Wet cat food has higher moisture content than dry cat food, which can make it beneficial for cats who require more support for their urinary tract or kidneys. Your veterinarian might even recommend adding some wet food to your cat’s diet if it’s necessary for his digestive health. Wet cat food can also be an excellent option for cats with teeth or mouth issues that make chewing dry food a challenge. Additionally, some cats find it incredibly tasty, so mixing a small amount in with dry kibble can help picky eaters enjoy mealtime again.
We reviewed dozens of wet cat foods to find the best of the best for your cat. To choose our top picks, we focused mostly on the nutritional aspect of the food, including its vitamin and mineral content, ingredients, and any additives that can benefit your cat’s overall health. We also considered texture and taste, which are incredibly important components of good wet cat food that your kitty will want to eat.
Wag Wet Cat Food stands out as a clear winner for best wet cat food. It includes real meat proteins in five tempting flavor combinations; all of which are formulated to meet AAFCO Cat food nutrient profile standards.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Wet Cat Foods
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Wet Cat Food Overall | Wag Wet Cat Food | 3.8 |
| Runner Up | Sheba Perfect Portions Pate | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Pick | Meow Mix Savory Morsels Seafood Entrée | 4.6 |
| Best Kitten Wet Food | Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Pate for Kittens | 4.5 |
| Best Wet Cat Food for Adults | Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Urinary Tract Health Formula | 4.6 |
Best Wet Cat Food Overall: Wag Wet Cat Food
Wag Wet Cat Food is an excellent choice of wet food for cat parents who want to give their felines top-quality wet cat food that’s filled with healthy, wholesome ingredients for a well-balanced diet. There are a total of five flavors to choose from – beef & chicken (pate), beef (pate), chicken and giblets (pate), turkey & giblets (pate), and salmon & seafood (in gravy).
Looking for a discount? At the moment, you can get a huge 40% off your first purchase!
All boast real proteins that are easily digestible for most cats and are all 100% sans added corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives. What’s more, each kind is either made in the USA or Canada. It’s hard to believe the very reasonable price too; 24 cans for only $20!
Did we mention that they’re formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat food nutrient profiles for maintenance? This means that when you feed your cat any of the varieties in Wag Wet Cat Food’s line, you can have the peace of mind that your cat is getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
Wag Wet Cat Food Key Features:
- Five delicious flavors choices
- Made in the USA or Canada
- Wholesome ingredients
- Formulated to meet AAFCO Cat food nutrient profile standards
Our Runner Up Pick: Sheba Perfect Portions Paté
Sheba Perfect Portions Paté is not only a yummy meal for cats, but it’s also convenient for cat owners. These paté-textured foods come in serving trays with two portions. Just snap the tray in half, peel off the cover, feed, and save the other side for your cat’s next meal.
This particular variety includes three varieties, each of which are made without corn, soy, or wheat acting as unnecessary fillers. Instead, kitty will enjoy wholesome, real proteins that are easily digestible for cats, plus vitamin and mineral supplements, like fish oil and Vitamin D3, to support your cat’s overall health.
Reviewers love that they don’t waste leftover food that their cat won’t eat during a meal like they usually would with canned food. Several also say that the consistency of these wet foods – not too dry and not too wet – is perfect for their pickier cats. With a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Amazon, it’s pawfectly clear that Sheba Perfect Portions Paté is a winner!
Sheba Perfect Portions Paté Key Features:
- Convenient, already-portioned containers
- Several flavors available
- Corn, soy, and wheat-free
- Made with quality, easy-to-digest proteins
Best Budget Pick: Meow Mix Savory Morsels Seafood Entrée
Do you want to save money without skipping important health benefits of quality wet cat foods? Try Meow Mix Savory Morsels Seafood Entrée. A pack of 12 is only $6.39, yet every can includes real proteins from seafood to ensure that your cat is getting the proper nutrition in every bite. Meow Mix Savory Morsels Seafood Entrée also include high moisture content to keep your kitty hydrated and his digestive tract moving.
These cat foods also come in convenient, easy-to-open cups that are simpler than the cans used for other foods. Portioned to 2.75 ounces each, your adult cat is likely to get just the right amount of food with each helping.
According to several Amazon reviewers, this wet cat food offers a good balance between affordability and nutrition. Their cats also love the flavors and owners appreciate how easy it is to open the containers compared to cans.
