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High protein wet cat food is the best choice for your carnivorous cat.
Tiki Cat After Dark is the stand out choice. It’s high protein, filler-free and suits all life stages.
Great for diabetes, weight control, diarrhea and shedding.
Our top 3 best wet cat foods:
- Tiki Cat After Dark | Best Overall
- Fancy Feast | Best Budget
- Feline Natural | Senior Cats
There’s a huge range of wet cat foods.
It’s impossible to find what’s best scrolling online with so much information.
Hopefully that changes with this article.
I’ll go through my buying guide to show you what you need, and then go through the best choices for each situation.
Finally, I’ll go through frequently asked questions on the topic.
I am not a veterinarian and I recommend seeking the advice of a vet for any further questions. This article is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Let’s get into the article.
Buying Guide
Cats are part of the carnivora order of the animal kingdom.
Doesn’t get more carnivore than that.
As the cat food market continues to grow more attention will go to affordability. This can come at the expense of nutrition quality.
What to look for:
Nutrition
Choose high protein.
Cats have double the protein needs of omnivores (e.g. humans), using protein for energy. Picky cats prefer a high protein diet (~50% dry basis).
Target:
AAFCO recommends at 26% protein (dry matter basis) for maintenance and 30% for growth. Check with a calculator.
Senior cats need more protein in their diet for sarcopenia. Aim for 40% with older cats over 12.
Quick notes:
- Cats need more protein than humans
- Use a calculator to check
- Fussy cats prefer high protein
Resources:
Ingredients
Meat is best.
Meat by-products and grain based protein are lower quality than meat, especially the latter. Be weary of things like wheat gluten and corn gluten.
As a general rule, the first 3 ingredients should all be meat based (not including water). This ensures cats the meat they need and love.
Quick notes:
- Meat is best
- Avoid low quality grain protein
- First 3 ingredients ideally all meat based
What Ingredient Should Not Be In Wet Cat Food?
Any carb ingredients.
Cats have zero need for carbs.
High carb foods include:
- Rice
- Brewers rice
- Corn
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat
- Wheat gluten meal
- Tapioca starch
- Oats
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
Why avoid carbs:
- A cat has a limited digestive capacity for carb digestion (16g per day)
- One carb rich meal elevates blood sugar for up to 10 hours post consumption
- Long term, high carb diets can damage the kidneys and may cause cataracts
Cats digest cooked starch efficiently (85-95%), however it’s the quantity of most concern. A cat can tolerate ~16g of carbs per day (~12% carbs dry basis).
Injecting insulin into a cats liver doesn’t help metabolize sugar. Despite claims a rats gut is ‘carb loaded’ and is evidence cats need carbs, all cats (even big cats) tend to avoid the gut when eating prey.
What to do:
Keep carbs low.
Diabetic cats should have no more than 15% carbs (dry basis), and some experts suggest going even stricter (6% max).
Any carbs in the first 3 ingredients is usually a bad sign in wet cat food.
Quick notes:
- Cats don’t need carbs
- Keep total under 15% (dry basis)
- Be weary of carb ingredients in first 3
Read more:
Choose Lifestage Appropriate Cat Food
You want complete cat food.
AAFCO make nutrition guidelines for cats. Look for the statement of nutritional adequacy on the cat food label.
What to get:
- Maintenance: For adult cats (1-7 yrs)
- Growth: For kittens (<1 yrs)
- All life stages: Any cat
Examples:
- Five year old cat = choose maintenance or all life stages
- Eight month kitten = choose growth or all life stages
What about older cats?
The cat world has a hard time categorizing older cats.
The metabolic rate of cats plateaus at the mature range. They’re at high risk of weight gain.
However, its at the ‘senior’ range where muscle loss from sarcopenia begins. Seniors struggle to digest protein.
What to get for older cats:
All life stages.
A lot of ‘mature’ cat food is low calorie and high fiber which isn’t great for seniors, Instead you’ll want a calorie dense and protein rich food for bony older cats.
Choose cat food for all life stages after 7 years.
Quick notes:
- Choose complete cat food
- Check statement of nutritional adequacy
- All life stages after 7 years
Read more:
10 Best Wet Cat Foods for Health
1. Tiki Cat After Dark
Best Wet Cat Food Overall
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why is Tiki Cat After Dark the best?
It’s our highest rated cat food for nutrition and ingredient quality. There’s no added carbs, and all ingredients are meat based.
Finally it’s suited to all life stages. With a variety of chicken rich flavors, it’s hard to find better.
It’s pricey though, and some cats might not enjoy it.
Best for:
- Easy digestion
- Healthy weight
- Diabetic cats
Where to find Tiki Cat After Dark?
Learn more:
2. Fancy Feast Classic
Best Budget Wet Cat Food
Pros and Cons
Summary
What’s so great about Fancy Feast?
