My top pick? The Farmer's Dog. It's fresh, not canned, but it's the most nutrient-dense, digestible wet food you can buy. For a more traditional canned option, I love Open Farm, especially their rustic stews.
Don't have time to read the whole thing? Here's what you need to know.
- Wet dog food is higher in moisture and often more palatable than kibble.
- The Farmer's Dog is the best overall for whole-food ingredients and custom nutrition.
- Open Farm is the best canned option for ethical sourcing and transparency.
- Avoid grocery store brands full of fillers and unnamed meats.
- Always check for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements.
What is wet dog food?
Wet dog food includes any commercial food with high moisture content, usually 75-85% water. That includes cans, pouches, trays, and fresh food like The Farmer's Dog. It's easier to chew, smells like real food, and provides hydration. It's also more expensive per calorie than dry food, so you'll need to decide based on your budget and your dog's needs.
The Farmer's Dog – The Best Overall
If you want the cleanest, most nutritious wet food, go with The Farmer's Dog. It's a fresh food subscription service, not a canned food, but it's delivered as a wet diet. The recipes are made with human-grade ingredients, cooked gently, and then frozen. Each meal is portioned for your dog's exact weight and activity level. I've been feeding it to my border collie for about six months, and I've noticed shinier fur, less gas, and better energy.
According to Dr. Vincent Michels, a consulting veterinarian with the company, "The formulation of The Farmer's Dog food is done with the same care, thought, and scientific approach as what might be done for a kidney disease patient or a diabetic patient at a university veterinary hospital." That's a level of precision you won't find in a grocery store can.
Ingredients: Human-grade chicken, turkey, beef, or pork (depending on recipe), plus vegetables like sweet potatoes, kale, and carrots. No by-products, preservatives, or fillers.
Nutritional Analysis: Protein 40-45% (dry matter), Fat 20-30% (dry matter). Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.
Buyer Review: “My picky Shih Tzu finally eats without coaxing. Her coat is softer, and her digestion is perfect. Worth every penny.” – Amanda L.
Bottom Line: If you can afford the subscription ($2-12 per day), this is the healthiest choice. If you're looking for a more traditional approach to choosing the right food, read our comprehensive guide to dog nutrition.
Open Farm – The Best Canned Wet Food
Open Farm is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a shelf-stable canned food with clean sourcing. They use antibiotic-free meat and sustainably sourced vegetables. Their Rustic Stew line is especially popular. Every ingredient is traceable: you can enter a batch code on their website and see exactly which farm the meat came from.
Ingredients: Wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, or free-range chicken, plus non-GMO pumpkin, carrots, and spinach.
Nutritional Analysis: Protein 45-50% (dry matter), Fat 25-30% (dry matter). Grain-free recipes available.
Buyer Review: “I love that I can see where the ingredients come from. My dog loves the beef stew. Only downside is the price.” – Marcus T.
Bottom Line: Open Farm costs more than average canned food, but the transparency is unmatched. It's a great pick if your dog has sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Chewy – The Best Place to Buy Wet Dog Food
Chewy isn't a brand, but it's the best place to buy most wet dog foods. They stock hundreds of brands with free shipping on orders over $49. You can filter by grain-free, natural, and sensitive stomach options. They also have an auto-ship program that saves you 5-10%.
What they stock: The Farmer's Dog (as a subscription partner), Open Farm, Blue Buffalo, Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and many more.
Buyer Review: “I use Chewy's auto-ship for my senior dog's prescription diet. Never a missed delivery, and returns are easy if my dog doesn't like something.” – Patricia W.
Bottom Line: Even if you buy food elsewhere, Chewy is the benchmark for service. They have a 365-day return policy, even on opened food. For additional guidance, check out our review of the best dog food for senior dogs.
The Hungry Puppy – A Solid Retailer for Wet Dog Food
This online store features a curated selection of wet dog foods for dogs with allergies, skin issues, or sensitive digestion. They stock brands like JustFoodForDogs, Wellness, and Merrick. They also offer a subscription service with flexible delivery. However, they don't carry prescription diets, so for therapeutic needs, you'll need a vet or a bigger retailer.
My Personal Take: If you're new to wet dog food, The Hungry Puppy's blog is a good resource for understanding what to look for. Their customer service is also highly rated.
Benefits of Wet Dog Food
Wet food has real advantages, especially for certain dogs. It's more digestible for many dogs, thanks to lower carbohydrate content and higher moisture. That extra water is a lifesaver for dogs who don't drink enough, like senior dogs or those with kidney issues. The soft texture makes it ideal for puppies losing baby teeth or for dogs with missing teeth.
The smell and taste are much stronger than kibble, so it's often the best way to get a picky eater to finish a meal. That said, wet food spoils faster once opened, won't help clean teeth like kibble, and is heavier to buy in bulk.
When to choose wet over dry:
- Your dog is a senior with dental issues.
- Your dog has kidney disease or urinary issues.
- Your dog is a picky eater.
- You want to add variety to a kibble diet.
When to stick with dry (or mix):
- Your dog has healthy teeth and you rely on the crunch for cleaning.
- You need the most affordable option per calorie.
- You feed multiple large dogs (the weight gets heavy).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Wet Dog Food
- Leaving wet food out for more than 2 hours (it spoils).
- Not refrigerating leftovers (use within 3 days).
- Overfeeding (wet food has a different calorie density than dry).
- Buying cans without an AAFCO statement.
- Switching foods too fast (always transition over 5-7 days).
How to Choose a Wet Dog Food
- Check the AAFCO statement: It should say "complete and balanced" for your dog's life stage.
- Look at the first ingredient: It should be a named meat source, not "meat by-product" or "poultry meal."
- Avoid unnecessary additives: Carrageenan, artificial colors, and sweeteners have no place in dog food.
- Match the food to your dog's needs: Puppies, seniors, and active dogs all have different requirements. For example, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, the right formula makes a big difference.
Wrapping It Up
The best wet dog food isn't the most expensive one, it's the one that fits your dog's specific nutritional needs and your budget. The Farmer's Dog wins for overall quality, but Open Farm is the better choice if you want something shelf-stable. Both are leaps ahead of grocery store brands full of fillers.
My Personal Experience: I've tried at least 20 brands over the years, and these two stand out. My current dog is thriving on The Farmer's Dog, but when I need something for travel or for a backup, I grab Open Farm's Rustic Stew. It's that simple.
If you're still not sure where to start, I'd recommend reading our ultimate dog food buying guide for a full breakdown of what to look for in any dog food.
FAQ
Is wet dog food better for dogs than dry food?
Not universally. Wet food has higher moisture and is often more palatable, but dry food helps with dental health and is easier on the wallet. The best choice depends on your dog's health and your preferences.
Can I mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, many owners mix them for variety and to boost moisture. Just adjust portions to avoid overfeeding.
How long does open wet dog food last in the fridge?
Covered leftovers stay fresh for about 3 days. Throw away anything left out for more than 2 hours.
Do I need a prescription to buy prescription wet dog food?
Yes. Brands like Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet require a vet authorization.
How much wet dog food should I feed per day?
Check the feeding guide on the can or consult your vet. A general rule is one 13-ounce can per 15-20 pounds of body weight, split into two meals, but every dog is different.
