Some dog owners believe that wet dog food is unhealthy. However, incorporating quality wet dog food in their diet could be beneficial for our canine companions.
Premium-quality tinned food can be both delicious and will help absorb essential nutrients that aren’t usually found in dry dog foods.
One problem with wet food is that it can be made cheaply, from fillers that won’t satisfy your dog’s appetite.
So, with so many options out there, which wet dog is the best?
We’ve reviewed top 6 best wet dog foods in the UK that are lip-smackingly good, nutritious and free of cheap and harmful ingredients!
With this article, we also cover how your dog can benefit from tinned dog foods and what to watch out for.
In a hurry? Here are the top 3 wet dog foods our experts chose:
Our top picks
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Which Is The Best Wet Dog Food?
Before we dive into the details of how your pooch can benefit wet foods, and what to watch out for, we present you the top 6 reviewed individually:
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Does your dog always beg for scraps off your plate after eating his food? Perhaps it’s time for a change to Lily’s Kitchen Classic for a tasty surprise.
Dogs love these products because it’s just like their human’s food, only mashed up. Additionally, theflavours beat the standard dog food variety, so your pouch won’t ever get bored wolfing down cottage pie, turkey casserole and lamb hotpot for supper.
Since a chef has formulated unique recipes, the food boasts a superior taste that’s enriched with natural ingredients only.
You’ll also find that only real meat is used, meaning that the protein content is high. This isgreat for weight control. Yourpet will find the meat-filled meal irresistible and will fill up quickly.
The ingredients list is impressive. All flavours are packed with wholesome meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, and minerals and vitamins that maintain bones and protect the immune system, and promote other essential bodily reactions to keep your pooch moving.
You can opt for the grain-free version of this product if your lovable pooch can’t handle grain. Most flavours are also hypoallergenic and free of the foods that cause itching, diarrhoea and vomiting.
The lamb hotpot and cottage pie are firm favourites among pooches with aversions to poultry.
If you’re environmentally friendly, you’ll be impressed by Lily’s Kitchen. This product supports the planet by opting touse sustainability sourced ingredients and eco-packaging.
This is a high-quality product, so it will cost you. However, knowing that your fur child is happy makes the higher cost a worthwhile investment.
Features
- 12 pack of nutritionally complete wet food
- Suitable for ages four months and up
- Contains fresh meat, vegetables, vitamins and more
What we liked
- Boast several flavours
- Contains wholesome ingredients
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Effective for weight control
Didn't like
- Expensive
- Only comes in a 12 pack
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Pedigree Vital Protection is a mouth-watering meal filled with nutritional goodness. Your pet will lick the bowl clean and feel as energised as a pup afterwards whatever his age.
The food is packed with vital ingredients, natural fibres, and fats that protect, strengthen and enhance your pet’s quality of life. Stronger bones, improved vitality and a healthy coat are some perks of feeding your dog this brand.
The portion of one bag is fine as a standalone meal that’s bound to satisfy your dog’s hunger, otherwise mixed with kibble.
Either way, the enhanced taste will get your dog gobbling down, even if he’s fussy with food. And will reap the benefits of a well-balanced meal.
While this food is for all dogs and breeds, you may require more if you have large dogs. One pouch is fine for a small dog at mealtime, but your stocks will deplete faster with bigger breeds.
Containing zero fillers, artificial additives, no sugar and less fat; this product is ideal for pets with weight issues. You’ll find that your pooch won’t be begging for more after meals anymore because he’s full and content!
One downside is that with packaging an unnecessary amount of plastic is used.
Features
- Main ingredients include beef and carrots or chicken and carrots
- Contains natural fibres, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats
- A box include 48 pouches (100 grams each)
What we liked
- Nutritionally balanced meal
- Contains vital ingredients for healthy bones and a strong immune system
- Boasts a taste dogs love
Didn't like
- Not the most environmentally-friendly packaging
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This product from Harringtons has been compared to human food because it looks and smells great.
Dogs that go off their diet quickly will be satisfied with the variety of flavours available. The menu includes hunger-busting selectionslike chicken, duck, wet mix, salmon, and more.
Label readers will agree that the primary ingredients are supreme quality, natural and entirely grain-free.
Added components like green-lipped mussels will keep your dog’s skin and coat in good condition while easing joint pain and arthritis.
