The best Canned dog food packs lots of benefits! Besides providing the right nutrients to dogs, canned food can help awaken the taste buds of a picky eater too! It’s also suitable for puppies in the teething phase, or even your senior dog, who is almost toothless!
Even though canned food can help meet your dog’s nutritional needs, not every canned food you find in your local pet food store is great for your dog. You need to arm yourself with proper information to get the right canned dog food that won’t trigger any tummy issues.
If you have been looking for information about canned dog food, this blog will help. Continue reading for a comprehensive review of the 8 best canned dog food suitable for your pup’s well-being!
Table of Contents
Best Canned Puppy Food
When weaning your puppy, it’s not right to start it on kibble. Rather start it on canned food for puppies. Canned food is easy to chew and palatable as compared to kibble.
There are many brands claiming that they manufacture the best-canned puppy food, it can be very confusing for you and you therefore need the right information. That way, you will choose a good canned dog food that will provide your pup with the right foundation as he transitions to adulthood.
So, what is the best-canned puppy food?
Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) Statement
The best dog food for puppies will have the AAFCO statements stating it’s tailored for puppies.
AAFCO has two nutrient profiles for dogs. We have adult maintenance and food for growth and reproduction. The latter is the best for puppies. This particular dog food has high protein content, not less than 22.5 %.
And that takes us to the next criteria that will help you know the ideal canned food for your pup.
Real Animal Protein Should Top the List
The canned food you choose for your puppy will need to list a named animal protein as the first ingredient. Protein provides building blocks integral during this growth phase.
The animal protein source needs to be specified. That way, you will be aware of what your pup is eating. For example, the brand should list whether it’s chicken, pork, or lamb meat. If the canned food has not specified what meat it is, it probably won’t be ideal for your puppy.
Vegetables and Fruits Need To Be In Plenty
Besides proteins, your puppy needs vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants sourced from vegetables and fruits.
With that now, you will be confident that what your puppy is eating is complete and balanced nutrition.
Other Extras
The best-canned food for puppies will also have other extras like DHA – omega fatty acid beneficial during this growth phase. However, additional of these extras might make this dog food costly. Nevertheless, if you are ready to give your puppy the best, go for dog food with extra nutrients like Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and taurine.
To sum up
Ideally, you want to see a NAMED meat/protein 1st on the label and preferably 2nd and 3rd on the label too! If it’s meat 1st and 2nd 3rd and 4th are grains (barley, oats, grain) then you are primarily feeding your dog a grain-based food’
Look for nutrient-dense veggies and fruits (carrots, peas, kelp, blueberries, or pumpkin) as well as natural colors and preservatives (rosemary, vitamin C [ascorbic acid], vitamin E [mixed tocopherols]). While these natural preservatives do not have as long shelf life as chemical ones, they are far safer and better for your dog.
An example of a good dog food ingredients label, compared to bad dog food ingredients labels below:
As you can see from the COMPOSITION LABEL the first ingredient has a NAMED PROTEIN SOURCES(in fact, more than one named protein source, which is excellent!). Then NAMED vegetables and NATURAL preservatives! An Excellent choice!
The first ingredient here, by contrast is ‘ANIMAL DERIVATIVES’ followed by ‘UNNAMED’ CEREALS & VEGETABLES and ‘UNNAMED OILS & FATS’. Not a good choice!
Take a deep breath at this one! ‘ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS’ ‘PROPYLENE GLYCOL’ YELLOW 5, RED 40, BLUE 2 and YELLOW 6′!!! A potentially Toxic Feast for your Dog!
Check out our blog: Toxins in Dog Food
Good Canned Dog Food
Good canned food will provide your dog with a complete and balanced diet. This diet will promote healthy growth of bones, cognitive function, and normal body system function.
Nevertheless, never base the quality of canned food on price. Sometimes price doesn’t translate to quality.
Some brands have learned that humans tend to associate price with quality. Thus they may still use inferior ingredients in this canned food and overprice it.
Hence, when you need to get canned dog food, be ready to analyze what’s in the ingredient list!
An extremely informative video on the quality of ingredients in pet food by Dr Karen Becker is well worth watching!
