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What’s the best wet food for your puppy?
The answer to that important question depends on the BREED SIZE of your particular dog.
That’s because…
Large breed puppies have a high risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium while they’re still growing.1
Notice the serious bone and joint damage visible in this x-ray:
Since the nutritional needs of small and large breed puppies are so different, it’s important to choose a wet food that’s SAFE for your puppy’s breed size.
On the page below…
We’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s best wet puppy foods… each labeled “Best for” to help you choose a food that’s safe for YOUR puppy’s breed size.
And we’ll also answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding wet puppy food.
Best Wet Puppy Food November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best wet puppy food brands for November 2024.
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1. Best Overall Wet Puppy Food: The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe
Puppies require a precise balance of nutrients to support their rapid growth. Fresh food, such as this chicken recipe by The Farmer’s Dog, is formulated to provide a balanced diet. It includes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for bone development and receives a 5-star rating from our pet nutritionist Laura Ward.
Freshly prepared food often tastes better to dogs. This can be especially important for puppies who are more prone to be picky eaters. The high palatability of this food encourages puppies to eat well and enjoy their meals.
The bulk of the protein from this recipe comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 30% fat and 18% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.
Find out more about The Farmer’s Dog brand.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Customized subscriptions
- Human-grade ingredients
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"I changed up Liam’s food and he has his puppy energy back! Thank you so much for helping me whip this fat boy back in shape!"
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2. Best Premium Puppy Food: Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots gets our 5-star rating and recommendation as the best premium food for puppies because it combines high-quality, human-grade ingredients with balanced nutrition designed for their developmental needs.
The fresh, gently cooked food is easily digestible, supports overall health, and avoids artificial additives and fillers.
Ollie’s tailored feeding plans and high moisture content make it a convenient and effective option for providing optimal nutrition during a puppy’s crucial growth stages.
This formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and chicken liver, which provides a high-quality source of protein essential for muscle development. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31% protein, 12% fat and 50% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- High quality proteins
- Minimal processing
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Rusty absolutely loves his Ollie! He did gain 3lbs, so I have switched up his order to half chicken and half beef. It’s peace of mind knowing he is getting good quality food! "
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3. Best Budget-Friendly Wet Puppy Food: Wellness Complete Health Puppy
This chicken and salmon flavored puppy food from Wellness is formulated by pet nutritionists and veterinarians and packed with protein and vegetables to support the development of growing puppies.
The pate texture ensures it is easily palatable for small mouths and teeth and the nutrient-rich ingredients promote whole body health including the development of a strong immune system, optimal energy levels, digestive function and a healthy coat and skin.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 41% protein, 27% fat and 24% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Affordable
- Vitamins & minerals
- High quality ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, salmon, ground barley Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 41% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We adopted a baby Basset Hound. We fed Wellness puppy and he is thriving today because of it. We wanted the same for Darwin. He's 3 months old and loves this food. We mix it with the large breed Wellness puppy. Highly recommend it and our vet recommended this food to us too. Darwin gives it 2 paws up!"
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4. Best Wet Puppy Food to Mix with Dry: Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef
Puppies often enjoy wet food mixed with dry because wet food tends to have a stronger aroma and richer flavor than kibble; the smell and taste of this combination can be more appealing to puppies.
As wet food contains a higher moisture content than dry, when mixed together the overall moisture content of the meal increases, which can be beneficial for puppies, especially if they don’t drink enough water.
This grain-free canned puppy food from Merrick contains 82% moisture in a savory gravy. It derives the bulk of its protein from beef and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- USDA-certified
- High quality ingredients
- Contains DHA
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, beef broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am amazed at how good this product is: made of excellent quality ingredients, the best for my fur baby’s development and health. He absolutely loves the taste and is always asking for more!"
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5. Best Wet Puppy Food for Large Breeds: Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy
Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy Food is well-suited for large breed puppies because it provides balanced, high-quality nutrition tailored to their unique growth needs, supporting healthy development while minimizing the risk of common large breed health issues.
Open Farm is known for its transparency in sourcing, allowing pet parents to trace the origin of the ingredients. This commitment to quality ensures puppies are getting safe, nutritious food free from harmful additives or low-quality ingredients.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 42% protein, 35% fat and 15% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 85%.
For more choices: See our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- Pre portions of fresh food
- Antibiotic, hormone and steroid-free
Main Ingredients Humanely-raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, humanely-raised pork, chicken liver, carrots Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Open Farm"Tried this puppy gently cooked food and she loves it. I combine half and half and she eats it all and stays full until it’s time to eat again. She has tons of energy and looks great. Quality food makes a difference"
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6. Best Wet Small Breeds: Solid Gold Grain-Free Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Help fuel your small breed puppy with this Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry food from Solid Gold. We love this wet, grain and gluten-free recipe. It includes wholesome vegetables such as peas and sweet potatoes, plus nutrient-packed superfoods like vitamin E-rich cranberries.
