Top 6 Wet Cat Foods Recommended by Experts

Deciding what to feed your new feline companion or considering a diet change to enhance your cat’s health? The first step is choosing between kibble and canned wet food. While the best choice depends on your pet’s unique needs, we’ve gathered insights from experts to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, along with their top picks for the best wet cat foods available today.

Key Considerations Before Purchasing Wet Cat Food

Planning your pet’s diet involves several factors, such as age, breed, and health, making it essential to consult a vet before making dietary changes. While kibble offers convenience, affordability, and potential dental benefits, wet food is equally important as it aids hydration and aligns more closely with a cat’s natural diet in the wild.

“Cats, being desert animals, naturally consume little water,” explains Dr. John P. Loftus, Ph.D., DVM, assistant professor at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, in an interview with Mytour. This sentiment is shared by Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats, who emphasizes that since cats “don’t naturally drink much water, it’s crucial for them to obtain hydration through their food.”

Both Dr. Loftus and Dr. Richter highlight the benefits of canned wet food’s higher moisture content compared to kibble. Dr. Richter notes that while dry food is often touted as better for dental health, an all-kibble diet isn’t ideal for carnivorous cats, as “high-carbohydrate diets like dry food aren’t optimal for them.” Dr. Cori Blair, DVM, veterinarian and owner of Feline Health in New York City, compares kibble to restaurant bread and wet food to salad: while bread is enjoyable, overindulging leaves no room for healthier options. “Canned food supports better hydration, lean body mass, and kidney health,” Dr. Blair explains.

Incorporating canned wet food into your cat’s diet can also help manage specific health conditions. “Wet food’s high protein and low carbohydrate content is beneficial for diabetic cats,” says Dr. Katy Nelson, a senior veterinarian at Chewy, in a conversation with Mytour. She adds that wet food’s caloric density and nutrient richness are ideal for kittens and nursing mothers, while its moisture content aids cats with urinary issues. “For weight management, wet food’s protein efficiency and easy portion control help ensure cats stay within their daily caloric needs,” she notes.

However, there are considerations when feeding wet food. “Wet food doesn’t last as long in the bowl as dry food,” Dr. Nelson cautions, advising pet owners to discard leftovers after a few hours. Additionally, Dr. Loftus stresses the importance of selecting canned food tailored to a cat’s life stage. He recommends checking for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the label to ensure nutritional adequacy.

Dr. Blair points out that a diet solely based on canned food might cause constipation in some cats, necessitating fiber supplements. To address this, a blended diet incorporating fresh foods, kibble, and wet food can be beneficial. “When choosing canned foods, opt for premium options with natural ingredients—free from grains and artificial preservatives,” Dr. Richter advises.

Top Wet Cat Foods to Purchase Today

1. Ideal for Indoor Cats: Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Adult Grain-Free Wet Cat Food; Starting at $13

With countless options available and factors like age and health to consider, selecting the best wet food can be challenging. Dr. Nelson recommends this Iams variety pack for indoor cats, as it promotes overall health with its soft texture, grain-free formula, and absence of artificial preservatives. The convenient easy-peel trays ensure perfectly portioned meals, eliminating the risk of overfeeding.

2. Perfect for Cats Who Avoid Fish: Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Wet Cat Food; Starting at $24

Dr. Blair highly recommends Purina, alongside Iams, Hill’s Science Diet, and Royal Canin, due to their commitment to continuous product research and quality. If your cat prefers chicken, turkey, or beef over fish, this 30-pack from Fancy Feast is an excellent choice.

3. Top Choice for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Wet Cat Food; Starting at $45

Although urinary tract infections are relatively rare in cats (PetMD states that only 1 to 3 percent of cats with urinary tract disease develop them), preventive care is essential. For cats with sensitive systems, Dr. Nelson recommends this Hill’s Science Diet variety pack, which promotes overall health and increases magnesium intake. “This specialized food helps prevent urinary tract issues and includes natural fiber to minimize hairballs, keeping your cat comfortable and relaxed,” she explains.

4. Ideal for Energetic Cats: Tiny Tiger Grain-Free Canned Wet Cat Food; Starting at $20

Tiny Tiger is known for offering high-quality animal protein, essential for maintaining cats’ lean and active muscles, as noted by Dr. Nelson. Among its popular options is this grain-free paté variety pack, featuring beef, chicken, turkey, and giblets—all land-based proteins. “Each serving provides a complete and balanced meal, enriched with vitamins, minerals, taurine, and real broth to ensure proper hydration,” Dr. Nelson explains.

5. Top Pick for Weight Control: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Canned Wet Cat Food; $49

This wet cat food, crafted with chicken broth, pork liver, carrots, spinach, and other nutritious ingredients, is designed to promote a balanced diet. Specifically tailored for overweight cats, studies show that over 70 percent of cats consuming this food lost weight within 10 weeks. However, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian before introducing this food, especially if your cat has existing health concerns.

6. Ideal for Nursing Cats and Kittens: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Mother & Babycat Canned Wet Cat Food; Starting at $24

This wet food is specially formulated for mother cats and kittens, featuring chicken, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which supports cognitive development. The recipe includes easily digestible proteins and prebiotics, making it gentle on developing digestive systems. Its soft, mousse-like texture aids kittens in transitioning from milk to solid food seamlessly.