Wet dog food is designed to bring the animal's nutrition as close to natural as possible. Of course, economy class products are not able to compete with real meat products, since they are made from production waste and substitutes.
Cheap food based on offal is addictive and provokes the development of urolithiasis due to its high salt and dye content, but this is not the case with good wet food.
Which brand of wet dog food is best to choose?
To make it easier to decide which wet dog food to choose, experts recommend starting to look for a reliable manufacturer. And after that you can get acquainted with its products. Based on the recommendations of doctors and customer reviews, the following companies were included in the list of leaders:
- Cesar – this brand belongs to the American company Mars. She took her first step towards producing food for four-legged pets only in 1935. A good assortment with different types of diet is sold at affordable prices. The composition contains not only meat products, but also vegetables, healthy herbs, and vitamin supplements.
- GimDog is an offshoot of Gimborn, a major German company that has been developing and producing innovative dry and wet pet food for over 150 years. The products are respected in Europe, Russia, and more than 40 countries around the world.
- Royal Canin is an Austrian brand owned by Mars, which was mentioned above. The activity is aimed at the production and supply of nutritious food for pets. For more than 40 years, the brand has been a recognized leader in the market of organic food for cats and dogs.
- Grandorf is a Russian brand with production facilities located in Belgium and Italy. Dog food presented under this name has a 100% natural hypoallergenic composition with a high meat content and no fillers. An added bonus is live probiotics to maintain animal health.
- Pedigree is an international brand registered in the UK. Despite this, the production is American. Operating since 1934. It belongs to a budget brand of mass demand; it has production facilities in different countries, including Russia.
- Alder`s is a German company developing food for pets based on old recipes and innovative technologies. Naturalness and environmental friendliness are due to the absence of dyes, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Balanced products are suitable for daily consumption.
- Ava is a company from the Netherlands that has been developing and producing premium quality dog food for over 30 years. The composition is completely natural, supplemented with vitamins for the full growth and development of the animal. The range offers products for small, medium and large dogs. European quality, up to 70% natural meat, naturalness - these are real guarantees of the manufacturer.
- Gemon is a trademark owned by the Italian company Monge, which has been operating since 1963. In the product line you can see those that help with the development and growth of puppies, teenagers, and large sporting dogs. All of them are prepared from high-quality natural products, rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Trainer is a trademark of the Italian company Nova Foods srl. The range is presented in the form of a line of complete food for cats and dogs based on the principles of holistic nutrition. All products are hypoallergenic, they are suitable for pets with a predisposition to allergies, gluten intolerance, and gastrointestinal problems.
Pros and cons of ready-made canned food
To replace natural food, experts offer two types of ready-made industrial food: dry food and canned food.
Canned food has many advantages:
- they consist of 73% moisture, so they are easily digestible and more nutritious;
- the main component is fresh meat, so there is usually more protein in canned food than in a dry diet;
- canned food tastes better and smells great;
- used for animals with pathologies.
However, canned food also has its downsides:
- high price;
- Not all canned food is used for daily nutrition; it is given in the form of delicacies and gourmet food.
Pet owners should know that the best option is to alternate dry food and wet food of the same brand.
The lines contain medicinal diets that are used to treat and prevent certain diseases.
Rating of wet dog food
Due to the wide variety of brands and manufacturers, it can be difficult to decide which one is the healthiest and highest quality. The most important expert who can recommend wet food for dogs is reviews from veterinarians. In addition, the important selection criteria by which the rating was compiled will help, namely:
- Class – economy, premium and superpremium, holistic;
- Ingredients - percentage of meat, grains, vegetables, other components;
- Type – everyday, specialized, therapeutic;
- Dog age – junior, teenager, middle or aging;
- Dog size – small, medium, large breed;
- Physical activity – Active/Energy, Normal/Standart, Light.
Not the least indicator of the manufacturer’s reliability was the feedback from dog owners. Places among the nominees were distributed based on the level of popularity and demand. Experts relied on the ratio of price and quality, since the choice of many is influenced by price and budget, which means that low-cost offers are considered primarily.