Don’t be swayed by huge labels that may appear on the front of the can. Check behind where the ingredient list is located. Are there any fillers, by-products, or artificial flavors? Then that is not the right food for your dog.
Check whether they have stated that this dog food is for puppies, adults, or all life stages. Also, good canned dog food will have a guaranteed analysis table showing the minimum and maximum of each ingredient. Mostly protein and fats are labeled as a minimum. Fiber and moisture are labeled as maximum.
Guaranteed analysis example
| Crude protein | 0 % min |
| Crude fat | 0 % min |
| Crude fiber | 0 % max |
| moisture | 0 % max |
Remember To consult Your Vet
I know everything might be overwhelming for you. Discussing your dog’s nutritional needs with your vet will be great. A vet will have all the information, and he will help you choose a good canned dog food that has everything your puppy requires.
Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Grain-free canned dog food is a diet that has no popular grains, like oats, rice, barley, or wheat. These grains are added to dog food to provide your dog with energy and nutritional fiber.
In some instances, grain-free canned food is ideal for some dogs. Grain-free canned dog food is the best option for those puppies diagnosed with stomach issues, mostly because grains are at times hard to digest and may aggravate tummy issues in dogs with delicate tummies.
Also, grain-free canned food is ideal for dogs who have grain allergies. Even though rare, dogs can develop grain allergies. Thus, such dogs must be placed on grain-free dog food with other carbs sources instead of grains.
Should You Give Your Dog Grain-Free Canned Food?
The decision to start your dog on a grain-free diet will be upon your dog’s health issues and vet advice. If your dog is never allergic to grains and never develops tummy problems, then there is no need to remove them from the diet.
Worth Noting, if your dog is on grain-free canned food, ensure that your vet is made aware of this, so a check-up can be made on the health of it’s heart.
This is after the FDA reported it had received reports of canine dilated myopathy in dogs on a grain-free diet. The FDA became much concerned since this heart issue was prevalent in dogs not predisposed to the condition.
8 Best-Canned Dog Food to Nourish Your Pup's Well Being!
If you are unsure what canned food to pick for your pup or senior dog, this review of the best 8 canned foods will help guide you!
We at dogfoodspecialist have scoured the market and picked the best formulas that will be a source of core nutrients to support and enhance your furry friend’s overall well-being.
One of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.
Best Canned Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew Canned Dog Food
If your dog is diagnosed with a sensitive stomach, you must be careful what you feed him. To be safer, you can choose a vet-recommended canned dog food. One such diet is this one from Hill science.
Hill science is the US number 1 vet-recommended dog food brand.
They have a team of Ph.D. nutritionists, food scientists, and vets participating in cat and dog food production.
This recipe from hill’s science has easy-to-digest ingredients making it one of the best-canned dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Animal protein sources are the first two ingredients providing perfect nutrition for your furry pal.
Moreover, this turkey and rice stew has vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids that nourish your pet’s skin.
This canned dog food is slowly cooked to ensure nutrients are not denatured.
First five ingredients: chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 2.8 % min |
Crude fat | 1.9 % min |
Crude fiber | 2.0 % max |
Moisture | 86.0 % max |
$34.68
Pros
- Best for dogs with skin and stomach issues
- Vet recommended and made in the USA
- Enriched with antioxidants
Cons
- Consistency is too mushy.
Best Grain Free Senior Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food Trays
Your senior dog needs to enjoy his sunset years by being on a flavorful and nutritious diet. One of the best-canned dog food for older dogs that your senior dog will easily scarf up is this one from Nutro.
Nutro has been making healthy dog food for over 90 years.
This brand has gained respect from pet owners and its peers because of its extensive pet food lines and natural, non-GMO ingredients. This brand is transparent on the ingredients used, as you can easily access them on the website.
The main ingredient of this canned dog food is chicken, providing the right amount of proteins your pup needs to prevent muscle wasting.
It’s also enriched with superfoods like blueberries, apples, and chia seeds which provide nutrients and multivitamins your pup needs to keep his immunity strong.
This recipe has no chicken by-products, wheat, pea, or other grains that might trigger tummy issues.
