10 Best Wet Cat Foods 2024 | UK Veterinary Surgeon Reviewed
There’s a very special place in our hearts for our furry feline friends, and taking good care of them is one way in which we show our love. Choosing the best wet cat food for your pet will go a long way to keeping them healthy and happy, even if they are Six Dinner Sid!
What is the best wet cat food, though? Should you choose grain free meals or whichever your cat, kitten, or senior finds the best tasting? We have come up with a number of considerations to think about when choosing, as well as a list of the best brands to buy from Amazon, Tesco, and Asda for all types of cats and all kinds of budgets.
Quick List - Top Wet Cat Foods
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Veterinary Surgeon Charlie Grainger
- How to Choose a Wet Cat Food in the UK
- Choose a "Complete" Food to Provide Your Cat With Essential Nutrients, or a "Complementary" Food to Vary Their Diet1
- Avoid Wet Cat Foods That Contain Grains and Carbohydrates Like Corn and Wheat to Ensure They're Digestible2
- Opt for High-Quality Meats and Fish to Ensure Optimum Protein Content3
- Make Sure You Pick a Product Containing Vital Minerals Such as Calcium and Phosphate for Perfect Cat Health4
- Look for Any Additional Nutritional Needs to Suit the Changing Dietary Requirements of Your Growing or Ageing Cat5
- Consider Wet Cat Foods to Give Your Feline the Best Alternative to its Natural Diet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Wet Cat Food Should I Give My Cat per Day?
- How Long Does Wet Cat Food Stay Good For?
- Where Should You Store Wet Cat Food?
With Specialist Consultation From Veterinary Surgeon Charlie Grainger
Charlie graduated from The Royal Veterinary College of London and is now working as a Veterinary Surgeon in a large chain of vets treating companion animals such as dogs, cats and small furries.
How to Choose a Wet Cat Food in the UK
- Provide All They Need With a Complete Food
- Avoid Foods That Contain Grains and Carbohydrates Such as Corn and Wheat
- Get Optimum Protein Content With High-Quality Meats and Fish
- Make Sure Your Chosen Product Contains Vital Minerals
- Consider the Age of Your Cat When Looking for Additional Nutritional Values
Choose a "Complete" Food to Provide Your Cat With Essential Nutrients, or a "Complementary" Food to Vary Their Diet
As a nutritional staple in your cat’s diet, it is best to choose a “complete” wet food that contains all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. There are certain essential nutrients that all cats need to keep their coats glossy and their bodies in tip-top shape.
“Complementary” foods, on the other hand, can be fed in addition to their complete food. This type of food does not provide everything your cat needs so should not be used as their staple food.
However, they add a little variety to your cat’s meals, which is always nice. No one wants to eat the same thing every day! As long as the complete food accounts for at least half of their overall diet, you’re on the right track.
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Complete foods are so important. This ensures your cat is getting all the essential nutrients they require. There are "trendy" homemade diets around at the moment that are very rarely balanced.
Have you ever tried to track your own diet? Often you find you are not consuming anywhere near enough protein or certain vitamins and this is what happens when we home cook a meal for our pet. Food companies pay specialist nutritionists to formulate their diets to ensure it is perfect for your pet.
Avoid Wet Cat Foods That Contain Grains and Carbohydrates Like Corn and Wheat to Ensure They're Digestible
Cats are carnivores and have a low tolerance for carbohydrates as they are designed to eat meat. It is important to choose high-quality wet cat foods that don’t contain grains and other fillers that are used to pad out the meals.
Try to avoid foods with ingredients such as corn, wheat, rice and soy and, if carbohydrates are present in a wet food you’re considering, choose brands that use chickpeas or sweet potato. These sources are more digestible for cats. Always aim for wet cat foods that have high protein and low carbohydrate levels.
Some cheaper foods are packed out with unnecessary carbohydrates rather than high-quality protein. Don't be afraid of carbohydrates and grains in foods as cats are rarely intolerant to them like humans however if they make up the majority of the ingredient list it is probably a food to avoid.
Opt for High-Quality Meats and Fish to Ensure Optimum Protein Content
High-quality animal protein should form the basis of a cat’s diet, so it is really important to choose wet foods accordingly. Not only should the protein levels be high, but just as you would choose fresh, choice cuts of quality meat for yourself and your family, your cat needs you to choose quality for them, too.
