9 Best Wet Dog Foods in 2025, Recommended by Veterinarians

For a dog who wants to be the star of the show, our vets recommend Hill’s Science Diet canned dog food. It’s a high-protein dog food that can help promote lean muscle development and maintain a healthy body weight.

For pet parents of dogs with specific food allergies or intolerances, you’ll be happy to know it’s available with different protein sources: beef and barley, chicken and barley, or chicken and beef.

It’s also formulated with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to support a healthy skin and shiny coat, as well as antioxidants for a healthy immune system

One of our vets particularly liked how this product has controlled levels of sodium and phosphorus, which they said are important for supporting the heart and kidneys, respectively.

This best dog food comes from a vet-trusted, science-backed brand that meets nutritional standards set by AAFCO and boasts long-term feeding trials.

Iams ProActive Health dog food proves that nutrition on a budget doesn’t have to be inferior. It’s made with high-quality ingredients containing essential nutrients and antioxidants your pooch needs for a complete and balanced diet.

Coming from a brand that has board-certified nutrition veterinarians formulating their diets, this Iams wet dog food also contains omega-6 fatty acids to support coat and skin health.

Pet parents with picky eaters will be relieved to know it’s available in several flavors: beef and rice, chicken and whole grain rice, and lamb and rice. The addition of brown rice and oatmeal add fiber, and makes this choice highly digestible for those with sensitive stomachs.

As our senior dogs age, they’re more likely to face challenges like arthritis, cognitive decline, and a slower metabolism. That’s why our vet panel considers Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind as the best wet dog food for senior dogs, since it’s specially formulated to address these.

It contains brain-supporting nutrients, such as the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, B vitamins, arginine, and MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), which may help enhance cognitive health.

Our vets also liked the inclusion of botanical oils, which they say may help promote mental sharpness and alertness.

Real turkey in rich gravy makes it easy to chew—and enjoyable for senior dogs who may have a diminished appetite.

This dog food comes from yet another brand that employs veterinary nutritionists and undergoes extensive dog feeding trials.

Finally, as a high-protein diet, this senior dog food may help support muscle mass, which may also decline as a dog ages.

“Choosing a proper diet for your growing puppy is important for their health and development,” says one of our panelists. For growing pups, our vet team recommends Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Formula as the best wet dog food for puppies.

It’s formulated and balanced by a board-certified nutritionist with the right balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals that your puppy needs for healthy growth.

The fish oils help provide DHA, which may help with brain and eye development as well as joints, skin, and immune function, while the high-quality protein builds lean muscle and balanced minerals support strong bones and teeth.

It also contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy skin barrier and coat in dogs.

For parents of picky pups, this puppy food includes real chicken and rice stew, which make it highly palatable.

Plus, it has prebiotic fibers that are not only good for digestive health but can also be helpful during times of stress, like transitioning to a new home, weaning from mom, or transitioning to a new diet.

Small pups have unique dietary needs, so finding the best wet dog food for small dogs is important for their overall health. For our vets, Royal Canin small breed wet dog food checks all the boxes.

Our team of vets appreciates how this formula caters to the higher calorie needs of smaller breeds while being highly palatable, making it ideal for picky eaters.

According to our vets, small dogs are more prone to dental problems, so Royal Canin's softer, more palatable chunks make it easier to chew for those with dental issues.

Formulated with EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, it can help support a healthy coat, increased energy levels, brain development, joint health, and overall organ health.

Additionally, our vets note the addition of L-carnitine, which may help maintain a healthy weight. This is important for smaller breeds, as extra pounds can stress their little joints.

According to our vets, large dog breeds are more prone to joint disease and should be fed a balanced and formulated diet to support their specific needs.

Purina Pro Plan’s Large Breed formula addresses this, providing a low-calorie, low-fat recipe to support slower metabolisms.

It also contains chicken and turkey bits that are natural sources of glucosamine, which can help support healthy muscle mass and joint support.

Our vets also like how it’s formulated with a healthy balance of calcium and phosphorus, which can be beneficial in improving joint health.

Larger pieces of chicken in gravy and rice make it highly digestible and palatable, especially for dogs with bigger or fussier appetites.

Most wet dog foods contain common allergens like chicken and beef, but Purina Pro Plan’s specially formulated Sensitive Skin & Stomach wet dog food takes a different approach by using salmon as its main protein source.

Salmon is less likely to trigger allergies and is rich in omega fatty acids, which may support skin health through their anti-inflammatory properties.

This food also includes natural prebiotic fiber, promoting a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria to aid in better digestion.

Additionally, salmon is a great source of DHA, which could enhance cognitive functions and support brain development.

Coming from a vet-trusted, science-backed brand known for rigorous feeding trials, it’s not hard to see why our vets have named it the best wet dog food for allergies.

Hill’s Science Diet’s Perfect Weight dog food is specifically formulated to help dogs achieve a healthy, lean body weight.

It features a less calorie-dense yet nutrient-rich profile that’s packed with high-quality proteins and amino acids to maintain muscle mass while supporting safe weight loss. L-carnitine helps metabolize fats, while prebiotic fibers promote gentle digestion.

It’s also low in calories but high in fiber, which helps your dog feel full longer.

According to Hill’s, studies showed that over 70% of dogs reportedly lost weight within 10 weeks when fed their weight management diet.

All of these factors combined make it our vet panel’s pick for pet parents who want to feed their dog the best wet food for weight loss.

Pups with delicate digestive systems may require a diet change to something that’s more easily digestible and gentle on the stomach. 

When it comes to the best wet dog food for sensitive stomachs, our vet team recommends Royal Canin Digestive Care Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food.

This highly digestible formula promotes healthy digestion and supports a balanced intestinal flora for optimal stool quality. 

Our vets also like that it is highly palatable, which can be very useful when your dog’s stomach is upset and they don’t feel like eating.

While our vets highly recommend this product, always consult your primary care veterinarian to address any potential underlying health issues before making changes to your dog’s diet.