For small breeds
Food for small breeds of dogs must meet the needs of pets, namely, give them enough energy so that it is enough not only for their own heating, but also for activity.
The food ratings are based on popularity and owner reviews:
- 1st place - Grandorf - more expensive, but better quality than Royal Canin and Pro Plan.
- 2nd place - Royal Canin - a confident leader in terms of price-quality ratio.
- 3rd place - Purina Pro Plan - an equally popular food and the closest competitor to Royal Canin, slightly inferior in quality.
A diet of exclusively soft food is recommended for most small dogs until teeth are completely replaced and the bite is corrected, if necessary.
Small dogs are also prone to early tooth loss, so many owners have to switch their pets to soft food at 5-6 years of age.
Best wet food for small breed dogs
When creating a balanced dog diet, experts primarily rely on the breed and size of the animal. This helps to assess the need for certain substances for the normal functioning of the body. It is important that the food does not lead to excess weight gain and an excess of vitamins, but at the same time there are enough resources for its own heating and activity. The rating of wet food for small breed dogs was compiled taking into account the popularity and degree of trust of buyers, their reviews, as well as the recommendations of leading veterinarians.
Cesar
Among the huge selection of diets for different dogs, experts recommend giving small breeds Cesar wet food lamb with vegetables. Your favorite dish will be the most tender young lamb without meat substitutes, as well as a healthy and light vegetable supplement. Before launching it, the manufacturer found the right formula to suit the physical needs of small dogs. The composition contains all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that allow the animal to be healthy and active. There are other options to choose from - with rabbit, beef, chicken, veal, various vegetables and sauces.
Advantages
- Generally available in most stores;
- Good appearance;
- Premium quality;
- Large selection of flavors and compositions;
- Attractive to dogs.
Flaws
- There are no details about the full lineup;
- The recipe does not take into account the natural, age-related characteristics of the dog.
Caesar is sold in 100g bags. Some buyers value premium quality, varied composition, and many flavors to choose from. Others note a lack of information from the seller regarding other components. But one thing is for sure, there are no flavor enhancers or preservatives, this is a manufacturer’s guarantee.
The best dry dog foods
GimDog Pure Delight
Another premium wet dog food from the small breed category. It comes in a tin can with a convenient opening method, as is the case with conventional canned food. But in this case we are talking about a delicacy consisting of high-quality chicken, tuna, and beef. It contains no flavors, colors, preservatives or GMOs. High-tech formulations were involved in their development. They allowed the components to retain their beneficial properties, vitamins and minerals as much as possible.
Advantages
- High meat content;
- Diverse composition;
- High percentage of proteins;
- No harmful additives;
- Suitable for sensitive, demanding dogs.
Flaws
- Small packaging;
- Price.
After opening the jar, a pleasant aroma is felt that evokes appetite. The manufacturer indicates all the important information - the percentage of meat, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc. Depending on the weight, it is recommended to give your pet 1 to 3 cans per day. Pure Delight belongs to the super premium category, which is why it does not fit every budget.
Royal Canin Mini Adult
Royal Canin wet dog food for small breeds is presented in the form of a product with the self-explanatory name Mini Adult. It can be given to your pet at the age of 10 months to 8 years, and the weight should not exceed 10 kg. The food helps maintain proper weight and contains vitamins and minerals for the normal functioning of vital organs. It has an appetizing aroma and excellent taste due to its balanced composition and oily consistency. The small cross-shaped granules are easy to grasp with small teeth. There is everything for a silky shiny coat, healthy teeth, strong bones.
Advantages
- Rich balanced composition;
- Good nutrient tolerance;
- Disease prevention;
- Attractive smell, taste;
- No questionable additives;
- Premium quality.
Flaws
- Frequent cases of crafts;
- Price.
There are many positive reviews about this product, most often the praise concerns the composition, taste and convenient shape of the granules for a certain type of jaw of small breeds. Despite the small portion, a dog weighing up to 10 kg will be satisfied with it. But you have to pay for quality, and the price is one of the reasons for rare negative reviews.