Green tea, not commonly included in commercial brands, comprises a great source of antioxidants that support the immune system.
If your dog suffers from frequent digestive upsets, you’ll find this product agreeable with his sensitive stomach. Chicory, an organic prebiotic makes sure of this.
This food comes highly recommended for pets that are missing a few teeth or have undergone dental surgery who need a soft food diet.
The rich taste will appeal to recovering dogs with poorly appetites, as well as toothless pets who can’t chew kibble without causing further harm to their dental health.
While this food is suitable for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities, especially gluten-intolerant pups, be wary about using this brand if yours can’t eat chicken. The salmon flavour does contain elements of poultry.
Features
- 150 gram pouches (pack of 24)
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Includes green-lipped mussels and green tea
What we liked
- Grain-free formula
- Ideal for sensitive tummies
- Helps reduce pain in arthritic dogs
- Promotes vitality
Didn't like
- Salmon contains poultry - not great for dogs with chicken allergies
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How would your furry friend rate this food? We’d say tail-waggingly fantastic! Its straightforward formula is a winner.
A high meat content, high-fibre veggies, carbohydrates, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals that dogs daily need are the primary ingredients in its recipe.
If you’ve searched high and low for suitable meals that won’t make your dog scratch or struggle internally with, Forthglade is a naturally-grain free product that accommodates pooches whose diets are restricted due to allergies.
This product can be fed as a small tasty snack between meals or as a well-balanced and satisfying dinner either combined with dry food or enjoyed on its own. Dogs seem to love the taste, even furry friends with a more refined pallet.
The size of the packs is large enough for all sizes and types of dog. One pouch can last at least three meals for a small dog and one or two for medium to large breeds. Therefore, this product is cost-effective and may last longer than other wet food brands.
Your dog will also enjoy the diverse tastes of chicken, turkey and duck, which is heaps better than always sticking to one dull flavour for every meal.
One drawback is that the nine-month shelf life has been challenged due to reports of bad smells and mould. Always check the food before feeding it to your dog. Old, mouldy food is a health hazard!
Features
- Variety pack of 12 (chicken, turkey and duck)
- Contains 75% meat
- A simple formula containing meat, veggies, minerals, and more
What we liked
- Free from fillers and other harmful ingredients
- Great for sensitive tummies
- Cost-effective
Didn't like
- There have been complaints about spoilt food
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What’s to love about this product? The variety of choice. There are numerous flavours from chicken to fish, as well as food fit for puppies and seniors respectively.
You can also opt for the grain-free option if your dog can’t digest gluten.
Only all-natural ingredients are included in the recipe, meaning your four-legged family member is getting nutritiously-dense breakfasts and dinners and will feel satisfied afterwards.
This food is highly palatable, as evidenced by excitable pooches when it’s mealtimes and empty bowls after that.
Naturediet also accommodates dogs in different life stages, meaning that your puppy or senior hound can enjoy the decadent taste while still receiving all the nutrients they require to remain as strong and healthy dogs.
The product is also suitable for dogs experiencing health issues. It's filled with large quantities of meat to curb hunger in overweight hounds and is also low in sodium which is beneficial for dogs suffering from heart conditions.
What you might not like about the product is the rich scent. The fish flavours smell particularly strong. Your pet won’t mind the stench, but you might be averse to the food stinking your house out.
The lumpy consistency of the food might not look enticing to you. However, despite its relatively unappetising appearance, dogs don’t seem bothered.
Features
- A variety of flavours such as chicken, fish, lamb, and salmon
- Suitable for puppies, adults and seniors
- Grain-free option
What we liked
- Nutritionally-dense
- Highly palatable food
Didn't like
- A strong smell, especially the fish flavours
- Unappetising appearance
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This product from Cesar’s is the equivalent of a Sunday roast! Tempt your pet’s pallet with a scrumptious and healthy wet dog food that can be served as a topper to dry food or a treat on its own.
You’ll find the bite-size meat cubes suitable for all dogs, especially smaller canines who might struggle biting into chunkier chicken or lamb pieces.
Added vegetables ensure your dog receives his daily intakes of vitamins and minerals, which is highly beneficial if your furry friend isn’t usually a fan of his greens.
The addition of gravy has seen mixed reviews. Why? The rich taste might encourage fussy and old dogs who’ve partially lost their sense of smell. However, this same richness isn’t great for golden oldies with digestion issues.
