Choosing the best wet cat food for your feline can feel like a never-ending quest. With countless options promising peak flavor and optimal nutrition, it’s natural to opt for the first one that catches your eye. But researching and paying attention to what you feed your precious feline can reap great rewards — that of a healthy and happy cat!
If you have a picky eater at home who isn’t very impressed by what is being served to them, then you know the importance (and the sheer relief) of finding a brand of wet food that your cat loves. However, your cat’s breed type, age, and health conditions all play a role in determining the ideal wet food match.
So, let’s explore the world of wet cat food and discover the best options that are full of wholesome goodness for your kitty.
Is Wet Food Recommended for Cats?
Wet cat food is highly recommended for many reasons, making it a beneficial choice for your feline companion. Here are some of them:
Increased Hydration
One of the primary benefits of wet cat food is its high moisture content, typically ranging from 70% to 80%. This keeps cats hydrated and helps maintain healthy kidneys and urinary tract function. Many cats do not drink enough water on their own, so wet food can be a valuable source of hydration for them.
Enhanced Palatability
Wet cat food is often more aromatic and flavorful than dry food, making it more appealing to cats. This can be particularly helpful for fussy eaters or older cats with a decreased appetite.
Weight Management
Wet food generally contains fewer calories per cup than dry food. This supports a healthy weight because cats can eat more wet food while consuming fewer calories, which can help prevent obesity.
Improved Digestibility
Wet food is easier for cats to digest and can be gentler on their stomachs. It often contains higher protein levels and lower carbohydrate content compared to dry food, which aligns more closely with a cat’s natural diet.
Variety and Nutritional Benefits
Spoilt for choice — that is what your cat can be because of the dazzling array of flavors and formulas that wet food comes in. Whether your cat has specific dietary needs or just wants to try something new, there’s a wet food out there to suit their tastes. There are also specialized wet food options for issues like dental health, digestive support, or skin and coat care.
Portion Control and Convenience
Wet food can be convenient for feeding multiple cats or managing portion control, as it is easy to serve and store. However, once opened, it should be stored properly and used within a few days to avoid spoilage.
The Best Wet Cat Food to Buy in 2025
Choosing the right wet cat food is crucial for your feline’s health and happiness. Discover our top-rated options of 2025 that offer superior nutrition, taste, and benefits to keep your cat purring with delight.
BEST OVERALL
Purina Fancy Feast Seafood Grilled Collection
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made from real seafood
Delicious flavor
Complete and balanced nutrition
Free from artificial colors and preservatives
Soft texture
Comes in other flavors
But…
Not gluten-free
Purina Fancy Feast wet food has the power to unleash the inner gourmand in your feline friend, which is one of the reasons it is our top pick. This gourmet wet food features tender cuts of real fish and seafood in a light, savory gravy, offering a taste that will have your feline friend purring for more.
This wet food is made with the finest ingredients and is free from nasty additives. You can rest assured that each recipe packs a nutritional punch — essential vitamins and minerals — that are beneficial for your cat. With a variety of flavors to choose from, mealtime will never be boring for your picky eater.
Best for Digestive Health
Sheba Perfect Portions Pate Variety Pack
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Convenient portion size
Variety of flavors
Easy for cats of all ages to eat
No artificial additives
Grain-free
Uses sustainably sourced fish
But…
Peeling the foil top might be tricky
If you can’t decide which flavor to pick for your cat, consider getting this variety pack from Sheba. This convenient wet cat food offers two delectable flavors — chicken and turkey — each crafted with high-quality ingredients and no artificial additives. The soft, smooth texture appeals to even the fussiest of felines, while the balanced nutrition takes care of your cat’s overall health.
With its easy-to-use portioned trays, this pate wet food will make you forget about messy leftovers and ensure that you’re providing the perfect amount of food for your cat — no more double-guessing. Made with sustainably sourced fish and free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy, you can feel good about giving your kitty the best possible nutrition.
Best for Weight Management
Royal Canin Adult Instinctive
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Helps maintain a healthy weight
Specifically formulated for adult indoor cats
Supports optimal digestive function
Provides essential nutrients
Developed through extensive research
Developed through extensive research
But…
Not suitable for kittens
Royal Canin adult cat food offers a precisely balanced meal to support optimal health and weight management. This wet cat food features tender slices in a rich gravy — a delicious blend of flavors and textures that most cats will love. Thanks to the right mix of protein, fat, and carbs, this food is nutrient-rich and won’t add extra pounds.
The brand’s commitment to scientific research ensures that every bite supports your cat’s well-being. From the careful selection of ingredients to the precise formulation, this is one of the best wet cat foods for indoor cats, designed to meet their specific needs.
