When choosing a good diet for our dog, we always doubt whether to choose a dry feed or a wet diet, more similar to what a natural meal based on fresh meat would be.
We have so many options at our disposal that it is difficult to know what is the best wet diet for a dog. For this reason, we have dedicated our time to testing the best options so that you have it easy when deciding.
Index of contents
- 1 Is wet food better than dry food?
- 2 What brands have we included in this test?
- 3 How will the test be done to find out which is the best wet food?
- 4 What is the best wet format diet?
- 4.1 Breeders – Veal with zucchini
- 4.1.1 Opinion on Veal breeders with zucchini
- 4.2 Organic breeders- Veal with peas
- 4.2.1 Opinion on Organic beef veal with peas
- 4.3 Yarrah – Veal Bites
- 4.3.1 Review of Yarrah veal bites
- 4.4 Venevo – Vegan wet food
- 4.4.1 Comments about Venevo vegan wet food
- 4.5 Taste of the wild – Southwest Canyon
- 4.5.1 Opinion on Taste of the wild – Southwest Canyon
- 4.6 Taste of the wild – Pacific Stream
- 4.6.1 Comments about Taste of the wild – Pacific Stream
- 4.7 Hills – Ideal Balance with chicken and vegetables
- 4.7.1 Review about Hills Ideal Balance chicken and vegetables
- 4.8 Alpha Spirit – Veal and melon
- 4.8.1 Review about Alpha Spirit beef and melon
- 4.9 Breed Up – Turkey with Sweet Potato
- 4.9.1 Opinion on Breed Up turkey and sweet potato
- 4.1 Breeders – Veal with zucchini
- 5 Conclusion on the best option in wet format
Is wet food better than dry food?
How in everything here we can find different opinions about what is healthier or not for a dog. We from our own experience can ensure that both dry and wet food are suitable for feeding any dog.
However, wet feeding better preserves many of the amino acids and proteins present in food compared to dry kibble-based feeding.
Wet food is in short, the closest thing to natural dog food (also known as BARF supply). But nobody better than your own dog, to do the test and assess results.
What brands have we included in this test?
Our intention is to be completely neutral, nobody has paid to appear in this article or to obtain a better or worse evaluation. We have bought ALL the products that appear here in order to use and compare them.
Although we do not include all the brands on the market, because some are simply not worth it due to their poor quality ingredients, we have acquired the highest quality to be able to compare them and give you our most sincere opinion. Both in pieces of meat and paté.
Among the selected wet foods, you can find Taste of the wild, Hills, Venevo, Yarrah, Breeders, Alpha Spirit or BreedUp, among many.
How will the test be done to find out which is the best wet food?
In this section we have two experts in the field. Our Yako dog, which is a large breed and extremely delicate in the stomach, anything a little “heavy” will cause diarrhea. And our Beltxa dog, small breed and very foodies, does not eat anything, much less something that is “normal”.
In addition, we will value the quality of the ingredients that each product contains and its value for money. We will add how it feels to our dogs and the palatability of it, its smell, its appearance, etc…. You can value the product yourself through the exclusive photos we have taken of each can.
What is the best wet format diet?
Each dog has its own needs depending on its size, age and rhythm of life. But at general levels, we can indicate the quality of these products based on their components, flavor and result.
Without going over the top, let’s look at the results. We warn, some images are somewhat unpleasant … although strangely palatable to our dogs.
Breeders – Veal with zucchini
We started with a brand that is well known in Spain for being the white brand of the Tiendanimal company. They have several options for both dry and wet dog food varieties. We have decanted for the wet beef with zucchini.
Components:
- Veal (68%), cooking water, zucchini (2%), minerals, safflower oil
- Protein (1.9%), fat content (6.7%), crude ash (2.5%), crude fibers (0.5%), humidity (75%), calcium (0.23%), phosphorus (0.17%), sodium (0.25%), potassium (2000 mg / kg)
Price:
- Can of 400 gr at € 1.99 (€ 4.97 / kilo)
Opinion on Veal breeders with zucchini
The appearance at first glance is quite unpleasant as can be seen in the image above. When we opened the can we expected something paté, but the content was a meat marzote with a strange appearance and an unpleasant smell.
