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Our cats might not know what a love language is, but they sure love it when we feed them tasty food. The best wet cat food recipes come in a wide range of flavors and textures to please every cat. Ultimately, the healthiest canned food for your cat is one that's nutritionally complete and balanced for their life stage and any existing health issues. wet canned cat food
We asked veterinarians how to choose nutritious wet food for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Based on their advice, we narrowed down our picks from top brands. One of the best overall wet cat foods is Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree for adult cats, which contains a healthy balance of protein from salmon, turkey, and egg whites.
All of our recommendations meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). For more advice on how to shop for high-quality wet cat food, scroll to the end of this article.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Wellness Gravies Salmon - See at Chewy
Best budget: Natural Balance Chicken and Liver - See at Chewy
Best for indoor cats: Purina One Indoor + Hairball Ocean Whitefish and Rice - See at Chewy
Best for older cats: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken - See at Chewy
Best for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy - See at Chewy
Best for kittens: Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken - See at Chewy
Best for hairball control: Purina Pro Plan Hairball Salmon - See at Chewy
Best fresh: Just Food for Cats Cats Fish and Chicken - See at Chewy
Wet food and the best and healthiest dry cat foods are both quality options for your cat, says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. But there may be cases where wet food is recommended in addition to, or in place of, dry food. Kornreich says wet food benefits cats who need more water, particularly older cats with kidney disease. It packs 75% to 78% moisture, whereas dry foods contain 10% to 12%, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cats must eat animal proteins to satisfy their essential amino acid requirements, which help maintain normal body functions, so meat should be the first ingredient in cat food. You'll also want to see an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the food label. This indicates that the food meets the AAFCO's recommended balance of fats and proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals for a cat's life stage.
Adult cat foods should have a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein. To compare nutrient profiles of wet food to the AAFCO standards, you'll need to convert wet food percentages of fat and protein to a "dry matter basis." You can do this by following the directions from the Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, calling the food manufacturer, or asking your veterinarian for help.
Although some of our picks for the best wet cat food are pricier than other options, they're packed with animal proteins such as deboned chicken, salmon, and turkey that cats love and require.
This wet cat food is high in protein but not calories, helping your cat feel full and satisfied while supporting their lean muscle mass.
Animal protein sources in this pate for adult cats include deboned chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, and dried egg product. The recipe also contains omega-3 fatty acids from Menhaden fish oil to support brain health. It consists of 50.1% protein, 36.2% fat, 0.3% fiber, and 101 kcal/3-ounce can.
Salmon, pork liver, and egg product make up the main protein sources in this wet food for all life stages. The recipe also provides beneficial fiber from carrots and pumpkin and antioxidants from cranberries and blueberries. It contains 48% protein, 18% fat, 9% fiber, and 90 kcal/3-ounce can.
Cost is a significant factor when choosing among the best cat food. Luckily, plenty of budget-friendly options meet a cat's nutritional requirements.
Budget-friendly cat foods often contain byproducts, a concentrated source of protein that's biologically appropriate for felines. Byproducts are repurposed ingredients that keep the cost of cat food down, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a board-certified veterinarian and associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. They include parts of the animal other than skeletal meat that are still nutritious for cats, such as organs. While many cat foods are touted as free of grains, byproducts, or artificial preservatives, these diets have no proven benefit compared to other cat foods that meet AAFCO standards.
Our affordable picks for the best wet cat food are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation and include selections with and without byproducts.
This smooth pate provides complete nutrition for cats of all ages, eliminating the need to switch between kitten and adult foods, all at an affordable price.
In this food for adult cats, you’ll find meat protein from chicken, liver, meat byproducts, and turkey plus carrots for beneficial fiber. Its nutritional profile consists of 50% protein, 9% fat, 7.5% fiber, and 73 kcal/3-ounce can.
This food for adult cats contains chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, and egg product. Brown rice and carrots are fiber sources to support digestion and keep cats feeling full. The food contains 50% protein, 22.2% fat, 8.3% fiber, and 80 kcal/3-ounce can.
Indoor cats might not face outdoor life's dangers, like predators and food scarcity. But they do face a growing epidemic: feline obesity.
Pet caregivers play an invaluable role in regulating a cat's access to food and ensuring their food is appropriate for their needs, says Dr. Deb Zoran, a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. Indoor cats can't catch their own food and typically don't exercise as much as an outdoor cat would. An indoor cat diet shouldn't replace environmental enrichment and daily play, but incorporating food made for their unique needs is a step in the right direction.
Our recommendations for the best indoor cat foods are lower in calories and fat, which helps them maintain a healthy weight and physique. Added insoluble fibers like powdered cellulose and probiotics like beet pulp support digestion, and omega fatty acids derived from fish oil keep fur soft and shiny while reducing shedding and hairballs.
