Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

11 Best Moist Dog Foods – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

Wet dog food in feeding bowls

When choosing dog food for your canine pal, you’ll find there are many different brands on the market. Should you feed your dog dry kibble, or is moist food the best option? If moist food is the best option, then how do you determine which is the best and healthiest for your dog breed?

We’ll answer those questions in the section below our list of the best moist dog food this year. First, you can examine our reviews of our favorite brands.

Divider 5

A Quick Look at Our Winners (2024)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer's Dog Moist Dog Food The Farmer's Dog Moist Dog Food
  • Labeled and preportioned for each dog
  • Veterinary nutritionist-formulated
  • No unnecessary preservatives or fillers
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf
  • Affordable
  • Helps with digestion
  • Contains fish and slowed cooked chicken
  • Third place
    Purina Beyond Canned Dog Food Purina Beyond Canned Dog Food
  • Provides complete nutrition
  • Contains no by-products
  • No artificial flavors
  • Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes
  • Free of fillers
  • Contains no artificial ingredients
  • Made with real meat
  • Purina Puppy Chow Wet Puppy Food Purina Puppy Chow Wet Puppy Food
  • Good protein content
  • Promotes immune support
  • Contains beef and chicken
  • The 11 Best Moist Dog Foods

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Moist Dog Food – Best Overall

    the farmer's dog turkey recipe

    Owners looking to improve their dog’s nutrition with moist food will find The Farmer’s Dog Moist dog food the best overall choice. With The Farmer’s Dog, you can offer your dog wholesome food without all the unnecessary additives and fillers found in traditional kibbles and other commercial dog foods. The Farmer’s Dog Moist Dog Food comes in beef, chicken, and turkey flavors, so you can find one your pup loves. You can feel good about feeding your furry family member high-quality food—since it’s made in the United States with carefully sourced human-grade ingredients and meets USDA and AAFCO standards for quality and safety. This food’s moist texture makes it easy for dogs to chew and digest, and many owners have reported improvements in their dogs’ coats and overall health after switching to this brand. It always contains real meat as its first ingredient and main source of protein, which helps provide energy for active pups. Plus, it is packed with vegetables and fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition.

    Since The Farmer’s Dog is not available in stores, it’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a subscription-only delivery service that offers pre-portioned meals. The company provides prompt shipment with delivery notifications and uses environmentally friendly packaging. The food is tailor-made and precisely formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists—specifically to meet your dog’s needs. Customizable plans with flexible shipments and delivery are available, and it is easy to cancel your subscription if necessary.

    Pros
    • Subscription setup is easy
    • Fast shipment with delivery notifications
    • Securely packed and delivered
    • Eco-friendly packaging
    • Labeled and preportioned for each dog
    • Veterinary nutritionist-formulated
    • No unnecessary preservatives or fillers
    Cons
    • Expensive, especially for multiple dogs
    • Takes up lots of fridge/freezer

    2. Nutro Premium Loaf Canned Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Slow Cooked Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver
    Protein content: 8.5%
    Fat content: 6.5%
    Calories: 454 kcal per can

    Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Slow Cooked Canned Dog Food is our top pick for the money. The food contains vitamins and minerals that help with digestion and has an 8.5% protein content. It also contains fish and slow-cooked chicken, which are flavors that most dogs love.

    Some pet owners even reported that the food smells excellent as well. Unfortunately, it isn’t suited for dogs with chicken allergies, so be careful when feeding it to your dog for the first time. However, if you’re searching for a recipe that fits almost any budget, this is the best moist dog food for you.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Helps with digestion
    • Contains fish and slowed cooked chicken
    • Smells great
    • Dogs love the taste
    Cons
    • Not suited for dogs with chicken allergies

    3. Purina Beyond Canned Dog Food

    Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot & Pea Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, liver
    Protein content: 8%
    Fat content: 6%
    Calories: 445 kcal per can

    Another of our favorites is Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot, & Pea Canned Dog Food for its balanced nutrition. The moist food provides complete nutrition for your pet and contains no by-products. It also has 8% protein, which is a decent amount. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also contains plenty of carrots and peas for added vitamins and minerals.

    The recipe has no artificial flavors or additives, making it a solid choice to feed your pet. However, some pet parents reported the liquid in the cans as being inconsistent, and others said it didn’t have enough gravy.

