Top 5 best canned dog foods

Dry dog food is usually the most popular option among pet parents. But have you ever wondered what’s better, dry kibble or best canned dog food? The information on this question is mixed – there are pros and cons to both types – but in the end, it comes down to your dog’s preferences and a healthy balance.

Video: Top 5 Best Wet Dog Food 2016

Many dog owners have seen their canines getting tired of dry kibble and starting to lose weight, or experience health problems. Some vets will often recommend switching to canned dog food at that point and see if the situation improves. One of the main reasons best canned dog food can be superior to dry pet food is due to more meat protein and less carbohydrates in wet dog good brands.

EXTENSIVE BREAKDOWN: What is the Best Dog Food Brand Overall?

Below is a list of best canned dog foods rated on the quality of ingredients, reported issues from dog owners and manufacturer’s reputation.

Best Canned Dog Foods (High Protein, Low Carb)

1 Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

It’s only fair to start the list of best canned dog foods with one of the most well regarded dog food companies out there today – Taste of the Wild. Similar to the dry dog food created by this company, this #1 best canned dog food embraces the fact that canines share DNA with wolves and should be fed as such.

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Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Canned Dog Food combines the actual “taste of the wild” with fruits and vegetables to provide excellent nutrition and flavor for canines without any added grains. The main ingredients consists of duck, chicken, eggs, peas, sweet potatoes, and more. The company suggests mixing this canned dog food with their dry food formula, as the flavors complement one another nicely. Alternatively, one may choose to use this canned dog food as their dog’s sole diet because it can easily meet all of your Fido’s nutritional needs.

Dogs tend to love this canned grain free dog food in addition to regular pet food or by itself. It smells fresh, is made with very high quality ingredients, and even the most high maintenance dogs love it! The price of taste of the wild dog food which is average usually isn’t a deterrent to pet parents because of the value and overall health benefits provided by this best canned dog food option.

There is the occasional dog who isn’t as crazy about this product and didn’t it to be the best grain free dog food, but they are few and far between according to multiple dog food reviews (and some dogs prefer it warm over cold!) Without any reported issues regarding taste of the wild dog food, the company is generally known to make things right in a quick manner.

Most helpful customer review (full review): “The Wetlands formula is crammed with nicely sized meaty chunks from bottom to top of can with a tiny amount of gravy coating the chunks. I mix 1/4 can of this with TOTW dry dog food and feed to my 5 month old puppy. She loves this food…“

2 Hill’s Science Diet Mature Adult Dog Ground Entrees Wet Food

Hill’s Science is famous for manufacturing not only one of the best canned dog foods but also being the primary supplier of healthy dry dog foods that are very popular among pet owners. Hill’s Science dog foods promote ideal body weight, lean muscle, healthy heart and organs, digestion, energy, and immune function in dogs.

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Hill’s Science Diet Mature Adult Dog Ground Entrees Wet Food contains lean proteins, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon, as the first ingredient and has no meat by-products. It’s also listed as the second best canned dog food because it’s made with all natural ingredients and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Pet owners may choose to mix this canned food with dry dog food or to serve it on its own.

According to many dog food reviews, dogs who have started to refuse eating their dry food seem to have great success in trying this best canned dog food as an alternative. Owners notice their dogs’ coats are shinier and dogs who have lost weight have been able to regain it with this wet dog food. Although many dog food brands aren’t known for smelling great, most dog owners say the smell of this pet food is acceptable.

As any pet owner knows, dogs can be unpredictable- therefore, dogs may prefer the taste of one wet dog food over another for no apparent reason. Always be sure to check the ingredient label before purchasing, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies. It is recommended that this canned dog food should be stored in cool environments so that it retains its moist and soft texture.