Fancy Feast is affordable, protein rich, and cats love it.
With lots of variety, it’s hard to go past. Low in carbs for easy digestion.
Main gripes are the ‘cat food’ smell and appearance. Not appealing for some (although cats don’t seem to mind).
Best for:
- Picky Eaters
- Affordability
- Flavor variety
Where to find Fancy Feast?
Learn more:
3. Feline Natural
Best Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why Feline Natural for senior cats?
It’s higher in animal fat and protein to help with sarcopenia. There’s also omega 3 and chondroitin for joint health.
A carb free meal packed with grass-fed New Zealand meats and organs.
Pricey though, and mixed taste results.
Best for:
- Kidney health
- Joint health
- Diabetes
Where to find Feline Natural?
Read more:
4. Sheba Perfect Portions
Best Wet Cat Food for Weight Loss
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why Sheba Perfect Portions for weight control?
They offer portion control packaging to help keep calories in check. Food is low calorie too to help.
It’s affordable too and customers approve of the taste.
Main downsides are the added fillers including gums and tapioca starch. Could irritate digestion in some cats.
Best for:
- Portion control
- Picky cats
- Adults (1-7 years)
Where to find Sheba Perfect Portions?
Read more:
5. Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
Best Wet Cat Food for Kidney Health
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why Wellness Core Tiny Tasters for kidney health?
It offers a positive calcium to phosphate ratio, which experts recommend for kidney health. Protein is moderately high, which can help as well.
Great for picky cats, and easy to serve.
A little pricey though, and gums might interfere with digestion.
Best for:
- Picky cats
- Convenience
- Easy digestion
Where to find Wellness Core Tiny Tasters?
Learn More:
6. Felix
Best Wet Cat Food in Australia
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why is Felix best in Australia?
It’s affordable and comes in bulk packs to save on costs. Their meals are great for fussy eaters. Widely available in stores and online.
Their pouches are convenient and thankfully it’s meat rich in the pouch. Options for adults and kittens.
Like many Aussie cat foods, they use thickeners. That could include unsavory ingredients like carrageenan, that may irritate digestion.
Best for:
- Fussy eaters
- Convenience
- Affordability
Where to find Felix?
Learn More:
7. Tiki Cat Baby
Best Wet Kitten Food
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why is Tiki Cat Baby best for kittens?
It’s high in animal protein from chicken and salmon. They offer mouse and shreds texture to help with solid food transition.
Rich in omega 3 fatty acids to help with learning and cognitive development.
Pricey though, and there’s a lack of reviews (our cats enjoyed it though).
Best for:
- Easy digestion
- Kitten health
- Transition to solids
Where to find Tiki Cat Baby?
Learn More:
8. Ziwi Peak
Best Wet Cat Food for Hairballs
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why is Ziwi Peak Venison a good choice for hairballs?
This cat food uses novel protein sources with limited ingredients. Hairballs can be a sign of food intolerance or allergy.
There’s a small amount of fiber, which can help clear hairballs.
Fiber is from chickpeas, which isn’t the best choice (cellulose or beet pulp are better). Pricey too.
Best for:
- Senior health
- Kidney health
- Allergies
Where to find Ziwi Peak?
Learn more:
8. Instinct Original Grain-free Real Rabbit
Best Wet Cat Food Without Chicken
Pros
Summary
Why is Instinct Original a great chicken-free cat food?
They offer rabbit and pork flavors, free from chicken. It’s a high protein and affordable cat food, that most love.
This is the only one we haven’t tested, and the reviews could be a tad stronger. Not a fan of the added peas in the tin.
Best for:
- No chicken diets
- Diabetic cats
- Weight control
Where to find Instinct Original cat food?
Learn more:
10. Fancy Feast Creamy Delights
Best Wet Cat Food for Constipation
Pros and Cons
Summary
Why Fancy Feast Creamy Delights for constipation?
Low residue diets (low fiber) are recommended for constipation relief, which this cat food offers. It’s great tasting and affordable.
The creamy delights range offer an option (chicken with milk) that suits all life stages, which suits seniors with constipation (higher risk of getting it).
Could use more flavors and not all the ones in this range suit all life stages. Annoying.
Best for:
- Affordability
- Fussy eaters
- Easy digestion
Where to find Fancy Feast Creamy Delights?
Read more:
What We Looked For?
We tested all these cat foods with our cats (except Instinct Original).
If our cats didn’t enjoy these foods, I’d give them a miss.
I also looked at nutrition, ingredients and cost – grading foods out of 10.