For older dogs
Foods for older dogs should be formulated to take into account the natural slowing of metabolism. If an older dog eats a food that is formulated for a younger dog, he is getting too many carbohydrates. Rapid weight gain leads to the development of heart failure, arthritis and, quite often, diabetes.
Rating of wet food for senior dogs:
- 1st place - Nature's Protection - food takes a leading position, since TM provides a choice of food for older dogs. The products belong to the super-premium class and enjoy a good reputation.
- 2nd place – Royal Canin – there is a wide selection of preventative and specialized feeds. By class, Royal Canin is premium, but is characterized by high quality.
- 3rd place – Hill’s – the range of food for senior dogs consists of only two items, but is complemented by an extensive line of preventive food. Hill's is a premium food with good taste and quality characteristics.
If an owner skimps on food for an older dog, they are unintentionally shortening the time available for the dog. Expensive food is not the only alternative; switching an elderly dog to a dietary, natural diet is a very common and successful practice.
Best wet food for medium breed dogs
Due to the fact that the needs of dogs of different sizes and breeds are different, manufacturers offer a separate line of wet food for dogs of medium breeds. The composition contains a precisely calculated ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to maintain vital activity and health without the risk of exhaustion or overeating. They will tell you which wet food for medium-sized dogs is better, expert assessments, reviews, pros and cons of the presented nominees.
Grandorf Veal for adult dogs
An excellent solution for such pets would be food from the Belgian manufacturer Grandorf, in particular Veal for adult dogs. And although it is more expensive than big brands like Pro Plan or Royal Canin, it is fully justified by the super premium quality. The product slogan is “Meat and nothing extra.” This product belongs to the Holistic diet category with a hypoallergenic composition without GMOs, soy, dyes, preservatives, salt and sugar. Veal is low-fat, easily digestible, lean, which is suitable for animals with a sensitive digestive system. In addition to meat, there are vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
Advantages
- Hypoallergenic composition;
- 100% natural formula;
- Complex of vitamins;
- Holistic class nutrition;
- Excellent aroma and taste;
- Maximum amount of nutrients.
Flaws
- Price.
Experts note an increased meat content of up to 80%; this primarily sets Grandorf wet dog food apart from other nominees. Most often, such expensive, but high-quality and healthy food is purchased for dogs with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract and a tendency to allergies. The only reason for negative ratings is the price, it is higher than that of competitor brands.
Pedigree for healthy skin and coat
A good portion of meat for a medium breed dog in the form of wet food. The main ingredient in the composition is meat and offal of rabbit and turkey. They are supplemented with healthy cereals, mineral components, beet pulp, vegetable oils, and a vitamin set. Maximum benefit for the skin and coat due to substances such as zinc, tocopherol, calcium, linoleic acid. The minimum daily dose is 3 packs, the maximum is 10 pieces, depending on weight.
Advantages
- Shiny silky coat;
- Calcium for strong bones;
- Maintaining the immune system;
- High digestibility of ingredients;
- Maintaining normal digestion.
Flaws
- Small packaging volume;
- Dog addiction, refusal of other food.
The most common brand, Pedigree, has the maximum number of reviews. Positive ones emphasize good composition, useful additives for the pet’s health, and value for money. In negative reviews about wet dog food, Pedigree complains about the insufficient volume of one serving, which is why they have to buy several. Some dog owners note that with constant feeding of Pedigree, the animals refuse another diet, that is, they get used to it.
Dr. Alder`s beef minced meat
Such a balanced diet is distinguished not only by its excellent taste, but also by its healthy formula. Meat products here contain 80%, these are minced beef and offal. They are supplemented with valuable mineral salts and substances, fats, and vitamins. Can be used as a supplement to the diet or main food. No synthetic substances, preservatives or GMOs were found in the composition. The daily dose should be selected taking into account the weight, size, activity and physical condition of the dog.
Advantages
- Complete balanced formula;
- No age restrictions;
- Large percentage of meat;
- No harmful substances;
- Pleasant aroma and taste.
Flaws
- Insufficient variety of tastes and compositions;
- Small portion.
