Wet Cat Foods 2024 – Forbes Vetted – Forbes
Whether your cat isn’t a fan of dry kibble or they don’t drink enough water, incorporating wet food into their diet can help keep them healthy, hydrated and well-fed. Typically sold in cans, the best wet cat foods are rich in high-quality proteins, free from unnecessary fillers and, most importantly, appetizing to pets. Our top pick overall, Orijen’s Tuna, Salmon & Beef Entrée formula, combines fresh proteins, nutrients and minerals to support an adult cat’s health.
While dry cat food has its strengths, wet cat food can provide essential hydration, which most cats won’t get from their water bowl. (There’s a reason cat water fountains, which makes drinking water more enticing, are so popular.) “Cats are desert animals and have a low thirst drive by nature, yet moisture is so important for their overall health,” explains feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre. “Wet food provides the moisture they need and helps them avoid dehydration-related illnesses like urinary and kidney problems.” In addition to keeping your cat hydrated, wet cat food also provides essential nutrients that dry food may be missing, which is why it’s recommended by so many vets. From our top overall pick to more affordable and life stage-specific options, our recommendations are designed to keep your cat happy and nourished.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, our team of home editors has dedicated countless hours to researching and testing pet products to bring you the best recommendations. From the best self-cleaning litter boxes to the best flea shampoo for cats, we cover everything you need to keep your cats happy and healthy.
- For this article, we consulted with four experts to ensure we’re recommending the highest-quality wet cat foods: Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre, CEO and COO of Two Crazy Cat Ladies; Dr. Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a Florida-based small animal veterinarian; Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in Colorado.
- We update this story regularly to ensure it reflects the latest product offerings and expert advice. The most recent update was done in June 2024 by Kelly O’Sullivan, who has a deep understanding of pet nutrition and health.
How We Chose The Best Wet Cat Food
Choosing the best wet cat food involved considering several factors to ensure we recommend the healthiest and highest-quality options for your feline friends. Here’s what we took into account:
- We consulted with Jae Kennedy & Adrienne Lefebvre, Dr. Lindsay Butzer, DVM, and Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, to get their insights on the best ingredients, protein sources, nutritional profiles and specific brand recommendations for cats at various life stages.
- We looked at popular and reputable brands that are well-loved by cat owners and consistently earn positive feedback from both real-life customers and cat experts.
- All the wet cat foods we selected are AAFCO compliant, ensuring they meet the required standards for cat nutrition. We prioritized options with minimal, whole ingredients and avoided those with fillers, by-products and artificial additives.
- We included a range of products to cater to different needs and preferences, such as options for indoor cats, senior cats, kittens and cats with sensitive stomachs.
- We read customer reviews and only chose products with a 4+ star rating to ensure we recommend options that other cat owners have found work well for their pets.
What To Look For In The Best Wet Cat Food
As you shop for the best wet cat food, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure they receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
Quality of Ingredients
Cats are carnivores, so look for wet cat foods with high-quality, named animal proteins like chicken, beef or fish at the top of the ingredient list. Avoid products with fillers, by-products and artificial additives as much as possible. “You should be able to read and understand the ingredients on the can or pouch of wet food,” say Kennedy and Lefebvre.
Digestibility
Choose wet cat foods that are easy to digest, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach or specific dietary needs. High-quality proteins and minimal fillers are generally easier on the digestive system, an fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin can promote gut health.
Life Stage
Different life stages require different nutritional needs. Make sure the wet cat food is appropriate for your cat’s age, whether they’re a kitten, adult or senior. Each life stage has specific dietary needs to support growth, maintenance or aging.
AAFCO Approval
An approval from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) means your cat’s meal is nutritionally complete and balanced to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for your cat’s overall health. Before you make a purchase, check for an AAFCO statement on the label to be sure it meets the necessary nutritional standards.
