Wet cat food is often recommended as the best main food source for cats thanks to its high moisture and high protein content—but is it always the best choice? In this article, we’ll explain what to look for in a wet cat food, the key differences between wet and dry cat food, and give you our picks for the best wet cat foods on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat food features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a feline nutritionist, veterinarian, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.
Tip: If your cat lives exclusively indoors, check out our list of the best foods for indoor cats.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Wet Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Food
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are chicken-based, low carbohydrates, no fillers, dietary fiber to aid digestion, salmon oil for omega-3s, affordable price point, high moisture content, human-grade ingredients, convenient subscription |
| Cons | not available in pet stores |
| Calories | 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz |
2) Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are chicken-based, human-grade ingredients, dietary fiber to aid digestion, cod liver oil for omega-3s, convenient subscription service |
| Cons | pricey, low moisture content, not available in pet stores, food ships frozen |
| Calories | 200 cal/5 oz pack = 40 cal/oz |
| Price | $4.00 per 5 oz pack = $0.80/oz |
3) RAWZ Salmon Paté
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are fish-based, very low carbs, good moisture content, rich in omega-3s, affordable price point |
| Cons | too high in fat for some cats, not widely available |
| Calories | 198 cal/5.5-oz can = 36 cal/oz |
| Price | $2.90/5.5 oz can = $0.53/oz |
4) Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Food Recipe
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 3 ingredients are turkey-based, very low carbohydrates, cod liver oil for omega-3s |
| Cons | pricey, low moisture content, food ships frozen |
| Calories | 687 cal/16-oz bag = 43 cal/oz |
| Price | $10.99 for 1 x 16-oz bag = $0.69/oz |
5) Koha Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 2 ingredients are fish-based, low carbs, high moisture content, affordable price point, dietary fiber to aid digestion, green mussels for omega-3s |
| Cons | low fiber, contains xanthan gum |
| Calories | 137 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $52.56 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.40/oz |
What Is Wet Cat Food?
Wet cat food, sometimes called canned cat food, comes in a variety of textures, flavors, and formulations, often resembling a stew or pâté. In general, wet cat food is similar to the kind of food cats would be eating in the wild: animal protein and fats with a high moisture content and minimal carbs. Cats are obligate carnivores with a low thirst drive who evolved to meet most of their water needs from their prey, so wet cat food is an excellent way to ensure your cat is getting the hydration they need. It’s typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry kibble.
Tip: High moisture content is a common feature of foods for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
Wet Cat Food vs Dry Cat Food
The debate between wet cat food and dry cat food has been a longstanding one among cat parents. Both types of food have their own advantages and disadvantages, but wet cat food offers some unique benefits that make it a preferred option for many cat parents.
Of course, dry cat food does have its benefits, and ultimately it’s up to you (and your cat) to decide what kind of food is best for your cat. A good rule of thumb is to feed your cat primarily wet food, with a supplementary amount of dry food.
| Wet Cat Food | Dry Cat Food |
|
|
What to Look for In a Wet Cat Food
High Quality Animal Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. Look for foods which have clearly-named, easily digestible animal meats as the first ingredients (e.g. chicken, salmon, turkey liver). Avoid foods that rely on animal byproducts, animal meals, or plant proteins for their protein content, as these can contain less digestible components.
Tip: See our list of the best high protein cat foods.
Healthy Animal Fats
In addition to protein, cats also require healthy fats in their diet to support various bodily functions, including skin and coat health, brain function, and energy. Look for wet cat foods that contain sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as salmon oil and flaxseed. These fats not only provide essential nutrients but also enhance the flavor and palatability of the food.
Tip: Omega-3 fatty acids should also be supplemented in the best kitten foods to aid with brain and eye development.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl and Stand by tuft + paw
Low Carbohydrates
While carbohydrates are not inherently harmful to cats, they should make up only a small percentage of their diet. Opt for recipes that prioritize animal proteins and healthy fats as the main ingredients. Cats’ digestive systems are far better adapted to digesting and absorbing nutrients from protein sources than carbs, which is why low carb cat foods are often recommended. Excessive carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues in cats.
Tip: If your cat has a grain sensitivity, see our list of the best grain-free cat foods for product recommendations.
Sufficient Moisture Content
One of the primary benefits of wet cat food is its high moisture content, which helps keep cats hydrated and supports urinary tract health. When evaluating wet cat food options, look for products with a moisture content of at least 70% to ensure that your cat receives an adequate amount of hydration from their diet. Additionally, consider selecting wet cat foods that contain broth or gravy for added moisture and flavor.
Meets AAFCO Nutritional Standards & Life Stage Requirements
When selecting cat food, always check if it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that the food is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for your cat. AAFCO compliance is a crucial indicator of the food's quality and suitability for your cat's overall health.
