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What’s the best wet food for your puppy?
The answer to that important question depends on the BREED SIZE of your particular dog.
That’s because…
Large breed puppies have a high risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium while they’re still growing.1
Notice the serious bone and joint damage visible in this x-ray:
Since the nutritional needs of small and large breed puppies are so different, it’s important to choose a wet food that’s SAFE for your puppy’s breed size.
On the page below…
We’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s best wet puppy foods… each labeled “Best for” to help you choose a food that’s safe for YOUR puppy’s breed size.
And we’ll also answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding wet puppy food.
Best Fresh Dog Food September 2025
Here are the Dog Food Advisor's best wet puppy food brands for September 2025.
Best Wet Puppy Food
The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe
Rating:
Puppies require a precise balance of nutrients to support their rapid growth. Fresh food, such as this chicken recipe by The Farmer’s Dog, is formulated to provide a balanced diet. It includes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for bone development and receives a 5-star rating from our pet nutritionist Laura Ward.
Freshly prepared food often tastes better to dogs. This can be especially important for puppies who are more prone to be picky eaters. The high palatability of this food encourages puppies to eat well and enjoy their meals.
The bulk of the protein from this recipe comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 46% protein, 25% fat and 21% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Find out more about The Farmer’s Dog brand.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Customized subscriptions
- Human-grade ingredients
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 46% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"I changed up Liam’s food and he has his puppy energy back! Thank you so much for helping me whip this fat boy back in shape!"
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com
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Best Premium Wet Puppy Food
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots
Rating:
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots gets our 5-star rating and recommendation as the best premium food for puppies because it combines high-quality, human-grade ingredients with balanced nutrition designed for their developmental needs.
The fresh, gently cooked food is easily digestible, supports overall health, and avoids artificial additives and fillers.
Ollie’s tailored feeding plans and high moisture content make it a convenient and effective option for providing optimal nutrition during a puppy’s crucial growth stages.
This formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and chicken liver, which provides a high-quality source of protein essential for muscle development. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31% protein, 12% fat and 50% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- High quality proteins
- Minimal processing
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver |
| Type | Grain-inclusive |
| Protein Percentage | 31% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"Rusty absolutely loves his Ollie! He did gain 3lbs, so I have switched up his order to half chicken and half beef. It’s peace of mind knowing he is getting good quality food! "
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com
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Best Affordable Wet Puppy Food
Wellness Complete Health Puppy
Rating:
This chicken and salmon flavored puppy food from Wellness is formulated by pet nutritionists and veterinarians and packed with protein and vegetables to support the development of growing puppies.
The pate texture ensures it is easily palatable for small mouths and teeth and the nutrient-rich ingredients promote whole body health including the development of a strong immune system, optimal energy levels, digestive function and a healthy coat and skin.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 41% protein, 27% fat and 24% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Pate Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Affordable
- Vitamins & minerals
- High quality ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, salmon, ground barley |
| Type | Grain-inclusive |
| Protein Percentage | 41% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"We adopted a baby Basset Hound. We fed Wellness puppy and he is thriving today because of it. We wanted the same for Darwin. He's 3 months old and loves this food. We mix it with the large breed Wellness puppy. Highly recommend it and our vet recommended this food to us too. Darwin gives it 2 paws up!"
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Best Wet Puppy Food for Allergies
Nom Nom Pork Pot Luck
Rating:
Nom Nom Pork Potluck is a good option for puppies with allergies because it focuses on high-quality, limited ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, while also being nutritionally balanced to support a puppy’s growth and development.
Pork is considered a novel protein for many dogs, meaning it’s less commonly found in standard dog foods compared to proteins like chicken or beef. This makes it a good alternative for puppies who may be allergic to more common proteins.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 71%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food for Allergies page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Customized meal plans
- Novel protein
- Easily digestible
| Main Ingredients | Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale |
| Texture | Wet |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 28% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com
Best Wet Puppy Food to Mix with Dry
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef
Rating:
Puppies often enjoy wet food mixed with dry because wet food tends to have a stronger aroma and richer flavor than kibble; the smell and taste of this combination can be more appealing to puppies.