You will soon find that your cat demonstrates a strong preference for a particular type of meat or fish, but it’s also a good idea to mix it up for them, and many of the manufacturers of the best cat foods will offer a range of meats and fish within the same product range. So mix it up with beefy Mondays, chicken Tuesdays and fishy Fridays!
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The price of pet food varies greatly and often the quality of meat in foods are reflected in the price. Budget food often contains budget cuts of meat so ensure you check the protein content and quality on the packaging.
Cats’ love meaty flavours but if you have a fussy cat, getting multiple different flavours of the same brand can mean you can keep up the variety with less chance of upsetting their stomach.
Make Sure You Pick a Product Containing Vital Minerals Such as Calcium and Phosphate for Perfect Cat Health
There are some essential nutritional components that you need to make sure are included in the wet cat food that you choose. These nutrients are vital for optimum cat health and as long as you're feeding at least 50% complete wet cat foods, these should be included, but it's always worth checking the labels!
Keeping an eye on the ratios of some minerals such as calcium and phosphate ensures that your cat is as healthy as can be. That particular ratio should be between 0.9 parts calcium to 1 part phosphate (0.9:1) and 1.5:1, so ensure the food you choose falls within that range. Taurine is an amino acid that should be included in cats' diets, so keep an eye out for that one too.
All animals are capable of making their own amino acids (protein building blocks) however there are some specific ones that cannot be formulated in high enough amounts in the body and must be consumed. Cats require amino acids such as taurine and arginine in their diet to survive.
Assess the food you choose for these ingredients and if you're unsure you can always email the food manufacturer and they will be happy to help.
Look for Any Additional Nutritional Needs to Suit the Changing Dietary Requirements of Your Growing or Ageing Cat
Seek Out High-Protein and Calorie Foods for Kittens, to Help Them Grow
Aren’t kittens just the cuddliest bundles of fun? All that fluff and fun needs fuel, though! It’s important to give kittens the right start in life with food that has the right nutritional profile. This will give them the energy as well as the minerals and vitamins they need to grow strong and healthy.
Kittens need higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E as well as amino acids such as lycine and tryptophan than adult cats do. Most complete kitten food will have the right balance for your bundle of fluff, but make sure it has a high protein content.
Proteins are essential in growth. They assist in building new bone, muscles and all other tissues in the body. Kittens need more protein, fats and calories than adult cats as their metabolisms are faster. They also run around and play more which in turn burns more calories. Always ensure your kitten is fed kitten food ideally until they are 12 months old.
For Senior Cats, Go For Foods With Fewer Ingredients to Offer a Reduced Calorie Consumption of Around 25%
As with humans, as cats get older, their metabolisms slow down and all those treats that are okay for young whippersnappers start catching up with them. Keeping up with their changing dietary requirements is important to ensure that they have the right levels of nutrients and calories. This will keep them happier and healthier for longer.
Older cats can develop sensitivities to certain ingredients that were previously not an issue, so look out for wet foods that have fewer ingredients, and definitely avoid those grains and soya!
Vitamin concentrations also need to be higher in food for older cats, although the exact vitamin profile will vary from brand to brand. Do ensure that there are added vitamins and preferably no added preservatives, colourants or flavourings.
Obesity in cats may be seen as funny or entertaining on the internet however it can pose a serious health concern. Cats are similar to humans in that if they gain too much weight they can get many health conditions such as diabetes which requires twice daily insulin injections.
Ensuring your cat doesn't get too fat especially in older age is crucial. A slimmer cat will have better mobility and less pain when jumping and playing therefore a low-calorie senior cat food can help you achieve this.
If Your Cat Has Health Conditions Such as Kidney Disease or a Sensitive Stomach, Get Foods Tailored to Specific Health Issues
Cats can suffer from a number of health conditions such as kidney disease, dental issues and sensitive stomachs. Happily, many of these problems can be improved with the right food. Always discuss any health concerns you might have about your cat with your vet first, and they can advise you on any specific dietary limitations or inclusions.
If you are looking for a wet cat food that’s tailored for specific problems that your cat is having, look for ingredients like prebiotic fibre and probiotics to help optimise gut health and reduce digestive issues, vitamin E and omega-6 for problems with skin and fur, and reduced calorie content and added L-carnitine for overweight cats.
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Most health conditions can be assisted by a tailored diet, particularly diets suited for kidney disease and urinary health. Food manufacturers are now realising that cats may suffer from more than one condition at a time so you can get foods that are combined to help joint and kidney health for example.
Just search for veterinary cat food for *insert disease here* and you should find the perfect diet however always check with your veterinarian if it is safe to use for your pet.