Additionally, check the AAFCO statement on the label to ensure it’s appropriate for your cat's specific life stage. A cat’s different life stages have different nutritional requirements. For example, kittens need a higher calorie diet than adult cats to support their rapid growth, while senior cats benefit from diets that maintain muscle mass.
Here are the key AAFCO terms you’ll see on a label:
- Complete and Balanced – “Complete” means the product contains all the nutrients required. “Balanced” means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios.
- “Growth” life stage – Early life stage when kittens have greater nutritional needs to fuel their growth and development.
- “Maintenance” life stage – Adult cats who are no longer growing only require nutrition for maintenance of a healthy body weight.
- “Gestation/lactation” life stage – Pregnant/mother cats who need to feed their kittens have greater nutritional needs than non-pregnant, non-lactating adult cats.
- All life stages – This means the food is appropriate for both kittens and adult cats, though feeding directions will vary depending on your cat’s life stage.
Tip: Read about when to switch from kitten to cat food if you’re concerned about transitioning your young cat off of kitten food.
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Wet Cat Food
- Meets AAFCO Standards – All foods on this list are formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for either adult cats, growth and reproduction, or all life stages.
- High quality animal protein – All foods on this list prioritize easily digestible animal proteins as their first ingredients rather than animal byproducts.
- Healthy fats – Quality cat food should contain healthy fats from animal sources, such as meat or fish oil.
- Moisture content – High moisture content in food facilitates digestion and helps cats avoid the health problems associated with dehydration.
- Carbs & plant-based content – Cats are obligate carnivores who should be eating primarily animal protein, so we prefer foods with low carbohydrate content and low plant material content.
- Price
Deep Dive: The Best Wet Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Food
Price: $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz
Calories: 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat food here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat foods on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other food on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for the best wet cat food is tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food. This formula has pretty much everything we look for in a quality cat food. The main focus is on easily digestible animal protein, chicken as the primary meat source, and rabbit as a secondary source. Together these two meat sources provide essential amino acids and fatty acids, particularly taurine and arachidonic acid which are both especially vital to cats. On the topic of healthy fats, the inclusion of salmon oil provides extra omega-3s to aid immune function, reduce inflammation, and assist in brain and eye health. The carb content is quite low, with no filler starches and the only plant-based ingredients serving specific nutritional purposes (e.g. dietary fiber, essential vitamins). Really Great Cat Food has a very high moisture content at 82%, which can help ensure your cat is staying hydrated.Cat parents also like the smooth subscription service and affordable price tag of $0.52/oz.
|
Ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin puree, rabbit, carrots, ground golden flaxseed, natural flavor, tricalcium phosphate, agar-agar, salmon oil, dandelion greens, potassium chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate), vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), magnesium amino acid chelate, choline chloride, taurine, minerals (copper amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, zinc amino acid chelate, sodium selenite), sea salt. |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
|
Dry Matter Analysis
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2) Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food
Price: $4.00 per 5 oz pack = $0.80/oz
Calories: 200 cal/5 oz = 40 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
Similar to our number one pick, Smalls Ground Bird is a high quality cat food with a convenient subscription service. This chicken-based recipe will appeal to most cats and provide all the protein and healthy fats they require to stay in tip-top health. There are no filler carbs or gum-based thickeners, which we love to see. We also like the added cod liver oil for the omega-3 fatty acids.
The main drawback is that Smalls is the most expensive food here at $0.80/oz. It’s also only available on Smalls’ website and ships frozen, so you’ll have to thaw the food the night before feeding it to your cat. As a fresh frozen cat food, it doesn’t have the highest moisture content, but you can always add a little water when serving it to your cat.
|
Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, water sufficient for processing, dried yeast, tricalcium phosphate, kale, magnesium proteinate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dandelion greens, dried kelp, taurine, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, cod liver oil, salt, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite, biotin. |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
|
Dry Matter Analysis
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3) RAWZ Salmon Paté
Price: $2.90/5.5 oz cans = $0.53/oz
Calories: 198 cal/5.5-oz can = 36 cal/oz
Life Stage: all life stages
RAWZ Salmon Paté provides what the brand is best known for: high quality animal protein and little to no filler ingredients. A big benefit of this salmon formula is that the main protein is also a rich source of omega-3s. It has a very low carbohydrate content, and the only plant ingredients are fenugreek seeds and dandelion greens which add dietary fiber and a bunch of valuable vitamins and minerals. The moisture content is fairly high, which helps keep your cat hydrated and promotes urinary health. To top it off, this food clocks in at a very reasonable $0.53/oz.