Best for Healthy Vision
9Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Provides a range of flavors
Budget-friendly option
Easy-to-open cans
Has a soft texture
Moist and tender
Suitable for multi-cat households
But…
Contains meat by-products
Treat your cat to a variety of flavors with 9Lives Seafood & Poultry Favorites. This pack offers a trio of delicious pate recipes featuring tender, meaty pates crafted with real chicken, tuna, and ocean whitefish. And with the inclusion of Taurine in its ingredients, the wet foods support a healthy heart and vision.
Busy cat parents will appreciate the convenient can size, which means no waste and less mess. Moreover, this variety pack seamlessly combines taste, affordability, and nutritional benefits, making it a practical option both you and your cat can get behind.
Best Variety-pack
Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
High-quality ingredients
Four delicious flavors in one variety pack
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Grain and Gluten free
Made in human-grade production
Supports urinary health
But…
Premium price point
The Weruva Kitchen Cuties variety pack has it all. Take your pick from this assortment of yummy wet foods — made with premium ingredients like wild salmon, cage-free chicken, and lamb. Each can is bursting with flavor and crafted without artificial additives or grains, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal.
What’s more? The delicious wet foods have all the protein and nutrients your cat needs to live their best life. Made in human-grade kitchens, using responsibly sourced ingredients, you can feel good about serving this guilt-free gourmet grub.
Best Grain-free
Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Variety Pack
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Features real tuna and other quality proteins
High moisture content
Grain-free and gluten-free
Gentle on digestion
Free from harmful chemicals
Variety of tastes to cater to multiple cats
But…
Some pet owners may find the strong fishy odor off-putting
Would your cat care for a taste of the tropics? If yes, then Tiki Cat wet food is for them. If you are a cat parent, you probably know that your kitty loves tuna; this is why this variety pack offers a delightful mix of flavors with real tuna as a common ingredient. All the flavors are also blended with soothing pumpkin, making it gentle enough for cats of all ages.
This wet food is made with real, wholesome ingredients and is completely free of grains and artificial junk. Cats with sensitive tummies can especially benefit from its gluten-free formulation. Each pouch is packed with wholesome goodness to support a long and vibrant life.
Best Budget-friendly
Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Familiar chicken flavor
Budget-friendly option
Comes in a Flavor-Lock pouch
Suitable for cats of all ages
Has a high protein content
Complete nutrition
But…
Not gluten-free
This classic cat food from Whiskas has tender cuts of chicken in a delicious gravy made from the meat’s natural juices. Your feline friend will surely love the dish. Thanks to its complete and balanced formula and protein-rich recipe, it keeps your cat nourished and is a meal that’s perfect for daily servings.
The convenient Flavor-Lock pouch seals in freshness, preserving the alluring taste and aroma. Now you never have to worry about the wet food not tasting great when you open a packet. Sit back and watch as your cat eagerly devours this mouthwatering meal, time and time again.
Best Seafood Variety Pack
Meow Mix Seafood Favorites
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Includes three seafood flavor combinations
Made with real tuna, salmon, and ocean whitefish
Savory gravy enhances flavor
Provides complete and balanced nutrition
Comes in convenient, no-can-opener-needed cups
Good value for a variety pack
But…
Individual cup packaging might create more waste than larger cans
If your cat has a soft spot for seafood, the Meow Mix Seafood Favorites variety pack is sure to hit the spot. Featuring real ocean whitefish, tuna, and salmon in every cup, this wet food lineup brings together three crave-worthy combinations in a savory gravy your feline won’t want to miss.
The easy-peel lids and no-fuss packaging are really convenient for busy cat parents. Suitable for kittens, adults, and seniors alike, each serving offers complete and balanced nutrition. Meow Mix has long been a household name in cat food, and with flavors this satisfying, it’s easy to see (and hear) why.
Best for All Life Stages
Wonder Bound Gourmet Wet Cat Food
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with real meat or poultry
Formulated for all life stages
100% complete and balanced nutrition
Free from artificial flavors
Includes transition guidance
Convenient 3 oz cans
But…
Only available via Amazon as it’s an Amazon brand
Wonder Bound Gourmet Wet Cat Food is a solid pick for households with cats at different life stages — from curious kittens to wise old whiskers. This variety pack features real turkey, chicken, and beef in a savory gravy, which is both tasty and nourishing. There’s something here to keep their tail twitching.
Formulated for growth and maintenance, each recipe offers complete, balanced nutrition with no artificial flavors. The 3-oz cans are portioned just right, and the meals are made in the USA using thoughtfully sourced ingredients. If you’re transitioning from another brand, Wonder Bound even provides clear guidance to make the switch smooth and stress-free.