This particular formula derives the bulk of its protein from lamb and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
For more choices: See our Best Small Breed Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Contains superfoods
- Easily digestible
- High-quality meat
Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, lamb, chicken liver, whitefish, sweet potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Growth & Maintenance Best For Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Mini Dachshund & Chihuahua love Solid Gold Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry Food and they give it 5 stars!"
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7. Best Wet Sensitive Stomach: Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh Chicken & White Rice
The fresh formula by Just Food for Dogs consists of straightforward, whole food ingredients such as chicken, white rice, carrots, and fish oil. A limited ingredient diet such as this can be beneficial for puppies with a sensitive stomach because it reduces the chances of triggering food sensitivities or allergies.
The absence of common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives further reduces the risk of digestive upset, making it a safer choice for sensitive puppies.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 11% fat and 49% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 33%.
For more choices: See our Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- No additives, preservatives or growth hormones
- Highly digestible
Main Ingredients Water, chicken, rice, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Just Food For Dogs.com"My dog is quite picky and has sensitive digestion. She loves the chicken and rice recipe. I make it sometimes with the DIY blend to make it more affordable, but the tetra packs make it so easy when we travel or when she goes to her sitter. Love the option for shelf stable packaging of fresh food!"
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8. Best Grain-Inclusive Wet: Canidae All Life Stages - Chicken & Rice Formula
Rice is a well-tolerated, easily digestible carbohydrate that provides a steady source of energy. This is particularly important for puppies, as their energy needs are high due to their rapid growth and active nature.
This grain-inclusive formula is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a safer and healthier option for puppies as avoiding artificial additives helps reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities, which are more common in young dogs.
This bulk of the protein from this food comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 41% protein, 30% fat and 22% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 72%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food with Grain page
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Wholesome grains
- Quality proteins
- Expert formulated
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, oat bran Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 41% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has never eaten new food with gusto until now. He really surprised us by eating without any coaxing. This is the first time, and we were thrilled. No more dry food. We've tried everything. Now, if I could get my husband to stop giving him too many treats!"
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9. Best Griain-Free Wet Puppy Food: Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Turkey, Cod and Sweet Potato Puppy Food
This grain-free recipe has balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and teeth in growing puppies, while antioxidants such as cranberries and blueberries support a healthy immune system.
It is low-glycemic, free of grains, corn, wheat or soy and has all the animal-based protein puppies need to fuel and nourish their growing muscles.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
For more choices: See our Best Grain-Free Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Animal protein sources
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No artificial preservatives
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, salmon broth, turkey liver, cod Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small and medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I love the Nulo puppy food. My Chihuahuas puppies and my older chihuahuas really love this food. You can actually see the chunks of vegetables in this food. If the chunks are too big, they are easy to smash and blend in with the food."
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10. Best Wet Puppy Food for Allergies: Nom Nom Pork Pot Luck
Nom Nom Pork Potluck is a good option for puppies with allergies because it focuses on high-quality, limited ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, while also being nutritionally balanced to support a puppy’s growth and development.
Pork is considered a novel protein for many dogs, meaning it’s less commonly found in standard dog foods compared to proteins like chicken or beef. This makes it a good alternative for puppies who may be allergic to more common proteins.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 71%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food for Allergies page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Customized meal plans
- Novel protein
- Easily digestible
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food without getting my puppy sick?
In this video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your puppy’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new wet food.
It’s best to transition your puppy to a new food… gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “new” and 80% “old” food together. Then, gently increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Transition Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
How much wet food does my puppy need?
Since a larger breed requires more wet food than a smaller breed… and because every brand of food contains a different number of calories per cup…
There’s no one-size-fits-all feeding plan that’s right for every puppy.
So…
Start with the recommended amount printed on the package. Then, adjust that serving size… up or down… to keep your dog at ideal weight as she grows.
When and how often should I feed my puppy?
Once you’ve decided how much wet food your puppy needs each day…
Simply divide that amount into 3 to 4 equal servings. Then, feed those smaller meals to your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day.
For more detail…
This short video explains how to create the best feeding schedule for your puppy.
When can I safely switch my puppy to adult food?
It’s important not to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.
That’s because adult dog food can contain too much calcium… which can increase a puppy’s risk of developing canine hip dysplasia… especially for certain breeds.
Since breeds age at different rates, the table below can help you choose the best time to SAFELY change your puppy to adult dog food.
| Breed Size | Weight* | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed | < 20 lbs | 9-12 months |
| Medium breed | 20-50 lbs | 12-14 months |
| Large breed | 50-100 lbs | 15-18 months |
| Giant breed | 100+ lbs | 18-24 months |
* Weight when fully grown
Wet or dry food - which is better for my puppy?
Wet food can be a gentler way to ease your new puppy from mother’s milk to a typical canine diet.
That’s because…
Wet foods are softer and easier for a puppy to chew than dry food.
And they’re more palatable, too.
After all, dry kibble contains just 10% water. Yet the moisture content of wet dog food is about 75%… similar to real natural food.
Notice the difference between highly-processed dry pellets and fresh wet food in this side-by-side comparison.
Final word
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