Canned or wet cat food offers several advantages over dry kibble. It tends to be lower in carbohydrates, reducing the likelihood of obesity in cats. Wet food also has a higher moisture content, providing additional hydration, which can be beneficial for cats who don’t drink enough water.
When selecting a canned cat food, it’s important to look for options that are labeled as “Complete and Balanced.” This indicates that the food meets the guidelines set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and provides the necessary nutrients for your cat’s overall health.
Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes is recommended as a favorite cat food for most adult cats. It features high-quality protein sources and excludes ingredients that may have potential negative health effects.
It’s important to consider your cat’s specific needs when choosing a canned cat food. If you have a kitten, a senior cat, or a cat with special dietary requirements, there are wet cat food options available to meet their specific needs and preferences.
When transitioning your cat to a new food, it’s recommended to do so gradually by mixing the new food with the old food over a period of several days. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your cat to adjust to the new food.
Consulting with your veterinarian is always a good idea when selecting a cat food, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your cat’s age, health condition, and specific dietary needs.
By choosing a high-quality canned cat food like Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes and considering your cat’s individual requirements, you can provide them with a nutritious and hydrating diet that supports their overall health and well-being.
Our top picks:
Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes
Can Sizes: 3, 5.5, and 12 ounces
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food
Can Size: 3 ounces
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley
Can Size: 2.9 ounces
Top 8 Canned Cat Foods
Best Overall – Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes
Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes is a canned cat food that focuses on providing animal protein as the primary ingredients, catering to the nutritional needs of obligate carnivores like cats. It contains vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to support overall feline well-being.
There is a variety of flavors to choose from within the Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes line, with each recipe featuring real protein from at least two sources such as salmon, whitefish, herring, lobster, chicken, turkey, and beef. The ingredients used are whole and recognizable. For example, the Turkey & Salmon Entree formula lists turkey, chicken liver, whitefish, chicken broth, salmon, and carrots as the first six ingredients.
One of the notable features of Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Recipes is that they are grain-free and do not contain carrageenan, a common food preservative. This can be beneficial for cats who may have adverse reactions to grains like corn and for those who may develop sensitivities to carrageenan over time.
The canned cat food is made in North America and certified by the AAFCO, ensuring it meets the appropriate nutritional standards. The product comes in three different can sizes: 3, 5.5, and 12 ounces. However, some flavors may be more challenging to find individually and may be more readily available in variety packs.
Pros:
- Animal-sourced proteins as the first two ingredients
- Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Free from carrageenan, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
Cons:
- Some flavors may be difficult to find individually outside of variety packs
Best for Kittens – Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of developing kittens, providing them with essential nutrients, vitamins, protein, and moisture for healthy growth. The Chicken & Salmon recipe features real chicken as the primary ingredient, followed by chicken liver, pork lung, chicken broth, and salmon. It is free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and grains, which can potentially cause irritation in young cats.
This kitten food is produced in Purina’s facility in the United States and undergoes multiple rounds of quality control to ensure accurate formula analysis and nutritional balance. It prioritizes the use of high-quality ingredients to support the health of growing kittens.
One of the advantages of Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food is its omission of fillers, allowing for a more nutrient-dense meal. Additionally, the inclusion of real salmon and chicken contributes to the overall taste and protein content. Wet food also provides additional moisture, which is essential for a kitten’s hydration.
However, a potential downside is that this particular kitten food is only available in one flavor. While this may limit variety, it may not necessarily be a concern if your kitten enjoys and thrives on the available flavor.
Pros:
- No fillers present
- Made with real salmon and chicken
- Provides essential moisture for hydration
Cons:
- Limited to one flavor option
Best for Weight Loss – Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food is designed to help cats achieve and maintain their optimal weight, as even a slight overweight can lead to health issues. This cat food provides balanced nutrition, fiber, and lean protein in a liquid-rich formula, which helps cats feel full between meals.
Formulated in the United States, Hill’s Science Diet conducted clinical trials where over 70% of adult cats achieved weight loss within 10 weeks by consuming Perfect Weight Cat Food. Additionally, the brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products, ensuring customer satisfaction.
The canned cat food for weight loss and maintenance is available in flavors that cats tend to enjoy and is made with real chicken and vegetables, providing both taste and nutrition.
Pros:
- Contains lean protein to promote satiety
- Liquid-rich formula for moisture intake
- Made with real chicken and vegetables
Cons:
- Only available in one can size
Best for Weight Gain – Tiki Pets Tiki Cat Luau
Tiki Cats Luau canned cat food from the Tiki Pets line is a suitable choice for cats looking to gain weight in a healthy manner. This cat food is free of fillers, grains, and guar gum, focusing on providing high-quality proteins that can help cats maintain or increase their weight.
If your veterinarian has recommended weight gain for your cat, increasing the portion size of each meal is a simple solution. Tiki Cats Luau canned cat food comes in two sizes, 2.8 and 6 ounces, allowing you to choose the larger size for at least one daily meal. This provides your cat with the opportunity to consume more healthy fats, such as those found in salmon, which can aid in weight gain.
The Luau collection offers eight recipes that include a combination of chicken and various fish species, including tuna, salmon, mackerel, seabass, and tilapia. The food is designed to be aromatic and enticing for cats, and each can contains larger chunks of real protein. Additionally, all formulas of Tiki Cats Luau are made with non-GMO ingredients.
