The best wet cat food options can vary depending on the age, health, and nutritional needs of your individual cat.
Your kitty may need the best grain free option or he may need wet cat food for sensitive stomach if he suffers with an ailment.
Cats are obligate carnivores. So, the best wet cat food is one that has a large amount of high quality protein.
Wet food options can be up to 75% water. So they can also help cats who suffer from urinary problems.
All of these products were carefully and independently selected by the Happy Cat Site team. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.
Top 5 Wet Cat Foods
In a rush? Check out our top 5 best wet cat food choices first.
| BEST WET CAT FOOD | BENEFITS | OUR RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Nature's Variety Instinct | Grain Free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Low Carb, Natural Wet Cat Food |  |
  | Weruva Cats In The Kitchen | Grain Free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Low Carb Wet Cat Food | |
  | Wellness Natural | Grain Free, Natural, Wet Cat Food | |
  | Merrick Purrfect Bistro | Grain Free, Deboned Meat Protein Wet Cat Food |  |
  | AvoDerm Natural | Grain Free, Natural, Wet Cat Food | |
You can find out more about these 5 and lots of other options in the article below.
We’ll also look at some key fundamentals of feline nutrition that all cat owners should know about.
We will review several of the best wet cat food brands, so you can feed your best friend a healthy diet!
Best Wet Cat Food Quick Links
- Healthiest options
- Best grain free wet cat food
- High protein options
- Organic wet cat food
- Low carb choices
- Wet options for older cats
- Wet cat food for kittens
Benefits of Wet Cat Food
Most cat owners know that there is some debate about whether to feed your cat a wet or dry diet.
Some cats are prone to urinary issues and male cats are particularly susceptible to urinary blockages.
Moisture content is the biggest factor when comparing wet, dry, and “semi-moist” cat foods. Researchers have found that dry food can have as little as 6% water, while wet food can be up to 75% water.
Research shows that the increased water content of wet food can be helpful for male cats that get urinary obstructions.
Eating wet cat food is more likely to make your kitten drink more, due to the higher levels of protein.
Cat Nutrition
The most important thing to remember about cats is that they are obligate carnivores, which means that they require nutrients found only in animal products.
Cats need meat to survive.
For carnivores like cats, good options will contain a large amount of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and the smallest amount of carbohydrates and fillers possible.
We will help you find the best wet cat food that has a perfect balance of these nutrients.
Also, make sure you take a look at our guide on how much to feed a cat.
Best Wet Cat Food
So, what is the best wet cat food? Let’s take a look at some high quality brands that you can buy, broken down by nutritional content as well as your cat’s own individual dietary needs.
Healthiest wet cat food
Studies have found that when cats have the freedom to self-regulate their food intake, they naturally choose a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Many of these are not only the healthiest wet cat foods, they’re also the best grain free options which are designed to help you to regulate.
This balance is key for optimal feline nutrition, and should be kept in mind when choosing a brand.
IAMS Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food
You can tempt your cat with the high-quality protein found in IAMS wet cat food*. It contains high quality protein, and no grains.
This yummy cat food can be brought individually and in multipacks.
There are a range of flavors and textures to choose from too, so even picky kitties should be happy with something from the range.
Find out more on Amazon here*.
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food
CRAVE* is another brand that is rich in animal protein. It contains no soy or grains like corn and wheat. This makes it one of the best grain free options.
Many owners report that their cats find this brand very palatable. Great news if your cat has a tendency to turn her nose up at her dinner.
Real chicken is the primary ingredient in this grain free food, and it also has added vitamins and minerals.
All designed to keep your cat healthy in a natural way.
Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Look for the words “grain free” on cans if you are seeking a high protein option, low carb balance that is recommended by veterinary nutritionists.
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There are many brands to choose from, here are some of the best.
Purina Pro Plan True Nature Canned Cat Food
This popular Purina Pro Plan True Nature grain free cat food* contains no corn, wheat, or soy. It also has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
It comes in a wide variety of flavor combinations, and each one contains natural meats.
Wellness Natural Grain Free Canned Cat Food
This quality Wellness Natural cat food* brand has a grain free formula with no added meat by-products or artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
There are a large variety of meat combinations on offer, and even a special kitten food for those owners of younger cats.
Wellness has a great reputation for healthy wet cat food, and is well worth a look.
Find out more on Amazon here*.
Halo Spot’s Pate Food for Cats
Halo’s grain free wet cat food* option is highly digestible.
It contains whole meats, not meat meals. Any non-grain vegetables used are non-GMO.
And there are also no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Avo Derm Natural Canned Wet Cat Food
Avo Derm* is a premium natural cat food brand.
It contains all-natural protein, with no by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. This is a good option for sensitive stomach.
There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Find out more on Amazon here*.
High protein wet cat food
Some brands contain higher levels of protein than others.
Be sure to read labels carefully.
