Finding the best wet cat food for your kitty means prioritizing high-quality ingredients and finding a match that will maintain meal interest. We consulted several veterinarians as well cat owners on the Forbes Vetted team to suss out the best options on the market, and ultimately crowned Orijen’s Tuna, Salmon & Beef Entrée formula as the top pick overall; it has high moisture content and a combination of protein-rich ingredients that cats love. For an option that provides great value, Wellness Complete’s Chicken & Turkey Pâté is also an excellent choice.
The best wet cat foods are hydrating, nutritious and will keep your kitty coming back for more.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: GETTY
“Many cats do not naturally consume enough water on their own, and wet food helps bridge that gap,” says clinical veterinarian and pet nutrition expert Dr. Victoria Carmella. Additionally, “wet food generally tends to be more palatable, which can encourage consistent eating, and it supports urinary tract health—especially important for cats prone to urinary issues.” That’s why so many vets recommend including wet food into your cat’s diet. We consulted five pet experts to help us pinpoint the best wet cat foods, taking into account the most important ingredients, certification labels and moisture content levels to look for.
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 paté combines fresh tuna, salmon, beef and chicken in a tasty bone broth that cats tend to love. (The first five ingredients are fresh animal products, which can be a rare find when it comes to canned cat food.) Plus, there are no fillers like peas, lentils, gums or carrageenan. The high moisture content helps your cat stay hydrated, helping to prevent issues like urinary and kidney problems.
What our experts say: Orijen’s formula also meets the top criteria recommended by vets for optimal nutrition. According to Dr. Neus Torrent Ample, a veterinarian and animal nutrition expert, wet cat food should ideally include the following: an animal-derived ingredient listed first (in this case, tuna); clearly labeled, high-quality ingredients that indicate a higher nutritional value; high protein and water content (this pick contains 70% protein on a dry-matter basis and 80% moisture), and no carbohydrate or seaweed-based gellifying agents (Orijen is grain-free and doesn’t contain fillers).
Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pâté Variety Pack
Size: 12 3-ounce cans |Life stages: Adult | Calories per ounce: 32.7 to 38.7 kcal | Protein: 10% to 10.5% | Moisture: 78% | Type: Paté
What we love:
High-quality animal ingredients like chicken and turkey
Promotes hydration with high moisture content
Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Keep in mind:
Includes plant ingredients like carrots
Feeding your cat a nutritious diet doesn’t have to be expensive. Veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Butzer explains that 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 Favorites offers great value with quality ingredients that cats find palatable. Made with chicken, turkey and salmon, this food provides the protein and moisture content ideal for a healthy, active life. Unlike many affordable wet cat food options on the market, Wellness 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.
What our editors say: Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has fed her 7-year-old cat, Paulie, a wide variety of wet foods, and they both have always been happy with Wellness pâtés. “I typically buy the variety pack so he doesn’t get tired of eating the same flavor every day, and he has yet to turn up his little pink nose at a can,” she says, adding that she appreciates the affordability.
Includes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion support
Free from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSG
Keep in mind:
Contains some gums as thickeners
Limited flavor options may not suit picky eaters
Because indoor cats are typically less active than their outdoor counterparts, they will benefit from a diet that isn’t as high-calorie as what’s fed to free-roaming felines, to help maintain weight management. A higher fiber content will also keep them feeling satiated. This food from Weruva checks all the boxes, and the pumpkin in this flavor supports healthy digestion and helps prevent hairballs—a common issue for cats who groom frequently. The broth-based consommé 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.
What our editors say: Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs, parent to two male cats, tells us, “My youngest, Tobias Funke, is obsessed with Weruva. When we set his bowl down, he scarfs it down like a starving wolverine because he loves it so much!”
Tiki Cat’s After Dark recipes are 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 they need to stay healthy and strong. Made with real meat and organs like chicken liver, this recipe delivers 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 cats. Whether you have a picky eater or a kitty with specific dietary needs, this formula offers balanced nutrition and great taste.
