“You are what you eat.” This principle is true even with our dogs and puppies. Hence, a well-balanced diet for them is necessary. This includes giving our dog and puppy the best food, be it wet or dry food.
Over the years, pet parents are shifting their concern towards the health of their furry friends. Particularly, pet owners are now more aware of their pet’s diet.
Eating a healthy and balanced meal equates to your puppy growing up healthy.
AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):
- Our Top Pick: Canidae Life Stages Canned Dog Food
- Runner Up: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Wet Dog Food
- Also Great: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy Wet Dog Food
- Also Great: Wellness Complete Health Wet Dog Food
- Also Great: Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food
What wet puppy food is best?
Here are the best wet puppy foods we recommend.
Sourced from trusted brands that can provide proper nutrition for your pup at the right cost, these canned puppy food are great for puppies of whatever breed. These have been well-received by innumerable customers, both puppies, and their owners.
Our Top Pick
This wet food from Canidae provides maximum nutrition for your puppies and dogs in all stages of life. Made of premium ingredients like vegetables and meat, this canned food for puppies contains meat protein, amino acids, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Vet-approved and recommended by pet experts, this menu provides your young pups the necessary nutrition they deserve. It’s definitely one of the best wet puppy foods on the market!
Runner Up
The Blue Buffalo Blue Homestyle Recipe is formulated to meet the life stage and breeds’ needs of our growing puppies. This paté style menu features only wholesome ingredients such as high-quality animal protein from real chicken. The added essential amino acids support healthy muscle development. It also has hearty whole grains to supply energy-boosting complex carbohydrates. Plus, fruits and vegetables enhance this canned food for puppies with vitamins, minerals, and DHA to support cognitive development.
Also Great
A classic pate meal, this IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy Wet Food is made with high-quality chicken proteins with vitamins and minerals to support what our growing puppies need. Formulated with wholesome ingredients slow-cooked in real chicken broth, this canned dog food is rich in flavor and food texture your pups would surely love. This is definitely one product that would make your puppy enjoy mealtime all the time.
Also Great
The Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Puppy Food contains high-quality protein from its prime ingredient, chicken. The vegetables in this formula serve as an antioxidant for a balanced meal for your young pups. Specially created by pet experts and veterinarians, this canned dog food offers your dog what he needs for optimal health. This is definitely something your pup would love to eat!
Also Great
Hill's Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food, Puppy is a delicious product that provides precise nutrition for the overall health and well-being of your puppy. Made in the USA with globally sourced and easily digestible natural ingredients, this wet food has a powerful antioxidant blend. With real chicken and wholesome grains, it adds high-quality protein to help your puppy build and maintain lean muscle. The balanced minerals promote strong bones and teeth. And the DHA from fish oil is for his healthy brain and eye development.
Is Wet Dog Food Good for Puppies?
Is dry or wet food best for puppies?
Based on health conditions or special circumstances, research studies have shown that it is best for puppies to have wet food included in their diets. They are an excellent source of nutritional value, which makes them a perfect meal option for your growing fur baby.
Here are the primary reasons why wet puppy food is distinctly beneficial.
Higher Meat Protein
Even if dogs are generally omnivores, it is necessary for puppies to consume more meat in order to be strong and healthy.
Wet or canned puppy food is richer in proteins and fats but with significantly fewer carbohydrates than dry food. It has sufficient nutrients to fuel muscle development and energy levels while the added moisture preserves the actual protein content.
Fewer Preservatives
Do not let your puppy gobble down useless fillers and harmful preservatives. The canning process naturally prolongs the shelf life of wet food. It decreases the need for artificial preservatives and extra processing like that of dry food.
Fresher Food
With fewer preservatives, the health feature is guaranteed. Plus, a container would only last a few days at max. Hence, the ingredients your puppy is eating are whole, nutritious, and fresher.
