We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 11 Best Wet Cat Foods of 2026 Discover the tastiest, healthiest wet cat foods, according to hundreds of cats (we asked them!) By Anne Fritz Anne Fritz Anne Fritz is a product reviewer for The Spruce Pets with 20 years of experience in lifestyle writing. Her work is featured in Reader's Digest, Cosmopolitan, Patch, In Style, Insider, SELF Magazine, Everyday Health, Refinery29, Aol.com, and Men's Journal. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process and Anna Mejorada Anna Mejorada Anna Mejorada is an editor for The Spruce Pets and best friends with a Pomeranian named Gidget. She has tested hundreds of products, many with the help of Gidget, whose refined taste and cheerful nature continuously inspire Anna's work. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 03/10/26 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews How We Found the Best Wet Cat Foods What to Look for FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang Wet cat food has two key advantages over feeding your cat dry food: fewer carbohydrates and more hydration per serving. "Many common diseases or illnesses that cats can get as they progress through life can be managed well with increased moisture in canned diets," Kerri Blackburn, DVM, of River’s Edge Animal Hospital in South Carolina, told The Spruce Pets. To help you select the best wet food for your cat, we polled 299 cat owners about which foods they choose for their cat. We collected a wide range of data to inform our cat food selections, including information about their cat's weight and age, in addition to detailed information about why they chose their cat's cat food. You can learn more about our polling methodology below. Top Picks Best Overall: Hill's Science Diet Adult Canned Cat Food at Amazon $63 Jump to Review Best Natural: Blue Tastefuls at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best for Seniors: Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Food at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best for Indoor Cats: Purina Fancy Feast Classic Pate Collection at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best Grain-Free: Weruva Canned Cat Food at Amazon $59 Jump to Review Best for Weight Gain: Tiki Pets Tiki Cat Wet Food at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best for Weight Loss: Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Wet Cat Food at Amazon $53 Jump to Review Best for Kittens: Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Subscription: SALE Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Food at Amazon $49 $39 Jump to Review Best High Protein: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Cat Food Variety Pack at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Overall Hill's Science Diet Adult Canned Cat Food Credit: Amazon $63 at Amazon $60 at Chewy $66 $63 at Petco What We Like No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Multiple formulations for life stages and health needs Provides plenty of moisture What We Don't Like Some flavors difficult to find For most cats, Hill's Science Diet has a wet formula of cat food that will align with their needs and in a recipe with flavors they'll enjoy consuming. Hill's Science Diet, also our top choice for premium dry cat food, ranked high among our 299 survey participants, with the majority citing their veterinarian's recommendation as the lead factor influencing their choice and many praising the brand for having a wet food formula to fit their cat's dietary needs, such as hairball control, weight management, or skin sensitivities. The first ingredient is water, so your cat will consume hydration along with their calories and nutrients. The second ingredient is real animal protein, like chicken, tuna, or pork, depending on which recipe and flavor, and there is an assortment to choose from, including Savory Chicken, Liver & Chicken, Ocean Fish, Savory Salmon, Savory Turkey, Tender Chicken, Tender Tuna, and Turkey & Liver. Hill's Science Diet Adult Entree Cat Food recipes are all formulated by veterinarians and scientists to deliver optimal nutrition in each serving, including vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and calcium. The food is packaged in 5-ounce cans with pull-tab lids and is manufactured in the United States. The wet food and the dry food can be mixed, and a selection of the wet foods is packaged together in a convenient variety pack to keep things interesting for your cat at mealtime. Life Stage: Adult, senior | Can Sizes: 2.9, 5.5 ounces Best Natural Blue Tastefuls Credit: Chewy $39 at Amazon $31 at Chewy View on PetSmart What We Like Flaked and pate available Enhanced with nutrients No by-product meals, artificial flavors, or preservatives What We Don't Like Some flavors difficult to find Blue Tastefuls Wet Cat Food is made with natural ingredients in an array of flavors with real animal protein as the first ingredient. There are two consistencies to choose from: flaked and pate. The flaked canned food within the Tastefuls line is chunkier, with real pieces of protein, and the pate wet food is smooth and creamy. But all are high in moisture and protein, along with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients added to support a healthy cat. Blue Tastefuls Wet Cat Food is always made without by-product meals, artificial flavors, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy. Life Stage: Adult | Can Sizes: 3, 5.5 ounces Best for Seniors Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Food Credit: Amazon $48 at Amazon $45 at Chewy $48 at Walmart What We Like Contains prebiotic fiber for digestion High in protein Formula prevents unintentional weight gain What We Don't Like Only one size can Purina's Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Cat Food is designed to meet the needs of cats over the age of 7. While the best food for your senior cat depends on your own cat’s unique health needs, in general, it is best to maintain a diet filled with proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water throughout all stages of your cat's life, Dr. Blackburn says. Pro Plan Prime Plus offers six grain-free flavors, all made in the United States. Each formula provides a minimum of 10 percent protein to help maintain your older cat’s lean muscle mass, beta carotene and vitamin E to support their immune system, and prebiotic fiber for easier digestion. As a cat matures, you might notice changes in their activity level. If they are less active or gaining weight, you can cut back on the portion size of their meals. Fortunately, Pro Plan Prime Plus Wet Cat Food is only available in 3-ounce cans, so you are less likely to have any food left over. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your cat's diet. Life Stage: Senior | Can Size: 3 ounces The 8 Best Cat Supplements, According to Real Cats Best for Indoor Cats Purina Fancy Feast Classic Pate Collection Credit: Amazon $26 $23 at Amazon $21 at Chewy View on Petco What We Like Poultry, beef, and seafood recipes No artificial colors or preservatives Adult and kitten options Protein-rich with savory gravy What We Don't Like Only one size can According to our survey participants, some cats love Fancy Feast canned food so much that they refuse to eat any other cat food. If your cat enjoys variety, Purina Fancy Fancy Classic Pate Collection Cat Food offers bundles with a mix of their protein-rich wet food recipes. For adult cats, there are three Classic Pate variety pack options: Poultry & Beef, Chicken & Beef, or Seafood. Each option contains three different recipes made with real chicken, turkey, beef, or seafood as the first ingredient, and the grain-free foods are enhanced with vitamins and minerals to provide nutritionally complete and balanced meals in each serving. The variety packs come in cases of 12, 24, and 30, with 3-ounce cans of each flavor divided up evenly, but many of our participating cat parents expressed a desire for a bigger can size. The smooth pate food is particularly easy for senior cats who might have trouble with kibble, and there are also variety packs for Fancy Feast's other textures—flaked, grilled, shredded—along with kitten-specific variety packs formulated with nutrients growing cats need. Plus, the food is free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Life Stage: Kitten, adult | Sizes: 3 ounces Best Grain-Free Weruva Canned Cat Food Credit: Petsmart $59 at Amazon $44 at Chewy $48 $47 at Petco What We Like BPA-free cans High moisture level No grains, gluten, starch, or carrageenan What We Don't Like Some flavors difficult to find Weruva Cats In the Kitchen line of wet cat food is free of grain, gluten, starch, and carrageenan. Within the line, there are a variety of recipes all made with natural ingredients, animal-sourced protein, and fish oil to keep your cat's skin and coat healthy. The moisture-rich cat food comes in two can sizes, 3.2 or 6 ounces, all of which are BPA-free. Cats In the Kitchen flavors can be purchased individually or in variety packs to give your cat unexpected flavors with each meal. Plus, any leftover food can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days. Life Stage: Adult | Can Sizes: 3.2, 6 ounces The 14 Best Catnip Toys of 2026 Best for Weight Gain Tiki Pets Tiki Cat Wet Food Credit: Amazon $29 at Amazon $26 at Chewy $29 at Petco What We Like Packed with animal protein Non-GMO ingredients Free of grains and potatoes What We Don't Like Certain flavors can be hard to find Without any fillers, grains, or guar gum, Tiki Pets' line of Tiki Cats Luau canned cat food is loaded with good-for-feline proteins that will help your cat keep weight on the right way. If your veterinarian has recommended that your cat put on some weight, one of the easiest fixes is to increase the portion size of each meal. Tiki Cats Luau wet cat food is available in two sizes, 2.8 and 6 ounces, so opting for the bigger size for at least one daily meal will allow your cat to consume more healthy fats, like the type found in salmon. The Luau collection consists of eight recipes made with chicken and a variety of fish species that cats enjoy, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, seabass, and tilapia. The food is aromatic to entice your cat to eat and has larger chunks of real protein in every can. Plus, each formula of Tiki Cats Luau is made with non-GMO ingredients. Life Stage: Adult | Can Sizes: 2.8, 6 ounces Best for Weight Loss Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Wet Cat Food Credit: Amazon $53 at Amazon $53 at Chewy $56 $53 at Petco What We Like Lean protein keeps cats satiated Moisture-rich formula Made with real chicken and vegetables What We Don't Like Only one size can For cats, being a pound or two overweight can lead to cardiovascular and physical health issues. To help your cat get back to their optimal weight, Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food provides balanced nutrition, fiber, and lean protein in a liquid-rich formula, all of which will help them feel full in between meals. Hill's Science Diet is formulated in the United States, and in its clinical trials, over 70 percent of adult cats lost weight within 10 weeks by eating Perfect Weight Cat Food. Plus, the brand offers a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee on all of its products. The canned cat food for weight loss and maintenance comes in flavors cats love and is made with real chicken and vegetables. Life Stage: Adult | Can Sizes: 2.9 ounces Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang Best for Kittens Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food Credit: Amazon $36 $34 at Amazon View on Chewy $2 at Target What We Like