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, spinach, tomatoes
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 8.0 % min |
Crude fat | 5.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 1.5 % max |
moisture | 78.0 % max |
$47.76
3.5-oz tray, case of 24
Pros
- This recipe has no GMOs or grains in it
- The first three ingredients are animal protein
- Fortified with superfoods that provide multivitamin antioxidants
Cons
- Expensive
Best Canned Dog Food for Arthritis
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food
Ziwi is a pet food brand renowned for manufacturing air-dried nutrition, eliminating any need to use artificial preservatives.
This brand, located in New Zealand, manufacturers a diet that mirrors what your furry friend would eat in the wild. A diet with whole prey meat.
Each of their recipes has 3 % green mussels, a natural source of Glucosamine and chondroitin.
So what is all about this canned dog food from Ziwi?
If you have been looking for a diet with plenty of animal protein, you should choose this canned food. The first ingredient is lamb which provides enough protein needed to support your dog’s muscles.
The added green-lipped mussel in this diet makes it one of the best-canned dog food for arthritis. This green-lipped mussel is a natural source of Glucosamine and chondroitin, which are needed to support your dog’s joint and bone health.
This recipe is jam-packed with superfoods that provide antioxidants and vitamins for your dog’s immunity and general well-being.
Moreover, all the ingredients are ethically sourced and free of antibiotics or growth enhancers.
First five ingredients: lamb, water sufficient for processing, lamb lung, lamb kidney, chickpeas
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 9.5 % min |
Crude fat | 6.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 2.0 % max |
moisture | 78.0 % max |
$84.72
13.75-oz, case of 12
Pros
- Features no grains
- Enriched with green mussel for joint and bone health
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Most pet owners have issues with this canned food quality consistency.
Best Canned Dog Food for Picky Eaters
Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Chicken & Venison Stew Canned Dog Food
Nothing can be disheartening like having a picky eating dog. However, one of the best-canned dog food for picky eaters that we know your dog will always be longing for because of its flavor is this one from Nature’s recipe.
The chicken and venison in this recipe provide your dog with complete nutrition and taste your dog will find hard to turn down.
Besides having quality protein, this drool-worthy recipe has real vegetables that provide vitamins and antioxidants your dog needs.
Even though this recipe is grain-free, there are high nutritious carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes and greens providing the energy your dog needs to romp all over your yard!
First five ingredients: vegetable broth, chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans, tapioca starch
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 8.0 % min |
Crude fat | 2.5 % min |
Crude fiber | 1.5 % max |
moisture | 83.0 % max |
$29.88
Pros
- No corn, wheat, or soy protein
- Made with real chicken and venison
- Enriched with antioxidants
Cons
- The only concern is that the recipe starts with vegetable broth as the first ingredient
Best Canned Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food
Your puppy needs the right nutrition to help it grow strong and healthy. Choose this canned dog food from blue buffalo, and you will have set a strong foundation for your puppy.
Blue buffalo is a premium brand started by Bill Bishop Snr and sons in 2002. Their key motivation was to find a diet suitable for their Airedale terrier – Blue, suffering from cancer.
This brand uses all-natural ingredients, reflecting what your dog would eat in the wild.
It’s a brand driven by the motto, “Love them like family, feed them like family.
This canned dog food from Blue buffalo has real chicken as the first ingredient providing the needed proteins for muscle growth.
Moreover, this canned dog food for puppies is jam-packed with garden fruits and vegetables making it complete and balanced nutrition.
The added DHA in this diet ensures your dog has healthy eyes, skin, and proper cognitive function.
All that is here is natural, with no meat by-products, grains, or artificial flavors that may wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy.
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 9.0 % min |
Crude fat | 6.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 1.3 % max |
moisture | 78.0 % max |
$27.00
Pros
- Made with high-quality proteins from tender strips of chicken
- Enriched with DHA
- No by-products, grains, or artificial flavors
Cons
- The only issue pet owners say about this dog food is that cans arrived deformed. Mostly happens during transit.
- Some dog owners say their pups didn’t like this recipe
Best Veterinary Diet for Diabetic Dogs & Urinary Health
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Glycobalance Loaf In Sauce Canned Dog Food
If you are an owner of a diabetic dog, you can confirm it’s hard to get the right nutrition for your pal.
However, one of the best-canned dog food for diabetic dogs that will provide your canine with the right nutrition without random blood sugar spikes is this one from royal canin.
