We know the choices for scrummy cat food for your feline friend on your supermarket shelves can be overwhelming, so we've done the hard bit for you and cut it down to the best wet cat food options. From value to luxury, keep reading to find out what you should be feeding your kitty.
If you're looking for a variety for your kitty, wet cat food does the job. From meat in gravy to fish in jelly, there's a whole range of wet food to taste and try. There are wet food options to give kittens the best start in life, as well as for elderly moggies who may have dental problems that prohibit them from crunching dry food. You can even get wet cat food for a sensitive stomach that is made without ingredients commonly known to give kitties an upset tummy.
Best wet cat food at a glance:
• Best overall wet cat food: IAMS Delights Complete Wet Cat Food, 48 x 85g - View on Viovet
• Best wet cat food to stock up on: Felix Mixed Selection in Jelly Cat Food, 120 x 100g - View on Amazon UK
• Best wet cat food subscription: KatKin - View on KatKin
Apart from the scrumptious gravy or succulent jelly and a variety of choices when it comes to flavour, there are a lot of benefits to feeding your kitty wet food. You can find out more about the benefits in our FAQ section, but it has a high water content and is packed with meat protein, plus there's a lower risk of overfeeding your kitty as wet food usually comes in smaller packets.
As wet food is a complete and balanced meal in its own right, you can feed it to your cat by itself, or you can pair it with dry cat food to offer different textures and flavours. Whether you're wanting to introduce wet food into your kitty's diet or looking to switch from their current brand, we've rounded up all the best wet cat food that will have your moggy racing to their bowl every mealtime.
Best wet cat food
Best overall wet cat food
IAMS/Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Due to its amazing variety and price, the IAMS Delights Wet Food Land and Sea Collection is our top pick for the best wet cat food.
With four different recipes of meat or fish in a delicious gravy, your kitty is getting the best of both worlds with this variety pack and plenty of choice to keep them interested in what's in their bowl at mealtimes. As well as being oh-so-tasty, each recipe contains Biotin, minerals and vitamins for good skin and coat condition, as well as taurine, which supports both heart and eye health.
With 48 pouches included for under £20, there's no denying this food is amazing value and should last you and your kitty a while. Some customers comparing these pouches to a previous version state they are smaller than the ones they used to get and their cat doesn't seem as keen on the new and improved recipe, but there are plenty of other satisfied kitties and their owners that love the tasty and smell, as well as the soft texture of the food.
Pros
- Good value with 48 pouches included for under £20
- Variety of recipes to keep kitty's interested in their food
- Contains Biotin for skin and coat condition and taurine for heart and eye health
Cons
- Some customers felt the pouches could be bigger, as they were on a previous version of this food
| Quantity: | 85g per pouch |
| Number of pouches: | 48 |
| Flavours: | 12 x Chicken & Turkey, 12 x Lamb & Red Pepper, 12 x Tuna & Peas, 12 x Salmon & Cod |
- Ingredients:
- Chicken and Turkey: meat and animal derivatives (42% amongst which 14% chicken and 12% turkey), derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals.
- Lamb and Red Pepper: meat and animal derivatives (38% amongst which 4% lamb) vegetables (4% pepper, from dried pepper), derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals.
- Tuna and Peas: meat and animal derivatives (30%), fish and fish derivatives (8% tuna), vegetables (4% green peas, from dried peas), derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals.
- Salmon and Cod: meat and animal derivatives (34%), fish and fish derivatives (4% salmon, 4% cod), derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals.
Best wet cat food to stock up on
Felix/AmazonYou're more likely to see bulk buying with dry cat food, but if you're looking for wet cat food to stock up on, this Felix Mixed Selection In Jelly Cat Food deal is purr-fect. As you get 120 sachets of wet cat food included, your cat will be spoiled for days with this deal.
Felix has been a firm favourite with felines and their owners for years, due to its incredible value and tastebud tempting recipe of tender meaty chunks in a hydrating jelly. There are four flavours in this incredible bulk buy, with 30 each of the beef, chicken, tuna and salmon recipes. Each one offers a complete and balanced meal for your kitty, with no added artificial colourants or preservations.
Looking at the ingredients and overall composition of this food, it doesn't contain a high amount of meat compared to others on our list and it has a lot more moisture content compared to the amount of protein. Despite this, owners have reported their cats have loved the taste and flavours included in this multi-pack and customers also appreciate they can buy them in bulk.