The main annoyance with RAWZ is that their foods are not available at major online retailers and big box stores. This can make it a bit difficult to track down if you don’t have a local pet store that stocks it. Another thing to consider is the very high fat content in this food. Cats are certainly capable of digesting this amount of fat, but less active cats could get a little chunky eating this food.
|
Ingredients: Salmon, Fish Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid. |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
|
Dry Matter Analysis
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4) Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Food Recipe
Price: $10.99 for 1 x 16-oz bag = $0.69/oz
Calories: 687 cal/16-oz bag = 43 cal/oz
Life Stage: adult maintenance
Similar to Smalls, Raised Right’s Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe is a quality fresh cat food that gets shipped frozen to cat parents. The brand prioritizes simple ingredients and single protein sources. This recipe contains turkey thigh, heart, and liver as the first three ingredients, which is a great start. We like that the carbohydrate content is very low and the plant-based ingredients that are included have distinct health benefits. No fillers here! And of course, we’d be remiss to not approve the inclusion of cod liver oil for omega-3s.
The first drawback of Raised Right cat food is the price. As with most fresh cat foods, it may be pricey for some cat parents at $0.69/oz (the second most expensive on this list after Smalls). The moisture content is also quite low for a wet food, but you can add a bit of water when serving it to your cat. The food is shipped frozen and must be thawed before feeding, which can be a minor hassle for busy cat parents.
|
Ingredients: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
|
Dry Matter Analysis
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5) Koha Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats
Price: $52.56 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.40/oz
Calories: 137 cal/ 5.5-oz can = 25 cal/oz
Life Stage: adult maintenance
Our favorite wet cat food for cat parents on a budget is Koha’s Minimal Ingedient Turkey Stew for Cats. This food is the cheapest formula on the list at $0.40/oz, but it still prioritizes what’s most important: easily digestible protein in the form of turkey and turkey liver. The green mussels add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which help immune health and reduce inflammation. We also love the high moisture content of 82%, which makes this food easy to digest and very hydrating.
The main drawback of this food is the 0% fiber content (on a dry matter basis) according to the brand’s website. Oddly enough, there are several fiber-rich ingredients present in this recipe, like pumpkin, dandelion greens, and kale. Clearly there is some fiber, but it’s likely a very small amount that rounds down to zero. There’s also the inclusion of xanthan gum—a thickener that is not nutritionally necessary for cats. It may be there for texture purposes.
|
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Vegetable Broth, Turkey Liver, Porcine Plasma, Dried Egg Product, Ground Chickpeas, Xanthan Gum, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Cranberries, Dried Kale, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Ginger, Fenugreek Seed, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid. |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
|
Dry Matter Analysis
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Wet Cat Food FAQs
Is wet cat food better than dry cat food?
Wet cat food has distinct advantages over dry food, such as a higher moisture content to help keep cats hydrated and aid in digestion. It's often more palatable for picky eaters and beneficial for cats with urinary tract issues. Of course, some cats may benefit from dry foods, but we generally recommend feeding your cat primarily wet food and supplementing with dry food.
How much wet cat food should I feed my cat?
The amount of wet cat food to feed your cat depends on factors like their age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, adult cats typically require about 3-5 ounces of wet food per day, divided into two or more meals.
Can wet cat food be left out all day?
Unlike dry cat food, wet cat food should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods. It can spoil quickly and attract bacteria, leading to potential health issues for your cat. Instead, refrigerate any uneaten portions and discard them if not consumed within a few hours. Adhering to a consistent meal schedule can help encourage your cat to eat their full portion of wet food when it’s served and reduce food waste .
Is wet cat food better for cats with dental issues?
Wet cat food's soft texture can be beneficial for cats with dental problems, as it requires less effort to chew than dry kibble. Once a cat already has tooth pain, wet food is the way to go. However, dry kibble can help scrape teeth clean of plaque and tartar, so it’s great for preventing dental issues in younger cats.
Can wet cat food cause weight gain?
Wet cat food tends to be lower in carbohydrates than dry food, so it’s less likely to cause excess weight gain. Nonetheless, overfeeding any type of food can lead to weight gain in cats. It's essential to monitor your cat's portion sizes and adjust their diet as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
A nutritious wet food can be a hugely impactful tool for raising a healthy and happy cat. Our favorite wet cat food is tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food for its balance of high quality ingredients and affordable price point. Other great options are Smalls Ground Bird and RAWZ Salmon Pate—it’s just a matter of which kind of meat your cat prefers. We also like Raised Right’s Original Turkey Recipe and Koha’s Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for their easily digestible proteins and low carb content. Remember to take it slow when transitioning your cat to their new food, and you should be just fine. Good luck!