If you are looking for brands with the maximum amounts of animal protein you can get, consider these options:
EVO Cat Turkey & Chicken 95% Canned Food
This EVO wet cat food formula* contains 95% animal protein.
It is also low carb and grain free.
The brand strives to replicate the high protein diet cats eat in the wild.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain Free Recipe Natural Canned Cat Food
Instinct Grain Free Cat Food* also contains 95% animal protein.
It is designed to recreate a wild cat’s natural high protein diet.
This yummy choice contains no corn, wheat, soy, or fillers and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
There are a multitude of delicious flavors to choose from, and even a kitten formula.
A great choice if you are looking for a high protein, low carb option. This could be the best wet cat food for your kitty.
Find out more on Amazon here*.
Best wet cat food for weight loss
Obesity is a common problem in housecats. Diet foods, along with exercise, can be an important component of your cat’s weight loss plan.
According to veterinary nutritionists, high protein, low carb food is the best weight management diet for cats. Here are some options if your cat is on the chubby side!
Low carb wet cat food
Experts report that because cats are obligate carnivores, they have a limited ability to both digest and utilize carbohydrates in the diet.
This means that carbs are essentially a wasted ingredient in your cat’s food.
Look for high protein, low carb food like these options.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free
The first ingredient in this Merrick Purrfect Bistro wet cat food* is deboned meat protein.
It contains no corn, wheat, soy, or gluten.
This yummy grain free option could be the way if you are looking for a deboned meat protein option.
It comes in two sizes and a huge range of flavors. So you are sure to find one that is the best wet cat food taste for your kitty.
Cats in the Kitchen Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Cans & Pouches by Weruva
Try Weruva Cats in the Kitchen* for a high protein, low carb diet.
It contains grass-fed lamb and fish oil, with no grain, gluten or starch.
If your cat is a bit of a picky eater, they will hopefully still enjoy this formula as it’s designed with ‘finicky felines’ in mind!
As a kitty parent it’s also great to have the choice between pouches and cans when choosing the best wet cat food. And this brand has both!
Find out more on Amazon here*.
Organic wet cat food
Looking for a natural choice? Many brands say that they are organic and all-natural, but how can you be sure?
Always read the label carefully if organic ingredients are important to you.
Newman’s Own Premium Canned Formulas for Cats
Newman’s Own* is a well-known maker of organic food for humans.
Their cat food is organic too!
It contains organic chicken as a primary ingredient, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and no corn or wheat.
Best wet cat food for older cats
The most important facts to keep in mind about the feeding of older cats is that they tend to suffer from weight loss and have a decreased ability to digest fat and protein.
Experts say that your senior cat’s food should be energy-dense and highly digestible and palatable. Feed small amounts several times a day.
Interestingly, nutritious kitten food can be a good option for older cats, but if you’re looking for a wet food made for your senior kitty, consider these brands:
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+
This vet-recommended senior formula is by Royal Canin*.
It supports joint and kidney health.
And the texture of the food is good for an older cat’s sensitive teeth and gums.
Find out more on Amazon here*.
NUTRO Senior Wet Cat Food
NUTRO Senior* has a balance of proteins, fats, and carbs formulated for older cats.
Tender morsels in plenty of gravy makes this food tasty and easy to eat if your senior cat has dental problems.
Best Wet Food for Kittens
Royal Canin Instinctive Kitten Food
This is a brilliant option for kittens.
Royal Canin Instinctive kitten food in jelly* is aimed at kittens between 4 and 12 months and helps to boost your kitten’s immune system. A blend of antioxidants help the kitten’s system develop.
The small chunks are easy to eat and easy to digest.
Blue Buffalo Kitten Pate
This option for kittens* is something of a cult favorite.
It contains top quality tasty ingredients to support kittens’ growth.
And DHA to promote cognitive development.
What is the Best Wet Cat Food?
As you can see, there are plenty of high quality wet cat foods to choose from when shopping for your kitty. Need a grain free option? Or looking for the healthiest choice for a kitty diet? There are plenty of options.
A good understanding of the basics of feline nutrition, a willingness to take some time to read cat food can labels, and an awareness of your own cat’s special needs will help you choose the best food for your cat.
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
References and Further Reading
- “Feeding Your Cat.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Feline Health Center, 2014.
- Mata, F. “The Choice of Diet Affects the Oral Health of the Domestic Cat.” Animals, 2015.
- Buffington, C. “Food and Feeding Management.” Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative, 2010.
- Salaun, F., Blanchard, G., Le Paih, L., et al. “Impact of Macronutrient Composition and Palatability in Wet Diets on Food Selection in Cats.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2016.
- Villaverde, C. and Fascetti, A.J. “Macronutrients in Feline Health.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 2014.
- Laflamme, D. and Gunn-Moore, D. “Nutrition of Aging Cats.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 2014.
- Salas, A., Manuelian, C., Gargante, M., et al. “Fat Digestibility is Reduced in Old Cats with Subnormal Cobalamin Concentrations.” Journal of Nutritional Science, 2014.
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