The 13 Best Wet Puppy Foods

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

This (updated) guide covers all of the best wet puppy foods available this year.

Bringing home a new puppy is a heartwarming experience, but choosing the right food is essential for their growth and happiness. Wet puppy food is a fantastic option that satisfies their taste buds and also provides vital nutrients. In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best wet puppy food options to keep your furry friend healthy and joyful.

I have spent several weeks researching various options, consumer reviews, ingredient analysis based on my detailed 40-point inspection list.

Learn about your best wet puppy food options, and all the other information you need to make an informed decision.

Let’s get started…

The Best Wet Puppy Foods

Top PicksRatingsTop 5 Ingredients
#1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Puppy Chicken Dinner Canned Food
(Editor’s Choice)
4.9Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas
#2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Puppy Food4.8Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Potatoes, Flaxseed
#3. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Dog Food Trays4.8Chicken Broth, Chicken, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Potatoes 
#4. Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food4.7Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Wheat Gluten, Pork Plasma, Vegetable Oil
#5. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food 4.7Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Ground Barley
#6. Pedigree Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner Canned Dog Food4.7Chicken, Animal Liver, 3Beef, Dried Tomato Pomace, Fish Oil
#7. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food4.7Chicken, Chicken Broth, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Salmon Oil
#8. Puppy Chow Classic Ground Chicken Pate Wet Puppy Food4.6Chicken, Meat By-Products, Liver, Soy Flour, Salmon

#1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Puppy Chicken Dinner Canned Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Carrots, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,190 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1.3% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Your puppy needs a balanced diet with nutrition extracted from a variety of natural sources. That is exactly what you get in a can of Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner. 

Your little one gets a good dose of high-quality protein from chicken, and that’s not all. This food is rich in DHA and essential fatty acids. It contains the essential carbs needed to keep playful puppies moving throughout the day.

#2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Puppy Food

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Chicken, 4. Potatoes, 5. Flaxseed

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,350 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Give your puppy an incredible mix of healthy ingredients to ensure excellent physical and cognitive growth. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey and Chicken Grill Grain-free will give your puppy all the nutritional power without the risk of indigestion. 

Your pup will get enough DHA and fatty acids from the meal so you won’t need to add a lot of supplements to their diet.

#3. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Dog Food Trays

Rating:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken Broth, 2. Chicken, 3. Pork Liver, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Potatoes 

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Extra Small, Small Breeds
  • Caloric content (per tray): 88 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 5% | Fat (min.) 3% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 82%
  • Form: Wet

Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws is an excellent choice for small pups with big personalities and caloric needs. The easy-to-serve food trays contain boneless chicken to build muscle and regulate hormones. Brown rice is the main source of carbs as it’s full of fiber and ideal for fueling hyper-active routines of toy puppies. 

Moreover, the food is made with a mouth-watering gravy that can draw picky eaters from miles away. It’s also loaded with micronutrients from carrots, green peas, and beet pulp to keep your pup’s vision sharp and strengthen its digestive system. Each tray is good enough for a single meal, making it super-convenient to serve the trays.

#4. Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken, 2. Chicken By-Products, 3. Wheat Gluten, 4. Pork Plasma, 5. Vegetable Oil

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 840 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 6.8% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 2.5% | Moisture (max.) 81.5%
  • Form: Wet

Formulated for dogs that are expected to weigh over 56 lbs by adulthood, Royal Canin is one of the few wet foods in the market for large breed puppies. It comes in a delicious gravy + chunks texture and is full of protein to keep up with your pup’s growth rate. Fibrous carbs are also used to support digestion and improve stool quality.

In addition to that, Royal Canin infuses vitamin E and antioxidants into their recipe to strengthen your puppy’s fragile immunity. Calories are also plentiful and can power the most active pups for an entire day. You also won’t get any trouble while serving meals. The easy-to-open pouch and mouth-watering aroma will drive your pupper from miles away. 

#5. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food 

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Broth, 2. Chicken, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Salmon, 5. Ground Barley

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,226 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 6% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

If you want your puppy to enjoy all the delicious and beneficial ingredients without upsetting their sensitive tummies, Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppies is a great option. Aside from chicken and salmon, it has a beneficial blend of fruits and vegetables. 

This means your puppy will get an appropriate amount of carbs, vitamins, and minerals as well. It is free of common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy. This Wellness food is among the best-wet food available online.

#6. Pedigree Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Animal Liver, 3. Beef, 4. Dried Tomato Pomace, 5. Fish Oil

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,122 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

If minced meal is your puppy’s favorite, then treat your baby with this delicious canful of healthy nutrients. The formula is easy to digest for young and sensitive tummies. Yet, it’s full of high-quality proteins, minerals, and vitamins. 

