The 11 Best Canned Dog Foods For Picky Eaters

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Canned Dog Food

More than relying on a dog food brand’s popularity, it’s critical to read the ingredients to ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality dog food. Here are some characteristics of good canned dog food.

Meat Sources Listed

Look for canned dog food with specified animal sources, such as genuine beef, chicken, or wild-caught salmon. Meat is the initial component in high-quality canned dog food, and other meat products, such as bone broth or organs, are major constituents.

Low-quality dog food, on the other hand, will not specify specific meats and may contain meat by-products. Some may just include animal digests or natural flavors. These components do not ensure that actual meat was used, hence they should be avoided.

Food that is Complete and Balanced

When shopping for wet dog food, be sure you’re purchasing a meal rather than a meal topper. Look for labels that say “complete” or “balanced meal.” This means that the food may be consumed on its own without being blended with dry dog food.

There are no added sugars.

Sweetness is a flavor that dogs can sense and taste, and some dog food may contain sugar to make it more appealing to dogs. Because high-quality dog food should already be flavorful enough to lure dogs, you won’t see additional sugars in their ingredient lists.

There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this product.

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are uncommon in canned dog food. It is, nevertheless, not impossible. If you come across any of these additives in canned dog food, you should avoid it since they are unnecessary.

The colors of their meal have little effect on dogs. Artificial tastes are vague, and tracing the components utilized to create such flavors is challenging. Artificial flavors and preservatives can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs.

There are several more options that are both healthier and more delicious for dogs while remaining inexpensive. So you don’t have to give your dog low-quality dog chow laced with unwanted substances.

Giving your pet the best nutrition is a vital concern, so why not get them a matching food and water dish? We believe the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl is too delicious not to share.

You can guarantee that your pet is getting the greatest nourishment possible by using the best bowls on the market, which are made of food-safe stainless steel. Get yours by clicking here.

Conclusion

Merrick’s Granny Pot Pie recipe is the greatest option for finicky eaters based on our evaluations since it’s healthful and flavorful. Purina ONE’s Classic Ground Beef & Brown Rice dish is a budget-friendly and nutritional solution.

If you want to indulge your dog, The Honest Kitchen’s wet food recipe with high-quality ingredients is a definite bet. Forza10 canned food is delicious and simple to digest, making it ideal for picky puppies.

Finally, Purina Pro Plan’s sensitive stomach formula is a delightful choice that nourishes the skin and coat while also preventing atopy.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best canned dog foods for picky eaters.

Reviews

 

Best Overall: Grammy’s Pot Pie Merrick Wet Dog Food

• Deboned chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, carrots are the main components.
• 8% protein content
• 4% fat content
• 82% moisture content
• 383 calories per can

Grain-Free Merrick’s Wet Dog Food Grammy’s Pot Pie is the finest overall canned dog food for fussy eaters since it is both nutritious and appetizing. Its first component is USDA-inspected debone chicken, and it also contains other healthful whole foods including carrots, apples, and peas. The dish also includes a savory gravy that is full of delightful ingredients that dogs appreciate.

This item can be served as a meal topper or as a stand-alone meal, however it may be more effective as a meal topper. While it’s marketed as a dish with chunky chunks and gravy, the texture is more akin to a pate. As a result, some dogs may dislike the silky texture of the meal and prefer it combined with dry food.

Pros

• The first component is chicken.
• Whole foods that are healthful
• Meal topping or stand-alone meal

Cons

• Some dogs may dislike the smooth feel.

 

 

Best Value: Adult Dog Food Purina ONE Classic Ground

• Beef, chicken, beef broth, and liver are the main components.
• 8% protein content
• 7% fat content
• 78% moisture content
• 416 kilocalories per can

Finding a good and healthy food for your dog does not have to break the bank. This Purina ONE formula has high-quality ingredients and is the best canned dog food for fussy eaters for the money.

The first ingredient is beef, and the dish also includes brown rice and oatmeal, both of which are healthful nutritional grains that provide fibers that aid digestion. Carrots and spinach are also integrated into the dish for extra nutrition.

While the recipe just states beef, this dinner features a combination of beef, chicken, and hog meat items. The liver stated in the ingredient list is likewise confusing because it isn’t linked to a specific beef source.

So, while this dog food provides a delectable range of meats for dogs, it may not be the ideal option if your dog has food allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• The first component is beef.
• Contains nutritious grains
• Contains a great assortment of meats

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.

 

Premium Choice: Butcher Block Pate Dog Food from Honest Kitchen

• Turkey, turkey bone broth, turkey liver, and duck are the main components.
• 8% protein content
• 5% fat content
• 82% moisture content
• 343 kilocalories per box

The Honest Kitchen offers delectable meals with organic, non-GMO products. This dish has a ground beef consistency that dogs of all ages and breeds may readily consume. All packaged food is made in small quantities in a human food facility that adheres to strict quality control and safety regulations.

The first ingredient is turkey, and the recipe solely uses turkey and duck for meat. As a result, it is suitable for dogs that are allergic to chicken or beef. It’s also important to know that there’s a trace of fish oil in there.

Dogs that are particularly sensitive to salmon or have severe seafood allergies may struggle to digest this dog chow.