This high-moisture wet food is low in calories and includes a special source of fiber to keep your cat feeling full for longer — perfect for sleepy days indoors.
This recipe formulated for indoor adult cats includes protein from turkey broth, turkey, salmon, chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg whites. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil support skin and brain health and fiber from beet pulp aids in digestion. The nutritional profile is 42.3% protein, 26.1% fat, 1.8% fiber, and 80 kcal/3-ounce pouch.
This recipe for adult cats contains sources of animal protein such as ocean whitefish, chicken, liver, and pork lungs. Fiber from brown rice and powdered cellulose aid in digestion. The food contains 45.6% protein, 22.2% fat, 9.7% fiber and 77 kcal/3-ounce can.
As your cat begins to show age-related changes as early as 7 years old and reaches their senior years around 12 years old, simple changes can improve their quality of life. They'll likely have two wellness visits yearly rather than one, which is an ideal time to discuss your cat's changing activity level and caloric needs.
Most senior cats can eat kibble, says Dr. Jennifer Larsen, a board-certified veterinarian and professor of clinical nutrition at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. However, dry foods tend to be three to four times more calorie-dense when compared to canned foods. Wet food is also higher in moisture, which helps support kidney function and can help manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
The AAFCO doesn't provide standards for senior cat food. Instead, the food is formulated to meet the AAFCO nutritional recommendations for adults and may vary in calories, fiber, and protein. To be sure a food is appropriate for your cat, review its nutrition and calorie content, then consult your veterinarian. Look for ingredients like glucosamine and fish oil, which are included in our picks and can help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with age-related conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, our recommendations for the best food for senior cats contain fewer calories than our adult food selections.
This senior cat food offers joint support and weight management, helping you and your cat make the most of their golden years.
The main protein sources in this wet food for cats over 7 years old are chicken, turkey giblets, pork byproducts, and pork liver. Added fish oil may help reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis. The food’s nutrition breakdown is 39% protein, 24% fat, 3% fiber, and 90 kcal/2.9-ounce can.
This food for cats 12 years and older counts its main protein sources as pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, and chicken liver. It contains fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Its nutritional profile is 51% protein, 19% fat, 6% fiber, and 71 kcal/3-ounce can.
The best wet cat food for sensitive stomachs can reduce the risk of digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. These foods typically contain animal proteins that are easier to digest, including meat byproducts and meat meals, omega-fatty acids from fish oil to reduce inflammation, and fiber to prevent constipation.
Limited ingredient diets may also help cats with food intolerances and sensitive stomachs. They contain fewer ingredients, reducing the risk of digestive upset. However, before transitioning your cat to a limited ingredient diet for digestive issues, talk to your veterinarian to rule out other underlying problems. According to Saker, food intolerances can mimic some of the symptoms of food allergies, but food intolerances are typically limited to the gastrointestinal tract rather than a full-body immune response.
Our picks for the best sensitive stomach cat food include sources of dietary fiber, like pumpkin and cellulose, which can help regulate your cat's digestion.
Cats with sensitive stomachs may get relief from this tasty wet food with easy-to-digest ingredients.
This all-life stages food contains limited ingredients in the form of animal protein from Deboned Alaskan pollock, salmon broth, and cod liver. The omega-3 fatty acids from these marine sources may help decrease gut inflammation. Its nutritional breakdown is 42% protein, 18% fat, 0.9% fiber, and 148 kcal/5-ounce can.
This limited-ingredient recipe includes three animal protein sources: deboned chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth and one fiber source: flaxseed. Its nutrition profile consists of 36.4% protein, 27.7% fat, 6.4% fiber, and 148 kcal/5-ounce can.
Choosing the right food for your kitten can be challenging. The first step is to look for food appropriate for a growing kitten's nutritional needs. It should be formulated according to the AAFCO standards for growth or all life stages to support a kitten's rapid growth and high-energy needs. This ensures your carnivorous kitten gets at least 30% protein and 9% fat from their food.
Plus, food formulated for growth includes key nutrients like calcium to support bones and teeth and the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for brain growth and mental development. Our picks for the best kitten foods have all the essential nutritional qualities for growth. They also include healthy ingredients like antioxidants and prebiotics, which help support a kitten's developing immune and digestive system.
This wet food for kittens starts with salmon and ocean fish, providing protein-rich ingredients and essential fatty acids to support growth.
This kitten food is made up of protein from chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth. Menhaden fish oil is an excellent source of DHA to support cognitive growth and development. Its nutrition profile is 46.7% protein, 37.2% fat, 1% fiber, and 105 kcal/3-ounce can.
Protein from chicken, poultry liver, chicken broth, and dried egg product are included in this kitten recipe. It contains fish oil as a source of DHA. The nutritional breakdown for this food is 44% protein, 41% fat, 0.4% fiber, and 90 kcal/2.6-ounce twin pack.