What our experts say: Tiki Cat is one of the brands that Los Angeles-based veterinarian Dr. Sehaj Grewal tells us generally meets his wet food requirements, since it “prioritizes quality ingredients, high protein content and appropriate moisture levels, often with options for different dietary needs.”
High-quality protein from boneless, skinless chicken
Free from grain, gluten, carrageenan, corn or soy
High moisture content
Keep in mind:
Contains some gums as thickeners
Higher price point
Along with the excitement of bringing home a new kitten comes with the responsibility of providing the best nutrition for their growing bodies. Weruva’s kitten-specific formulas are crafted to meet their needs with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients. This recipe, made with shreds of boneless, skinless chicken breast in a rich broth, is easy for kittens to digest and supports healthy muscle growth while high moisture content keeps them hydrated. Plus, it’s free from grains, gluten, corn, soy, wheat 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. Reviewers report that picky kittens who don’t like paté love the flakey texture; others add that the gravy helps with extra hydration for kittens who live in warm environments. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or adding a new member to your feline family, this food can help your kitten thrive.
What our experts say: Grewal says that kittens “need a diet higher in protein and fat to support growth, along with DHA [omega-3 fatty acid] for brain and eye development.” This recipe checks all three boxes, including omega-3 fatty acids from the added fish oil. We also like that it’s supplemented with other key nutrients for kittens, including calcium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, D and various B vitamins.
First four ingredients include duck, duck broth, chicken and chicken liver
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help with skin and coat health
Keep in mind:
Relatively pricey
Protein is not pure duck (mixed with chicken)
This option comes from a brand that’s trusted by many pet owners for its use of high-quality ingredients, and Instinct’s Flaked Duck Entrée recipe is no exception. The first four ingredients are duck, duck broth, chicken and chicken liver, making it an animal-based formula well suited to cats’ carnivorous diets. The rest are made with whole ingredients like carrot and spinach—and not potentially triggering ones like grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan; you won’t find artificial fillers or preservatives, either.
The flakey texture that’s drenched in gravy is one that’s notoriously popular with picky felines who don’t like paté or mince; it also happens to be incredibly high in moisture so they get their daily hydration needs met. This food is supplemented with nutrients that cats need to maintain optimal health, including added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from the flaxseed.
What our editors say: Lindsay Boyers, executive strategy editor, shares, “My three cats are definitely picky felines, and they love the Instinct brand cat food. I use both the wet and dry food from the brand and they gobble it right up. They’re especially partial to the duck flavor. It is a bit more expensive than others, but the ingredients are high quality and I feel good that I’m giving my cats the nutrition they need.”
First three ingredients are rabbit, beef broth and beef liver
No grains, wheat, corn, oats, rice or soy
Great protein source for cats allergic to poultry
Keep in mind:
Recent formula change (removing fruits and veggies) may take cats time to get used to
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, finding the right food can be a challenge. I And Love And You’s Whascally Wabbit paté is a rabbit-first, grain-free recipe that excludes wheat, corn, oats, rice or soy, making it gentle on the digestive system. The star ingredient, rabbit, provides high-quality, lean protein, while the beef broth formula not only gives the rabbit bites a moist, appealing texture but also ensures your cat gets plenty of hydration. Bonus: It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Transitioning to a new food? The experts we spoke with 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 the course of a week or so. This method helps your cat get used to the new flavor and texture while taking it easy on their digestive system.
What our experts say: “Excessive carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels and potentially cause digestive issues,” Torrent Ample says. “Aim for foods with minimal or no carbohydrate content.” This pick contains only 2% carbs on an as-fed basis. It also doesn’t include seaweed-based thickeners like carrageenan, which she notes can trigger inflammation.
Contains agar agar, which may trigger sensitive stomachs
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 benefits digestion and keeps your cat feeling full longer, making it easier to manage their weight. The additional fiber also helps with hairball prevention and control, according to Grewal.
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.
