There’s nothing more heartbreaking than watching your cat go hungry. If you’re feeding your kitty a prescription diet, that’s probably why — but if you’ve decided to wean your cat off prescription food and go with a canned option instead, it’s time to start your search for the best canned cat food.
Canned cat food has the reputation of being less nutritious than its dry counterpart, but that’s just not true. In fact, if you’re looking for a wet food to help a cat who’s having trouble chewing or has a compromised immune system, canned can be a better option than watery, smelly wet food.
We found the best canned cat food by sampling dozens of options, and we’re confident that our top picks will have even finicky eaters diving into their dinner.
Read on for our top picks for the best canned cat food.
Our Editor’s Best Canned Cat Food Reviews
- Friskies Prime Filets wet cat food made with real meat, poultry or seafood. Savory sauce or gravy for cats adds flavor and moisture
- Shredded soft cat food chunks offer a tempting texture. Provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats
- Multi-can Friskies canned cat food variety pack makes it easy to stock your pantry. Contains essential vitamins and minerals in every serving
- Enticing, moist cat food aroma tempts her to her dish. Checked for quality and safety to provide added peace of mind
- Canned cat food variety pack formulated to meet or exceed industry standards for cat food
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN, SALMON OR DUCK: This grain free cat food contains more of the fish or poultry cats love to provide the energy your adult cat needs to stay active
- PATÉ STYLE CANNED CAT FOOD: This high protein cat food features a smooth texture your feline friend can’t resist
- NATURAL CAT FOOD: All BLUE canned cat foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- MADE WITHOUT WHEAT: BLUE wet cat food contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat (a common thickening agent used by many other brands) or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains One (1) Variety Pack of BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food, Chicken, Salmon, Duck 3-oz (12 count- 4 of each flavor)
- REAL MEAT FIRST: This Blue Buffalo wet cat food is made with real, high-quality chicken, tuna, or fish as the first ingredient
- PACKED WITH FLAVOR AND NUTRITION: This canned cat food contains the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support overall cat health
- THREE SAVORY FLAVORS: This wet cat food paté variety pack includes chicken, tuna, and fish & shrimp flavors
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This canned cat food contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and is free of corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains: Four (4) 3-oz cans of BLUE Tastefuls Natural Flaked Wet Cat Food, Tuna; four (4) 3-oz cans of BLUE Tastefuls Natural Flaked Wet Cat Food, Chicken; and four (4) 3-oz cans of BLUE Tastefuls Natural Flaked Wet Cat Food, Fish & Shrimp
- Fancy Feast wet cat food made without artificial colors or preservatives
- Crafted with real, high-quality ingredients to deliver 100 percent complete and balanced canned cat food
- Fancy Feast grilled cat food developed in partnership with our expert nutritionists to create a unique and unforgettable taste experience for your cat
- Crafted with real seafood in a light, savory gravy for cats
- Protein-rich, gourmet soft cat food recipe creates a flavor-filled experience, with savory gravy adds to the delicious taste
- NUTRIENT RICH CAT FOOD – Real chicken is the first ingredient, giving your cat the nutrition they needs and the taste they crave
- GRAIN FREE CAT FOOD – Your cat is a carnivore, feed them like one with high protein ingredients and no grains or carbohydrates
- REAL CHICKEN CAT FOOD – Each protein packed meal includes nutrient dense organ meat and shredded chicken in a luscious broth
- HIGH MOISTURE, LOW CALORIE CAT FOOD – Count on the high moisture content of each can of After Dark to give your cat the supplemental water they need
- BALANCED MEAL FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – From kitten to grown cat, your feline friend will benefit from the nutritional balance of Tiki Cat After Dark
- Purina Friskies Shreds wet cat food variety pack made with real beef or poultry. Thinly shredded pieces for a tempting texture
- Savory, thick gravy for cats adds extra yum to every bite. Made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives
- Purina Friskies cat food delivering high-quality nutrition for adult cats. Contains essential vitamins and nutrients
- Convenient multi-can pack. Three delicious Friskies Shreds cat food recipes to choose from
- Purina Friskies Shreds canned cat food variety pack Made in Purina-owned U.S. facilities.
- Contains 12 cups total (2.75 oz. each) of Meow Mix Chunks in Gravy wet cat food in three (3) flavors
- Four (4) cups of Chunks in Gravy With REAL Ocean Whitefish & Tuna, four (4) cups of Chunks in Gravy With REAL Tuna & Salmon, and four (4) cups of Chunks in Gravy With REAL Salmon & Ocean Fish
- Made with chunks of real tuna, ocean whitefish or salmon in a tasty gravy — previously known as Meow Mix Savory Morsels
- Convenient cups with peel-off lids don′t require a can opener
- The irresistible appeal of Meow Mix cat food, The Only One Cats Ask for by Name
- High protein cat food formulas include antioxidants for a healthy immune system and linoleic acid and vitamin A to nourish skin and coat
- Adult cat food with gravy made with real chicken or turkey for a taste cats love and no artificial colors or preservatives
- Soft cat food made with vitamin A and taurine to support healthy vision
- Provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats and includes high in protein to help maintain muscle
- Canned cat food variety packs proudly manufactured at Purina-owned, U.S. facilities
- Limited, Whole Ingredients: Reveal Wet Cat Food is a grain-free, truly limited ingredient recipe that focuses on high-quality, whole ingredients your cat will love. This carefully crafted, simple recipe ensures your feline receives pure, delicious flavor in every bite.
