Top-tier Wet Cat Foods of 2025, as Endorsed by Veterinarians

Choosing the Best Wet Cat Food for a Balanced Diet

When it comes to feeding your feline friend, choosing the right wet cat food is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Here are some key factors to consider:

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Look for wet cat foods that are labeled “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO standards. These foods provide all essential nutrients — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water — in the right proportions for your cat’s specific life stage.

High-Quality Protein Content

Cats require diets high in animal-based protein. Choose wet foods where real meat, poultry, or fish is the first ingredient to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

Moisture Content

Wet food naturally contains more moisture than dry food, which helps with hydration and can aid in weight management by helping your cat feel full with fewer calories.

Fiber for Digestion and Weight Management

Some wet foods include both soluble and insoluble fibers, such as beet pulp, psyllium, or wheat bran, which support digestive health and help cats feel full between meals.

Avoidance of Fillers and Artificial Additives

Select foods free from by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives to reduce allergies and sensitivities.

Life Stage and Health Considerations

Tailor the wet food choice based on your cat’s age, activity level, and any health issues. Some brands offer formulas for all life stages or specific needs like weight management or sensitive digestion.

Added Functional Nutrients

Certain foods include beneficial additives like L-carnitine, which supports fat metabolism, or omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote skin and coat health.

Trusted Brands and Vet Recommendations

Consider products from reputable manufacturers with veterinary endorsements, such as Royal Canin, Purina, and Hill’s.

Additional Considerations

Wet cat food comes in various textures, like minced, paté, chunks and shreds, and meat-based flavors, like beef, chicken, and turkey, or fish-based flavors, like salmon, tuna, and shrimp.
The texture of the food might be easier for older cats or those with dental issues to chew, as wet food has a soft texture.
Wet cat food for senior cats usually has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to fight inflammation.
Wet cat food should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on its packaging.
After opening wet cat food, you need to refrigerate leftovers and use it within three days.
Grains offer many nutritional benefits, so if you're considering feeding your cat grain-free food, make sure you consult your vet first.
Wet food is generally lower in calories than dry kibble, making it a good option for cats who are overweight or obese.
Ideally, cats should eat wet and dry food to get the benefits of both.

Examples of Quality Wet Cat Food

The Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food has a moisture content of 84% and comes in sizes of 2.9 oz. cans. It is best for cats 1 to 6 years old.
The Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care Wet Cat Food is specifically made for cats with sensitive stomachs and has a moisture content of 82.5%.
The Merrick Purrfect Bistro Kitten Dinner Pate has a moisture content of 78% and is rich in protein and nutrients like taurine, omega 6, and omega 3 fatty acids to aid in growth. It is grain-free and comes in sizes of 3 or 5.5 oz. cans.

Avoiding Raw Food

Raw food is not recommended for cats as it can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can make your cat sick and also put people who handle them at risk of contracting an illness.

FDA Investigation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a potential link between feeding pets grain-free diets and them developing heart disease due to a taurine deficiency. It's important to consult your vet if you're considering a grain-free diet for your cat.

Picky Eaters

If your cat is a picky eater, try changing the food's texture or flavor, adjust feeding time, warm food up, add food toppers, or consult a vet for advice on how to entice your cat to eat their food.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wet cat food is crucial for maintaining your cat's health and well-being. Look for foods that are AAFCO complete and balanced, use high-quality animal proteins, provide adequate moisture, contain healthy fibers, avoid unnecessary fillers, and suit the cat’s specific life stage and health needs. Always consult your vet for advice on your cat's dietary needs.