Best Wet Puppy Food – Top 10 Best Wet Dog Food Formulas for Puppies in 2023

Are you going to be a first-time pet parent soon and would like to treat your furry baby with the best wet puppy food? Or are you thinking of switching your young furry friend from dry food to fresh or canned puppy food?

Either way, you’d want to make the wisest decision about this and treat it as more than just keeping your pup full and satiated for the day.

Ensuring optimal pet nutrition is crucial for your dog’s overall health and wellness, happiness, and longevity in the long run.

That’s why, we researched and analyzed several of the best wet dog brands in the market today, and listed our top picks based on the ingredients, and customer reviews.   

Is Wet Food Better Than Dry?

Wet and dry foods are both good choices for dogs, and each has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages depending on your pet’s nutritional requirements, and unique dietary restrictions or needs.

Wet foods usually have more meat protein than kibbles, which is needed in the healthy development of lean muscles. However, they have fewer carbohydrates, which is important in providing your pet with enough energy for the day, and it making him feel full and satisfied with his meal.

Wet dog foods are also more aromatic and flavorful, which is a huge advantage, especially when dealing with picky eaters, as well as with sick dogs who have significantly reduced appetite.

Older dogs with dental problems are also more inclined to munch on a bowl of wet food than dry dog food, not just because it’s more appetizing, but more so because it’s softer and easier to chew.

Additionally, wet food has a higher moisture content, which can help in keeping your pup hydrated. This is especially helpful for dogs who are not fond of drinking, or those with a medical condition that could benefit from having proper hydration (e.g. urinary or kidney disease).

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR BEST WET PUPPY FOODS

However, one of the most common disadvantages of wet foods is that they are more expensive. So, for some or most pet parents, feeding their dog with fresh or canned food every meal is not sustainable in the long run, especially for those with two or more large breed puppies with higher caloric requirements.

Some wet foods that are not made with premium healthy ingredients can also cause stomach issues and symptoms of food allergies.

So, it’s important to only buy the best wet food that uses premium animal protein and doesn’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes, or other unnecessary fillers.

Good thing, that most canned foods because of how they were prepared have less room for additives or artificial ingredients, and they are also easier to digest.  

Best Wet Puppy Food Brands You Can Try

1. Nom Nom Fresh Food
2. Purina One SmartBlend Classic
3. Pedigree Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner
4. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill
6. Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entree
7. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Pate
8. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entree

 

1. Nom Nom fresh Pet Food

Rating: 5/5

First 5 ingredients for Pork Potluck: Ground Pork, Russet Potatoes, Green Beans, Squash, Kale

Guaranteed Analysis:

Nom Nom is a pet food delivery service that offers pre-portioned customized meals for dogs based on their nutritional requirements, dietary restrictions, and other special needs.

All of their meals are crafted by their top chefs, who are also top board-certified veterinary nutritionists in the USA.

When placing your first order on their website, you have the option to avail of their trial option for their subscription service, or you can shop their variety pack, which consists of one sample of all their four recipes. If you choose the first option, you can get 50% off your first order.

As of writing, they are offering four recipes: Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, and Turkey Fare, which are all made using high quality ingredients that are sourced from trusted and reliable growers and suppliers in the USA. Plus, they prep all of their meals at their US-based facilities.

Each customized meal for puppies is automatically crafted to aim your pet’s target weight, on top of your personalized specifications.

After a few weeks of feeding your pup with Nom Nom’s restaurant-grade meals, you will notice better breath, smaller stools, less shedding, a soft and silkier coat, increased stamina, healthy weight, and more excitement at mealtime.

Switching to Nom Nom can help strengthen your pup’s immune system, reduce allergy symptoms, and a lot more.

Pros:

• Made with high-quality ingredients
• Vet-crafted meals customized based on your dog’s metrics
• Comes in convenient, single-serve recyclable packaging
• Highly-digestible
• Balanced and complete meal
• Meals meet the AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles
• Ethically-produced
• Door-to-door-delivery
• Made in facility kitchens in Nashville and California

Cons:

• A bit pricey
• Needs to be refrigerated
• Limited recipes, which can be an issue if your pup is a picky eater

---

2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Healthy Puppy Lamb & Long Grain Rice Entrée 

Rating: 4.6/5

First 5 ingredients: Lamb And Chicken Broth, Lamb, Chicken, Liver, Pork Lungs

Guaranteed Analysis:

Nestle Purina Petcare, or simply Purina, is an American subsidiary of Nestle, which is based in Missouri. The company was founded in 1894, and this particular recipe was first made available on April 25, 2008.