Pros
- Value for money with 120 sachets included for the price
- No added artificial colourants or preservatives
- Meat chunks are presented in a jelly for a meal that is hydrating as well as tasty
Cons
- Low meat content compared to others on our list
| Quantity: | 100g per pouch |
| Number of pouches: | 120 |
| Flavours: | Beef x 30, Chicken x 30, Tuna x 30, Salmon x 30 |
- Ingredients:
- With Beef in Jelly: Meat and Animal Derivatives (of which Beef 4%) Fish and Fish Derivatives Minerals Various Sugars Analytical Constituents: Moisture: 83.0% Protein: 8.5% Fat content: 3.0% Crude ash: 2.5% Crude fibre: 0.05% Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.6% Additives: Nutritional additives: IU/kg: Vit A: 627 Vit D3: 96 Vit E: 14 mg/kg: 3b103: (Fe: 7.2) 3b202: (I: 0.18) 3b405: (Cu: 0.63) 3b503: (Mn: 1.4) 3b605: (Zn: 12.8) 3a370: 395 Flavourings
- With Chicken in Jelly: Meat and Animal Derivatives (of which Chicken 8%) Fish and Fish Derivatives Minerals Various Sugars Analytical Constituents: Moisture: 83.0% Protein: 8.5% Fat content: 3.0% Crude ash: 2.5% Crude fibre: 0.05% Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.6% Additives: Nutritional additives: IU/kg: Vit A: 627 Vit D3: 96 Vit E: 14 mg/kg: 3b103: (Fe: 7.2) 3b202: (I: 0.18) 3b405: (Cu: 0.63) 3b503: (Mn: 1.4) 3b605: (Zn: 12.8) 3a370: 395.
- With Tuna in Jelly: Meat and Animal Derivatives Fish and Fish Derivatives (Tuna 4%) Minerals Various Sugars Analytical Constituents: Moisture: 83.0% Protein: 8.5% Fat content: 3.0% Crude ash: 2.5% Crude fibre: 0.05% Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.6% Additives: Nutritional additives: IU/kg: Vit A: 627 Vit D3: 96 Vit E: 14 mg/kg: 3b103: (Fe: 7.2) 3b202: (I: 0.18) 3b405: (Cu: 0.63) 3b503: (Mn: 1.4) 3b605: (Zn: 12.8) 3a370: 395 Flavourings
- With Salmon in Jelly: Meat and Animal Derivatives Fish and Fish Derivatives (Salmon 4%) Minerals Various Sugars Analytical Constituents: Moisture: 83.0% Protein: 8.5% Fat content: 3.0% Crude ash: 2.5% Crude fibre: 0.05% Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.6% Additives: Nutritional additives: IU/kg: Vit A: 627 Vit D3: 96 Vit E: 14 mg/kg: 3b103: (Fe: 7.2) 3b202: (I: 0.18) 3b405: (Cu: 0.63) 3b503: (Mn: 1.4) 3b605: (Zn: 12.8) 3a370: 395 Flavourings
Best wet cat food subscription
KatKinjoin.katkin.com
A KatKin subscription creates a personalised meal plan for your kitty made with 100 per cent human-quality meats, with every ingredient chosen for their availability of amino acids, which helps protein to be easily absorbed by cats and ensures their muscles stay strong and healthy.
When signing up to KatKin, you're asked a series of questions about your moggy to ensure you're getting a recipe that suits their needs while also being perfectly portioned, helping to keep their weight in check. They'll ask you about their breed, age and activity levels but also any allergies or health issues along with what you're looking for in a food for your cat so it's tailored to their requirements.
As this food is gently cooked and then frozen to stay fresh, you will need to make sure you've got plenty of freezer space to store it and then remember to get it out in enough time to thaw before serving each mealtime. Customers love the convenience of having this food available on subscription as it's delivered straight to your door and there's no need to worry about running out of food.
Pros
- Delivered monthly so no risk of running out
- Quality food using 100 per cent human-quality meat
- Completely personalised to your cat
Cons
- As this food is a fresh food, it's delivered frozen so you'll need to make sure you've got plenty of room to store it
| Quantity: | Varies depending on personalised plan |
| Number of pouches: | Varies depending on personalised plan |
| Flavours: | Chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, duck and pork |
- Ingredients: Varies depending on personalised plan
Best wet cat food paté
Lily's Kitchen/Amazon
For a paté style meal for your moggy, Check out Lily's Kitchen Adult Organic Chicken Dinner Complete Wet Cat Food. It offers an ultra-smooth paste for kitties who may struggle to chow down on more chunky wet food with their teeth.
The recipe is made with totally natural ingredients and no added sugar or fillers, so you know you're getting high-quality meat, too. In fact, over half of the overall composition of this food is made up of meat. It also contains essential taurine which is vital for your cat's heart and eye health.
This recipe is grain-free so a good option for those cats with allergies, intolerances and sensitivities, although it's worth noting that it is made in a factory where grain is handled so traces may be present. Cat owners felt the food didn't actually smell too bad for being cat food and found that even the fussiest of cats liked the recipe on offer.