The manufacturing company is trusted in many countries of the world, including Russia. This is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from dog owners. Dr. Alder`s is suitable for different breeds, but the dosage of one package is often not enough. And this increases the cost of purchases. Some note a small selection of ingredients and flavors, which is why picky pets will quickly get bored with beef.
How to choose canned food
When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the composition, giving preference to natural ingredients. The best canned food for dogs, which belongs to the holistic class, consists mainly of meat and healthy additives. They are ideal as daily dog food.
Other features of high-quality canned food include:
- low percentage or complete absence of grains such as wheat and corn, whose vegetable protein is poorly digestible and can cause food allergies;
- Rice, potatoes or other vegetables are used as carbohydrates to aid digestion;
- The composition contains no preservatives, hormones, flavor enhancers or artificial antioxidants.
When purchasing canned food for dogs with allergies, exclude products containing chicken, preferring turkey, veal or fish. For castrated and sterilized pets, choose food with a minimum content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These elements in high concentrations provoke diseases of the genitourinary system.
Best wet food for large breed dogs
The healthiest food for a large dog will be natural, nutritious, and convenient. Most often it is produced in wet form, packaged in a tin can or plastic container. Manufacturers have calculated everything so that one serving is sufficient for a large breed. Approximately 53-60 kcal is needed per kg of weight; each package contains this information. Based on the percentage of positive reviews and recommendations from veterinarians, the best products for large breeds were selected.
Ava Premium Adult Beef, Lamb and Blueberry
This manufacturer offers canned food of super premium quality, and the canned food in question is intended for large dogs. The composition is well balanced to maintain the activity, health, and youth of the animal. Leading nutritionists and veterinarians were involved in the development of the formula. In addition to meat ingredients, you can see here amino acids to prevent obesity, chondroitin to strengthen joints, fiber for the gastrointestinal tract, fatty acids for the skin, wool, heart, and choline for the liver. 30% lamb, 35% beef, broth, blueberries, vegetable oil and minerals.
Advantages
- Real animal protein;
- Valuable supplements;
- Treats to improve taste;
- Grain-free composition;
- Protein of animal origin.
Flaws
- The antioxidant components in the composition are not specified;
- Low prevalence.
Many buyers are captivated by Dutch production and trust in European quality. So far, the range with this name is little known on the Russian market. A good indicator of quality is the composition, testing by veterinarians and nutritionists. The disadvantages include incomplete information about the composition.
Gemon Pieces with beef and rice
Complete food that allows you to satisfy your dog's one-time food needs. The main ingredients are beef and rice, 45% are meat components, 4.2% cereals, you can also see eggs and minerals in the recipe. Intended for adult pets aged 1-8 years. Italian quality guarantees gluten-free. For a weight of 30-80 kg, the manufacturer recommends 1800-3700 g of product per day, divided into several doses.
Advantages
- The price is 15-20% lower than other premium canned goods;
- Suitable diet for dogs that are aged, pregnant or ill;
- Maintaining the condition of fur and skin;
- No preservatives, dyes;
- Delivery from Italy with strict quality checks;
- Substances included to support immunity.
Flaws
- Contents of cereal crops;
- Insufficient information about the composition.
The Gemon company is still little known on the Russian market; its products are not so easy to find in stock. But the demand for it is good, since Italian production with strict quality control is trustworthy. Weaknesses are the presence of cereals, which are not always indicated in the composition, which means insufficient information about the product.
Trainer Fitness3 No Gluten Adult Medium&Maxi Duck and rice canned
The new line of products from Trainer - Fitness3 originates from the promotion of the philosophy of holistic nutrition and its benefits. This means that all products with this name will not contain anything unnecessary except for 3 sources of health and strength for the dog - animal proteins, digestible vegetable fats (linoleic acid), and carbohydrates. Monoprotein nutrition guarantees the animal’s well-being. In the composition you can see freeze-dried duck meat with rice, corn oil.
Advantages
- Hypoallergenic;
- Real meat in sufficient doses;
- Holistic diet;
- Good digestibility of components;
- Prevention of excess weight;
- Complete exclusion of gluten;
- Wide range of flavors and compositions.