Pros:
- Abundant protein from animal sources
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- All eight flavors are free of grains and potatoes
Cons:
- Availability of certain flavors may vary
Best Kitten Variety Pack – Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Classic Paté Collection
The Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Classic Paté Collection is a range of wet kitten food that offers four grain-free flavors: Tender Chicken Feast, Tender Salmon Feast, Tender Turkey Feast, and Tender Ocean Whitefish Feast. These recipes are formulated with real milk and are designed to support the growth and healthy development of kittens by providing essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Each protein-rich recipe in this collection has been finely ground to create a smooth consistency, making it easier for kittens to chew and digest their meals. A three-ounce can typically serves as a sufficient portion, but if your kitten has a small appetite, any remaining food can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days.
Pros:
- Four flavors made with real milk
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days
- Formulated to support a kitten’s healthy development
Cons:
- Contains meat by-products
Best for Seniors – Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Cat Food
Purina’s Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Cat Food is specifically formulated for cats over the age of seven, taking into consideration their unique nutritional needs. While the best food for a senior cat depends on individual health requirements, maintaining a diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water is generally recommended for cats at all life stages.
Pro Plan Prime Plus offers six grain-free flavors, all manufactured in the United States. Each formula provides a minimum of ten percent protein to help maintain lean muscle mass in older cats. It also includes antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin E to support the immune system, as well as prebiotic fiber to aid in easier digestion.
As cats age, their activity levels may decrease, and they may be prone to weight gain. In such cases, portion control becomes important. Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Cat Food comes in three-ounce cans, which reduces the likelihood of having excess food leftover.
However, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet, including switching to Pro Plan Prime Plus or adjusting portion sizes.
Pros:
- Contains prebiotic fiber for digestion
- High in protein
Cons:
- Only available in three-ounce can sizes
Best Grain-Free – Weruva Cats In The Kitchen
Weruva’s Cats In the Kitchen line of canned cat food offers a grain-free, gluten-free, starch-free, and carrageenan-free option for cat owners looking for natural and high-quality ingredients in their cat’s diet. The recipes within this line contain animal-sourced protein and fish oil, which can contribute to a healthy skin and coat.
The cat food is moisture-rich, providing essential hydration for cats. It is available in two can sizes, 3.2 or 6 ounces, and all cans are BPA-free, ensuring the safety of the food.
Cats In The Kitchen offers a variety of flavors that can be purchased individually or in variety packs, allowing for a diverse and unexpected meal experience for your cat. Any leftover food can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days, maintaining freshness and reducing waste.
Pros:
- BPA-free cans
- High moisture level
- Free of grain, gluten, starch, and carrageenan
Cons:
- Availability of some flavors may be more challenging to find
Best Natural – Blue Tastefuls Wet Food For Cats
Blue Tastefuls Wet Cat Food offers a range of natural ingredients and flavors with real animal protein as the primary ingredient. It provides two different consistencies to choose from: flaked and pate. The flaked variety contains real pieces of protein, giving it a chunkier texture, while the pate option is smooth and creamy. Both options are high in moisture and protein, and they are fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support overall cat health.
Blue Tastefuls Wet Cat Food is formulated without by-product meals, artificial flavors, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy, making it a desirable choice for cat owners looking for a more natural and wholesome diet for their feline companions.
Pros:
- Two consistencies to choose from: flaked and pate
- Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Free of by-product meals, artificial flavors, and preservatives
Cons:
- Availability of some flavors may be limited outside of variety packs
Read Also:6 Best Cat Brushes, Expert-Tested and Reviewed for Smooth and Shiny Coats
What to Look for in Canned Cat Food
When choosing canned cat food, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re providing your cat with a nutritious and balanced diet. Here are some key things to look for when selecting canned cat food:
- High-Quality Protein: Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet rich in animal protein. Look for canned cat food that lists high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or lamb, as the primary ingredients. Protein should be the main component of the food.
- Complete and Balanced Nutrition: Ensure that the canned cat food is labeled as “complete and balanced” or “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.” This indicates that the food provides all the essential nutrients that cats need for optimal health.
- Limited Fillers and Additives: Avoid canned cat foods that contain excessive amounts of fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy, as these ingredients offer little nutritional value for cats. Look for foods that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Moisture Content: Canned cat food has higher moisture content compared to dry kibble, which can help promote hydration and urinary tract health. Look for canned foods with a moisture content of around 75% or higher.
- Specific Nutritional Needs: Consider any specific nutritional needs your cat may have. For example, if your cat has food allergies or sensitivities, look for canned cat food formulated to address those concerns. Some cats may also benefit from specialized diets for weight management, urinary health, or other health conditions. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance if your cat has specific dietary requirements.
- Brand Reputation: Choose canned cat food from reputable brands that have a history of producing high-quality pet food. Look for brands that prioritize sourcing quality ingredients, perform rigorous testing, and have a solid track record of meeting nutritional standards.
- Your Cat’s Preferences: Each cat may have individual preferences when it comes to taste and texture. It’s important to find a canned cat food that your cat enjoys and readily eats. Experiment with different flavors and textures to determine what your cat prefers.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations based on your cat’s age, health condition, and specific nutritional needs. They can provide guidance on selecting the most suitable canned cat food to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