What our testers say: Juliana LeSeth, associate director of top accounts marketing at Forbes, says her British shorthair likes Open Farm’s similarly formulated Chicken & Salmon Rustic Blend. “She has a disposition to getting on the chunkier side that comes with the breed. A while ago we switched over to this brand and she refuses to eat anything else.”
Gives Back
Size: 18 3-ounce cans |Life stages: All | Calories per ounce: 23.7 kcal | Protein: 11% | Moisture: 82% | Type: Shreds in broth
What we love:
The first ingredient listed is tuna
No artificial ingredients or fillers
Nutritionally complete formula according to AAFCO’s guidelines
Keep in mind:
Contains tapioca starch, which may irritate sensitive stomachs
Rawz’s Tuna & Chicken recipe is a great option for cats who are picky with other textures—and cat parents who are looking for the highest-quality wet food. Just like the name implies, the ingredients are minimally processed (you won’t see any vague terms like “meal” or “poultry” on the ingredient list), and the formula doesn’t include any artificial gums, binders or fillers, either. The formula is also grain-free, making it safe for felines who have stomachs sensitive to those ingredients. Added bonuses: The cans are non-BPA-lined, and 100% of sale profits go to service dogs, as well as research toward traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
What our experts say: Rawz’s shredded formula excludes the top ingredients that nutrition expert Torrent Ample says to avoid. Specifically, this food does not include highly processed ingredients like meals or by-products (this formula is 100% rendered-free), unnecessary carbs, or artificial or seaweed-based binders.
Size: Up to 10 5-ounce packets |Life stages: All | Calories per ounce: 40 kcal | Protein: 13% | Moisture: 73% | Type: Minced chicken
What we love:
High in protein from real meat
Includes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion support
Free from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSG
Keep in mind:
Free sample pack auto-subscribes you unless you cancel
Includes dried yeast, which may irritate some cats’ stomachs
For senior cats who can benefit from 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 Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre, CEO and COO of Two Crazy Cat Ladies, 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 muscles and overall health for cats of all life stages—including older kitties, who tend to lose muscle mass as they age. The high moisture content keeps senior cats hydrated, essential for preventing dehydration-related issues. Free from preservatives, fillers and artificial ingredients, note that Smalls requires freezer storage, so just make sure you have enough room when your delivery arrives.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla, who also writes our Pet Peeves column, says she’s sampled Smalls with her cats: “The food looks and smells so fresh, like straight-up chicken or tuna—like something you’d have in the refrigerator for yourself.”
How We Chose The Best Wet Cat Food
To determine the best wet cat food for a variety of needs, we considered specific criteria to ensure we recommend the healthiest and highest-quality options for your feline. Here’s what we took into account:
We consulted five certified veterinarians and nutrition experts 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.
As instructed by experts, we prioritized wet cat foods 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, and made sure to incorporate firsthand feedback from cat parents on our staff where possible.
We analyzed 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. You should also always consult with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s food—especially if they have any medical issues—to make sure their individual nutrition needs are being met.
High-Quality Ingredients
“Cats are obligate carnivores at a physiological level, which means their diet must be exclusively based on animal-origin products,” says Torrent Ample. “The quality and freshness of these ingredients are crucial for their overall health,” she adds. That’s why the first thing you should see on the ingredient list on a can of wet food is an animal-based product, like turkey, chicken or beef.
You also want to make sure ingredients are clearly identifiable, and, if possible, minimally processed. “Stay away from labels containing ambiguous terms like ‘meal’ or generic descriptions like ‘poultry.’ These indicate lower-quality ingredients,” says Torrent Ample. Also, avoid products with fillers, by-products and artificial additives as much as possible. “Ingredients like artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colors and flavor enhancers should be avoided,” says Grewal.
Digestibility
High-quality proteins and minimal fillers are generally easier on the digestive system, and fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin can promote gut health and help with issues like hairball control. Many felines are also sensitive to certain seaweed-based thickeners like carrageenan and agar agar, which “may be pro-inflammatory and are best avoided,” notes Torrent Ample.