It might be wholesome and packed with a wide variety of essential goodies. However, it’s geared towards dogs in their prime without health problems.
If your dog requires a specialised diet to control medical issues, this brand might not receive your vet’s seal of approval. Additionally, age-related ailments aren’t addressed either, with compounds like chondroitin and glucosamine absent from the ingredient’s list.
Lastly, as an attentive pet owner, you might be concerned at the few ingredients listed. If you’re looking for specifics, you’ll be unconvinced by what you find.
Features
- Wet food in sauce
- Multi-pack: 48 pouches x 100grams
- Bite-sized morsels suitable for small dogs and dogs with dental issues
What we liked
- Tasty
- Healthy for dogs in their prime
Didn't like
- Rich gravy sauce not suitable for all dogs
- The ingredients list isn't detailed
How To Choose A Wet Dog Food?
We understand why pet owners prefer to buy dry kibble. It’s a convenient buy that you can get in bulk.
That said, eating just kibble every day might get boring for your pet. Imagine eating the same meal non-stop? You’re bound to lose interest at some point.
Canned dog food has received a bad reputation for a long time, and for no good reason. Below, we’ll discuss why it’s valuable to feed it to your pets and what to watch out for.
What Are The Advantages?
If you’re asking this question, you’re considering adding wet dog food to your dog’s diet, either as a side dish, a topper or to replace dry food entirely.
Wet dog food boasts several excellent qualities:
Keeps your dog hydrated
For some pet owners, getting their animals to drink is a massive challenge. Wet dog food comes in handy if you’re concerned that your puppy's water intake per day is insufficient.
A dog will absorb enough water by eating tin dog food, which contains a high moisture count!
More protein and fewer carbohydrates
You might be anxious that your pooch isn’t receiving a nutritionally balanced meal by only eating kibble. And you’re right.
Wet dog food contains significantly more protein than dry dog food, which is why dogs go crazy for the taste. It also plays an essential role in your dog’s well-being, helping the body to function.
Contains fewer calories
Carbs are an essential energy source, but too much of it can result in your dog's unprecedented weight gain.
Wet dog food contains fewer carbs. Why?
Because the production process is entirely different.
Making kibble requires extrusion, which is essentially combining the ingredients, exposing the mixture to high temperatures, and adding sufficient amounts of starch.
Producing wet food doesn’t require as much starch, making it a better choice for weight management.
Highly palatable
Sometimes, you might find that your dog refuses to eat kibble. However, when you place wet food in front of him, he’ll hungrily consume the meal.
Despite efforts made to make dry food more appealing, for example adding gravy and fats, canned dog food still wins out on taste.
The rich aroma and flavour of wet or canned dog will encourage your dog to eat if he’s been turning his nose up at everything else.
As dogs grow older and their senses deteriorate, they’ll be more enticed by wet food due to these qualities as well.
If your old boy is picky, check out our guide to the best senior dog foods.
Isn’t harmful on dental health
Despite earlier studies stating that wet dog food aggravates dental issues, there’s no substantial evidence that backs these claims up.
What has been proven is that dry kibble scrapes away plaque and harmful bacteria. So if you’re worried about the condition of your dog’s teeth and gums, combine kibble and wet dog food.
You might also find that dogs with fewer teeth, severe dental issues or jaw problems fare better on wet food because the consistency of kibble is too hard and uncomfortable for them to chew.
Many different varieties
You might be surprised at the varieties of wet dog food flavours.
We wouldn’t blame you if you got envious because some of them sound truly tantalising and fit for human consumption.
We can certainly imagine feasting on salmon, lamb hotpot and seafood bisque ourselves!
Can be stored longer
Depending on the expiration date, wet food lasts longer than dry food.
It also doesn’t need preservatives to maintain its freshness. Most products boast a shelf life between six to nine months.
Naturally grain-free and allergy-conscious
Most canned dog foods are naturally free of grain because there’s more protein than carbs.
In today’s world, several varieties of wet food cater to dogs with food sensitivities where substitute ingredients have replaced those that cause your animal to be ill.
Are There Downsides?
For all its benefits, there are a few pitfalls and complications to using wet food:
Not as convenient and easy to feed
Kibble is preferred by some pet owners because it’s easier to store, can be bought in bulk, and requires less effort to prepare.
