The 10 Best Canned Dog Foods
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Whether your four-legged friend is a picky eater or just not a big fan of dry kibble on its own, supplementing your dog's meals with one of these wet foods can help boost its appetite. We've included a variety of tasty canned options packed with proteins, amino acids, and other wholesome ingredients that will not only satisfy hunger, but can help keep coats and skin healthy. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Weruva Grain Free
2. Cesar Gourmet
3. Natural Balance Limited
Editor's Notes
May 13, 2020:
Some dogs will eat just about anything you put in front of them, while others couldn't be pickier about what goes into their mouths. My pets fall somewhere in the middle of this "palate spectrum". I haven't fed them an all-dry diet in years, as I've come to appreciate the additional benefits of these wet foods when it comes to livening up their kibble. There's nothing wrong with kibble at all. In fact, it's an important part of the canine diet. Regardless of whether these canned foods are used as kibble toppers or meal substitutes, they're definitely a good option for enticing picky pooches to dig into their meals. I've also come to realize that, like people, these creatures can tire of eating the same thing every day. I mean, who wants to be forced to snack on the same dry formula day after day without a change? That's why I support the idea of using both dry and wet foods together, whereby breakfast consists of a cup of the dry stuff mixed with a generous scoop of my pet's favorite canned dog food. There are plenty of canned options to suit both small and large breeds as well as those with allergies.
Weruva Grain Free uses shredded chicken as its main ingredient, which keeps the food moist while providing plenty of vitamins and minerals. We've also added the Cesar Gourmet for its grain-free flavor variety and easy-peel seals. The portioned packages are convenient for use as either a kibble topper or meal substitute for most small breeds.
I personally feed my pooches Natural Balance Limited. This is a healthy canned food for pups with sensitive tummies and it's also packed with fiber. While I don't feed them the duck and potato recipe, all of the flavors are similar in terms of their benefits. Furthermore, the pate consistency of this brand holds together well and is relatively easy to digest. Canidae Pure is also geared for sensitive stomachs and is available in a tasty salmon and mackerel flavor.
We've also added the Purina One SmartBlend as a protein-rich formula that helps to strengthen muscles, while the inclusion of glucosamine maintains joint health, regardless of life stage.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle contains a powerful blend of sweet potatoes, carrots, and brown rice, giving Fido plenty of antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins to keep his immune system in good shape.
Thanks to its high meat content, Wellness Core can easily stand in as a full meal substitute for your large breed dog, while the probiotic cultures and nutrients aid in healthy digestion and keep a pet's eyes and teeth in good condition.
Finally, if you feel your pooch is already at the optimal weight, and you want to keep him that way, the low-sodium and low-fat recipe in Newman’s Own Premium is a formidable option.
Special Honors
Freshpet While it's not technically canned food in the strictest sense, Freshpet is a refrigerated alternative to more traditional canned food, so if your pooch is particularly picky, this is a good alternative. Freshpet is dedicated to using only locally-sourced pure farm-raised chicken, beef, fish, and all-natural fruits and veggies in all of its recipes. The company offers several product lines for both dogs and cats, including Vital. I personally feed my dogs the chicken, beef, salmon, and egg formula on a weekly basis and they love it. freshpet.com
The Farmer's Dog Founded by two dog lovers who were fed up with highly-processed formulas, The Farmer's Dog is a delivery service dedicated to bringing freshly-made dog food with customized recipes right to your door. All recipes are formulated with human-grade meats and veggies. Once a user has created a profile on the website, a vet-designed meal plan is customized to a dog's individual dietary needs. Each meal is then pre-made and pre-portioned to the dog's calorie needs. thefarmersdog.com
4. Purina One SmartBlend
5. Blue Buffalo Homestyle
6. Royal Canin Adult Beauty
7. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain
8. Canidae Pure
9. Wellness Core
10. Newman’s Own Premium
Jeff is a dedicated writer and communications professional from San Francisco with a bachelor of arts in anthropology from UC Berkeley. He began his career in computer consulting and later branched out into customer service. Jeff focuses on making complex topics easy to understand. With over 10 years' experience in research, his relentless curiosity fuels a love of writing and learning how things work, and has helped to build expertise in categories such as heavy-duty power tools and computer equipment. Jeff's passion for animals affords him a strong understanding of pet products, including dog houses, beds, and grain-free foods. When he's not writing, he prefers spending time with his family and three dogs, while kicking back and relaxing with a nice glass of red wine.