No fillers Made with real salmon and chicken Helps kittens stay hydrated What We Don't Like One flavor Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food is formulated to provide the nutrients, vitamins, protein, and moisture a developing kitten needs to grow into a healthy cat. Each 3-ounce can of the Chicken & Salmon recipe is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by chicken liver, pork lung, chicken broth, and salmon. It's completely free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and grains, which might irritate your young cat. The kitten-safe food is prepared in Purina's facility in the United States, where it goes through several rounds of quality control to ensure the formula analysis is accurate and nutritionally balanced. The only downside is that Purina One Healthy Kitten Wet Food is only available in one flavor. Life Stage: Kitten | Can Size: 3 ounces Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang Best Subscription Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Food Credit: Amazon $49 $39 at Amazon View on Tuftandpaw.com What We Like Free shipping and money-back guarantee Grain-free Made with cage-free chicken What We Don't Like Only one flavor Tuft + Paw's Really Great Cat Food offers 82 percent moisture and a minimum of 9.8 percent protein per serving. The first ingredient is cage-free chicken, and the grain-free recipes also provide taurine along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The subscription-only wet cat food is packaged in recyclable 5.5-ounce boxes and is delivered with free shipping as a pack of 6 or 24. There is currently only one flavor available, Chicken and Rabbit Stew, but most cats enjoy the hydrating formula, and the food is manufactured in the United States. Tuft + Paw is the brand behind our favorite tofu cat litter, Really Great Cat Litter, and one of our top-tested cat litter boxes, the Cove Litter Box. Life Stage: Kitten, adult | Package Size: 5.5 ounces Best High Protein Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Cat Food Variety Pack Credit: Amazon $18 at Amazon What We Like Real, meat-rich ingredients Grain-free Good for sensitive stomachs Picky eaters love flavors What We Don't Like Only one can size Food is firmly packed into can Blue Buffalo's Wilderness line of wet adult cat food differs from its Tastefuls line in that it has higher protein content (10 percent minimum). Food with higher protein content helps a cat develop and keep muscle mass. Wilderness cat food features real de-boned chicken, salmon, or duck as the first ingredient, and it's reported that picky felines love the flavors of this food. This particular line of food is also made without corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals, or artificial colors or ingredients. Senior cats will also benefit from Wilderness cat food. Mature cats often need higher-protein foods to help them maintain their muscle mass. In addition, adult and senior cats with sensitive stomachs will appreciate the smooth pate texture, which is gentle on the digestive tract. Note that there's only one size can (3 ounces) and they are densely packed with food. You may have to mix in some water or gravy topper to make it easier for your cat to eat. Life Stage: Adult, senior | Sizes: 3 ounces A Favorite on Reddit Farmina N&D Wet Cat Food Credit: Chewy View on Chewy View on Petflow.com What We Like BPA-free cans Animal sources raised without antibiotics or hormones Grain-free recipes for all stages Suitable for cats with allergies What We Don't Like More expensive While browsing the r/CatFood sub on Reddit, we found Farmina N&D grain-free wet food to be a popular choice among many cat parents. The canned cat food is on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the protein-rich food is often suitable for cats with food-based allergies. The first ingredient in all of Farmina N&D's cat food is animal-sourced meat or fish, including boar, chicken, herring, duck, lamb, quail, and more, all raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. There are recipes formulated specifically for each age group—kitten, adult, and senior—and to address a variety of common feline health needs, including urinary tract issues, weight management, and sensitive digestion. Life Stage: Kitten, adult, senior | Sizes: 2.5 ounces Final Verdict Hill's Science Diet Adult Entree Cat Food offers up the protein needed to satiate your obligate carnivore, along with taurine, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, with a variety of recipes all formulated by veterinarians and scientists in the United States. If you have a kitten, Purina One Healthy Kitten Pate canned cat food is a moisture-rich food that is optimized for growing felines and is made with real chicken and salmon as the lead sources of protein. How We Found the Best Wet Cat Foods To find the best wet cat foods, our research team developed an in-depth questionnaire, using insights from a panel of veterinarians and other experts. Our poll was designed to collect a wide range of data, including each cat's life stage, weight, and health history. Our data came from 299 respondents, who told us the cat foods they used with their cats. Using a combination of numerical scores and detailed feedback, we learned why they chose the cat foods they did and how well each brand worked for their cats. Detailed feedback led us to cat foods suitable for allergies, dietary sensitivities, overweight cats, elderly cats, and more. We also researched which brands were recommended by veterinarians and which had the most trustworthy list of ingredients. We looked in particular for high-value brands that fit in people's budgets and have wide retail availability. Credit: The Spruce Pets / Alexander Huang What to Look For in Wet Cat Food Life Stage When buying wet cat food, consider how old your cat is. Different