Messy and can spoil
Once opened, wet dog food must be stored in the fridge and consumed after a couple of days.
After that, it will spoil, start to smell, and will make your pet sick if you try feeding the food to them.
Conversely, kibble can be stored away and lasts longer once opened.
If your puppy is a messy eater, he might leave behind smears on the floor for you to clean up, in which case you might be better of with a dry kibble for your puppy.
Or he might be a grazer and nibble throughout the day, which as you know, will result in wet food spoiling quickly, especially during summer.
Not cost effective
The reason why tin dog food is regarded as an occasional treat is that it’s dear in price, especially if you’re purchasing premium brands.
Therefore, buying in bulk isn’t an option for many pet guardians, especially if you own larger dogs with massive appetites that wolf down two cans of wet food daily.
How Is Wet Dog Food Made?
Different brands have their own formulas and unique list of ingredients. However, the canning process is uniform across the board.
Either fresh meat or frozen meat is grounded into small pieces, then combined with assorted vitamins and vegetables.
Once these raw materials are assembled, they’re placed in a specialised machine that thoroughly blends them while heating the starch ingredients.
Through the heat reaction, the starch gelatinises the protein, which is vital to enhance the taste and texture.
Once done, filling and sealing the cans occur. This step is one of the most important because it preserves the food, preventing it from spoiling.
The final stage is sterilising, which involves exposing the cans to heat to kill any potentially dangerous bacteria.
How To Introduce Wet Dog Food?
You must introduce wet food to a dog’s diet incrementally because a dog’s stomach is sensitive to new foods.
The transition must be slow to prevent digestive upsets, as well as expensive and unnecessary visits to the local veterinarian.
Additionally, portion control becomes even more necessary. If you plan to combine wet and dry food, it’s generally not a case of adding half of both.
Specific feeding guidelines must be adhered to, and these are usually printed at the back of the packet.
Final Tips and Tricks
Feeding your dog new dog food is not only an adjustment but a trial and error process because some brands might not agree with your furry friend.
Here are our top tricks to optimise your dog’s eating habits with wet food.
Tips For Feeding Your Dog Canned Food
- Have a conversation with a specialist if your dog has medical conditions or food intolerances.
- You can serve your dog both wet and dog food without combining them.
- Freshwater is still necessary, so make sure there is a clean water bowl next to the food.
- Wet dog food only partially hydrates your animal, so don’t use it as a substitute.
- It takes approximately seven days for a new dog’s digestion to get used to the new food.
- Stop feeding your dog that brand if there are adverse symptoms that worsen over time.
FAQs
It offers a well-balanced diet to your pets. Topping kibble with wet food provides some variety and taste to an otherwise boring meal.
It has been known to have additional healthy ingredients that aren’t always found in dry food.
Most brands boast a higher protein content, lower carb count, and because of the air-tight sealing of the cans, contain next to no artificial ingredients.
Due to its soft texture, dogs won’t have to chew too hard to break down wet dog food.
Additionally, its high moisture content, together with its mushy consistency, it works well for dogs susceptible to upset stomachs or digestive problems.
Premium brands can have many properties that promote well-being and longevity.
The extra protein keeps hounds satisfied for longer, thus acting as a weight regulator. If your fur child carries extra kilograms around his middle, feed him wet food to lose weight.
The extra moisture also contains plenty of water. If your dog doesn’t drink enough, wet food will keep him hydrated. However, never replace freshwater with wet food.
You know your dog better than anyone. Some dog owners combine wet and dry food. Still, others will feed their pets kibble throughout the day and provide them with wet food for dinner.
When you feed your pet wet food doesn’t matter, so long as you stick to the feeding guidelines.
Final Verdict
Lilly’s Kitchen wins hands down. Spoil your pet with nutritious dinners that look delicious enough for humans. Made from real meat, the premium brand will fill up your pet and leave him energised and ready for a day of playing.
Lilly’s Kitchen is expensive. So if you can’t afford to feed your pooch the equivalent of luxury dinners, Forthglade is a cheaper but high in quality alternative.
Haven't decided yet? Here is the top 6 in a nutshell:
Our Top Picks
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So, which one is your favourite?
We're as excited as you pooch for that scrumptious new food!
If you already chose yours, why not let us know in the comments section below.
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