Flaws
- Not sold in all pet stores;
- Some options don't contain enough meat.
Veterinarians recommend any product called Trainer Fitness3 for dogs with a sensitive digestive system, as well as those prone to allergies. The food has received the maximum number of positive reviews, despite the fact that it is not always in stock and is sold more online.
The best electric collars for dogs
Royal Canin Puppy
The company produces fairly high-quality and varied food for dogs. Its assortment includes a selection of soft food for dogs of different breeds, for their weight and with digestive characteristics. Soft food can be presented in reinforced concrete cans and pet bags. Highly digestible proteins and grains are added to the feed. They provide active dogs with energy. The food contains fat and oils, which provide shine and thickness to the coat. Minerals and yeast strengthen the skeleton.
Pros:
- Strengthens the skeleton and makes the coat thick and shiny;
- High-quality composition;
- Gives a lot of energy;
- Wide selection of food;
- Contains nutritious and valuable components.
Which wet dog food is best to buy?
The presented nominees have a lot of distinctive features, advantages, and are also similar in composition, quality and beneficial properties. Therefore, choosing the best wet dog food among them will be difficult. You should rely on the reputation of the manufacturer, the breed and physical condition of the pet, as well as price, quality, and composition. From a comparative analysis of positions in the ranking, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- The widest range of flavors and compositions – Cesar;
- High-quality medicinal canned food – Royal Canin Mini Adult;
- Diet for sensitive dogs – Trainer Fitness3 No Gluten Adult Medium&Maxi Duck and rice canned;
- An excellent product for regular feeding - Dr. Alder`s beef minced meat;
- The most delicious quality delicacy is Ava Premium Adult Beef, Lamb and Blueberry.
Any of the presented canned food significantly saves dog owners time. Recipes and formulas found by experienced specialists will help maintain good activity, health, appearance of the animal, and most importantly, its weight. The choice of what is best to buy is made based on subjective assessments and characteristics of the pet.
Veterinary feed
Veterinary feeds are products for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes, therefore they are used as an element of therapy. For example, companies produce products for dogs with digestive disorders.
Rating:
1. Eukanuba. Super premium products. It is represented by veterinary products for animals with: joint pathologies, diabetes, excess weight, and intestinal disorders.
2. Royal Canin. Examples: for controlling excess weight, for kidney failure, liver disease, food allergies, and other disorders. Feeding standards and a list of diseases are indicated on the packaging.
3. Pro Plan. Purina has developed medicinal foods. Examples: for the recovery period, with chronic renal failure, gastrointestinal diseases or when losing and maintaining weight.
Veterinary feed is prescribed only by a doctor. It determines the daily dose and duration of use. Regular use is recommended for chronic disease.
FAQ
When switching to holistic nutrition, owners have many questions and anxiety about how much the costs are really justified. We do not take into account economy class.
The difference between super premium and holistic food for dogs
Among high-quality diets there are: premium, super-premium, holistic. The table clearly shows the main characteristics.
Feed class/composition | Premium | Super premium | Holistic |
Meat, poultry | 20-30% | 50% raw materials from by-products | 100% without ground bones, tendons, offal |
Dyes, flavor enhancers, ballast substances | + | — | — |
Vitamin and mineral supplements | Artificial origin | Natural origin | Only from fresh vegetables, fruits, root vegetables |
Assimilation | Up to 70% | 95% | 100% |
Holistic nutrition excludes artificial additives. It can be called "organic", natural, akin to how a person would prepare high-quality food for himself.
Features of the transition to holistic
Having decided to use holistic food to feed your dog, you should not make sudden transitions. This is especially true if the diet included premium mixtures. The body will begin to experience stress, and eating disorders are possible. Veterinarians recommend gradually adding some holistic food to your usual food, first once a week, then every day. This lasts from a week to 10 days.
Attention! If you experience loose stools or constipation after changing your diet, administering probiotics can help. They help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Is it possible to combine wet and dry food?
Wet and dry foods have different characteristics, positive and negative sides. The optimal combination is considered to be a combination of two options.