Meow Mix Savory Morsels Seafood Entrée Key Features:
- Easy-open cups are convenient and lock in natural juices
- Perfectly proportioned for most adult cats
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals to support overall health
- Three flavor varieties
Best Kitten Wet Food: Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Paté for Kittens
Kittens require a balanced diet that’s free of additives and unnatural ingredients, which is why Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Paté is an excellent choice for kitten owners. The food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and free of grains and meat by-products. You’ll only find whole sources of protein, like chicken and chicken liver, to make digestion easier on little bellies.
Wellness also adds important minerals to each can, like taurine to support a healthy heart and muscle function, and folic acid for proper cell growth and regeneration. The inclusion of vegetables and fruits, like carrots and cranberries, ensures that your growing kitten eats the right balance of foods for optimal nutrition.
With more than 300 Amazon reviews and a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, it’s certain that kitten owners (and their kittens!) love this food and its wholesome ingredients.
Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Paté for Kittens Key Features:
- Free of grains and artificial ingredients
- Boosted with minerals for overall kitten health
- Includes a combination of protein, fruits, and vegetables
Best Wet Cat Food for Adults: Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Urinary Tract Health Formula
Urinary tract issues can plague cats easily as they age, but Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Urinary Tract Health Formula can prevent issues before they start. Cats prone to urinary tract infections often benefit from a diet low in magnesium and one that keeps the pH level as neutral as possible to avoid the formation of urine crystals, both of which you’ll find in this wet food.
With a maximum moisture content of 78%, this food can also keep your cat hydrated and urinating on a healthy schedule to prevent the formation of crystals in the bladder. With essential nutrients added to each formula, your cat’s digestive and immune systems will also have the support they need to keep doing their jobs.
This urinary tract formula has close to 1,600 reviews by Amazon customers, who have given it a 4.4 rating based on their experiences with their adult cats. Some reviewers have mentioned that their cats who experience frequent urinary tract issues have faired well on a continuous diet of this wet food.
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Urinary Tract Health Formula Key Features:
- Low magnesium content for urinary health
- Real meat formulas for quality protein to maintain muscles
- Formulated with vitamins and minerals that support immunity and skin health
Who Should Buy Wet Cat Food
Wet cat food can be beneficial for some cats who have special dietary needs. Cats who have had teeth pulled, painful teeth and gums, or other dental issues, for example, might find it difficult to chew dry cat food, so wet food can be a good alternative. Other cats might not drink enough water as part of their regular diet and wet cat food can boost hydration with its high moisture content. Cats who are prone to frequent urinary tract infections or urinary crystals might also benefit from wet cat food because of its hydration factor. If you’re looking for organic options, check out our review of the best organic cat foods.
Some pet owners might have a picky cat that simply doesn’t love the texture or flavor of most dry cat food. Wet varieties have a more appealing taste and texture for some cats that encourage them to finish their meals. You might also consider supplementing a dry food diet with some wet food throughout the day for extra protein or as a special treat.
As with any food, you should check with your veterinarian before switching your cat to wet food or supplementing it in his diet.
Important Features to Consider
Wet food for cats should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a wet food for your cat:
- No fillers or artificial ingredients. Some cat foods contain “filler” ingredients, usually disguised as important carbohydrates, which cats don’t need in their regular diet. Cats are carnivores by nature, so the addition of corn, wheat, potato starch, and other similar ingredients tend to be unnecessary to their diets. Additionally, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can irritate some cats’ digestive functions, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Quality protein. Always look for a quality protein in your cat’s wet food. This should be something listed by its actual name, such as tuna or chicken, rather than its type, like fish or poultry. Salmon, chicken, turkey, and tuna are among the best proteins for cats because they’re easy to digest and come from animals rather than plants.
- Portion control. One of the benefits of wet cat food is that it typically comes in cans, pouches, and other portioned containers. Feeding your cat one portion conveniently ensures that he’s getting the right amount of food at each meal. Most cans come in 3-oz. servings, so be sure to make adjustments to mealtimes if you purchase smaller or larger cans.
- Added vitamins and minerals. Wet cat food with added nutrients can be even more supportive of your cat’s overall health. Look for foods with extra vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals that can aid digestion, brain development, skin health, and more. Taurine is an especially important amino acid that comes in several wet foods to support heart and eye health.
