7 Best Wet Dog Foods in 2026, Recommended by Veterinarians
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Your veterinarian may recommend feeding wet dog food to your pup for a variety of reasons: to help make eating easier for dogs with dental disease, to help encourage a dog’s appetite by mixing it in with dry dog food, to provide extra calories for some senior dogs, and more.
The best wet dog food is complete and balanced, backed by research from a reputable brand, should meet the specific needs of your pet based on their age, breed, and any health concerns, and should have a taste and texture dogs love.
To help you narrow down the options, our team of vets selected their top recommendations for the best wet food for dogs.
What To Consider When Buying Wet Dog Food
When shopping for the best wet food for dogs, our vets recommend products that are complete and balanced and meet your specific dog’s individual needs.
Nutritional Balance
Look for wet dog foods labeled as “complete and balanced,” which means they meet the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You can usually find this statement on the packaging or label. Foods that meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines are formulated to provide the essential nutrients dogs need for their life stage.
Some brands also work with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and conduct feeding trials to help ensure their recipes are properly formulated for long-term health.
Your Dog’s Age and Size
Dog foods should be selected based on your dog’s life stage and size. For example, growing puppies benefit from puppy-specific formulas that have all the correct nutrients to support growth and development, while older dogs may benefit from senior-specific foods to support cognitive function, healthy weight, and age-related health concerns. Healthy adult dogs should eat an adult formula. Some highly active adult dogs may benefit from an all-life-stages food.
The size of your dog can also play into choosing their food. Small breed dogs have different nutritional needs than larger dogs because they use energy more quickly and need more calories relative to their size, so choosing a small-breed-specific food will ensure their energy requirements are being met. On the flip side, choosing a large-breed food for a big dog will ensure they stay at a healthy weight.
Special Health Needs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, is overweight, has dental health problems, has been diagnosed with kidney disease, liver disease, or has other health concerns, talk to your vet and consider a diet that supports your dog’s unique health needs.
Taste and Texture Preferences
Wet dog food tends to be more palatable for picky eaters and can also be easier to eat for older dogs and dogs with dental disease. Consider your dog’s preferences and health needs when choosing a texture.
Budget
Consider that dog food is a recurring cost, so choose one that fits your specific budget while still being balanced, nutritious and suitable for your dog’s age, size, and health requirements.
Vet Input
Before switching to any new food, consult with your veterinarian first as they are in the best position to make a recommendation for your individual pet.
How We Selected the Best Wet Dog Food
This list of the best wet dog foods was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best wet dog foods in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Brand reputation
- Clinical trials and science-backed research
- Ingredients (nutritional value)
- Palatability
- Price
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of veterinarians and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot pay for placement in Vet Verified articles or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your pets.
FAQs
What is the best wet food to give a dog?
The best wet food to give a dog is one that is balanced, formulated for their life stage, size, and health background, and is backed by scientific research and/or feeding trials. Talk to your vet about the best wet food for your dog.
What wet dog food is recommended by vets?
Generally, vets recommend wet dog food from science-backed brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. The food recommended for your dog will depend on their age, size, and health factors.
How often should I feed my dog wet food?
How often you feed your dog wet food depends on your dog’s age, size, and overall health. Most vets recommend wet food as a supplement to a dry food diet. Always look at the manufacturer-recommended serving size on your dog’s food and talk to your vet about the best schedule to feed your dog on.