    Pros
    • Provides complete nutrition
    • Contains no by-products
    • No artificial flavors
    • No additives
    Cons
    • Liquid is inconsistent
    • Has very little gravy

    4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes

    rachael ray nutrish wet dog food variety

    Main ingredients: Chicken, beef, chicken broth, beef broth
    Protein content: 9%
    Fat content: 2%
    Calories: 1054 to 1140 kcal/kg

    Another good moist dog food is Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Hearty Recipes Variety Pack for its filler-free content. It’s a good source of protein with its 9% content, and chicken is listed as the first ingredient. The recipe does not include artificial ingredients, and it’s a healthy choice for your pup.

    Some pet parents reported the pieces were too small. Since it comes in plastic containers, it isn’t good for the environment. However, we feel that this is one of the best moist dog foods on the market today.

    Pros
    • Free of fillers
    • Contains no artificial ingredients
    • Made with real meat
    • Good source of protein
    Cons
    • Comes in plastic containers
    • Pieces of meat are small

    5. Purina Puppy Chow Wet Puppy Food

    Puppy Chow Classic Wet Puppy Food-Best for Puppies 1

    Main ingredients: Real beef, Real chicken, Meat by-products
    Protein content: 11%
    Fat content: 5%
    Calories: 184 to 195 kcal per can

    Purina Puppy Chow Classic Wet Puppy Food has an excellent protein content and promotes immune support. The recipe has 11% protein, which is perfect for growing puppies. In addition, it promotes immune support and contains protein-rich beef and chicken.

    You’ll also find vitamin E for healthy skin and fur, but some pet owners reported the food as clumpy and having a horrible smell. Others said it caused stomach upset in their puppies, so be careful when giving it to your furry friend for the first time.

    Pros
    • Good protein content
    • Promotes immune support
    • Contains beef and chicken
    • Contains Vitamin E for healthy skin
    Cons
    • Clumpy and smells bad
    • May cause stomach upset

    6. Royal Canin Weight Care Canned Food

    Royal Canin Canine Care Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Pork by-products, pork liver, chicken liver
    Protein content: 7.5%
    Fat content: 1.1%
    Calories: 263 kcal per can

    Our next choice for the best moist dog foods goes to Royal Canin Canine Care Canned Dog Food for promoting weight loss, and dogs seem to enjoy the taste. The food has been known to cause stomach upset, and some mentioned that the servings are just too big for some breeds.

    Pros
    • Promotes weight loss
    • Dogs enjoy the taste
    Cons
    • Can cause stomach upset
    • Servings may be too big for some breeds

    7. Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food

    Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver
    Protein content: 9%
    Fat content: 6.5%
    Calories: 504 kcal per can

    Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food uses real chicken, which is the first ingredient listed. It has a protein content of 9%, which is one of the best on our list. The recipe contains plenty of moisture to keep your dog happy as it eats, and it’s made with high-quality ingredients.

    However, the food may not be suitable for all dogs because of its grain and chicken content, as some dogs have allergies to chicken and grains. A few customers mentioned that Canidae had an unpleasant aroma.

    Pros
    • Real chicken used
    • Contains plenty of moisture
    • Protein-rich
    • High-quality ingredients
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dogs with chicken or grain allergies
    • Bad smell

    8. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver
    Protein content: 7.5%
    Fat content: 6.5%
    Calories: 396 kcal per can

    Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food is high in protein, with 7.5% protein content, and it contains amino acids that are healthy for your pup. The food contains natural ingredients and promotes joint health and mobility, which all dogs need on a daily basis to be healthy. The first ingredient in the food is chicken, which makes it a solid choice for your pet, in our opinion.

    Blue Buffalo has been reported as causing stomach upset in some dogs, and some pet parents complained that it smelled terrible.

    Pros
    • High in protein
    • Contains amino acids
    • Natural ingredients
    • Promotes joint health and mobility
    Cons
    • Can cause stomach upset
    • Contains too much liquid
    • Smells bad

    9. Pedigree Choice Cuts Adult Wet Dog Food

    Pedigree Choice Cuts Adult Wet Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Hickory smoked chicken flavor, Chicken, Meat by-products
    Protein content: 8%
    Fat content: 3%
    Calories: 76 to 90 kcal per pouch

    Pedigree Choice Cuts Adult Wet Dog Food has an 8% protein content and comes in three flavors. The pouches contain real meat, and the first ingredient is chicken. It is made in the United States and is an excellent source of balanced nutrition for your dog.