- Special dietary needs. Most cats can eat a generalized, balanced diet found in the majority of wet foods. However, if your cat has a special dietary need, like allergies or urinary tract issues, then you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian about feeding her a wet cat food that supports her diet. There are many varieties to choose from, like grain-free, limited ingredient, renal support, and skin and coat health.
- Age focus. They might be the same species, but kittens, adult cats, and seniors don’t require the same diet. Kittens generally need more calories and immune support than older cats, and seniors often need fewer calories but more taurine to aid heart function. Be careful when selecting a wet food to make sure you’re reading the label and purchasing one made for your cat’s age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wet food good for my cats?
Every cat is different, and any cat might have a special dietary need that makes wet food either a great or not-so-great part of their diet. Wet food and dry food both have their pros and cons, but generally, wet food is safe for most cats to eat.
Some cat parents choose to feed wet food for every meal while others use it to supplement their cat’s diet, with dry food as the main meal staple. Either option might work for your cat if you choose a wet food with the right nutritional balance of protein, fat, moisture, vitamins, and minerals.
The primary benefit of wet cat food is that it contains much more moisture content than dry cat food, which mimics more of what your cat would eat in the wild. The higher moisture content can prevent your cat from getting dehydrated, especially if she’s not fond of drinking water.
As with any dietary change for your cat, you should always consult your veterinarian before switching to wet cat food or starting your kitten on wet food.
Can I feed my cat both wet and dry food?
In most cases, yes! A combination of both wet and dry cat food can be one of the healthiest options for many cats. In fact, your veterinarian might even recommend it.
Many cat owners find that dry food is a convenient option, especially if they have to work through the day and want to leave food out for their cat to eat at their leisure. Dry food can last much longer than wet food without the risk of bacterial growth, which makes it an excellent grazing option while still giving cats a good source of the nutrients they need. Dry cat food is also beneficial for your feline’s teeth, keeping them strong and clean as they chew each piece of kibble.
You might choose to give your cat small servings of wet food while you’re home to boost his moisture and protein intake. Most kitties will see it as a welcome treat!
Do cats need wet food every day?
No, most cats don’t necessarily need wet food every day unless it’s recommended by your veterinarian. Cat owners and veterinarians often debate the benefits of dry and wet cat food, but the truth is that quality foods exist in either form.
If your cat doesn’t like to drink enough water, doesn’t find dry food palatable, or has recurring urinary tract infections, then it might be beneficial for her to switch to a diet that includes at least some wet food every day.
How long can you leave wet cat food out?
Wet cat food won’t last as long as dry cat food once it’s removed from its can or pouch, and even tends to have a shorter shelf life in its packaging. It’s crucial for cat owners to remember not to leave wet food out all day like they would dry food. Its high moisture content is an optimal breeding ground for bacteria.
It’s best to leave uneaten wet food out for no more than 2 hours, just to be safe, but you’ll want to bump this down to one hour if your home is warm or humid. Be sure to only feed your cat an amount that he can eat at one time and store the rest in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Throw out any wet food that your cat hasn’t eaten from his dish within one hour.
Other Wet Cat Foods We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other wet cat foods. Although they didn’t make our 5 best wet cat foods list, they’re still the best of the rest to give your feline friend a healthy, delicious meal. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing. For your convenience, we broke them down into the following categories:
- Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Foods
- Grain-Free Wet Cat Foods
- Gravy-Based Wet Cat Foods
- Wet Cat Foods for Indoor Cats
Limited Ingredient Wet Cat Foods
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient
This limited ingredient formula is also grain-free to cater to cats with sensitivities to complex ingredients.
Key Features:
- Contains Omega 3 and 6
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- Turkey is the main ingredient
Cost: $35 for 24
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Cat Food
This canned wet cat food by Instinct has just one animal protein to limit your cat’s chances of having digestive troubles.
Key Features:
- Made with sustainable, natural proteins
- Contains natural Omega fatty acids
- Created to mimic a raw diet
Cost: $33 for 24
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
These wet cat food trays are packed with complete nutrition for felines to support the digestive system and their overall health.
Key Features:
- Convenient trays for single-use feeding
- Added vitamin supplements for wholesome nutrition
- Safety tests are conducted on every food batch
Cost: $40 for 24
Reveal Limited Ingredients Chicken Breast Wet Cat Food
This wet cat food is all natural, right down to its broth and naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals from its chicken.