As wet food contains a higher moisture content than dry, when mixed together the overall moisture content of the meal increases, which can be beneficial for puppies, especially if they don’t drink enough water.
This grain-free canned puppy food from Merrick contains 82% moisture in a savory gravy. It derives the bulk of its protein from beef and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- USDA-certified
- High quality ingredients
- Contains DHA
| Main Ingredients | Deboned beef, beef broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 44% |
| AAFCO Standards | Growth |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"I am amazed at how good this product is: made of excellent quality ingredients, the best for my fur baby’s development and health. He absolutely loves the taste and is always asking for more!"
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
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Best Wet Puppy Food for Large Breeds
Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy
Rating:
Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy Food is well-suited for large breed puppies because it provides balanced, high-quality nutrition tailored to their unique growth needs, supporting healthy development while minimizing the risk of common large breed health issues.
Open Farm is known for its transparency in sourcing, allowing pet parents to trace the origin of the ingredients. This commitment to quality ensures puppies are getting safe, nutritious food free from harmful additives or low-quality ingredients.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 42% protein, 35% fat and 15% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 85%.
For more choices: See our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- Pre portions of fresh food
- Antibiotic, hormone and steroid-free
| Main Ingredients | Humanely-raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, humanely-raised pork, chicken liver, carrots |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 42% |
| AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
| Best For | All puppies (including large breeds) |
Sample buyer review...
"Tried this puppy gently cooked food and she loves it. I combine half and half and she eats it all and stays full until it’s time to eat again. She has tons of energy and looks great. Quality food makes a difference"
Read more buyer reviews at Open Farm
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Best Wet Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Solid Gold Grain-Free Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Rating:
Help fuel your small breed puppy with this Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry food from Solid Gold. We love this wet, grain and gluten-free recipe. It includes wholesome vegetables such as peas and sweet potatoes, plus nutrient-packed superfoods like vitamin E-rich cranberries.
This particular formula derives the bulk of its protein from lamb and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
For more choices: See our Best Small Breed Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Contains superfoods
- Easily digestible
- High-quality meat
| Main Ingredients | Water sufficient for processing, lamb, chicken liver, whitefish, sweet potatoes |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 44% |
| AAFCO Standards | Growth & Maintenance |
| Best For | Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs |
Sample buyer review...
"My Mini Dachshund & Chihuahua love Solid Gold Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry Food and they give it 5 stars!"
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
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Best Wet Puppy Food for a Sensitive Stomach
Just Food for Dogs Pantry Fresh Chicken & White Rice
Rating:
The fresh formula by Just Food for Dogs consists of straightforward, whole food ingredients such as chicken, white rice, carrots, and fish oil. A limited ingredient diet such as this can be beneficial for puppies with a sensitive stomach because it reduces the chances of triggering food sensitivities or allergies.
The absence of common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives further reduces the risk of digestive upset, making it a safer choice for sensitive puppies.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 11% fat and 49% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 33%.
For more choices: See our Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human grade ingredients
- No additives, preservatives or growth hormones
- Highly digestible
| Main Ingredients | Water, chicken, rice, carrots, spinach |
| Type | Grain-inclusive |
| Protein Percentage | 33% |
| AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
| Best For | All puppies |
Sample buyer review...
"My dog is quite picky and has sensitive digestion. She loves the chicken and rice recipe. I make it sometimes with the DIY blend to make it more affordable, but the tetra packs make it so easy when we travel or when she goes to her sitter. Love the option for shelf stable packaging of fresh food!"
Read more buyer reviews at Just Food For Dogs.com
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Best Wet Puppy Food with Grains
Canidae All Life Stages - Chicken & Rice Formula
Rating:
Rice is a well-tolerated, easily digestible carbohydrate that provides a steady source of energy. This is particularly important for puppies, as their energy needs are high due to their rapid growth and active nature.