Low-Carb Options
Cats have limited capacity to digest carbohydrates because it’s not an essential nutrient for them. In fact, says Torrent Ample, “Excessive carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels and potentially cause digestive issues.” As such, you’ll want wet foods that contain less than 10% carbohydrates (on a dry matter basis), says Grewal. “Avoid foods with fillers like corn, wheat, soy and excessive grains, as these add unnecessary carbs.”
High Moisture Content
Cats also have a naturally low thirst drive, making hydration an important factor when choosing wet food. (You may also want to consider a cat water fountain to encourage them to hydrate more often.) Grewal says adequate hydration can support kidney health, which is particularly important with senior cats. “While all wet foods are high in moisture, look for foods with at least 70-80% moisture content. This can be particularly important for cats prone to urinary or kidney issues,” he explains.
It’s essential to note, however, that you need to look at moisture levels in context with the quality of the ingredients. “While the humidity level impacts the portion size required for your cat’s daily intake (the more water, the larger the serving), it is not a measure of the food’s quality,” says Torrent Ample.
Life Stage
Different life stages require different nutritional needs. Make sure the wet cat food you choose 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 Standards
Meeting the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) means your cat’s meal meets the organization’s guidelines around what makes wet cat food nutritionally complete and balanced, and that it provides essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for your cat’s health.
However, while adhering to AAFCO standards is a great starting point, don’t solely rely on it, several experts note. “To choose the best wet food for your cat, you must also consider ingredient quality, sourcing, and other factors that go beyond AAFCO standards,” says Torrent Ample.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, our home team has dedicated countless hours to researching and testing pet products to bring you the best recommendations, from the best cat treats to self-cleaning litter boxes.
Kelly O’Sullivan, the first author of this story, is a pet owner with a deep passion for and understanding of pet nutrition and health. She has covered topics like best cat foods and flea shampoos for cats in the past.
Home and pets writer Fran Sales also contributed to this story, conducting hours of product research, interviewing several feline experts and polling cat parents who feed their pets wet cat food.
For this article, we consulted with five experts to ensure we’re recommending the highest-quality wet cat foods: Dr. Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a Florida-based small animal veterinarian; Dr. Sehaj Grewal, DVM, a Los Angeles-based veterinarian with The Melrose Vet; Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre, CEO and COO of Two Crazy Cat Ladies; Dr. Neus Torrent Ample, a certified veterinarian and nutrition expert with Outdoor Bengal; and Dr. Victoria Carmella, DVM, FFCP, a clinical veterinarian with over 20 years of experience.
We tapped insight from several cat owners on staff, who provided real-world feedback on several wet cat food varieties on this list.
We update this story regularly to ensure it reflects the latest product offerings and expert advice. It was last updated by commerce writer and cat owner Monica Petrucci in October 2025, when she added additional expert insight with the latest veterinary recommendations. This update was also edited by managing editor Emmy Favilla, a cat and dog owner who frequently covers pet content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our top pick for the best wet cat food is from Orijen, due to its variety of high-quality proteins as well as the inclusion of broths to boost moisture content for optimal hydration. Plus, it’s free from fillers and artificial ingredients.
“The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor cats is their caloric needs,” says Carmella. Outdoor cats are usually more active and require extra calories to support their nutrition. “Diets marked for ‘indoor cats’ typically have a reduced caloric content, as well as added fiber to promote satiety, as indoor cats are more likely to need a diet with nutrition targeted for weight management,” she adds.
Each expert we spoke with recommends cat food that’s rich in high-quality protein. Take a look at ingredient labels to ensure protein like chicken, fish or beef is at the beginning of the ingredient list, and that there are very few filler ingredients. That said, every cat is different. “Your veterinarian is your best resource when it comes to choosing the right diet for your cat’s unique lifestyle, and health considerations,” Carmella says. “When in doubt, reach out to your vet.”