Royal canin, a subsidiary of Mars, has been making pet food since 1968. It’s a reputable brand with a wide range of formulas for dogs.
Royal canin is a reputable brand because it manufactures breed-specific dry and wet dog food. For example, this brand makes the best-canned dog food for german shepherds, golden retrievers, or beagles.
Royal canin should also be your top choice brand if you have a dog with special needs.
This canned dog food for diabetic care is formulated to manage post-prandial blood glucose levels. It has less starch content, ensuring your dog’s blood sugar level doesn’t spike.
The high protein content ensures your puppy has healthy muscle mass.
Moreover, this canned food is best for dogs with urinary health as it promotes a urinary environment less likely to harbor the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
First five ingredients: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, chicken, pork liver, chicken by-product
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 7.5 % min |
Crude fat | 2.5 % min |
Crude fiber | 2.4 % max |
moisture | 82.0 % max |
$95.76
13.4-oz, case of 24
Pros
- Formulated with a low starch content
- Formulated with low-fat content for healthy body weight
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- Most dog owners say this dog food is watery.
- Protein sources used are of low quality
Best Low Fat Wet Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Real Beef, Lamb & Bison Canned Dog Food
The best canned dog food for pancreatitis should contain low-fat and easy-to-digest protein. One such wet dog food that ticks in all those categories is this one from Merrick.
Merrick is a brand that has been making pet food in its kitchen for over 30 years. This brand produces food in small batches, ensuring precision in every diet.
This canned dog food sources 96 % of its protein from animal sources—enhancing your dog’s muscles and providing an irresistible taste.
This protein-packed pate style recipe has wholesome ingredients providing complete and balanced nutrition to your furry friend.
No poultry, peas, and potatoes that your Fido might find hard to digest. All that is in this recipe is crafted to settle well with your dog’s tummy without triggering any allergies or tummy issues.
First five ingredients: deboned beef, beef broth, beef liver, deboned lamb, deboned bison
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 9.0 % min |
Crude fat | 5.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 1.4 % max |
moisture | 78.0 % max |
$39.36
12.7-oz can, case of 12
Pros
- High protein recipe
- No grains are added
- Made in the United States
Cons
- Most dog owners say the cans are about 70 % full as compared to before
Best All Life Stages Wet Food
CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Chicken, Lamb & Fish Formula Canned Dog Food
CANIDAE is a pet food manufacturer that has been in the pet food industry since 1996. This brand has a facility in Texas where all the manufacturing is done. They claim to source most of their ingredients in the United States and some from New Zealand and France.
Moreover, this brand’s main slogan is “pet food made by pet people.” This brand has both canned and dry dog food. Also, most of their formulas are grain-free and set for all life stages. They also have formulas specific for senior and overweight pups.
One of their recipes is this grain-inclusive chicken, lamb, and fish formula. It’s a pate-style recipe with a trio of animal proteins that support your pup’s muscles while providing an irresistible taste.
This grain-inclusive recipe has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that ensure the dog’s coat is beautiful and healthy.
The added prebiotics support healthy digestion. Furthermore, this recipe is laced with plenty of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. Lastly, the added Glucosamine and chondroitin keep the dog’s joints healthy.
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, brown rice, chicken liver, lamb
Guaranteed analysis
Crude protein | 6.0 % min |
Crude fat | 4.5 % min |
Crude fiber | 2.0 % max |
moisture | 78.0 % max |
$28.80
Pros
- An all life stage dog food
- Enriched with prebiotics for gut healthy
- Has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Cons
- Out of the reviews we analyzed, most dog owners say their dogs didn’t like the dog food at first. They only took it after being mixed with broth. Other pet owners say their dog’s poop became poorly formed after eating this canned food.
Time to Get The Best-Canned Dog Food For Your Dog
Choose any of the canned food we have reviewed in this section, and you will have chosen the right path of providing the right nutrition for your puppy.
When feeding your dog canned food, always read the feeding guide available on the back of the can or the pet food manufacturer’s website. If confused, a vet or canine nutritionist can be of great help.
So, which canned dog food will you give your dog?
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract!
Discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-read our blog on: The best Probiotic for Dogs.