Pros

• Natural, non-GMO components are used.
• All life stages and breeds are welcome.
• Consistency that is easily digested
• Safe for dogs that are allergic to chicken or beef.

Cons

• Dogs with seafood allergy should avoid this product.

 

Vet’s Choice: Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Canned Dog Food Purina Pro Plan

• Main ingredients: enough water for processing, salmon, rice, and fish
• Protein content is 7%.
• 5% fat content
• 78% moisture content
• 467 kilocalories per can

Some dogs become finicky because they have sensitive stomachs and have had terrible experiences with difficult-to-digest food. This Purina Pro Plan sensitive stomach formula is a good choice if your dog has dietary allergies or gastrointestinal concerns.

This 100% complete and balanced feed was created with atopy and unsettled stomachs in mind for dogs. It features nutrient-dense ingredients, such as quality salmon, which are inherently appealing to dogs. The presence of omega-6 fatty acids feeds and promotes the skin and coat.

While this food may smell appealing to dogs, it may be too fragrant and fishy for people. So, be prepared for a strong odor when you open a can of this food.

Pros

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs are not at risk.
• Diet that is completely full and balanced
• Omega-6 fatty acids hydrate the skin and coat.

Cons

• Strong fish odor

 

Recipe for Blue Buffalo Homestyle Food for Senior Dogs

• Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots are the main components.
• 7.5% protein content
• 4.5% fat content
• 78% moisture content
• 396 kilocalories per cup

If you have an older dog, it will like our Blue Buffalo dish designed particularly for them. It can be served as a main dinner or as a side dish. The first component is actual chicken, and chicken is the only protein source.

The dish also includes beneficial and nutritional items that dogs enjoy, such as carrots, brown rice, and blueberries. The meal has a soft texture, making it simple for dogs with dental concerns to ingest.

The mix also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for joint health and movement in senior dogs. It contains no by-product meals or fillers, ensuring that your dog is eating clean and healthy food every day.

This dish has a cost since it includes high-quality, nutritious ingredients. In comparison to its competitors, this dish is relatively pricey. However, it is worthwhile, especially if you have a senior dog that has trouble digesting meals.

Pros

• The first component is chicken.
• Protein from a single source
• Chewing is simple for dogs with dental difficulties.
• Aids in joint health and mobility.

Cons

• Relatively costly

 

Canned Wellness Complete Health Formula Dog Food

• Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, and whitefish are the main components.
• 8% protein content
• 5% fat content
• 78% moisture content
• 393 calories per can

This Wellness recipe is another high-quality canned dog food that can be costly, but it’s a high-quality, nutritional meal that many canines will find difficult to refuse.

It’s made up of a delectable and healthful combination of chicken and whitefish, with chicken being the main component. While many fish-based dog diets have a strong odor, this dog food does not have as strong a stink.

There are no meat by-products, fillers, or confusing components on the ingredient list. It contains a variety of nutritional ingredients like as barley, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. This meal has a smooth pate consistency, making it easier for dogs to ingest and digest.

However, the components can easily separate, so carefully mix the food before feeding it to your dog. Otherwise, the food’s consistency may become overly pasty or watery.

Pros

• The first component is chicken.
• There are no byproducts of meat, fillers, or confusing substances.
• There is no strong odor.
• Simple to consume and digest

Cons

• Relatively costly
• Separates readily into unpleasant consistencies

 

Canned Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

• Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, and pork liver are the main components.
• 2.8% protein content
• 1.9% fat content
• 86% moisture content
• Calories per can: 253

This Hill’s Science Diet formula is another excellent choice for dogs that suffer from sensitive tummies and itchy skin as a result of food allergies. Remember that, despite the label just says turkey, it contains chicken broth and chicken, thus it’s not a good alternative for dogs who are allergic to chicken.

Spinach and green peas are two healthful, natural components in this meal. It also has vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to nourish and mend the skin and coat.

This dog food is appropriate for all dog breeds and works well as a whole meal or as a topping. It also has a stew texture and little bits of food, making it a good option for dogs that don’t like pate.

While many dogs prefer this dog chow, it has a greater water content and a lower calorie and protein content. As a result, you may feed your dog more cans of food than its competition, and the expenditures can soon pile up.

Pros

• Formula for sensitive stomachs and skin
• All dog kinds and sizes are welcome.
• Texture of the stew and pieces

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs who are allergic to chicken.
• Dogs may require larger servings to be satisfied.

 

Canned Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken Dog Food

• Ingredients: lamb, processing water, lamb liver, and saltwater whitefish
• 8.5% protein content
• 8.5% fat content
• 78% moisture content
• 545 kilocalories per can

This Solid Gold formula is appropriate for dogs of all ages and types. It’s made up of lamb and whitefish, with lamb being the main component. It excludes common dietary allergies such as chicken and beef. The ingredient list also includes a variety of healthy grains, fruits, and veggies.

While this dish is suitable for fussy dogs, it is heavy in calories. As a result, it is not a practical solution for dogs that require weight management.

You should also keep a close eye on your dog’s weight when you first switch to this dog food, especially if there is a big variation in the number of calories between this dog food and your prior dog food.

Pros

• All life stages and breeds are welcome.
• The first component is lamb.
• There are no common food allergies.

Cons

• It has a high caloric content.