The texture is hard, somewhat similar to meat not very moist and very compacted. With some “white” pieces similar to those of the rest of cartilage or similar.
Since it contains 68% beef, but does not indicate that part of the beef has been used, we have looked at the protein level, where we find ourselves at a low level, 1.9%. This indicates that by-products without high biological valu
e have been used.
Our dogs have eaten it without problem, despite the strange smell it gave off. His guts have not stirred so it was not in bad shape, it just is.
But based on the fact that they do not specify the type of meat used and its low level of protein, we think that Animal by-products have been used. Something quite common in this type of feeding for dogs.
The dogs liked it and it suited them well. It is quite palatable so its smell and taste please.
Organic breeders- Veal with peas
We continue to test the Criadores brand, although this time its “ecological” format to check its ingredients and quality. Within the organic range of breeders we can find different recipes, apart from the one we are trying.
Components:
- Veal (30%) **, cooking water, peas (3%) **, carrots (3%) **, mineral substances, sunflower oil. ** certified organic ingredient.
- Protein 10.7%, Fat content 6.7%, Crude fiber 0.4%, Crude ash 2.3%, Moisture 76%
Price:
- Can of 400 gr at € 2.75 (€ 6.88 / kilo)
Opinion on Organic beef veal with peas
Our first impression is similar to that of “Breeders – Veal with zucchini” in terms of appearance. The texture is also hard, meat is slightly damp and quite pressed.
In the labeling it indicates that it has 30% beef, we don’t know if it is a typo or if it is. But if so, what is the rest supposed to be? because peas and carrots only account for 6%.
Despite the small content in veal, the protein level is somewhat higher, reaching 10.7%, something much more acceptable than the previous case. Although we do not know all the ingredients, we do not know if it is animal protein or low biological level vegetable protein for a dog.
The smell of the product is neutral, smelling something of meat. For the dogs it is quite palatable (tasty), they eat it without problem and it has not been bad for them.
Yarrah – Veal Bites
We changed brands and started to try Yarrah’s wet food in sandwiches (it also has a pate format). You have several options regarding the menu to choose from so we opted to try your recipe with beef.
Components:
- 35% meat * and by-products of animal origin * (5% beef *), cereals * (6% wheat *), minerals and by-products of plant origin * (0.2% nettle *, 0.2% tomato *).
- Protein 8%, Fat content 5%, Crude fiber 0.4%, Crude ash 2%, Moisture 81%
Price:
- Can of 840 gr at € 2.83 (€ 3.37 / kilo)
Review of Yarrah veal bites
When we open the can we are pleasantly surprised that these are meat taquitos in a fairly liquid and neutral sauce, made according to the manufacturer with nettle and tomato. The meat tacos are consistent, with a medium texture and a good smell.
In the labeling it indicates that it has 35% meat of which 30% do not specify if it is beef We would like to know what are the other meats used in this formula, but do not put it.
The meat level is not very high but the protein percentage is 8%, so we do not know if it is animal or vegetable protein. Among the ingredients they clarify that they use by-products, an applause for sincerity.
The smell of the product is good and intense, smelling of appetizing meat even for a human. The dogs have indicated that it is very palatable, they eat it very well and licking it, which indicates that it is tasty.
Venevo – Vegan wet food
It goes without saying that we are against vegetarian dog food, as they are naturally carnivorous animals. But we did not want to miss this opportunity to see what our dogs think about this vegetable-based wet dog food.
Components:
- Water, potatoes, carrots, oats, sunflower oil, peas, beans, brown rice, tomatoes, avocados, blackberries, blueberries, dry brewer’s yeast
- Protein 8%, fat 3%, fiber 3%, humidity 76%
Price:
- Can of 369 gr at € 4.95 (€ 13.41 / kilo)
Comments about Venevo vegan wet food
We did not know what to expect from this product but when we opened the can we realized that it was something similar to pate, with a slightly more abrupt texture and a color that denotes the use of vegetables. The smell is almost neutral, little intense.