10 Best Cat Foods in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sheba Select Slices | | Premium Bulk Buy Wet Cat Food | |
2 | Animonda Integra Protect Cat Food | | Pure Wet Cat Food to Support Cat Health Issues | |
3 | Catz Finefood Finefood | | Fine Cat Food with Thoughtful Nutrition, Production and Sustainability | |
4 | Thrive Complete Kitten Food | | Complete Kitten Food That's Free of Fillers | |
5 | Applaws Wet Cat Food for Senior Adult Cats, Multipack Tuna and Chicken Selection in Jelly | | High Quality Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats | |
6 | MjAMjAM Natural Wet Cat Food, Excellent Veal and Turkey, Served With Tasty Carrots | | A High Meat Content, Tasty Natural Food for Cats | |
7 | Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Cat Favourite Selection Pouches | | Scientifically-Developed Light Food for Less Active Cats | |
8 | Encore Sardine with Tuna Fillet in Broth, 100% Natural Wet Cat Food | | 100% Natural With Top Quality Protein Sources | |
9 | Purina Gourmet Gold Wet Cat Adult Food | | Irresistible Premium Dining for Cats | |
10 | Felix As Good As It Looks Mixed Variety Senior Cat Food | | The Economical Way to Feed Your Senior Cat |
Premium Bulk Buy Wet Cat Food
This Sheba premium wet cat food contains 44% meat and animal derivatives per pouch, with added minerals. Sheba prides itself on their top-quality food, made will all natural ingredients.
Based on a natural recipe, this complete food is excellent for all adult cats, especially those with tummy troubles. If buying quality, natural wet cat food that your cat will love from an ethical British company is important to you, Sheba are a great choice for you and your kitty!
Pure Wet Cat Food to Support Cat Health Issues
The Animonda Intregra Protect range includes specially-formulated meals designed to provide nutritional support for cats with specific health conditions. It focuses on providing the perfect meals for cats with renal conditions, diabetes, sensitivities, intestinal issues or those suffering from bladder stones.
Each meal is geared towards providing exactly the right nutrient balance through selected animal proteins and the addition of magnesium, phosphorus and other minerals and vitamins. Free from grains and vegetable proteins that may trigger sensitivities, all of the Integra Protect varieties are suitable for cats with sensitive digestion.
Fine Cat Food with Thoughtful Nutrition, Production and Sustainability
A lot of thought and care has gone into the preparation of this food, as it contains only the highest quality meat and fish from sustainable fisheries and German farms. The meat is gently steam cooked, then cold-filled to lock in the fatty acids and nutrients that are vital for your cat’s health and wellbeing.
This pack comes in a variety of delicious flavours, including beef and duck, game and red snapper, and chicken and pheasant. Perfect also for cats with food sensitivities, Finefood is a good choice if you are after a sustainable, healthy option that's free from GM products, artificial additives and fillers such as soya.
Complete Kitten Food That's Free of Fillers
This complete kitten food includes everything your kitten needs nutritionally to play, grow and look ridiculously cute doing so. With just a 0.2% carbohydrate content, it's geared towards a kittens’ need for high protein content and is free from fillers such as grains, soya and dairy.
Using water rather than gelling agents to provide the optimum levels of hydration, the brand really has considered the real dietary requirements for cats and produced a genuinely balanced wet cat food that includes only what kittens need and leaves out the rest. It comes at a very reasonable price too!
ApplawsWet Cat Food for Senior Adult Cats, Multipack Tuna and Chicken Selection in Jelly
High Quality Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats
Applaws Wet Cat Food for Senior Adult Cats contains high-grade cuts of tuna, sardines and salmon in a vegetable jelly and is designed to give older cats a complete meal in a tin. This multipack contains a nice selection of different three different flavours to keep things interesting!
With limited ingredients and clear labelling, Applaws keeps it simple with no artificial additives or grains to ensure your cat has all the benefits of a natural varied diet combined with the convenience of a meal in a tin. So this is a great option if you are looking for a simple, natural food for your pet.
MjAMjAMNatural Wet Cat Food, Excellent Veal and Turkey, Served With Tasty Carrots
A High Meat Content, Tasty Natural Food for Cats
MjAMjAM sounds very yummy and cats seem to think so too! Containing no cereals, added sugar or artificial preservatives, it meets all of your cat’s dietary needs in one nutritious pouch. The veal and turkey variety boasts an incredible 93% meat and offal, in keeping with the brand’s commitment to a meals that are as close to a cat’s natural diet as possible.