- Delicious, Naturally: Made with 100% natural ingredients, Reveal canned wet cat food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This premium cat food offers pure, high-quality protein in a hydrating broth creating a tasty recipe your cat will love and a difference you can see.
- Real Protein First: At Reveal, our first ingredient is always high-quality, prime cuts of protein. Our carefully crafted, limited ingredient recipe provides cats with a natural meal bursting with flavor.
- Delicious Variety: Reveal Wet Cat Food offers a wide range of enticing flavors and textures, including hydrating broth, savory gravy, seafood, and poultry options. This premium, high-protein cat food is designed to satisfy even the fussiest of felines, providing a flavorful meal that promotes hydration, and keeps mealtime exciting.
- Quality Without Compromise: Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality, supporting your cat’s health with every bite. Trust in the goodness of Reveal, knowing you're giving your pet a clean, natural, and delicious meal every time.
- Mouthwatering sauce tempts her to her dish in four different cat food wet recipes, like Friskies extra gravy wet cat food, to keep mealtime exciting
- Friskies cat food variety pack crafted in U.S. facilities with Friskies wet cat food Shreds in pull-tab cans for quick and easy serving, suitable for those seeking wet cat food gravy options
- Purina Friskies cat food featuring 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats with no artificial colors or preservatives, including Friskies Shreds canned cat food and wet cat food Friskies
- Classic, aromatic, and tasty recipes feature tender, delicate canned cat food bites that provide a tempting texture and seafood flavors cats love, making this cat wet food a great choice for feline fans
- Moist cat food featuring high-quality protein supports strong muscles, while vitamins and minerals support feline health. Friskies canned cat food and wet food for cats provide balanced nutrition
Best Canned Cat Food Buying Guide
Before choosing the best canned cat food you should consider following options:
1. Fish: Fish is a great source of protein for your cat, and many veterinarians recommend fish as the first ingredient in a cat’s food.
However, some fish may contain potentially harmful levels of mercury. You’ll find varying amounts of fish in wet or dry formulas.
2. Meat: Canned foods with a high percentage of meat are usually made up of chicken.
Chicken is rich in protein, so this is an ingredient you can feel good about giving to your cat.
3. Vegetables and Tuna: Canned cat foods often contain a combination of different meats and vegetables.
You’ll often see tuna in wet cat foods. Tuna is packed with protein, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your cat’s heart and eye health.
4. Protein Content: Protein is essential for a cat’s growth and maintenance, so you’ll want to make sure the food you choose has enough.
Most adult cat foods contain around 30% protein, but you can find some that are higher or lower.
5. Calorie Count: You’ll also want to make sure the food you choose has enough calories, as a cat burns a higher percentage of calories than humans.
Cats are often overweight, so it’s important to give them a food that has the right amount of calories.
6. Carbohydrates: Most cat foods contain about 5-10% carbohydrates, which provides energy for your cat.
However, some wet foods may contain higher levels of carbohydrates, which may not be good for your cat.
7. Cost: The cost of the food you choose is something you’ll want to consider, especially if you have more than one cat.
It’s also important to consider the cost if you have to switch foods, as many cats don’t like the new brand as much as the old one.
8. Taste: Your cat’s opinion of the food is important, so you may have to experiment with a few different brands before you find one your cat likes.
What else you should know about canned cat food
1. What are the best canned cat food brands?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different cats have different preferences. However, some of the most popular canned cat food brands include Friskies, Fancy Feast, and 9Lives.
2. What are the best canned cat foods for kittens?
The best canned cat foods for kittens are those that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Kittens need a lot of protein to grow and develop properly, so look for a food that is at least 30% protein. Carbohydrates should make up no more than 10% of the food, as they are not as easily digestible for kittens and can cause weight gain.
3. What are the best canned cat foods for adult cats?
There are a lot of great canned cat foods on the market, but some of our favorites are Weruva Cats in the Kitchen, Tiki Cat, and Fancy Feast.
4. What are the best canned cat foods for senior cats?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best canned cat food for a senior cat. The first is the age of the cat. A senior cat is typically over the age of 7. The second is the health of the cat. A senior cat may have health problems that require a special diet. The third is the activity level of the cat. A senior cat may be less active than a younger cat and require a different diet.
Some of the best canned cat foods for senior cats include:
-Royal Canin Geriatric
-Hill’s Science Diet Senior
-Purina Pro Plan Senior
-Eukanuba Senior
-Iams Senior
These are just a few of the many options available. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your senior cat.
5. What are the best canned cat foods for cats with allergies?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best canned cat food for a cat with allergies will vary depending on the specific allergies that your cat has. However, some general tips that may help you choose the best canned cat food for your allergic cat include:
– opting for a limited ingredient diet that only contains a few main ingredients, as this will help to minimise the risk of your cat having an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients
– choosing a hypoallergenic cat food formula that is specifically designed for cats with allergies
– avoiding canned cat foods that contain artificial ingredients, colours or flavours, as these are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive cats.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best canned cat food. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best canned cat food will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.