products are formulated especially for kittens, adult cats, or seniors. These various products will have different ingredients that cater to your cat’s specific nutritional needs at their current life stage. Help Your Kitten Thrive With Our Favorite Foods Designed for Them Ingredients Experts say you should look for a named source of protein, such as salmon or chicken, rather than a meat by-product. You’ll also want to see just how much filler, or carbohydrates, are in the formula, as cats are carnivores and would not eat large amounts of carbohydrates in the wild. Types Wet food comes in many forms, including pate, flaked, and in gravy. Pate is finely chopped pieces of food, which are easier for your cat to eat. whereas flaked offers your cat larger pieces to chew on. Wet food in gravy is typically chunks of food. All of these are available in several flavors, including chicken, beef, and turkey. Nutritional Needs Certain cats have specific nutritional needs, whether it’s ingredients that prevent hairballs or low-calorie foods to help them lose or maintain weight. Many canned cat foods are specially formulated to help achieve your pet’s health goals, but keep in mind that these types of formulas are often more expensive. When selecting a wet cat food for your feline friend, look for a food with the words “Complete and Balanced” on the label, which means it adheres to guidelines set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If Your Cat Has Hairballs, These Remedies Can Help Taurine Taurine is an essential amino acid (molecules used by all living things to make proteins) for cats that must be consumed in their daily diet. Cats are not able to adequately synthesize enough taurine within their body from other amino acids, so they must eat and digest taurine. You can read more about why cats need taurine in this story by The Spruce Pets. Tested Bowls for Cats Americat Company Stainless Steel Bowl A simple and straightforward stainless steel bowl, this pick is wide enough that your cat's whiskers won't touch the sides. $30 at Amazon CatGuru Fancy Beast Cat Food Dish This cat bowl has a wide diameter and a concave shape. Made from durable melamine, this bowl is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. $10 at Amazon CatGuru Food Dish This food dish's shape is between a bowl and a plate, and it has a rippled concave surface to prevent food from sliding off. $16 at Amazon Cepheus 360 Pet Fountain Your cat will always have access to fresh water with this durable ceramic pet fountain. It comes in several fun color options. $38 $36 at Amazon FAQ How many calories should a cat consume per day? A cat's age, size, and lifestyle all factor into how much food they need to consume per day and their overall caloric intake. The caloric density of wet food varies among brands, so check the label on the cat food you select for guidance on how much food to feed per day based on your cat's current weight.You may choose to feed your cat wet food exclusively, but you can also do a mix of wet food and kibble. You should also consult with your veterinarian to determine your adult cat's ideal weight and how much food to serve to help your cat maintain their weight. How long can wet cat food sit out? Once a can, pouch, or box of wet cat food is opened, it should be consumed or covered and refrigerated. Most cat food can be left in a bowl for up to three hours at room temperature, but it is not recommended to leave it for longer. Are all cats obligate carnivores? Yes, all domesticated cats are obligate carnivores and must eat animal-sourced protein to survive. Why Trust The Spruce Pets This roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a lovely pomeranian named Gidget. An animal-lover since childhood, Mejorada has cared for dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and even pet mice. She's an exclusive pom-mom these days, but still jumps at the chance to cat sit for her friends. Dr. Kerri Blackburn has been a veterinarian since 2007. Dr. Blackburn's special interests include general wellness care, ultrasound, internal medicine, nutrition, surgery, and oncology. Dr. Blackburn currently serves as the medical director for River's Edge Animal Hospital in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Prior to this, Dr. Blackburn completed an internship with Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Florida and has continued to pursue knowledge in ultrasound, endoscopy, and advanced medicine through numerous continuing education opportunities over the years. Dr. Blackburn is also a member of the AVMA, NCVMA, SCVMA, and World Vets, and is in a network of emergency-preparedness vets for disasters in South and North Carolina. Dr. Blackburn loves the challenges posed by veterinary medicine and truly enjoys working with families to diagnose and treat their beloved pets' illnesses and maintain optimum health in their furry family members. An older version of this article was written by Anne Fritz, a lifestyle writer with over 20 years of experience. The 22 Best Cat Toys That Your Cat Will Love Explore more: What to Buy Cat Products Cat Food Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. O'Brien T, Thomas DG, Morel PC, Rutherfurd-Markwick KJ. Moderate dietary supplementation with vitamin E enhances lymphocyte functionality in the adult cat. Res Vet Sci. 2015;99:63-69. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.01.007 Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, et al. The effects of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome of cats and dogs: impact on health and disease. Front Microbiol. 2020;11:1266. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266 Grain-Free Diets – Big on Marketing, Small on Truth. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Feeding Your Cat. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Advertisement