What You Need to Know About Feeding Wet Food to Puppies

Wet food isn't just beneficial during the weaning process — it can also be advantageous as puppies continue to grow. Teething can be painful, so soft, easy-to-chew wet food is often more comfortable for puppies with sore gums. Additionally, some puppies have fewer teeth in the early months, making wet food a more practical option. If your puppy is a picky eater, wet food can be especially appealing due to its stronger aroma and flavor.

Because wet food contains a higher moisture content than dry food, it can also help puppies stay hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water.

There's no "best" food for all puppies, since their needs depend on their breed, age, weight and more. Your vet can help you find a food that aligns with your puppy's needs, considering these factors as well as their activity level and any underlying health concerns or risk factors. That said, a few general guidelines can help you choose a formula your dog thrives on.

Texture and Taste

Available in cans, pouches and trays, wet food comes in many textures to suit different puppies' needs and preferences. These include smooth pâtés, ground or minced options, loaf-style foods, and chunks-in-gravy or stew-like recipes. Pâtés, with their soft, uniform consistency, are often ideal for smaller puppies or those with developing teeth. Some pâtés are moister, containing additional broth or juice, while others are firmer and drier. Both can work well depending on your puppy's individual taste.

Chunks-in-gravy or stew-style wet foods are another popular option. When choosing one, be sure it's specifically formulated for puppies, as adult versions may have pieces that are too large for puppies to chew easily. Some stew-style formulas also include whole vegetables, such as peas or carrots. If your puppy is picky, they may initially avoid certain ingredients (for example, leaving the peas behind). However, preferences can evolve over time, so it's worth reintroducing these foods occasionally and experimenting with various textures to help broaden your puppy's palate.

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Texture is just one factor to consider — the most important is choosing a wet food that's complete and balanced for growing puppies. Large-breed puppies (those expected to weigh over 70 pounds as adults) have unique nutritional needs, so it's essential to select a formula specifically designed for them. Medium-sized breeds typically do well on foods labeled simply as "puppy," while small and toy breeds often benefit from size-specific formulas. When in doubt, consult your vet to find the best option for your puppy's size and needs.

Hybrid Feeding (Wet Food Mixed with Dry Food)

You can also take a hybrid approach, feeding your puppy both wet and dry formulas. Many pet parents use wet food to help transition their puppy to dry food. A common approach is to mix wet and dry food, gradually adjusting the ratio over time to help your puppy adapt to different textures.

If you're unsure about the best way to incorporate wet food into your puppy's meals, your vet is the best source for personalized guidance. They can recommend wet food options that meet your puppy's specific nutritional needs, show you how to mix different formulas and advise on the right balance between wet and dry food based on your puppy's breed, age and overall health.

Some puppies want to eat everything in front of them, so portion control is key. With puppies' rapid growth and changing nutritional needs, the best way to know how much to feed your puppy is to talk to your vet and discuss your pup's progress at each visit.

So, what's the best wet dog food for puppies? Start by choosing a complete and balanced formula designed specifically for puppies. For tailored advice, consult your vet. They can help you keep your puppy healthy as they grow, including recommendations on when to switch to an adult dog food and how to adjust portions to help them maintain an ideal weight.