The Best & Healthiest Wet Food For Cats

by Michelle Mayers Apr 14, 2022

Your cat deserves the best. That means it is important for pet owners to pay special attention to their diet in order to help them live their best life. Cats need a balanced, nutritionally complete diet to help maintain their health and remain at an optimal weight. When it comes to cat food, however, there are a plethora of choices on the market. Choosing the right cat food comes down to more than just fancy packaging - you will need to consider other factors, such as ingredients, special dietary needs, and possibly even accommodating a finicky eater. Whether you just adopted a new kitten or are looking to change your cat's diet to improve their health, you can use this guide of the top 10 best and healthiest wet cat food brands to help understand what your cat needs and make the best choice for your pet.

Top 10 Best Wet Cat Foods in 2022

Purina Pro Plan

Purina is a popular brand of pet food, and the Pro Plan formulas are frequently recommended by pet owners and vets alike. This cat food wins the top spot because it comes in so many varieties, is reasonably priced, and is easily attainable. There are choices for healthy cats and those with special needs. For instance, the Weight Management formula is often recommended by vets as a comparable option to prescription weight-loss cat food. It is made with real turkey and includes optimal protein and nutrients to help your cat lose fat while still maintaining muscle.

Weruva 

Weruva is a great option for high-protein, low-carb cat food. It offers flavor varieties like chicken, lamb, and fish. It is free of grains, gluten, wheat, soy, artificial colors and preservatives. It takes the award for best mid-grade cat food because it is regularly recommended as a flavorful, nutritious option for cats, and there are different formulas from which you can choose to meet your cat's needs. It is also a specialty wet-food cat food company; Weruva does not manufacture dry food. 

Tiki Cat

Tiki Cat comes in different varieties and flavors, but the many seafood varieties are sure to please any fish-loving feline. Tiki Cat comes in shredded meat and chunky varieties, which may be a more suitable option than pâté for cats who prefer textured foods. 

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet is regularly recommended by vets because it is scientifically formulated based on the biological needs of cats. Hill's Science comes in packets of chunky food with gravy, or as a pâté in cans. It is available in different formulas to address common health concerns for cats. Various high-protein recipes include Urinary Hairball Control and Healthy Cuisine to support weight management.

Royal Canin

For your kitten, Royal Canin is an excellent option. The Mother & Babycat variety is a mousse for kittens who are weaning and need soft textures as they learn to chew. There is also a regular Kitten variety that comes in thin slices, which is great for transitioning your cat to adult food. The recipes are formulated by veterinary nutritionists. It comes in different can sizes, which is a good option for litters. 

Wellness Complete Health 

Wellness Complete Health is a good option to try for picky eaters because it has over 20 recipes and 5 different textures. Your cat can try the sliced, gravies, minced, pâté, or morsel style wet food. With high-quality natural meat ingredients, this grain-free option comes in different-sized cans and is available for kittens or adult cats. 

Instinct - The Raw Brand

Instinct strives to provide wet cat food that is guided by their raw philosophy. Their wet food is 95% real meat and organs for a protein-rich diet. The other 5% is made up of fruit, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients. There are no grains, wheat, potatoes, soy, artificial coloring, or preservatives. All foods are responsibly sourced and the food is made in the USA. Instinct's limited ingredient variety may be particularly beneficial for cats with allergies or easily upset stomachs. 

Castor and Pollux Organix 

Castor and Pollux Organix is considered a leader in organic pet food, so may be a good alternative for pet owners who prefer to go organic. They are USDA organic certified and prepare their food in a certified organic kitchen. Their wet cat food's number one ingredient is free-range organic chicken. Their other organic ingredients come from a superfood blend that includes flaxseed, dried egg, cranberries, and coconut flour. The nutritious food is excellent for skin and fur, and added fiber helps control furballs. 

Open Farm 

As an ethically sourced pet food, Open Farm rates well among cat owners. It is a "farm to bowl" food, made with humanely raised meat and superfoods for a balanced diet. The wet food is packaged in a resealable, recyclable box for sustainability. All ingredients are traceable with the lot number on the packaging, so you can find out exactly where your beloved cat's food comes from. 

Blue Buffalo True Solutions

Blue Buffalo is a popular grain-free option that is a favorite among pet owners. Blue Buffalo has several True Solutions formulas that are designed to support a cat's most common health needs. For instance, there are True Solutions formulas for digestive health, immune health, and weight control.

FAQs

What should you look for in a wet cat food?

The most important factor to consider when choosing cat food is to make sure it is species-appropriate and provides a balanced, nutritious diet. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Protein content - cats are obligate carnivores and need high-quality protein for a balanced diet. Look for high protein, low-carb recipes. 
• Moisture content - Many cats do not hydrate themselves properly by drinking water, and a high moisture wet food is an excellent way to meet this need. If your cat falls in this category, recipes that have gravies may be a good option. 
• Variety - This may be important for finicky eaters. You might need to test out flavors or textures to find a high-quality food that your cat will tolerate. 
• Price Point - You want high-quality pet food at an affordable price. 

Do vets recommend wet food for cats?

Yes, veterinarians recommend wet cat food. Wet food has lower carbohydrate content than dry food. The moisture in wet food is also beneficial to cats who do not hydrate well on their own. You should always consult your cat's vet when changing their diet, especially for specific health reasons. However, barring any health concerns, many vets will recommend that at least 75% of a cat's diet be wet food. 

What is the healthiest cat food for indoor cats?

That question is best determined between you and your vet. Kittens need higher calories per pound than older cats. Indoor cats that are less active may need a weight management diet, which can include more precise calorie monitoring. Excessive hairballs or urinary tract issues may dictate a specific formula be fed to your cat to help maintain optimal health. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing a wet cat food, remember to consider the ingredients and look for a nutritionally balanced recipe. For a healthy cat, your deciding factor may be your cat's tastebuds. For a cat with special health concerns, your vet should help you choose a wet cat food that meets your cat's specific health needs and your budget. This list of the best wet cat foods gives you healthy options to consider, especially if you have multiple cats with different tastes or health needs. Choosing a healthy wet food doesn't have to be overwhelming, and you can rest assured that your cat is getting the best care possible when you tailor their diet to their needs. 

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