The handy pouches are larger than most single-serving cat foods at 200 g, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For high-quality, high meat content natural food, you can’t go wrong with MjAMjAM Natural Wet Cat Food.
Hill'sScience Plan Light Adult Cat Favourite Selection Pouches
Scientifically-Developed Light Food for Less Active Cats
Designed specifically for less active adult cats between 1 - 6 years, this food has fewer calories and added L-carnitine to help your cat’s body metabolise food better, so it's ideally suited to indoor or sterilised cats who don’t burn quite so much energy.
Vitamin E and omega 6 oils have also been added to keep your kitty’s skin and fur in tip-top condition. It also includes Hill’s Science Panunique Immune Support Formula (ISF), which is a specially developed blend of vitamins and antioxidants designed to ensure that your cat’s immune system has the building blocks it needs to protect them from illness.
EncoreSardine with Tuna Fillet in Broth, 100% Natural Wet Cat Food
100% Natural With Top Quality Protein Sources
Priding itself on its natural credentials, Encore's wet food boasts a high meat content, using only high-quality human-grade fish protein in its products. It is a natural source of omega 3 and 6 oils as well as taurine, an essential amino acid cats need to stay healthy. Suitable for adult cats, these tins of tastiness are sure to please your favourite feline.
Encore cat food is available as single tins or in multipacks of 4, 8, 12 or 16 tins. If it is important to you to ensure that your cat has natural, top quality food without artificial flavourings, colours or preservatives, then Encore wet cat food tins are a great option.
Irresistible Premium Dining for Cats
Gourmet Gold Savoury Cake is part of an extensive range of high-quality complete meals designed to tempt and offer variety to even the fussiest of cats. With options available for adult and senior cats, this delicious wet food features chopped chicken with a little sauce to give it that perfect moist-yet-meaty consistency that’s sure to please your purrrfect pal.
If you want to treat your cat to something a little bit different in a range of textures and flavours, then Gourmet Gold offers complete nutrition together with irresistible flavour. However, if you are keen to know exactly what’s in your cat’s food, you may want to choose a brand with clearer labelling.
FelixAs Good As It Looks Mixed Variety Senior Cat Food
The Economical Way to Feed Your Senior Cat
This variety pouch box is aimed at senior cats over 7, and contains a complete nutritional profile tailored to older cat needs. These convenient pouches contain no added artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives and they are designed to keep your cat feeling fuller for longer.
Made with a variety of meat and fish derivatives and with added minerals, and vegetable proteins, this cat food offers economy and convenience. However, other brands have more transparent ingredient lists and fewer vegetable sources, which has earned them higher places on our list.
Consider Wet Cat Foods to Give Your Feline the Best Alternative to its Natural Diet
There are three main types of food for cats, and deciding on which to feed your feline is the first major decision you will need to make. Deciding between dry food (kibble), wet cat food or feeding raw is an important first step in ensuring your kitty is well-fed, healthy and content.
Raw food is more difficult to source and prepare as well as being the most expensive option. While it is the closest to a cat’s natural diet, it is not a viable option for many cat owners. Dry cat food is more economical, but can also be relatively unpalatable compared with raw or wet foods.
Wet cat foods are available in pouches, tins or trays to suit all budgets and are very convenient. They also more closely resemble the fresh meat your cat would be eating in the wild, so really, they offer the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Wet Cat Food Should I Give My Cat per Day?
This is something that largely depends on your cat’s breed, weight, age and how active they are. So taking into account these variants, you will want to be feeding your cat anything from 2-4 pouches a day. If you’re still unsure, there are helpful cat food calculators online that can point you in the right direction.
How Long Does Wet Cat Food Stay Good For?
Each brand may have slightly shorter or longer advised “best before” dates, but generally if stored properly they will last for around a year. However, if the cat food has been opened and left out at room temperature, you must discard it after 4 hours.
Where Should You Store Wet Cat Food?
It is advised that unopened wet cat food should be stored in a cool dry place away from any extreme hot or cold temperatures. Whereas an opened, unused food should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 5 days.
Top 5 Wet Cat Foods
No. 1: Sheba｜Select Slices
No. 2: Animonda｜Integra Protect Cat Food
No. 3: Catz Finefood｜Finefood
No. 4: Thrive｜Complete Kitten Food
No. 5: Applaws｜Wet Cat Food for Senior Adult Cats, Multipack Tuna and Chicken Selection in Jelly
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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