It has a good percentage of Calcium and Phosphorus, two nutrients that ensure healthy bone growth and development. Like all of my picks, this one is also rich in DHA, and sourced from fish oil.

#7. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Pearled Barley, 5. Salmon Oil

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large, All Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,367 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 6.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Take off the burden from switching to adult food at the right time with the all-life stages Canidae Chicken & Rice Canned Food. The recipe contains deboned chicken to assist muscle growth in its last stages and brown rice for proper digestion. Calories are also plentiful at 504 kcal per can — the perfect amount to fuel the body of almost fully-grown adults.

Moreover, your puppy will love the delicious gravy and meaty texture of this recipe. It’s also suitable for all sizes of puppies and has zero corn, wheat, or soy to prevent digestive upsets. Your dog will also grow healthier fur and softer skin as the recipe contains omega-fatty acids from salmon oil.

#8. Puppy Chow Classic Ground Chicken Pate Wet Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Meat By-Products, 3. Liver, 4. Soy Flour, 5. Salmon

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,182 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Make gaining weight a breeze for your puppy with Puppy Chow Ground Chicken Pate Wet Food. This high-protein formula is made from deboned chicken and salmon — both of which supply amino acids and maximize muscle growth. Calories are also abundant at 184 kcal/can to keep your dog in a surplus and full of energy throughout the day.

Besides weight gain, Puppy Chow also supports eyesight and brain development with DHA. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids so your dog’s coat stays shiny and lustrous. Vitamin E and antioxidants are also present in the formula to increase your puppy’s resistance to diseases and infections. 

#9. My Ollie Fresh Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. kale, 3. lentils, 4. carrots, 5. coconut oil

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,390 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 2% | Moisture (max.) 72%
  • Form: Fresh

Maximize your puppy’s growth and vitality with personalized fresh meals from My Ollie. The journey begins by selecting between four recipes; chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. Each recipe is then customized according to your puppy’s age, breed, activity levels, and health history. 

My Ollie regularly delivers their freshly-cooked meals to your doorstep so you can start feeding you puppy right away. They are full of nutritious ingredients like brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and many more. The diet program will provide the complete range of nutrients your puppy needs to stay active, avoid stomach problems, and reach optimal weight. Although it’s a bit expensive, the long-term benefits of My Ollie will pay off.

#10. Nutro Puppy Tender Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food Trays

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Pork Broth, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 911 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 8% | Fat (min.) 4% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 82%
  • Form: Wet

Beat digestive problems with the lip-smacking Nutro Puppy Tender Grain-Free Dog Food Trays. The recipe is designed from chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas to increase muscle growth and energy in sensitive puppies. It’s built from non-GMO ingredients and has zero grains, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives to avoid diarrhea and stomach issues.

What makes Nutro even more special is its delicious taste. Each tray is filled with a delectable chicken broth and comes with an easy-to-pull tab that makes it convenient to serve meals. Essential vitamins and minerals are also present in the recipe for proper bone development, immunity strengthening, and greater energy throughout the day.

#11. Nulo Freestyle Turkey, Cod & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Turkey, 2. Salmon Broth, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Pumpkin, 5. Blueberries

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,097 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9.5% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Skin rashes and itchy paws can affect your puppy’s quality of life. That’s why we recommend Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Formula for puppies with severe allergies. The recipe is made from gentle proteins like turkey and cod to build muscle and hormones. For carbohydrates, it uses sweet potatoes and lentils due to their high digestibility and rich fiber profile.

Moreover, the Nulo formula will improve your puppy’s coat health with salmon oil and develop their cognitive skills with DHA. Your dog also needs to grow strong bones, which is why the food contains calcium and phosphorus. And let’s not forget the succulent taste of Nulo Freestyle that all dogs love — courtesy of delicious salmon and turkey gravy.

#12. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Canned Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Water, 2. Chicken, 3. Whole Grain Corn, 4. Cracked Pearled Barley, 5. Fish Oil

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per can): 482 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 7.4% | Fat (min.) 4% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Wet

Sometimes puppies can be picky, they won’t settle for anything that doesn’t taste delicious. If this describes your four-legged friend, you need to bring home the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley. 

It is a delicious treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. This balanced formula offers high-quality proteins and other essentials to ensure a healthy immune system. The formula also promotes better mobility as well as healthy digestion.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken and Rice Canned Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken, 2. Liver, 3. Water, 4. Salmon, 5. Rice

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,292 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 76%
  • Form: Wet

If you understand the importance of your puppy’s mental development along with physical growth, here is a perfect option. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Classic contains the right amount of brain-healthy nutrients such as DHA, which is essential for cognitive development and healthy vision in growing puppies. 