Purina strives to give pets worldwide the best nourishment they can get with their formulas that use high-quality natural ingredients, added with beneficial vitamins and minerals for healthy, and balanced nutrition.

Help build your pet a strong foundation for all the years ahead with Classic Ground Lamb & Long Grain wet food. This delicious recipe combines real lamb meat, long grain rice, and oatmeal to easily satisfy your pup’s natural cravings for tender, meaty goodness, and flavorful ingredients.

What’s more, this canned food is free of by-products, and fillers, and it meets or exceeds all AAFCO (American Feed Control Officials) standards for canned puppy food.

With high protein in every serving, Purina ONE supports your growing puppy’s lean muscle development so he can pursue his playful activities every day.

Additionally, this recipe is packed with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your pup’s overall health and wellness.

Pros:

• Made with real lamb
• Made with natural ingredients
• With added vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants
• No fillers; no poultry by-products
• Affordable

Cons:

• Strong smell
• Some dogs experience diarrhea from eating this recipe

---

3. Pedigree Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner With Chicken & Beef

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Sufficient Water For Processing, Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Meat By-Products, Animal Liver

Guaranteed Analysis:

Pedigree understands the unbreakable bond and unique connection between pet parents and their furry companions, and that’s why they are committed to producing high-quality foods that bring out the best in every dog.

So that our dogs can live a healthier, happier, and longer life, and continue to be one of the reasons why we wake up each day.

With Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner, you can nourish your young canine buddy without breaking the bank. It’s the most affordable best canned dog food in the market today, but don’t take its cheaper price as a sign of weakness.

This formula is specially crafted for puppies with a meaty, ground texture that will make them gobble to the last bit.

This tasty wet food is formulated with DHA to support your pup’s brain development and made with optimal levels of oil to promote healthy skin and coat, as well calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone growth and development. Plus, it’s also highly digestible, which is important to ensure that all those nutrients are easily absorbed.

What’s more, it’s also proudly made in the USA, and it comes in a soft texture that puppies can easily chew. Depending on your pup’s preference or your budget, you can mix it as a topping on his favorite dry puppy food, or serve it alone as a complete and balanced meal.

Pros:

• Made of real chicken and beef
• Affordable
• Packed with DHA, calcium, phosphorus, and other beneficial nutrients
• Easy to digest for young and sensitive stomachs
• Can be served alone, or as toppings

Cons:

• Contains chicken by-product, and meat by-product
• Some dogs experience vomiting and diarrhea

---

4. The Farmer’s Dog

Rating: 4.8/5

First 5 ingredients (Turkey recipe): USDA Turkey, Chickpeas, Carrot, Broccoli, Parsnip

Guaranteed Analysis:

The Farmer’s Dog is another subscription-based company that delivers personalized fresh dog food that meets every pup’s caloric and nutritional requirements, as well as unique dietary restrictions. All custom-meal plans that come out of their kitchen are delivered ready-to-serve with their biodegradable packs.

Every meal is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and crafted using human-grade ingredients that are gently steamed to help retain their optimal nutritional value.

All of their four recipes are made primarily of whole muscle and organ meat to ensure that your pup is enjoying a protein-rich, calorie-dense, and highly-digestible treat every mealtime.

What’s more, each of the four recipes contains a healthy blend of fiber from fresh, whole vegetables to promote healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and leave your dog feeling fuller for a long time. They are also packed with green vegetables to give each bite a strong kick of antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

And to ensure that all of their four recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced, they make sure to incorporate supplemental nutrients, like fish oil, which is a rich and healthy source of omega fatty acids that help promote healthy skin and coat. 