Although hairballs are common, if you find your cat gets them frequently, it's important to tell your veterinarian. Hairballs can become a medical issue, balling up in the digestive tract and causing an obstruction. Sometimes your vet may recommend one of the best hairball remedies for cats or a special diet.
A high-fiber diet can help your cat safely pass hairballs, Larsen says. While the AAFCO doesn't recommend a specific level of dietary fiber for cats, most complete and balanced cat foods include fiber sources in the form of digestible (starches), fermentable (oats), and insoluble (cellulose) fibers. Most hairball control diets also include insoluble fiber sources like rice hulls, pea fiber, and cellulose. While all types of fiber are beneficial for digestion, insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps to pull fur through the digestive tract.
Dry cat foods are typically higher in fiber, but the best hairball cat food recipes are formulated with extra insoluble fiber. They also include omega fatty acids to improve skin health and reduce shedding.
This cat food for hairball control uses insoluble fiber and omega fatty acids to help reduce hairballs and promote healthy skin and coat.
Animal protein sources in this adult wet food are chicken byproducts, pork byproducts, chicken liver, and pork liver. The food is high in fiber, including powdered cellulose. Its nutritional breakdown is 40.3% protein, 14.7% fat, 5.6% fiber, and 55 kcal/3-ounce can.
This hairball control food for adult cats contains salmon, meat byproducts, and chicken as its main protein sources. The omega fatty acids from salmon may reduce shedding and added powdered cellulose helps move hair through the digestive tract. The nutrition profile for this food is 45.7% protein, 30.3% fat, 9.5% fiber, and 4 kcal/3-ounce can.
Some cats want a bite of every meal we cook, but not all of us have the time or resources to cook our pets fresh meals consisting of whole meats and vegetables. Fresh cat food provides a solution with nutritionally complete and balanced meals made with high-quality human-grade ingredients. Some fresh foods are offered through subscriptions, while others are available for single purchases.
Just Cats is the best fresh cat food we've tested. It's made in one of nine privately owned kitchens across the US, where it's prepared in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists. They don't share processing plants or packaging lines with other companies. Kornreich says this means greater quality control over the ingredients and the prepared food.
Just Food For Cats delivers complete and balanced nutrition with whole meats and fish.
When shopping for the best wet cat food for your kitten, adult, or senior cat, you'll want to consider the following criteria:
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: A cat food with an AAFCO statement on the label is nutritionally complete for a cat's life stage. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for kittens. Food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for adult cats.
Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients. For kittens, a minimum of 9% fat and 30% protein is recommended, while adult cats should have a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein. Cat foods should also contain other essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
To compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food, convert the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food to a "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, you can use these directions from the Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
Key ingredients: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Animal protein is essential for cats to maintain normal body functions because it contains essential amino acids. As a result, cats are obligate carnivores. Therefore, animal-based protein should be the first ingredient in cat food.
Expert formulations: Look for brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines and our experts' guidance. Even better are brands that are active in research on small animal nutrition or those that collaborate with universities and colleges.
Manufacturing standards: When choosing a brand of cat food, it's important to consider the quality control measures and facilities used. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have greater control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat consumes. It's also important that a brand is transparent about how they implement quality control measures. Merely stating that they conduct quality control may not be sufficient. Pet food companies should make this information available on their website or be willing to provide it upon request.
Calorie content: Cat food lists calorie content in kilocalories (kcal). The number of calories a cat needs varies based on age and activity level.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens should be given multiple meals daily and allowed to eat as much as they want since they require more energy to support their rapid growth. As your kitten approaches 9 to 12 months of age, consult your veterinarian to determine their ideal body condition, weight, and caloric requirements.
The WSAVA offers a reference chart to estimate the number of calories an adult cat should eat based on their weight, but these are just general guidelines. The appropriate amount of food for your cat depends on their weight, energy level, breed, and overall health. Talk with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your cat should consume daily.
To land on our recommendations for the best wet cat food, we consulted three veterinary nutritionists and one board-certified veterinary cardiologist.
Dr. Bruce Kornreich is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. While Cornell University faculty cannot disparage or recommend specific brands, Kornreich helped us understand when wet cat food might be appropriate to serve in addition to, or in place of, dry food. He also guided our understanding of what makes a high-quality wet food and what to avoid.
Dr. Deb Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. Zoran shared insights on cat nutrition and quality food.
Dr. Jennifer Larsen is a veterinarian, distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and professor of clinical nutrition at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Larsen spoke with us about senior cat nutrition and the role of high-fiber diets in feline nutrition and well-being.
Dr. Korinn Saker is a veterinarian, distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. We spoke with Saker about the metabolic needs of indoor cats, in addition to feline food intolerance and sensitivities.
pate food for cats We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from other organizations, including the AAFCO and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.