Attention! The combined feeding method does not involve physical mixing of products. This means that wet and dry food should be given at different times.
On the other hand, a certain type of food - wet or dry - can replenish the animal’s need for all vitamins, microelements, and essential substances.
Main types
Wet canned food for dogs varies in ratings based on quality and various other parameters. Wet food can be either for regular consumption or a delicacy. In addition, it is important to take into account the age of the dog and buy appropriate dog food:
- for puppies (including for newborns - milk replacer);
- adult dogs;
- elderly pets.
It is important to consider the size of the dogs and purchase accordingly: for small, medium, large and even giant breeds. In addition, a distinction is made between special and everyday meals. The first group includes nutrition:
- medicinal;
- lightweight;
- for pregnant or lactating women.
Attention! To choose the best option, you should contact your veterinarian. The doctor will assess the current state of health of the pet and select proper nutrition.
Small dogs require a different food composition than large dogs.
What is the difference between holistic and other foods?
Considered from a marketing point of view, the price of holistic food is high. Despite this, they are increasingly promoted by economics and veterinary medicine, convincing consumers to use only this type of food. There is a share of rational decision in this approach and is explained by several reasons.
- The composition includes natural ingredients. All components (vegetables, root vegetables, meat or fish fractions, berries, fruits, grains) correspond to the quality indicators of products suitable for human consumption. Manufacturers claim that people can eat holistic food without experiencing any problems, and it is safe for children. This concept was defined as “human grade” - a revolutionary approach to nutrition.
- All components are balanced and tested by food and drug control associations in the USA, which guarantees the complete absence of chemical derivatives.
- The holistic food recipe is based on the needs of pets depending on age, breed, category. It is based on 70 percent protein food and 30 percent protein. In feeds of a lower class, the same proportion is observed, but the source is by-products and meat processing residues. The pet receives protein without protein. To satiate you need a much larger portion. The choline approach guarantees satiety due to the complete absorption of components.
- This type of food provides a varied diet in taste characteristics. If you do it yourself, you will have to spend a lot of effort creating a menu, selecting components daily, and calculating the ingredients.
- Cholines use poultry, lean beef and lamb. Particular attention is paid to Omega-3 acids and phosphorus by extraction from the salmon and cod fish families.
- Vitamin supplements are obtained from fresh berries, fruits, vegetables, seaweed, which affects hair growth and strengthening bone tissue.
- Holistic food can be stored for up to a year. Vitamins E and C and rosemary oil act as preservatives. This approach increases appetite and increases the ability to quickly and efficiently digest food. Allergies are excluded in animals, as is often the case with cheaper feed options.
Owners complain that holistic treatments are too expensive. Due to the all-natural ingredients, the price seems overpriced. If you prepare a complete diet for your beloved pet yourself, it will cost much more. It is necessary to take into account many factors that influence the absorption of nutrition, its characteristics, dependence on the dog’s age, breed, size, and daily routine.
Briefly about the main thing
- Holistic food is high-quality rational nutrition for dogs.
- It is necessary to gradually transfer dogs to holistic nutrition, adding small portions to their usual diet.
- This class of food contains only natural ingredients that promote longevity, active growth, and development of the pet.
- Cereals, dyes, enhancers, and genetically modified products are excluded.
- Protein base - meat of birds, wild animals, lambs. Source of fiber - vegetables, root vegetables. Fortification occurs due to the addition of plant extracts, berries, and medicinal herbs. Useful additives in the form of omega fatty acids, flax seeds, and vegetable oil allow you to achieve the ideal combination of components.
Did you like the article? Share it with your friends on social media. networks. This will help them get useful information and support our project.
Important information on packaging
Many dog owners do not even read what is written on the packaging, which is why the dog’s health suffers in the future.
It is worth remembering a few nuances about good food:
- the presence of the AAFCO abbreviation, which indicates high quality nutrition;
- natural meat content from 30%;
- the presence of fish products, vegetables, fruits and berries;
- complete vitamin complex;
- variety of lines;
- no fragrances or chemicals.
Also keep an eye on the expiration date, sealed packaging, and instructions on the breed and age of the animal.