As we already know that it does not contain meat, the 8% protein it contains is obviously vegetable. So it is not of great biological value to a dog.
We have served it to our dogs and although they have eaten it, they have hesitated for a few seconds and have not finished their full ration, something strange especially in the glutton. This indicates that its palatability is not very high.
Taste of the wild – Southwest Canyon
Another brand that has surprised us by the variety in its compositions, in wet dog food format, is Taste of the wild. We have actually purchased several ranges of wet food for evaluation and they all fit this description.
Components:
- Beef, beef broth, vegetable broth, dehydrated protein, sunflower oil, natural flavors, venison, lamb, potato starch, chickpeas, peas, calcium carbonate, guar gum, linseed oil, sodium tripolyphosphates, salt, dextrose, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, dried chicory root extract
- Crude protein 8.25%, Crude fat 5%, Crude fiber 1.0%, Moisture 82.0%
Price:
- Can of 374 gr at € 2.99 (€ 10.91 / kilo)
Opinion on Taste of the wild – Southwest Canyon
We were surprised to see that it is meat snacks, since we expected something paté. So it was a pleasant surprise to see this composition. We know that a can of wet food will please our dog, when at first glance we like it and when its aroma even makes us salivate.
That’s right, we must recognize that the intense smell given off invites us to know that it will be delicious, something that our dogs showed us when trying it. They literally devoured him by licking the feeder until it was completely clean, so without a doubt it is a very palatable product. Its texture is medium level, which is to be expected from the meat bites.
On its composition, it is very varied but does not indicate the percentages of each ingredient. So we cannot assess it as good or bad. The level of proteins is what is expected in this type of diet, but we do not know if they are of animal or vegetable origin.
It is a pity not to have more data, since it really is a product that our dogs liked a lot, and it has suited them well.
Taste of the wild – Pacific Stream
After the success appreciated in the previous Southwest Canyon variety, we could not miss the opportunity to try the Pacific Stream range.
Components:
- Salmon, fish broth, water, egg, peas, natural flavoring, potato starch, calcium carbonate, sweet potatoes, potatoes, ocean fish, smoked salmon, guar gum, salt, sodium tripolyphosphates, potassium chloride, Yucca Schidigera extract, dicalcium phosphate, choline chloride, dehydrated chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, iron proteinate (source of iron chelate), zinc proteinate (source of zinc chelate), vitamin E supplement, copper proteinate (source chelate), manganese proteinate (source of manganese chelate), riboflavin supplement, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 preparation, potassium iodide, biotin, supplement of vitamin D3.
- Crude protein 7.5%, Crude fat 3.0%, Crude fiber 1.0%, Moisture 80.0%
Price:
- Can of 374 gr at € 2.99 (€ 10.91 / kilo)
Comments about Taste of the wild – Pacific Stream
As in the previous range, it has been a discovery for both us and our dogs. Very palatable and it has suited them well.
Hills – Ideal Balance with chicken and vegetables
The photo of the can has already invited us to take it to add it in this complete test on the best wet food for dogs, and that is that many times a picture is worth a thousand words. Hills is a giant within the dog food industry, so let’s see what it offers us.
Indicate that in addition to the range we are treating, we have also bought and tested the Hills Science Plan ranges with veal and Hills Ideal Balance with Salmon and vegetables. The results are so similar to those obtained with this range that we prefer to simply mention them so that you know their quality.