Pros:

• Special offer 50% off
• Customized, pre-portioned meals
• Crafted by veterinary nutritionists and made in USDA kitchens
• Made using human-grade meats and vegetables
• Recipes exceed the industry standard for dog food (AAFCO)
• Environment-friendly packaging
• Ships to 48 states
• Offers a flexible trial option
• Money-back guarantee

Cons:

• A bit pricier than other wet puppy foods
• Must be kept refrigerated
• Requires subscription
• Can’t access information about their meal plans unless you finished answering their comprehensive questionnaire

---

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill

Rating: 4.6/5

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes

Guaranteed Analysis:

The true BLUE promise sprouted from the company owners’ desire to provide optimal nutrition to their pet with health issues.

They wanted to give their canine companion the best dog food, and after searching for high-quality ingredients, they’ve decided that they can do better.

They’ve committed to making natural pet food using real meat as the first ingredient, whilst following some of the highest standards in the industry.

And that promise still drives Blue Buffalo today to continuously create the healthiest pet food to nourish and nurture our four-legged family members.

With this tasty and irresistible formula for puppies, each bite is loaded with high-quality animal protein from real turkey and chicken meat, and packed with healthy fruits and vegetables.

It is formulated with DHA to support your pup’s brain health and development and fortified with vitamins and minerals to strengthen his immune health and overall wellness.

What’s more, this flavorful food is reminiscent of what dogs eat in the wild. Plus, it’s specially formulated to meet the significant needs of a growing puppy. Each ingredient in this formula is included with a purpose, so nothing goes to waste.

This canned wet food is also grain-free, and it doesn’t contain chicken/poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Each bite is simply packed with a nutritious and meaty blend of high-quality meat, and easily digestible sources of dietary fiber.

Pros:

• Recipe starts with real meat: Turkey
• High-protein, grain-free; no corn, no wheat, no soy, no artificial preservatives, or colors
• Formulated with DHA to support brain and eye development
• Feed as a complete and balanced meal, mix wet food into dry kibbles to add flavor or give as a reward in between meals

Cons:

• Some dogs don’t like the food’s texture
• Contains cassia gum and guar gum
• Some dogs experience diarrhea after eating it

---

6. Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entrée

Rating: 4.6/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Salmon

Guaranteed Analysis:

This is another top-rated high-protein puppy food by Purina, which only shows the company’s commitment to providing a wide assortment of formulas with the most advanced nutrition possible.

This recipe is specially formulated for puppies, and it’s made with real chicken meat as the number one ingredient. Nourish your growing puppy with this high-protein food to help support lean muscles as he jumps and plays.

Plus, it’s enhanced with DHA to support your pup’s brain and eye development so he can explore and enjoy the world with a sharper mind and brighter perspective.

What’s more, this recipe is fortified with 23 essential vitamins and minerals to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for puppies until they reach one year old.

It is also packed with beneficial nutrients to strengthen your pup’s immune system and support his skin and coat health.

This chicken and rice puppy food is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives – only wholesome, flavorful ingredients your pup will love.  

Pros:

• Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient
• High-protein to support lean muscles
• Enriched with DHA for brain and vision development
• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients
• Made in U.S. facilities without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons:

• Contains meat by-products
• Sticky consistency, which can stick at the roof of your pup’s mouth

---

7. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Pate Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth

Guaranteed Analysis:

Chicken Soup for the Soul believes that every pet deserves to eat healthy foods, which is why they committed to such a cause for over 15 years now.

The company makes premium pet food and treats using wholesome ingredients, and all of their recipes always start with real meat for muscle development, and healthy grains for long-lasting endurance and stamina.

This recipe is made with real chicken meat as the first ingredient, mixed with other healthy animal proteins like turkey, duck, and salmon.

It’s also fortified with DHA for your pup’s brain and eye development, and it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for your growing pup’s healthy growth and development.

This natural dog food is specially formulated for puppies, and it doesn’t contain by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Each bite of this nutritious pate is simply filled with flavors your little furry friend will surely love.