Key Features:
- Only two ingredients (chicken and chicken broth)
- Complimentary food for extra protein
- No additives
Cost: $43 for 24
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Real Meat Recipe
Your cat can enjoy a grain-free, real-meat meal filled with fish and other proteins when they eat this wet food.
Key Features:
- Small chunks with gravy
- Meat comes from sustainable sources
- Grain-free formula
Cost: $24 for 24
Grain-Free Wet Cat Foods
Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
This wet cat food has a smooth texture and is free from grains, gluten, and fillers.
Key Features:
- Real chicken
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Paté texture
Cost: $33 for 24
Iams Perfect Portions Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
These perfectly-portioned trays give your cat two well-balanced servings without unnecessary filler grains.
Key Features:
- Each pack contains two portioned servings
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Real chicken as the main protein
Cost: $24 for 24
Nutro Perfect Portions Grain-Free Paté
These food trays contain two servings each and use real turkey and chicken sourced from trusted farmers.
Key Features:
- Two servings in each tray
- Paté texture for finicky cats
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or coloring
Cost: $39 for 24
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Real duck and healthy sweet potato bits blend to make this wet food for cats who can’t tolerate grains.
Key Features:
- Real vegetables add palatable tastes and wholesome nutrients
- Each ingredient is traced back to a trusted source
- No artificial ingredients
Cost: $12 for 12
Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Chicken Pate
This grain-free wet cat food comes with real chicken, vegetables, and fruit, for a complete and balanced meal.
Key Features:
- Well-balanced nutrient profile
- Supports the urinary tract with low magnesium
- A good source of taurine for heart health
Cost: $31 for 24
Weruva Truluxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin
This wet cat food includes added antioxidants and minerals in addition to sustainably-sourced proteins and other ingredients.
Key Features:
- Grass-fed beef is the main protein
- Added pumpkin supports digestive health
- Minimally processed
Cost: $40 for 24
Gravy-Based Wet Cat Foods
Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef
This variety pack of wet cat food with gravy offers your cat a balanced meal with healthy ingredients and added supplements.
Key Features:
- Three gravy varieties in one pack
- Small and tender food bites
- Added Vitamin E supplement
Cost: $17 for 24
Purina Friskies Extra Gravy Chunky Wet Cat Food
For cats who love a chunkier approach to their wet food, this gravy-based food has chunks of real meat and seafood.
Key Features:
- Real seafood, meat, and poultry proteins
- Extra gravy formulas
- Added vitamin supplements to support a healthy diet
Cost: $14 for 24
Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy
These easy-to-use wet cat food trays dole out the perfect portions for your cat’s meals and each variety consists of small chunks of protein in gravy,
Key Features:
- Grain-free
- Portioned into convenient trays
- Includes proteins from sustainable sources
Cost: $17
Weruva Best Feline Friend Oh My Gravy!
This variety pack of wet cat food offers sustainably sourced seafood and loads of vitamins and minerals.
Key Features:
- Convenient pouches
- Minced proteins and other ingredients for a palatable texture
- High moisture content for optimal hydration
Cost: $22 for 12
Wet Cat Foods for Indoor Cats
Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Indoor Chicken Entree
Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Gourmet wet cat food comes with healthy protein and antioxidant-rich food to give indoor kitties a well-balanced meal.
Key Features:
- Complete meals with meat, fruits, and vegetables
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- Contains only whole grains
Cost: $24 for 24
Halo Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe
This wet food by Halo is grain-free and supports a healthy digestive tract with digestible proteins and high moisture content.
Key Features:
- Contains meat, vegetables, and fruit
- Has Omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin
- No preservatives or artificial flavors
Cost: $20 for 12
Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Wet Cat Food
Indoor cats can benefit from this food’s high-quality, real protein that helps maintain healthy muscles.
Key Features:
- Fiber-focused to reduce hairballs
- Vitamin B12 supports cognitive function
- No artificial preservatives
Cost: $30 for 24
Purina Friskies Indoor Adult Cat Food
This wet cat food with flaked bits of ocean whitefish mixed with garden greens is perfect for indoor cats who love flavorful food.
Key Features:
- Flaked texture
- Includes greens for a nutritious meal
- Added vitamins and minerals
Cost: $13 for 24
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Savory Selects
This wet cat food is on the pricier side, but the vet-backed formula can support the digestive system of indoor kitties.
Key Features:
- High moisture content
- Promotes water intake
- Added antioxidants
Cost: $68 for 24