Most helpful Amazon customer review (full review): “Our 14 year old lab/great Dane stopped eating her science diet dry food. She was 90 lbs in her prime. She has spinal myelopathy(sp?), and she is down to 60 lbs. She couldn’t afford to lose more weight. Her disease causes her to “poop”…”

3 Natural Balance Ultra Canned Dog Formula

This all-natural, canned dog food is available in beef, chicken, lamb, liver, vegetarian, whole body health, and an original formula. The third best canned dog food from Natural Balance has all flavors that boast complete, balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages and high-quality energy sources, such as wholesome oat bran, brown rice, and potatoes. As with many other best wet dog foods, this may be used with dry food or on its own for feeding.

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Customers in many dog food reviews seem to be very satisfied with the quality of this canned dog food, and it’s loved by breeds ranging from Chihuahuas to Bulldogs to Labrador Retrievers. Dogs with sensitive skin, stomachs, and food allergies can all enjoy this best canned dog food because of its high quality ingredients. The vegetarian formula is actually vegan, so it is a great option for dogs with very strict diets.

Some pets do not approve of the taste of this canned dog food, but the wide range of flavors should cater to the needs/preferences of most. When ordered online, there have been issues with dented or otherwise damaged packaging, which has occasionally had an impact on the quality of the pet food inside.

Most helpful Amazon customer review (full review): “Great deal and a better price than Petco. Shipping was fast and free. Quality of the food is very good and the dogs love it. Dick Van Patton makes a quality food for the animals so I hope they continue the good work. We started feeding…”

4 Purina Pro Plan Focus Wet Dog Food

Ingredients of this fourth best canned dog food include nutritious ingredients such as turkey, salmon, beef, fruits, vegetables, and more, and it is available in over 20 assorted flavors. Many of Purina canned dog food options available are specifically for issues such as sensitive skin, weight management, large breed, and more. Each can should be divided into two or more feedings and may be mixed with dry food or served alone according to package directions or veterinarian recommendations.

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Purina Pro Plan Focus Wet Dog Food is great for sensitive stomachs and a favorite for pet owners who have dogs that can’t (or won’t) eat dry food. Many dog food reviews noted the affordable cost of this best canned dog food, since the price is only a fraction of most prescription wet dog foods, making it a great option for those who are on a budget. Stomach issues like gas and vomiting have shown an improvement in many pets after eating this on a daily basis.

Some buyers mention that the smell of this wet dog food is a little nauseating, which isn’t surprising, as most canned dog foods doesn’t smell appetizing for humans. This pet food has resulted in tummy issues for some dogs, causing both upset stomach and diarrhea.

Most helpful Amazon customer review (full review): “Pro Plan is the only food that does not upset my standards stomach. By using Pro Plan wet with the dry Pro Plan salmon & rice, my standard poodles who have had chronic ear problems have had very few problems with their ears, skin…”

5 Cesar Multi-pack Wet Dog Food

Last on the list of best dog canned foods is an affordable and popular option from Cesar. If your dog enjoys variety in his diet, this wet dog food may be the answer. It is available in beef, filet mignon, grilled chicken, New York strip, lamb and rice, steak and egg, and top sirloin! This best canned dog food is enhanced with vitamins and minerals, providing complete and balanced nutrition for your dog, and the packaging includes an easy-to-open freshness seal, making meal time easier for those who prefer canned dog food over dry dog food.

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According to many dog food reviews, veterinarians and pet owners approve of this Cesar Multi-pack Wet Dog Food formula, whether mixed with dry dog food or eaten alone. Dogs ranging from puppy-aged to seniors have had success eating this product, and the price is a definite advantage for most. Cesar canned dog food is arguably the most cost-effective option out there.

However, some people even if not many did report issues in dogs. Cesar’s wet dog food has caused tummy trouble (including diarrhea and/or vomiting) for the occasional pooch, but most dogs have not had any issues whatsoever. Be sure to check prices on this dog food, as the range seems to vary greatly depending on the package and where it is bought.

Most helpful Amazon customer review (full review): “I started feeding this food (all flavors) to my senior Italian Grey when she stopped eating her dry food. I add 2oz of cooked rice to each feeding. She can’t eat it fast enough. I took a pkg to my vet and he looked up the analysis of it. He…”

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