This grain-inclusive formula is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making it a safer and healthier option for puppies as avoiding artificial additives helps reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities, which are more common in young dogs.
This bulk of the protein from this food comes from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 41% protein, 30% fat and 22% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 72%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food with Grain page
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Wholesome grains
- Quality proteins
- Expert formulated
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, oat bran |
| Type | Grain-inclusive |
| Protein Percentage | 41% |
| AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
| Best For | All puppies including large breeds |
Sample buyer review...
"My dog has never eaten new food with gusto until now. He really surprised us by eating without any coaxing. This is the first time, and we were thrilled. No more dry food. We've tried everything. Now, if I could get my husband to stop giving him too many treats!"
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
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Best Griain-Free Wet Puppy Food
Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Turkey, Cod and Sweet Potato Puppy Food
Rating:
This grain-free recipe has balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and teeth in growing puppies, while antioxidants such as cranberries and blueberries support a healthy immune system.
It is low-glycemic, free of grains, corn, wheat or soy and has all the animal-based protein puppies need to fuel and nourish their growing muscles.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
For more choices: See our Best Grain-Free Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Animal protein sources
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No artificial preservatives
| Main Ingredients | Turkey, turkey broth, salmon broth, turkey liver, cod |
| Type | Grain-free |
| Protein Percentage | 43% |
| AAFCO Standards | Growth |
| Best For | Small and medium breed puppies |
Sample buyer review...
"I love the Nulo puppy food. My Chihuahuas puppies and my older chihuahuas really love this food. You can actually see the chunks of vegetables in this food. If the chunks are too big, they are easy to smash and blend in with the food."
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More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
- How We Rate Dog Food
- Best Raw Dog Foods
- How We Rate Dog Food
- Best Raw Dog Foods
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a fresh food without getting my dog sick?
In this short video…
Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your pet’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a fresh dog food.
It’s best to switch your dog to a fresh diet gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “fresh” with 80% “old” food. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100% over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Schedule | Old Food | Fresh Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
How do fresh dog food subscription programs work?
Most fresh dog food subscription programs work the same way. First, you’ll answer a few questions about your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies, which creates a custom feeding profile for your pet.
Finally, you’ll set up a delivery schedule. And soon after that, fresh-made pet food arrives at your door, packed in dry ice.
How long does fresh dog food stay fresh?
Since fresh dog food contains no preservatives, it must be kept refrigerated or frozen.
Storage instructions vary from brand to brand. In most cases, fresh dog food can last for up to 6 months, as long as the food package remains frozen and unopened.
Once a container is defrosted, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 4 days.
Is fresh dog food good for senior dogs?
Since older dogs tend to have missing teeth and other dental problems, chewing dry food can be difficult. So, a soft, fresh dog food can help make eating much easier.
And since dogs tend to lose muscle mass as they age, most seniors benefit from the higher protein content found in most fresh dog foods.
But caloric needs can vary.
Overweight seniors require fewer calories, while underweight older pets need more.
Because fresh foods are custom designed for each dog, a pre-measured, high-protein meal can be a super-healthy option.
Is fresh-cooked dog food safe for ALL puppies?
Unfortunately, some puppy breeds have a higher risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease if they’re fed a fresh diet that contains too much calcium… while they’re still growing. This is especially true for larger breeds.1 2
Keep in mind, many large breed puppies don’t stop growing until they reach 15 to 24 months of age.3 4 5
So, if you expect your puppy to weigh over 50 pounds when they reach adulthood, be sure to choose a fresh dog food on this page that’s rated safe for large breeds.
Do all fresh dog foods meet AAFCO nutrition standards?
Sadly, many do not.
Some fresh pet foods can be found at local farmer’s markets around the country. These “micro brands” tend to be produced by smaller businesses and home hobbyists… without professional guidance.
Many fail to meet basic FDA regulations or AAFCO nutrient guidelines.
Minor brands like these are rarely tested for Salmonella and other disease-causing bacteria. Which is why we do not include any of these products on this page.
- Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