More Flavorful
Canned puppy food is more palatable with real meat, which gives it a naturally stronger, more flavorful taste. Most dog owners pick canned dog food for picky eaters as it builds more appetite among dogs.
More Varied
It is also perfect for young puppies who are just introduced to a new, solid diet. More variations would heighten their interest in and train puppies to try different food options for them.
Easier to Chew and Digest
As wet foods contain water, the meat and other ingredients are soft making them chewable, easy to swallow, and digestible. Unlike adult dogs, your little one requires a special diet that would fit what his body needs.
Qualities to Look for in a Good Wet Puppy Food
Wet pet food is a viable choice for puppies who are fussy eaters. These foods also aid in the quick absorption of nutrients. The high moisture content makes them feel fuller faster to manage their weight. It keeps them away from dehydration and may prevent urinary tract infections.
Introducing your young one to wet puppy food is one way of weaning him from nursing on his mom. Eventually, mixing wet and dry dog food would help him transition to adult dry dog food.
Going through more than a hundred wet pet food choices can be burdensome. Dogschool.com lists here the qualities to consider to help you select only the best product.
Nutritious Ingredients
The right balance of ingredients with lots of protein, fat, fruits, vegetables, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, is what makes the best wet puppy food.
Keep an eye on the Guaranteed Analysis of Ingredients, nutritional facts, and calories per serving written on the dog food package. It is also good to see items personally before purchasing or check their product detail pages. It will give you an idea of how much of which component your dog is getting.
For highly active pups, puppy food with high carbohydrate content from healthy sources like sweet potatoes and healthy grains is recommended.
For sensitive pets, there are grain-free options. Grain-free canned food does not contain grains but is still packed with carbohydrates from other sources.
Dog Food Quality
Check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement of nutritional adequacy on the label. This means that they follow strict dog food quality guidelines.
It will ensure your puppy would get the perfect nutrition for his current life stage. This encourages commercial pet food products to adhere to minimum nutritional requirements.
Matches Your Puppy’s Individuality
Consider your pup’s specific needs and special diet requirements and preferences.
Take into consideration as well his breed, size, age, and dietary restrictions. This will be cost-efficient for you because there is a low chance for leftovers.
Shelf Life of Canned Dog Food
As wet dog foods can easily get contaminated, it is important to specifically read the expiry date and the net weight of the product before buying.
Take note that there is wet food for puppies that come in dog food pouches or food trays. Ensure that these dog food pouches are BPA-free to avoid food contamination and poisoning as the packaging type also affects shelf life.
Sourcing and Brand Reputation
Pay attention to the manufacturer of these wet dog food products and their location. Prominent brands generally have excellent products based on customer reviews.
Select those made in a country with high pet-food quality standards and safe ingredients as well as by credible or transparent companies with positive reviews.
Cost Per Feed
Choose the most economical option without compromising the quality by sticking to foods with moderate to high price points.
Calculating the cost per feed in conjunction with the components will allow you to find the best that offer more value for money. It will help with your own budgeting too!
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Although all the products in this review list are vet recommended, we suggest consulting with your resident canine medical professional before introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet.
Depending on your pet’s needs, size, breed, health issues, and overall wellness, your vet may recommend different options.
Proper consultation before purchasing would save you much money and heartache in the case of allergens or other concerns specific only to your puppy’s circumstances. The vet will tell you when is the right time to switch from puppy to adult dog food.
Final Thoughts
That’s it!
At the end of the day, our goal is for every pup parent to realize that what you feed your puppy matters. Providing him with premium food is a worthy lifelong investment because it affects your puppy’s wellness and your relationship together.
Even if the market abounds with exceptional brands offering amazing food options, customer reviews, delivery promotions, you have to align this with your pup’s individual nutritional requirements to ensure that you will make the right decision.
Bearing that in mind, all the essential facts about wet puppy foods shared in this post should convince you to appreciate their true value.
As the moisture content enhances the food’s aroma, your puppy will surely not be able to resist any of these deliciously healthy choices.