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.
Some of our favorite wet cat food brands include Wellness, Orijen and Weruva.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers
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.
Life stages: Adult | Calories: 90 kcal/3-ounce can
Pros:
High protein contentHigh-quality meat sources provide essential nutrientsBroths provide high moisture contentNo artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Cons:
Mixed protein recipe may not be suitable for sensitive cats Not considered a low-cost option
If you’re looking for a wet cat food that checks all the boxes, the Orijen Tuna, Salmon & Beef Entrée is our top choice. Packed with up to 95% quality animal ingredients, this premium pâté combines fresh tuna, salmon, beef and chicken in a tasty bone broth that cats love. The high moisture content helps your cat stay hydrated, preventing issues like urinary and kidney problems. The first five ingredients are fresh animal products, which can be a rare find when it comes to canned cat food. This follows the advice of Kennedy and Lefebvre on what to look for in wet cat food: meat. Plus, there are no fillers like peas, lentils, gums or carrageenan, which means every bite is full of the good stuff.
Amazon
Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pâté
Life stages: Adult | Calories: 101 kcal/3-ounce can
Pros:
High-quality animal ingredients like chicken and turkeyPromotes hydration with high moisture contentFree from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Cons:
May be higher in fat content than some other options
Feeding your cat a nutritious diet doesn’t have to be expensive. As Lindsay Butzer, DVM, explains, as long as your cat gets annual checkups and doesn’t show signs of health issues, they can eat “whatever they seem to be doing well on.” Still, that doesn’t mean you want to feed your cat junk. Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pâté offers great value with quality ingredients that cats love. Made with chicken and turkey, this food provides the protein and moisture content needed for a healthy, active life. Unlike many affordable wet cat food options, this one focuses on natural ingredients—there are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The added vitamins and minerals ensure a balanced diet, supporting everything from energy levels to a shiny coat.
One thing to keep in mind is that this food includes some plant ingredients like carrots, which may not be ideal for every cat. It also has a slightly higher fat content, which is something to consider if your cat is prone to weight gain.
Life stage: Adult | Calories: 54 kcal/3.2-ounce can
Pros:
High in protein from real meatIncludes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion supportFree from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSGBroth-based consomme for hydration
Cons:
Contains some gums as thickenersLimited flavor options may not suit picky eaters
Indoor cats often benefit from higher fiber in their diet, and the pumpkin in this food supports healthy digestion and helps prevent hairballs—a common issue for cats that groom frequently. The broth-based consomme makes this food appealing to even the pickiest eaters and ensures your cat stays hydrated, which is crucial for overall health.
Packed with lean chicken breast and a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals and taurine, this wet food provides the nutrition your cat needs to thrive indoors. It’s also free from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSG. While it does contain some gums as thickeners, Weruva’s focus on high-quality, real meat ingredients makes this a top pick for indoor cats.
Amazon
Weruva Kitten Chicken Breast Formula
Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 124 kcal/3-ounce can
Pros:
High-quality protein from boneless, skinless chickenGrain, gluten, and carrageenan-freeHigh moisture content for hydrationHigher calorie content to support growth
Cons:
Contains some gums as thickenersHigher price point
The excitement of bringing home a new kitten also comes with the responsibility of providing the best nutrition for their growth. Weruva’s kitten-specific formulas are crafted to meet the needs of your little furball with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients. This recipe, made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, is easy for kittens to digest and supports healthy muscle growth; meanwhile, the high moisture content keeps your kitten hydrated. Plus, it’s free from grains, gluten and carrageenan, making it a gentle option for sensitive stomachs.
With a higher calorie content, this nutrient-dense food fuels the seemingly endless energy of growing kittens. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or adding a new member to your feline family, this food can help your kitten thrive.
Life stage: Senior | Calories: 200 kcal/5-ounce packet
Pros:
High in protein from real meatIncludes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion supportFree from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSGBroth-based consomme for hydration
Cons:
Contains some gums as thickenersLimited flavor options may not suit picky eaters
For senior cats needing extra protein, Smalls Fresh Ground Bird offers a tasty and nutritious solution. This fresh cat food delivery service is known for its dedication to quality ingredients and uses human-grade, sustainably-sourced meats and vegetables. Gently cooked formulas like this one, which provide higher hydration and nutrient levels than traditional cat foods, are something Kennedy and Lefebvre swear by: “The difference in [our cats’] overall health is night and day. Their coats are shiny, energy levels high and eyes are bright, and it’s rare that they ever get sick.”
With at least 80% animal proteins from turkey and turkey liver, this food supports lean muscle mass and overall health in older cats. The high moisture content keeps senior cats hydrated, essential for preventing dehydration-related issues. Free from preservatives, fillers and artificial ingredients, Smalls ensures your cat gets only the best, though it does come with a higher price tag and requires freezer storage.
Life stage: Adult | Calories: 59 kcal/2.8-ounce can
Pros:
Single protein source from wild-caught Alaskan salmonNo grains, potatoes or glutenLow fat contentHigh moisture content for hydration
Cons:
May not suit all cats’ flavor preferences
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, finding the right food can be a challenge. Tiki Cat Luau Wild is a single-protein, low-fat recipe that’s gentle on the digestive system, making it ideal for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other stomach issues. The star ingredient, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, provides high-quality protein, while the consomme-based formula ensures your cat gets plenty of moisture and stays hydrated. Plus, with no grains, gluten, carbohydrates or flours, this food focuses on what your cat truly needs.
Transitioning to a new food? The experts we spoke with all recommended starting slow—especially for cats with sensitive stomachs. Mix a small amount of the new food with your cat’s current food and gradually increase it over time. This method helps your cat get used to the new flavor and texture, while taking it easy on their digestive system.
Life stage: Adult | Calories: 135 kcal/156-gram carton
Pros:
Single protein source from wild-caught Pacific salmonHigh in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acidsRich in fiber from pumpkinFree from preservatives and fillers
Cons:
Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat is crucial, and Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Blend is designed to make that simple. This wet food is packed with high-quality protein from wild-caught Pacific salmon, which naturally supports lean muscle mass and overall health. The addition of fiber-rich pumpkin and carrots helps with digestion and keeps your cat feeling full longer, making it easier to manage their weight.
Coconut oil in the recipe boosts metabolism, while spinach and non-GMO cranberries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. This food is free from preservatives and fillers, and Open Farm’s dedication to sustainable and high-quality sourcing means you can trust what’s in your cat’s bowl. Whether served as a topper or a complete meal, this formula naturally helps manage weight through nutritious, whole ingredients.
Amazon
Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Beef Recipe
Life stage: Adult | Calories: 59 kcal/2.8-ounce can
Pros:
Made with shredded chicken, organ meat and beefGrain-free and low in carbohydratesHigh moisture content for hydrationNo by-products or fillers
Cons:
Higher priceLower in fiber than other formulas
Tiki Cat’s After Dark recipes were designed to offer cats a diet that feeds into their natural carnivorous instincts. This grain-free formula focuses on high-quality, shredded cuts of chicken and beef, giving your cat the protein it needs to stay healthy and strong. Made with real meat and organs like chicken liver, this recipe delivers the essential nutrients to support overall health in a flavor that cat owners say their pets love. The high moisture content helps keep your cat hydrated, and it’s free from grains, fillers and by-products.
Although several options on our list are grain-free, Tiki Cat After Dark stands out because of its emphasis on real, natural ingredients tailored to carnivorous cats. Whether you have a picky eater or a cat with specific dietary needs, this formula offers balanced nutrition and great taste.
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.