Pros
- Very smooth so ideal for cats with teeth problems
- Contains taurine for heart and eye health
- Quality, organic ingredients
Cons
- Although this recipe is grain-free, it's made in a factory that handles grains so there may be a small chance that it contains traces
| Quantity: | 85g per tray |
| Number of trays: | 19 |
| Flavours: | Organic chicken dinner (Beef, Fish and Turkey available) |
- Ingredients: Organic Chicken (30%), Organic Pork (12%), Organic Beef (10%), Organic Fish (4%), Organic Carrots, Minerals.
Best wet cat food variety
Best wet cat food for variety
Lilys Kitchenwww.lilyskitchen.co.uk
These Lily's Kitchen Shredded Fillets Multipack recipes are made with natural ingredients and no added sugars. It’s also complete, which means this food has everything your cat needs to stay in good health.
Flavours including Simply Chicken, Chicken with Mussel, Tuna with Salmon and Chicken with Ham will entise your kitty to the bowl, with each of the recipes made with proper meat and fish with a delicious shredded texture that your moggy won't be able to get enough of. It has a high percentage of meat in each one too, at least 45 percent, and a high percent of broth too to keep the meat nice and moist.
As we've mentioned with the other Lily's Kitchen food we've included in our list, it is a good grain-free option but just be weary that it is made in a factory where grain is present. Traces could be found in the food so perhaps not ideal for a cat that have a very severe grain allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. Some reviewers also questioned the overall value of this food but most felt it was worth it overall because of how much their cat loves it, and found it was more cost effective compared to the food they were wasting before due to their cat being fussy with it.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients with no added sugar
- Delicious shredded texture
- High-protein chicken and fish and a large percentage of it in all recipes
Cons
- Grain-free but made in a factory that handles grains so traces may be present
| Quantity: | 70g per pot |
| Number of pouches: | 32 |
| Flavours: | Chicken x 8, Chicken and Ham x 8, Chicken with Mussel x 8, Tuna with Salmon x 8 |
- Ingredients:
- Simply Chicken Shredded Fillets: Freshly Prepared Chicken (50%), Chicken Broth (45%), Sunflower Oil, Minerals, Tapioca, Tuna Oil.
- Chicken with Ham Shredded Fillets: Freshly Prepared Chicken (45%), Freshly Prepared Ham (3%), Chicken Broth (47%), Sunflower Oil, Minerals, Tapioca, Tuna Oil.
- Chicken with Mussel Shredded Fillets: Freshly Prepared Chicken (45%), Freshly Prepared Mussels 3%, Chicken Broth 47%, Sunflower Oil, Minerals, Tapioca, Tuna Oil.
- Tuna with Salmon Shredded Fillets: Freshly Prepared Tuna (47%), Freshly Prepared Salmon 4%, Tuna Broth (47%), Sunflower Oil, Minerals, Tapioca, Tuna Oil.
Best wet cat food for sensitive stomachs
AVA/Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
If your cat suffers from a continuous sensitive stomach, this may be the choice for them. Hypoallergenic and made with digestion in mind, the AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1+ Sensitive Wet Adult Cat Food Fish is recommended by veterinarians and will help with easing any stomach problems your kitty may have.
The recipe is made with easy-to-digest fish protein and as you’d expect from a fishy food, it also includes Omega 3 from the fish oil included, as well as zinc and biotin for improvements to your cat’s overall skin and coat condition. It also includes a combination of prebiotics, botanicals, vitamins and selected minerals, which together is known as +imuvita, which is made for supporting your cat’s overall health and immune system through nutritionally balanced ingredients.
With any fishy recipe, there’s bound to be a strong smell so that’s something to bear in mind when serving this food to your kitty. You might not enjoy the smell, but that’s what is going to attract them to their bowl when it’s time for din dins. Customers have commented that their cat’s skin and tummy troubles have lessened since starting with this food and their coat has been looking in a lot better condition.
Pros
- Great for cats with sensitive stomachs
- Includes Imuvita+ to support good health and immunity
- Contains omega 3 from fish oil, zinc and biotin to maintain skin and coat
Cons
- Strong fishy smell which you might not love, but your cat certainly will!
| Quantity: | 85g per pouch |
| Number of pouches: | 12 |
| Flavours: | Fish |
- Ingredients: Tuna (26%), Chicken, Sunflower Oil, Yeast Extract, Fish Oil (1%), Minerals (1%), Cellulose Fibre (1%), Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Yeast (as a source of Prebiotic Mannan-oligosaccharides & Beta-glucans) (0.045%), Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharides) (0.03%), Yucca Extract (0.005%), Glucosamine (0.005%), Dried Blueberry (0.003%), Cranberry Extract (0.003%), Pomegranate Extract (0.003%), Chondroitin (0.0017%). Omega 6 1.48%, Omega 3 0.48%. 99 kcal per 100g.