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Idea for cats who prefer chunks over pate
Real chicken, fish, or tuna is the first ingredient
High moisture content
No by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
Enriched with vitamins and minerals
Comes in flavorful gravy
But…
Higher price point
For cats who appreciate a lighter, more delicate texture, the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Flaked Wet Cat Food variety pack is an excellent choice. Each can features tender flakes of real chicken, fish, or tuna as the first ingredient — gently cooked and served in a savory gravy that adds flavor and moisture.
The flaked texture gives cats something to sink their teeth into — a feature that picky eaters tend to enjoy. The recipes are all crafted without corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals, and instead include wholesome extras like brown rice and sweet potatoes for added nourishment. It is further enhanced with vitamins and minerals to support overall health, and yes, hydration is a bonus built right in.
Best Filler-free
I and love and you Wet Cat Food
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with real, single-protein sources
Free from fillers like corn, rice, soy, or wheat
Chunky stew texture
Suitable for cats of all ages
Rotating flavors help prevent mealtime boredom
No artificial additives or by-product meals
But…
Chunky stew texture may not suit cats used to pâté
If you’re looking to feed your cat real food without the unnecessary extras, I and love and you Wet Cat Food is a clear standout. Each can is packed with chunky cuts of single-protein meat or fish in a rich, flavorful stew, and absolutely no filler ingredients like corn, rice, or soy. That means more of what your cat craves, and none of the stuff that weighs them down.
This variety pack doesn’t just keep things interesting with rotating recipes like chicken, salmon, and tuna — it also delivers hydration through a nourishing broth and is nutritionally complete for cats of all ages. With real, functional ingredients and no nutritional shortcuts, this is a smart, feel-good option.
How Much Wet Food Should Cats Eat Per Day?
It’s tricky to determine the exact amount of wet food for every cat because, just like humans, they come in different shapes and sizes and have varying activity levels. But here’s a breakdown to help you figure out the right amount for your feline friend:
Start With the Guidelines
Most wet food cans or pouches will have feeding guidelines based on your cat’s weight. This is a good starting point, but remember it’s just a general recommendation.
Consider Their Size and Activity Level
A small, indoor cat won’t need as much food as a large, active outdoor cat. If your cat is very playful and burns a lot of energy, they’ll likely need more calories.
Think About Their Age
Kittens need more calories to support their growth, while senior cats might need fewer if they’re less active.
Factor in Other Food
If you’re feeding your cat a mix of wet and dry food, you’ll need to adjust the amount of each to avoid overfeeding.
Watch Their Body Condition
The best way to tell if you’re feeding the right amount is to monitor your cat’s weight and body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them protruding. If they’re gaining weight, you might need to reduce their food intake, and if they’re losing weight, you might need to increase it.
Talk to Your Vet
Your veterinarian can give you personalized advice based on your cat’s specific needs. They can help you determine the ideal calorie intake and portion sizes.
How We Chose the Best Wet Cat Food
At CatTime, our experts curated this list of the best wet cat food by assessing factors such as high-quality ingredients, texture and aroma, protein content, whether it is AAFCO-approved wet cat food, and overall price. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is the most recommended wet cat food?
Determining the most recommended wet cat food is subjective. Factors that influence the best choice include your cat’s age, health, and preferences. Brands like Royal Canin and Purina Fancy Feast, are often praised for their quality and variety. Also, you can’t go wrong with vet-recommended wet cat food.
Is 2 cans of wet food a day enough for a cat?
Two cans of wet food might be sufficient for some cats, but it depends on factors like age, size, activity level, and the specific food’s calorie content. Ideally, you should follow the feeding guidelines on the food label and adjust based on your cat’s needs.
What are the disadvantages of wet cat food?
Higher cost, shorter shelf life once opened, and the need for proper storage to prevent spoilage are some of the disadvantages of wet cat food. Additionally, it doesn’t provide the dental benefits associated with the chewing action required by dry food.
Is Whiskas healthy for cats?
Whiskas is a budget-friendly option that offers familiar flavors and convenient packaging. While it might not be the top-tier choice in terms of ingredient quality, many cats enjoy its taste.
Is Whiskas or Felix better?
Whiskas and Felix are both popular cat food brands, but they often contain more fillers and artificial ingredients compared to premium brands. Felix tends to be preferred for its variety and palatability, though individual preferences and nutritional needs may vary.
Is wet food better for cats?
Wet food is generally considered healthier for cats due to its higher moisture content, which helps prevent dehydration. However, both wet and dry food have their benefits, and the best choice depends on your cat’s individual needs and preferences.
What is the most gentle wet cat food?
For cats with sensitive stomachs, options like Tiki Cat Luau Wild or Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care are often recommended. These gentle formulas prioritize easily digestible ingredients and can help soothe upset tummies.
What is the best wet cat food for cats who throw up?
For cats prone to vomiting, opt for gentle, easily digestible wet foods with limited ingredients. Wet cat food brands like Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care, Hill’s Prescription Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach are some of the specialized options.