    Some pet parents mentioned the food was too small for all breeds, and some dogs refused to eat it at all. However, with three flavors to choose from in the variety box, we feel it’s worth a try for pet parents everywhere.

    Pros
    • Comes in three flavors
    • Contains real meat
    • Made in the USA
    • Balanced nutrition
    Cons
    • Food is too small
    • Some dogs refused to eat

    10. Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays

    Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays

    Main ingredients: Beef, beef lung, chicken liver
    Protein content: 9%
    Fat content: 4%
    Calories: 91 to 105 kcal per tray

    Number nine on the list goes to the Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays. Beef is listed as the first ingredient, and the food contains real meat and has a 9% protein content, which is essential as dogs need high-quality protein in their diets.

    This wet food has been reported as being perfect for finicky eaters, but some dogs didn’t seem to like the taste. It might not be suited for dogs with allergies to grains, and it is quite expensive.

    Pros
    • Contains real meat
    • Perfect for fussy eaters
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
    • Not for dogs with grain allergies
    • Some dogs didn’t like the taste

    11. Eukanuba Adult Canned Dog Food

    Eukanuba Adult Mixed Grill Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Beef Liver, Tomato
    Protein content: 8%
    Fat content: 4%
    Calories: 52 kcal per can

    Last but not least is Eukanuba’s Adult Mixed Grill Canned Dog Food. This is an excellent choice of wet food, and it has 8% protein to support active or working dogs.

    It may not be suitable for dogs with chicken or grain allergies, and some dogs have refused to eat the blend. In addition, pet owners have reported it as having a horrible smell and said that the food was primarily liquid with tiny chips of meat in it.

    Pros
    • Great for hydration
    • Promotes strong muscles
    • Perfect for active or working dogs
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
    • Mostly liquid with chips of meat
    • Some dogs would not eat
    • Horrible smell

    Divider 5

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Moist Dog Food

    Now, we’ll examine the benefits of moist over dry food and a few other things you should know in the section below.

    Benefits of Moist Dog Food Over Dry Food

    There are quite a few good things to be said about moist dog food. Wet foods often don’t require synthetic preservatives

    • Wet foods contain more moisture
    • Canned food lasts longer if unopened
    • Meat ingredients are closer to their original state
    • Easier for senior dogs and dogs with dental issues to eat
    • Stronger smells for picky eaters
    • Lower carbohydrate percentage

    Divider 5

    FAQs

    How Long Does Wet Dog Food Last Once Open?

    When you open a can of dog food, you should immediately refrigerate the unused portion. Then, make sure to add a cover or put the food in an airtight container. Even then, the food should be used within five days. Once you’ve passed the five-day mark, it’s best to throw the unused portion out.

    How Long can Moist Food Stay in Your Dog’s Bowl?

    Unlike dry kibble, you can’t leave wet food in a dog’s bowl for long. Wet food can carry disease-causing bacteria that can be activated by sitting in the open at room temperature for very long. You can leave the food in your dog’s bowl for only a maximum of four hours; after that, it needs to be put in the trash.

    Can You Mix Wet and Dry Foods?

    It’s fine to mix wet and dry dog foods, and it might even help to whet your dog’s appetite. However, you should only mix the same type of dog foods, so you don’t risk upsetting your pup’s stomach.

    Divider 5

    Final Thoughts

    Our overall pick for the best moist dog foods goes to The Farmer’s Dog moist dog food for its filler-free contents. Our top pick for the money is Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Slow Cooked Canned Dog Food for its affordability. Our premium choice goes to Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot, & Pea Canned Dog Food for its balanced nutrition.

    Puppy Chow Classic Wet Puppy Food has excellent protein content and promotes immune support landing it at number four on our list. Finally, Royal Canin Canine Care Canned Dog Food for its promotion of weight loss.

    We hope these reviews and the buyer’s guide help you find the best moist food to keep your pets happy for many years.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

    Shopping cart0
    There are no products in the cart!
    Continue shopping