Best wet cat food for kittens
Best wet cat food for kittens
James Wellbeloved/Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
If you've just added a cute new family member to your household, then you should try out James Wellbeloved Kitten Turkey Wet Kitten Food. It has a hypoallergenic recipe made without grains with no added wheat, eggs, soya or fillers and additives to give your kitty the best start in life.
It's made with 100 per cent natural turkey, and it's the main ingredient, too. As it makes up 40 per cent of the food overall, you can be assured that this food contains plenty of protein to strengthen up those muscles of your little fluff ball. It also contains yucca extract that is designed to lessen the odour coming from your kitty’s stool as well as Omega 3 and 6 oils to have their skin and coat in tip-top condition.
Served as meaty chunks in a tasty gravy, some kittens may struggle to chew through the chunks to begin with so you might want to break them down a bit with a fork before serving if you’re concerned. Overall, reviewers felt this food helped settle their kitten’s stomach and improved the consistency and smell of their stool too.
Pros
- Made with 100 per cent natural turkey
- Contains yucca extract to improve stool smell/consistency
- Hypoallergenic with no added wheat
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the meaty chunks were too big/difficult to chew for young kittens
| Quantity: | 85g per pouch |
| Number of pouches: | 12 or 48 |
| Flavours: | Turkey in gravy |
- Ingredients: Turkey (40.7%), pea protein, tapioca starch, tomato pomace, minerals, sunflower oil, linseed oil, tomato powder, fish oil, chicory extract (0.067%), cranberry extract (0.013%), yucca extract (0.005%).
Best wet cat food for senior cats
Royal Canin/VioVetwww.viovet.co.uk
We haven't forgotten our older crowd either - this Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Ageing 12+ Senior Wet Cat Food is made for any cats over the age of twelve years old and will boost the immune system of older cats.
The main thing we love about Royal Canin is the sheer amount of recipes they offer that target a specific breed, age range or health condition and this food is no different. As part of their health nutrition range, it is formulated with the specific nutrition that older cats need to help maintain their strength and overall health and wellbeing during their twilight years. It has the adequate phosphorus content needed to support healthy kidney function and overall renal health as well as added nutrients that target their joints to keep them strong.
Generally, customers feel like while this Royal Canin food is a more premium option for their cats, the brand is reliable and trusted. Some cats go off their food as they get older, but reviewers have found their cats to be very keen to eat this food and some have felt their cat has become more active since chowing down on it at mealtimes.
Pros
- Help maintain healthy joints and keeps them strong
- Formulated with the specific nutrition that older cats need to help maintain their strength and overall health and wellbeing
- Phosphorus content to help support healthy kidney function and overall renal health
Cons
- Customers felt this food is a more premium option compared to others but worth it because it's a trusted and reliable brand
| Quantity: | 85g per pouch |
| Number of pouches: | 12, 48 |
| Flavours: | Meat |
- Ingredients: Meat and animal derivatives, cereals, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats, derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals, various sugars, molluscs and crustaceans.
How we chose the best wet cat food
All of these wet cat foods have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered flavour, price and nutritional value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching wet cat food to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQs
Take A Break Pets' verdict: What is the best wet cat food?
IAMS Delights Wet Food Land and Sea Collection gets our paw of approval.
It's a mid-price product and yet packs all the essential ingredients and scientific rigour compared to the more expensive competitors. This is a 'complete' food, with vitamins and minerals that IAMS claims to support the seven signs of vitality. That is healthy brain development, growth, eyes, skin and coat, digestion, teeth, and a strong immune system. IAMS cat food is the product of over 70 years of research, development and innovation.
Should I feed my cat wet cat food?
We mentioned some of them earlier on in our guide to the best wet cat food, but there are a lot of benefits to switching your kitty to wet food.
• High water content: With wet food, you know that your cat is getting completely hydrated. The moisture comes from the wetness of gravies and jellies.
• Meat protein: You’ll find that a lot of wet cat food has naturally high meat content too, because of how it's made. Add in any extra natural ingredients and you’ve got a winner.
• Soft and easy to chew: If your kitty has dental problems, they may favour wet food over dry because it's a lot easier on their teeth. This is why wet food is a great food for senior cats whose teeth just aren't what they used to be.
• Packeted efficiently: There’s a lower risk of overfeeding your cat here because usually, it comes in small packets. Feed your cat twice a day. Totally simple.
• Variety: There’s so much choice when it comes to wet food and they usually come in variety packs as they are, so your cat is getting pure luxury and lots of different flavours.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Writer for Take a Break, heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.