Canned cat food offers numerous benefits for your feline friend. With 75-78% moisture content, wet food helps ensure proper hydration, which is especially important for cats who don't drink enough water. Canned food is also typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food, making it an excellent choice for your cat's health.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best canned cat foods available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on ingredient quality, nutritional content, palatability, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Wellness CORE Canned Food - High protein, grain-free, quality ingredients
- Best Budget: Fancy Feast - Affordable, palatable, variety of flavors
- Best Premium: Orijen Canned Food - Premium ingredients, high protein, biologically appropriate
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Limited Ingredient Formula - Simple ingredients, easy digestion
What to Look For in Canned Cat Food
When choosing canned cat food, consider these important factors:
Protein Content
Look for canned foods with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient. The protein content should be at least 8-10% (as-fed basis) for adult maintenance, with higher levels being preferable.
Moisture Content
Canned food should contain 75-78% moisture, which helps with hydration. This is one of the primary benefits of wet food over dry food.
Ingredient Quality
Choose foods with named protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish) rather than generic terms like "meat" or "poultry by-products." Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives.
AAFCO Statement
Ensure the food meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition for your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, or senior).
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Protein | Moisture | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness CORE | 12% | 78% | All-around use | $$ |
| Fancy Feast | 9-11% | 78% | Budget, variety | $ |
| Orijen | 12%+ | 78% | Premium quality | $$$ |
| Limited Ingredient | 8-10% | 78% | Sensitive stomachs | $$ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Wellness CORE Canned Food - Best Overall
Wellness CORE canned cat food offers high-quality nutrition with real meat as the first ingredient. This grain-free formula provides 12% protein and is made without corn, wheat, or soy fillers.
The food contains natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition. It's available in various flavors including chicken, turkey, and fish, providing variety for your cat.
Wellness CORE is suitable for all life stages and provides the high moisture content cats need for proper hydration. The pate texture is smooth and palatable, making it appealing to most cats.
Key Features: High protein (12%), grain-free, real meat first, complete nutrition, multiple flavors
2. Fancy Feast - Best Budget
Fancy Feast offers affordable canned cat food with good palatability and variety. Available in numerous flavors and textures (pate, chunks, shreds), it provides options to keep your cat interested.
While Fancy Feast may contain more fillers than premium brands, it still provides complete nutrition and meets AAFCO standards. The high moisture content helps with hydration, and most cats find it very palatable.
Fancy Feast is an excellent budget option for pet owners feeding multiple cats or those on a tight budget. The variety of flavors and textures makes it easy to find options your cat enjoys.
Key Features: Affordable, high palatability, variety of flavors/textures, complete nutrition, economical
3. Orijen Canned Food - Best Premium
Orijen canned cat food uses premium, biologically appropriate ingredients with high protein content (12%+). Made with fresh, regional ingredients, it provides nutrition that closely matches what cats would eat in the wild.
This food contains a variety of protein sources including chicken, turkey, and fish, providing a diverse amino acid profile. It's grain-free and made without artificial preservatives.
Orijen is a premium option for pet owners who prioritize ingredient quality and are willing to invest in their cat's nutrition. The high protein and quality ingredients support optimal health.
Key Features: Premium ingredients, high protein, biologically appropriate, grain-free, diverse proteins
4. Limited Ingredient Canned Food - Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Limited ingredient canned foods use a minimal number of ingredients, making them ideal for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. These formulas typically use a single protein source and limited carbohydrates.
These foods are easier to digest and help identify food allergies by eliminating common allergens. They're often made with novel proteins like duck, rabbit, or venison for cats with common protein allergies.
Limited ingredient formulas still provide complete nutrition while being gentle on sensitive digestive systems. They're particularly useful for cats with chronic digestive issues or known food allergies.
Key Features: Limited ingredients, single protein source, easy digestion, allergy-friendly, complete nutrition
Final Verdict
Wellness CORE Canned Food is our top choice for most cats, offering excellent nutrition with high protein and quality ingredients. Fancy Feast provides good value for budget-conscious owners, while Orijen offers premium quality for those willing to invest more. Limited ingredient formulas are ideal for cats with sensitivities.
Remember that canned food should be refrigerated after opening and used within 2-3 days. Many pet owners feed a combination of wet and dry food to provide both hydration and convenience. Always ensure your cat has access to fresh water regardless of their food type.