Pros:

• Made with real chick meat as the first ingredient
• Blended with real turkey, duck, and salmon meats
• Complete and balanced diet for puppies
• Natural dog food
• No by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives
• Enriched with DHA, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Stomach concerns with some dogs
• Not for picky eaters
• Very dry consistency

---

8. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée

Rating: 4.4/5

First 5 ingredients: Water, Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Soybean Meal

Guaranteed Analysis:

Made by Hill’s Science, the #1 U.S. vet-recommended brand based on a veterinarian survey conducted from April to May 2021, this canned food for small breed puppies delivers a precise blend of essential nutrients to help strengthen your pup’s immunity and mobility.

Hill’s Science Chicken and Barley Entrée for puppies is made using high-quality protein to promote ideal body weight, and it’s packed with dietary fiber to promote gentle and healthy digestion.

This delicious formula provides superior nutrition to enhance your growing puppy’s overall health.  

Pros:

• Made with high-quality ingredients to ensure that your dog is receiving the key nutrients and protein needed for his healthy growth and development
• Made with purposeful, and easily digestible ingredients
• Supports healthy brain development
• Promotes strong bones and teeth with balanced minerals
• Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from trusted global growers and suppliers

Cons:

• Lower protein and fat content than the rest of the foods in this list
• Doesn’t come in a flip-top can
• Strong smell
• Contains grain fillers

---

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Good Wet Food for Puppies

There are a million dog formula brands that claim that their wet food is the best option for your furry friend. So, to say the decision was difficult is an understatement. Here are some things to look into when shopping for canned puppy foods:

Consider Your Dog's Size

First, it is important to assess the size of your puppy. There are more than 400 breeds, and each has specific needs. Large-breed puppies are different from small-breed puppies as far as their nutritional requirements are concerned.

Foods for larger breed dogs are generally formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for their joint health, which is very important considering the amount of weight their joints have to carry every day.

Guaranteed Analysis of Ingredients

Always check ingredients for an accurate analysis if possible. This gives you an approximate estimate of the nutrients present in a certain wet or dry food. It will also give you an indication of the amount of protein, fat, and fiber your pet gets from eating this puppy food.

Select Foods Made in the United States

Alternatively, you can also choose foods that are made from Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Wet foods produced in these places generally have high-quality ingredients and good customer feedback.

Purchasing food from these countries will assure you that your pet is getting the safest and highest quality ingredients possible.

AAFCO Guidelines

One more essential point when choosing food is that it should follow or exceed AAFCO's guidelines. Doing so will help your dog receive optimal nutrition at his current age.

Specific Benefits

Take note of your dog's specific requirements for his food. It narrows your choices and provides your puppy with optimum food based on his health.

Branded food for puppies and senior cats is now available and addresses problems such as poor joints, movement, allergies, and digestion.

Ingredients to Look Out For

• Whole meat (human-grade if possible)
• Proteins
• Whole grains
• Fats
• Fruits and veggies
• Minerals
• Carbohydrates
• No preservatives or natural preservatives
• Pumpkin
• DHA, omega fatty acids

Ingredients to Avoid

• Wheat gluten
• Corn
• Meat meal/by-products
• Rendered fat/generic animal fat
• Corn syrup
• Food dyes
• BHA and BHT
• Cellulose
• Ethoxyquin
• Propylene glycol
• Synthetic vitamin K3/Menadione
• Hydrochloric acid

 

Wet Food Diet Safety Tips

Keep in mind that wet food is more delicate than kibbles, which require more careful handling. There are certain things that you can do with dry dog foods, that you have to stop doing when you are feeding your puppy with wet food. Make sure to practice the following tips to ensure your dog’s health and safety:

• Keep your pup’s food bowl clean.
• Wet food shouldn’t be exposed to room temperature for more than four hours, and you should always wash your pup’s bowl in between meals.
• Opened canned food must be consumed within three days even if they are stored in the refrigerator.
• Check the food’s expiration date.

Conclusion

Wet foods are undeniably rich in protein, healthy fats, moisture, and other essential nutrients, and that’s why it’s always a good idea to include them in your dog’s diet.

Even if your pup loves munching on his crunchy kibbles, incorporating canned food as a topper or as a reward in between meals is a healthy way to ensure that your puppy is getting optimal nutrition.

Growing up, your pup will always have the nose to sense high-quality food when he smells it, and he’ll always have the taste for premium dog foods, which has already been embedded in his taste buds.