The 8 Best Wet Cat Foods To Keep Your Pet Happy, Healthy And Hydrated

Life stages: Adult | Calories: 90 kcal/3-ounce can

Pros:

• High protein content
• Premium meat sources provide essential nutrients
• Broths provide high moisture content
• No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Cons:

• 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 pâté combines fresh tuna, salmon, beef and chicken in a tasty bone broth that cats 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, which means every bite is full of the good stuff. Meanwhile, the high moisture content helps your cat stay hydrated, preventing issues like urinary and kidney problems. 

Life stages: Adult | Calories: 101 kcal/3-ounce can

Pros:

• High-quality animal ingredients like chicken and turkey
• Promotes hydration with high moisture content
• Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives

Cons:

• May be higher in fat content than some other options

Feeding your cat a nutritious diet doesn’t have to be expensive. As Lindsay Butzer, DVM, explains, 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 love. Made with chicken, turkey and salmon, this food provides the protein and moisture content needed for a healthy, active life. Unlike many affordable wet cat food options, this one 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. 

Life stage: Adult | Calories: 54 kcal/3.2-ounce can

Pros:

• High in protein from real meat
• Includes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion support
• Free from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSG
• Broth-based consomme for hydration

Cons:

• Contains some gums as thickeners
• Limited flavor options may not suit picky eaters

Indoor cats often benefit from higher fiber in their diet, and the pumpkin in this food supports healthy digestion and helps prevent hairballs—a common issue for cats that groom frequently. The broth-based consomme 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.

Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 124 kcal/3-ounce can

Pros:

• High-quality protein from boneless, skinless chicken
• Grain, gluten, and carrageenan-free
• High moisture content for hydration
• Higher calorie content to support growth

Cons:

• Contains some gums as thickeners
• Higher price point

The excitement of bringing home a new kitten also comes with the responsibility of providing the best nutrition for their growth. Weruva’s kitten-specific formulas are crafted to meet the needs of your little furball with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients. This recipe, made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, is easy for kittens to digest and supports healthy muscle growth; meanwhile, the high moisture content keeps your kitten hydrated. Plus, it’s free from grains, gluten 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. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or adding a new member to your feline family, this food can help your kitten thrive.

Life stage: Senior | Calories: 200 kcal/5-ounce packet

Pros:

• High in protein from real meat
• Includes pumpkin for added fiber and digestion support
• Free from grains, carrageenan, starches, GMOs and MSG
• Broth-based consomme for hydration

Cons:

• Contains some gums as thickeners
• Limited flavor options may not suit picky eaters

For senior cats needing 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 Kennedy and Lefebvre 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 muscle mass and overall health in older cats. The high moisture content keeps senior cats hydrated, essential for preventing dehydration-related issues. Free from preservatives, fillers and artificial ingredients, Smalls ensures your cat gets only the best, though it does come with a higher price tag and requires freezer storage.

Life stage: Adult | Calories: 59 kcal/2.8-ounce can

Pros:

• Single protein source from wild-caught Alaskan salmon
• No grains, potatoes or gluten
• Low fat content
• High moisture content for hydration

Cons:

• May not suit all cats’ flavor preferences

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, finding the right food can be a challenge. Tiki Cat Luau Wild is a single-protein, low-fat recipe that’s gentle on the digestive system, making it ideal for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other stomach issues. The star ingredient, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, provides high-quality protein, while the consomme-based formula ensures your cat gets plenty of moisture and stays hydrated. Plus, with no grains, gluten, carbohydrates or flours, this food focuses on what your cat truly needs.

Transitioning to a new food? The experts we spoke with all 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 time. This method helps your cat get used to the new flavor and texture, while taking it easy on their digestive system. 

Life stage: Adult | Calories: 135 kcal/156-gram carton

Pros:

• Single protein source from wild-caught Pacific salmon
• High in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Rich in fiber from pumpkin
• Free from preservatives and fillers

Cons:

• Higher price point

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 helps with digestion and keeps your cat feeling full longer, making it easier to manage their weight.

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.

Life stage: Adult | Calories: 59 kcal/2.8-ounce can

Pros:

• Made with shredded chicken, organ meat and beef
• Grain-free and low in carbohydrates
• High moisture content for hydration
• No by-products or fillers

Cons:

• Higher price
• Lower in fiber than other formulas 

Tiki Cat’s After Dark recipes were 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 it needs to stay healthy and strong. Made with real meat and organs like chicken liver, this recipe delivers the 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 carnivorous cats. Whether you have a picky eater or a cat with specific dietary needs, this formula offers balanced nutrition and great taste.