Moreoverit is rich in quality proteins from real chicken meat as well as easily digestible carbohydrates from rice. I love how this combo provides puppies with the physical strength and energy to play all day. This puppy food by Purina is one of the best wet puppy food available.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Best Wet Puppy Food — A Buyer’s Guide

There are several factors that come together to keep your puppies happy and healthy. This includes giving them the right diet, plenty of exercise and playtime, and unconditional love and care. But when it comes to food, you have to be particularly cautious because that’s what is going to help your puppy grow and develop. It’s the food and the adequate level of exercise that would decide how healthy your dog’s going to be.

This article will discuss what a good puppy diet should look like and how you should set up the right feeding pattern according to their age. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Ingredients to Look for in Puppy Food

Let’s start with:

  • Real meat protein: Premium-quality meat protein is the foremost requirement for growing puppies. It’s also the most protein-dense portion of an animal and is easiest to digest. When choosing puppy food, make sure meat makes up the majority of its protein content and is listed amongst the first few ingredients.
  • Whole grains: To stay active and maintain healthy digestion, a puppy needs whole grains in their diet. Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice are great examples of fibrous whole grains that ensure healthy stools and maintain energy levels in puppies.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Puppies need multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for proper growth. And there’s no better source of micronutrients than natural fruits and vegetables. Compared to artificial supplements, they’re easier to digest, more nutritionally diverse, and taste better. Our favorite ones for puppies include blueberries, cranberries, pumpkins, apples, carrots, and beetroot.

Ingredients to Avoid in Puppy Food

Steer clear of:

  • Rendered meats and fats: Some manufacturers use rendered fats to make their food cheaper. Both of them are derived from dead or sick animals, so they contain toxins and few nutrients. We would recommend staying away from foods that list generic fats like ‘animal fat’ and meat by-products.
  • Wheat and corn: Both wheat and corn are used as fillers in puppy foods to pump up their calorie content. Wheat gluten is also a common ingredient used as a protein source in some recipes. Unfortunately, all of these ingredients are difficult to digest and provide little nutritional value to your puppy.
  • BHT and BHA: BHT and BHA are used as preservatives in dog foods, especially for fats. However, both of them have been linked to allergies and are classified as possible carcinogens.

What Can My Puppies Eat?

Depending on the size and breed of your dog, you should allow your dog to feed on his mother’s milk for the first 4 to 6 weeks. The mother’s milk provides the adequate nutrients required to keep the puppies healthy and protect them from diseases. During this time, you don’t have to worry about feeding any other puppy food.  

After six weeks, wean your puppy off and introduce them to the new food. This transition phase can take 2 to 3 weeks. You have both kibble and wet food options to start with. The only thing you need to make sure is that the food you pick should be formulated for puppies. High-quality puppy food will include all the nutrition they need at this lifestage for optimal growth and development.

If you’re new to this, you can always seek assistance from your vet. If you opt for kibble, always moisten it or blend it with a milk replacer to adjust the consistency for your dog’s soft teeth. On the other hand, you can serve wet puppy foods as it is, as they’re already soft for easy eating. You can eliminate the milk replacer after around 8 weeks.

Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

Let’s find out!

Different Nutritional Needs

Pups have different nutrient needs as compared to their adult counterparts. While puppies need sufficient nutrition for growth and development, adult dogs require nutrition for maintenance. As a result, puppies require more protein, carbs, and micronutrients. Puppies also need more calories for optimal growth. Therefore, it is not suitable for puppies to eat adult dog food.

The Right Kibble Size

The kibble size of dry food and the chunks in wet food are also larger for your puppy’s mouth. Large chunks and hard textures are not easy for your puppies to chew. So it’s great if you pick a wet puppy food or mix it with kibble to soften the texture. Giving your puppy adult dog food is not only harmful to the health but can also be damaging to the jaws and teeth.  

If you’re looking for the most suitable wet food options for your pup, don’t forget to check out the best wet puppy foods list we have shared in this article.

Puppy Feeding Chart

You can find feeding guidance on the food bags to help you get started. You can check with the vet for more professional advice. We have compiled a basic puppy feeding chart below for your assistance. You can always make changes according to your dog’s specific breed and size.

The food quantity stated below should ideally be fed to your dog over a 24-hour period.  