Components:
- Chicken (17%), pork, carrots, rice starch, potato starch, dextrose, animal protein powder, pea fiber, brown rice, minerals, pea protein meal, peas, digest, flax seed, broth chicken powder, potato, trace elements, flaked spinach, vitamins and beta-carotene. Colored with natural caramel. Total vegetables (4%)
- Protein (6.3%), crude fiber (0.8%), crude ash (1.6%), moisture (78.4%), fat content (3.9%), calcium (0.23% ), phosphorus (0.16%), sodium (0.14%), potassium (0.24%)
Price:
- Can of 363 gr at € 2.93 (€ 8.07 / kilo)
Review about Hills Ideal Balance chicken and vegetables
Thanks to the photo of the can itself, we already knew that it was pieces of meat with sauce, although in reality it earns even more when it is thrown on the trough. Its texture is medium, the sauce is not excessively liquid and the smell is very good but not very intense.
Its ingredients are varied and although they do not specify the percentage of all the ingredients, at least we know that it contains 17% chicken. A higher percentage of the meat product offered than other brands.
The protein level is somewhat low, so we assume that parts of the chicken with low nutritional value have been used. Despite its good smell, dogs have not eaten it like with other products, but they did eat it. One of them did not sit well and ended up with loose guts (semi-diarrhea), but it would be necessary to repeat this process several times to know if it is a coincidence or due to its composition.
Alpha Spirit – Veal and melon
Another of the companies that we know for their dry or semi-dry diet and that now also bursts strongly into the wet feeding section, is Alpha Spirit.We found several recipes that we liked at first, so we bought them to value them.
In addition to Alpha Spirit beef and salmon, we’ve also tried chicken and pineapple, plus rabbit and banana. The results are similar in all varieties, so the opinion of this product is applicable to the rest.
Components:
- Veal meat 92%, melon 4%, mineral substances, vegetable gelatin, xylose
- Crude protein 10.1%, crude oils and fats 4.6%, crude fibers 0.3%, crude ash 1.9%, humidity 81.2%
Price:
- Can of 400 gr at € 2.46 (€ 6.15 / kilo)
Review about Alpha Spirit beef and melon
Right away we can see that it is a pâté-type diet, with a soft texture and pieces of what looks like fruit. The smell that it transmits is not very intense but it is pleasant, it seems to interest our dogs that they do not take their eyes off us while we take the photos.
Luckily Alpha Spirit does include a composition where the percentage of each ingredient is indicated in detail, something to thank and value. The level of proteins and fats is what can be
expected, so it is initially outstanding for its composition.
Our dogs have eaten it very comfortably, leaving nothing in the feeder, so it is a very palatable product. It hasn’t been bad for them, so it’s quite digestible.
Breed Up – Turkey with Sweet Potato
Any brand of wet food is worth testing if we want to do a decent test, and even though we didn’t know it, it crossed our path so we decided to include it in the list.
In addition to the aforementioned, we also tried the range of Breed Up chicken, lamb and oats. With results very similar to those of this range, so they are applicable to both.
Components:
- Turkey (66%), sweet potato (4%), cooking water, mineral substances, safflower oil
- Protein (10.9%), fat content (6.1%), crude ash (2.5%), crude fibers (0.5%), humidity (75%), calcium (0.23%), phosphorus (0.17%), sodium (0.25%), potassium (2000 mg / kg), gross energy (142.02 Kcal / kg), digestible energy (125.46 Kcal / kg)
Price:
- Can of 400 gr at € 1.99 (€ 4.97 / kilo)
Opinion on Breed Up turkey and sweet potato
When opening the can we find a meat marzote similar to that offered by the breeders brand, with a hard texture (nothing similar to pate even though it may seem so). It is like pressed meat, with a little intense smell and an unpleasant human smell.
His composition is adequate as well as your protein levels, within the average for this type of diet. We tried our dogs and they ate it, but without much enthusiasm. One of them had digestive problems the next day (semi-soft stools / soft diarrhea).
Conclusion on the best option in wet format
Each will have their preferences, based on price or product quality. On a personal level, we have been surprised and liked by the results it has, the ranges of Taste of the wild.
But in relation to quality-price perhaps other ranges are more affordable. Every dog is different, to some you will like the paté format better while others will hallucinate with the meat snacks.
Our advice is that if you can, you acquire several ranges and let your dog tell you which one he likes best.