided with an array of options for authentic ingredients including real meat.

Cesar Gourmet wet dog food trays are bound to satisfy any dog’s appetite and even appease the fussier eaters. These gourmet food packs are served in single-serve trays and are fortified with minerals and vitamins. Just simply peel away the top seal and the food is fresh and ready to nibble on. Adult dogs are guaranteed a complete, nutritious meal with Cesar.

Pros

  • Contains real meat
  • The flavors can make fussy eaters eat
  • Suitable for adult dogs

Cons

  • Not for dogs with grain and chicken allergies
  • It is expensive

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

Canidae vet-formulated meal contains real chicken simmered in a tasty broth that your dog love. It is suitable for all dog breeds, all life stages, and all sizes. It also contains wholesome grains that will give enough energy to your pup. 

This dog food does not contain any fillers, preservatives, soy, wheat, and corn. It has high levels of proteins which aids in lean muscle development. It has antioxidants and probiotics for a healthier digestion.

Pros

  • Contains high-quality ingredients
  • High in protein
  • Has enough moisture from chicken broth

Cons

  • Not for dogs with chicken and grain allergies
  • It can be hard to get everything from the can

12. Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Cowboy Cookout

Merrick features chunks of deboned beef as its first ingredient carefully inspected by USDA. It also has granny smith apples, green beans, and carrots as additional source of nutrients. This dog food is 100% free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.

It is also free from by-products which saves your dog from harmful substances. It has an easy-pull tab which makes mealtime preparations stress-free. Moreover, it is grain-free which makes it suitable for dogs with grain allergies.

Pros

  • It has a savory gravy for added moisture and flavor
  • Filled with flavorful meat chunks
  • Can be served as a meal or a topper

Cons

  • Can cause tartar buildup eventually
  • Some cans have more broth than chunks

13. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Natural Wet Canned Dog Food

Instint is made with USA farm-raised beef as the first ingredient. It is packed with essential protein for strong, lean muscle development. It has 95% beef liver and 5% fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients. 

This dog food is also grain-free. It is also free from fillers and meat by-products. It protects your dog from unnecessary flavors and fats because it is free from artificial ingredients. This dog food is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat.

Pros

  • High in animal protein
  • Made with real beef and other nutritious ingredients
  • Promotes healthy digestion

Cons

  • Has lesser moisture than dog foods with broth
  • Inconsistent texture

14. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Red Meat Recipe Canned Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms offer grain-free canned dog food that your dog will enjoy. It made with the healthiest and the best ingredients fresh from the farm. This dog food contains carrots, sweet potatoes, and high in protein beef. 

It does not contain any corn, soy, or wheat. Moreover, it does not contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. It is packed with balanced and complete nutrition that your dog needs every day.

Pros

  • Made with wholesome, high-quality ingredients
  • Has high-quality protein
  • Provides your dog with balanced nutrients

Cons

  • It can be hard to take out of the can because it’s very dense

15. Eukanuba Adult Mixed Grilled Chicken & Beef Dinner in Gravy Canned Dog Food

Last but not least is the Eukanuba canned adult dog food. It is formulated with animal-based protein coming from grilled beef and chicken, which promotes healthy muscle development. It also provides enough energy for your active dog.

With its 100% balanced and complete nutrition, your dog will get the support it needs. It is scientifically-proven to help dogs receive their required carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. 

Pros

  • Keeps your dog hydrated
  • Great for active or working dogs
  • Helps keep the muscles strong

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergy
  • Some can arrived with dents
Moist Dog Foods — Reviews and Brands
Moist Dog Foods — Reviews and Brands

Best Moist Dog Foods: FAQs

Here are the answers to the top questions about moist dog foods:

How much wet food should I feed my dog?

It depends on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and breed. A rough estimate of 3 ounces per 3 pounds a day is recommended. But you should divide it into 2 to 3 meals depending on your dog’s feeding schedule. Moreover, ask your vet for your dog’s daily caloric needs if necessary.

Is moist food better than dry food?

Moist or wet food has many advantages compared to dry food. Wet foods contains more fluid and protein than dry kibbles. It is also easier to chew and digest, especially for puppies and senior dogs. Plus, moist dog foods are tastier, too! However, it is more expensive than dry foods and can cause tartar buildup.

Is it okay to mix wet and dry dog foods?

Yes, it is okay to mix wet and dry foods. It improves your dog’s appetite and doubles the nutrition that it can get from its meal. Just make sure that you are mixing the same formula to prevent giving a dog an upset stomach.

How long can wet food remain in the bowl?

Unlike dry food, you cannot leave moist dog food in a dog bowl for very long. Since they are wet, they can harbor disease-causing bacteria quickly. Therefore, only leave wet food on your dog’s bowl for a maximum of 4 hours especially at room temperature or over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long does canned food last once it’s open?

Open canned foods should be placed in the refrigerator and can only be stored for a maximum of 5 days. Add a cover at the top or transfer it in a sealed container. If the wet food is not eaten by your dog or it already smells or looks bad, discard it.

What form of wet dog food is the best?

The best form of wet dog food depends on the needs and preferences of your dog. Some dogs prefer moist food in gravy, others in loaf form. If your dog is suffering from UTI or other kidney disorders, wet food in gravy or broth form are the best.

Moist dog foods are great and enticing to dogs. However, just like the dry kibbles, they also have their own disadvantages. Therefore, as the owner, you should keep the balance in your dog’s daily meal to make sure that it gets the nutrients it needs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *