Best Wet Food for Puppies

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Choosing the right wet food for your puppy is crucial due to the unique nutritional needs of small and large breed puppies. With so many options available, it’s difficult to determine the best fit.

However, it’s essential to consult your vet before making any food changes or choices, as they’ll be the most reliable resource for selecting the best wet food for your pup.

At a Glance: The Best Wet Food for Puppies

Here you’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

1. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe Get 20% Off Read Review	2. Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe Try Ollie Read Review	3. Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe Get 50% Off Read Review	4. Puppy Chow Classic Ground Chicken Pate Wet Puppy Food View on Prf Read Review	5. PantryFresh Chicken and White Rice View on Prf Read Review	6. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 9.0% Min	Protein 10% Min	Protein 7% Min	Protein 11% Min	Protein 10% Min	Protein 8.5% Min
Fat 5.0% Min	Fat 3% Min	Fat 5% Min	Fat 5% Min	Fat 3% Min	Fat 5.5% Min
Fiber 1.5% Max	Fiber 2% Max	Fiber 2% Max	Fiber 1.5% Max	Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 1.5% Max
Moisture 72% Max	Moisture	Moisture	Moisture 78% Max	Moisture 75% Max	Moisture 78% Max
Calories	Calories 1,298 kcal/kg	Calories 1246 kcal/kg	Calories	Calories	Calories
Caloric Content	Caloric Content	Caloric Content	Caloric Content	Caloric Content	Caloric Content 1,254 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup

Best Wet Food for Puppies Reviewed

Wet puppy food provides an excellent source of protein and moisture, in addition to meeting your pup’s basic needs for calories and nutrients.

Best Overall

1.

The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe

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Product Info

• Protein: 9.0% Min
• Fat: 5.0% Min
• Fiber: 1.5% Max
• Moisture: 72% Max

Pros

• No preservatives or additives
• Fresh recipes made with high-quality ingredients
• Recipes are grain-free

Cons

• Must be refrigerated
• Pricey option for puppies

The Farmer's Dog meals are fresh, USDA-certified, and meet AAFCO standards. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, they include proteins like turkey, beef, and pork, vegetables like carrots, kale, and cauliflower, and starches and grains. Cooked at low temperatures, they maintain their nutritional value. Their unique system optimizes food delivery based on shipping costs and dog needs, resulting in lower delivery costs than retailers, allowing them to invest savings back into their product.

Best Human Grade Dog Food

2.

Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

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Product Info

• Protein: 10% Min
• Fat: 3% Min
• Fiber: 2% Max
• Calories: 1,298 kcal/kg

Pros

• Meals are customized based on your dogs profile
• Four different meal flavors available
• Free shipping and delivered right to your door
• Recipes overseen by a vet and are human grade ingredients

Cons

• Price on the high side as compared to other fresh dog foods
• Food comes frozen solid
• Profile only accounts for allergies, not health issues

Ollie pet food is made with human-grade ingredients and is freshly delivered to your home, providing your young dog with a well-balanced diet. This meal is packed with healthful vitamins, omega fatty acids, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the Healthy Turkey Feast dish is grain-free, it only has one carbohydrate item that is high in plant proteins—lentils—and uses ground turkey as a unique source of protein unlikely to cause food allergies.

Best Grain Free

3.

Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

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Product Info

• Protein: 7% Min
• Fat: 5% Min
• Fiber: 2% Max
• Calories: 1246 kcal/kg

Pros

• Wholesome, natural ingredients prepared fresh
• Pre-portioned for dog’s caloric requirements
• Supplemented for balanced nutrition

Cons

• More expensive than other options

Nom Nom fresh dog food is produced with healthy, natural ingredients and is portioned appropriately for the size and age of your puppy. Breeds who are not prone to food allergies, will thrive on Nom Nom's fresh dog food and it is a wonderful option for them as it's packed with nutrients and moisture. Pork Potluck is heavy in calories and fat for small breed pups with quick metabolisms. Some puppies may also enjoy Chicken Chow-Wow and Tasty Turkey Fare, which are fewer in calories and leaner.

Best Budget Food

4.

Puppy Chow Classic Ground Chicken Pate Wet Puppy Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 11% Min
• Fat: 5% Min
• Fiber: 1.5% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max

Pros

• Moderately priced wet food
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Many different formulas

Cons

• Recipe contains corn
• No information about ingredient sources

Puppy Chow Classic Ground Chicken Pate Wet Puppy Food is a popular brand with real chicken as the first ingredient, but it contains added color and dye. Carrageenan, a common ingredient in dog food, has been questioned for safety reasons. Despite this, Purina Puppy Chow dog food has been used for over 50 years and is backed by good nutritional research. While some may dislike certain ingredients like corn, it is a good choice for most puppies.

Best High Protein

5.

PantryFresh Chicken and White Rice

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Product Info

• Protein: 10% Min
• Fat: 3% Min
• Fiber: 1% Max
• Moisture: 75% Max

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Reasonably priced for fresh delivery
• Manufactured in the USA

Cons

• Packaging can be messy
• Must be refrigerated

Just Food For Dogs "Pantryfresh" recipe offers proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, deer, and fish, along with superfoods like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and spinach. Two independent universities have conducted year-long trials proving that their recipes safely strengthen dogs' immune systems. Just Food For Dogs is the top vet-recommended fresh pet food on the market, and two independent universities have conducted year-long trials proving their recipes boost dogs' immune systems.

Best Grain Inclusive

6.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 8.5% Min
• Fat: 5.5% Min
• Fiber: 1.5% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max
• Caloric Content: 1,254 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup

Pros

• Formulated for all ages of dogs
• Several sources of high-quality animal protein
• Supplemented with organ meats and chelated minerals

Cons

• Thickened with carrageenan, some dogs may be sensitive
• No probiotic supplements

Your pup's nutritional requirements will vary slightly as it grows. Using only healthy, premium ingredients, this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Homestyle Recipe is made to adapt to a puppies changing needs. The major ingredients of this recipe are chicken and vegetables, with the addition of grains as carbs such as brown rice, barley, and oats. Additionally, it has a lot of healthy fats and chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption, as well as nutrient-rich organ meats.

Special Dietary Needs of Puppies

To choose the best wet dog food, it is essential to understand your dog’s nutritional needs. They require a protein-rich diet, healthy fats for energy, and digestible carbohydrates. To ensure complete and balanced nutrition, look for high-quality animal protein, such as meat, poultry, and fish, with a minimum of 18% protein.

Healthy fats provide a concentrated energy source, and at least 5% of adult dog diet should come from these sources. Look for quality animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil, rather than plant sources like canola oil.

Digestible carbohydrates are essential in wet dog food, as many are grain-free but should not contain wheat, corn, or soy ingredients. Instead, opt for whole-grain brown rice and fresh vegetables. Avoid artificial additives, such as colors, flavors, and preservatives, as they can trigger negative reactions.

How Do You Choose the Best Wet Food for Puppies?

When purchasing wet dog food, it’s essential to choose a high-grade source of animal protein, as canines are naturally adapted to eat animal-based nutrients. The majority of protein and fat in their diet should come from meat, poultry, and fish.

While plant-based fats are acceptable, they should be consumed in moderation to balance out omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Digestible carbohydrates like whole-grain brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearl barley, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes are also recommended.

The recipe should contain plenty of fiber, along with beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics. Carrageenan, a thickening agent in low-grade dog foods, may trigger adverse reactions, but further investigation is needed.

Comparing the ingredient list for wet food versus dry food is crucial, as they comply with AAFCO guidelines and provide balanced nutrition for growing puppies.

How Much Wet Food Should You Feed Your Puppy?

Puppy food is a popular choice for parents, but it’s important to consider the age of your puppy. During the 6–12 week stage, puppies should be fed a specially formulated diet, which ensures normal development and provides essential nutrients.

After 3-6 months, feedings can be reduced to three times a day, but by 12 weeks, they should be transitioning to a healthier diet.

After 6–12 months, it’s time to switch to twice-daily feedings.

However, if your puppy gets spayed or neutered during this time, their energy requirements may drop slightly. To avoid this, switch to adult maintenance dog food. Wet food should be served up to twice as much per pound of weight compared to adult dogs.

Mixing wet food with dry kibble can be a great solution, as one 10-ounce container can replace about ¾ to 1 cup of dry dog food.

Wet Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Puppies

Dogs can develop food allergies and sensitivities, with common allergens being low-quality grains like corn and wheat, as well as proteins like pork and beef. If you suspect your puppy has a food allergy or sensitivity, try switching to a grain-free recipe or a limited-ingredient diet. If that doesn’t work, talk to your vet about the possibility of an underlying problem.

Food allergies in dogs can cause discomfort for your pet, such as itchy rashes, tummy troubles, and side-eye directed at their food bowl. Signs of food allergies include itchy skin, digestive drama, ear infections, red or watery eyes, and chronic ear infections.

To investigate, observe your dog’s behavior and note any patterns, such as flare-ups after a specific meal. Consult your veterinarian, who can help uncover the specific allergen, such as chicken, grains, or “mystery meat.” Once you’ve identified the allergen, it’s time for a dietary makeover to avoid all traces of the food allergen.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best wet food for your puppy can be challenging, but there are numerous nutritious wet dog foods available, as mentioned in this article. These foods are less processed and contain fewer preservatives, making them easier to digest. Avoid only-meat wet food, as it doesn’t provide complete nutrition. Instead, use a small amount as a meal topper or in certain dog toys.