A full list of the best wet cat foods:
| Wet Cat Food | Cost | Texture | Lifestage | Protein* | Carb | Fiber | Kcal/kg | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fancy Feast Classic | $ | Pate | Adult | 48% | 5% | 7% | 1,184 | 8.5 | Great low carb budget pick |
| Tiki Cat After Dark | $$$ | Shreds | All | 78% | 0% | 0% | 751 | 8.5 | Best overall |
| Tiki Cat Baby | $$$ | Shreds | All | 63% | 2% | 8% | 1175 | 8.5 | Best for kittens |
| Fancy Feast Creamy Delights | $ | Pate | All | 45% | 1% | 7% | 1,340 | 8.5 | Best for constipation |
| Instinct Original | $$ | Pate | All | 59% | 3% | 7% | 944 | 8.5 | Best chicken-free |
| Purina Pro Plan Kitten | $$ | Pate | Growth | 51% | 2% | 6% | 1,321 | 8 | Good for kittens |
| Fancy Feast Kitten | $$ | Pate | Growth | 55% | 5% | 7% | 1,064 | 8 | Another good kitten choice |
| Hound & Gatos | $$ | Pate | All | 45% | 0% | 5% | 1,222 | 8 | Single protein for allergies |
| Sheba Perfect Portions | $$ | Gravy | Adult | 44% | 13% | 9% | 783 | 8 | Best for weight control |
| Wellness Tiny Tasters | $$$ | Pate | Adult | 47% | 4% | 0% | 1,291 | 8 | Great taste, and kidney friendly |
| Wellness Tiny Tasters Kitten | $$$ | Pate | Growth | 48% | 2% | 5% | 1,400 | 8 | Great kitten pick |
| Purina Beyond | $$ | Pate | Adult | 41% | 14% | 7% | 1200 | 8 | Suitable for adults |
| Wellness Complete Health | $$ | Pate | Adult | 48% | 3% | 5% | 1,116 | 8 | Suitable for adults |
| Tiny Tiger | $ | Pate | All | 55% | 14% | 8% | 929 | 8 | Affordable brand |
| Feline Natural | $$$ | Pate | All | 52% | 2% | 1% | 895 | 8 | High quality but pricey |
| Ziwi Peak | $$$ | Pate | All | 54% | 10% | 4% | 1,200 | 8 | Great for hairballs and allergies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Healthiest Wet Cat Food?
Tiki Cat After Dark.
It’s the highest protein option on the market, free from carbs and fillers. Suits all life stages.
Learn more:
What Brand of Wet Food Do Cats Like Most?
Fancy Feast.
In our experience this is a reliable choice for picky cats. Wellness Core are another suitable pick.
All cats have different tastes and preferences developed through life. They’re neophobic and are hesitant with new flavors.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wet Cat Food?
Less convenient.
Wet cat food can’t be left out all day like dry cat food.
However, this is good as you want to establish set meal times and avoid free-feeding. Leaving dry cat food out all day contributes to obesity risk.
With a tin of cat food you need to open it and scoop out the contents. Then you need to wash the tin and recycle it – a time consuming task.
Learn more:
Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna?
Rarely.
Tuna is high in mercury, which is toxic to cats if cats eat too much.
You can offer your cat up to 1/2 a tin of tuna (3 ounce tin) per week maximum. Anything over might be risky.
Tuna isn’t a balanced food source, lacking calcium and other micronutrients cats need. Don’t rely on it as a sole feeding option.
Learn more:
Is Wet Food Good for Cats Every Day?
Yes.
Cats are carnivores and will eat prey like rodents.
Wet food is essentially meant to replicate what cats eat in the wild. A complete wet cat food gives cats all the nutrients they need.
Do Cats Get Bored of the Same Wet Food?
Possibly.
Cats are neophilic, as well as neophobic. It means they take time getting used to new flavors, but also get bored of the same thing.
Mix up meals with different proteins (e.g. beef, chicken, lamb, turkey) to offer your cat variety.
Do Cats Like Cold Wet Cat Food?
No.
Cats prefer food warm (15-50 degrees Celsius). I leave my cat food in the pantry and not the fridge.
If you have cat food in the fridge, warm it up for taste. Cats use smell to decide if their food is good to eat, and heating brings out smells.
Is Fancy Feast Good for Your Cat?
Yes.
It’s low carb and high protein.
High in animal ingredients. Low in plant ingredients and grains.
Not much else to say wrong. It’s meat in a tin, which is what cats need.
Nothing fancy, ironically.
Learn More:
Is High Fiber Food Good for Cats?
No.
Low fiber diets and small frequent meals help stop cats vomiting. They can also help alleviate constipation, a common problem in older cats.
Any benefit of fiber to health may already be in meat anyway. The tough collagen rich fibers of meats contain animal derived fermentable substrates (ADFS).
Conclusion
Cats are carnivores. The best wet cat food reflects a normal diet of cats, being high in protein and animal foods.
Choose wet cat food that are high in animal ingredients and low in fillers like grains. Also look for the sign of nutritional adequacy, from AAFCO.
Speak with a vet for more help on specific situations.
>> Our best wet cat food is Tiki Cat After Dark