  • Weight: 5lbs, 1/2 cup to 5/8 cup
  • Weight: 10lbs, 3/4 cup to 1 cup
  • Weight: 20lbs, 1 1/4 cups to 1 3/4 cups
  • Weight: 40lbs, 2 1/4 cups to 3 cups
  • Weight: 60lbs, 3 cups to 4 cups
  • Weight: 80lbs, 3 2/3 cups to 5 cups
  • Weight: 100lbs, 4 1/4 cups to 6 cups

Use this as a basic guideline, and feel free to adjust based on your dog’s preferences.

The Nutritional Benefits of Wet Food Options for Pups

As difficult as you find picking the right dog food, the truth is that dog nutrition has never been easier. With so much information in hand and a variety of products available in the market, it is possible to find the perfect meals for your furry friend.

Kibble, however, is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a puppy’s nutrition. Canned food was often put on the sidelines. While dry food is a more convenient option, wet foods have excellent nutritional value, which makes it a great diet option for your growing buddy.

Here are all the reasons that makes wet food distinctly beneficial:

Higher Meat Protein

Canned food options are generally higher in meat protein content as compared to kibble diets. These foods are also an excellent source of nutrition for dogs that require grain-sources carbs. It is, however, important to check the food labels and opt for only high-quality canned food.  

Lesser Carbs

Kibble usually contains more carbs as compared to wet food because carbs work as binders required for maintaining the hard texture and consistency. While there’s carb content in wet food as well, the amount is significantly less than in dry food. Always check the labels!

Fewer Preservatives

The canning process naturally preserves wet food and, therefore, has lesser preservatives. On the other hand, dry food actually needs preservatives to increase shelf-life. Wet food is also fresher as compared to kibble because a container would only last a few days at max, unlike a kibble bag that would take weeks to a month to finish. All these factors contribute to fewer overall preservatives in the canned food.  

More Flavorful

The canned food is more palatable because it is made from real meat and contains higher meat protein content. Canned food naturally has a stronger, more flavorful taste. This is the main reason why most dog owners pick canned dog food for picky eaters. This is also a great option for young puppies who are just introduced to a new, solid diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do puppies’ nutritional needs differ from adult dogs?

The nutritional needs of puppies are in accordance with their development stage. This is when they’re developing organs, building muscles and bones, and growing. On the other hand, adult dogs require nutrition to maintain their already-grown bodies. Naturally, the nutritional requirement of puppies is higher than that of adult dogs to fuel their growth and development.

2. How do I ensure I am feeding the right food according to my puppy’s needs?

The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has set the standard nutrient guidelines that most manufacturers follow. Companies that follow these standards often have the AAFCO approved label on the packaging, which means that the pet food is formulated according to the guidelines and offers complete and balanced nutrition.

In addition to this factor, make sure you’re giving your pup food that’s specifically designed for their life stage. Puppies should be fed food that’s suitable for pups or for all life stages.

3. How often should I feed wet food to my puppy?

Puppies should be fed three to four times a day between four and six months. Adjust the frequency to twice a day after six months. Just make sure you divide the wet food according to their daily caloric requirement.

4. How much should I feed my puppy?

You need to be particularly careful about the calories and nutrient requirements when feeding wet food to your puppies. Since puppies require a lot of food to fuel their growth and development, you must divide the meals accordingly.

You can also refer to the feeding charts available on the puppy food labels for a better idea.

5. What’s the right time to switch my puppy to adult food?

The answer to this question is quite subjective as it is based on the puppy breed you own. Different dogs mature at different ages. Once your dog reaches 90% of their expected overall adult weight, you can switch them to a diet that’s suitable for adult dogs for optimal maintenance. Small breeds mature early, between nine and twelve months. Larger breeds can take twelve to eighteen months to enter adulthood.

6. What wet food should I never feed my puppy?

Not all foods designed for humans can be fed to dogs. While you can treat them with healthy leftovers, fruits, and vegetables occasionally, it is important to steer clear of options that could be harmful to your pup. Avoid feeding them avocados, grapes, chocolates, macadamia nuts, raisins, and raw bread dough. Also avoid ingredients like garlic, onions, and chives. If your dog is allergic to dairy, keep them away from milk and cheese as well.  

Check out this list of the other related categories of puppy foods as well:

Conclusion

The facts about wet puppy foods shared in this article should convince you why including canned food in your pet’s current diet is a great idea. Even if your precious pooch loves a straight, dry diet, introducing canned food as a topper or a part-time meal is a great way to include healthy, nutritious, and flavorful food in your dog’s diet.

Adding variety is always a great way to enhance your dog’s overall growth and health with wet food options. And if you’re looking for the best wet puppy foods available out there, we have you covered. The list shared in this article is surely going to narrow down your options so you can try out the best ones available for your furry buddy.  

So try one today and let your little one enjoy more than just great flavor!

Further reading: