The dog food market has a plethora of options to choose from, and naturally, we want to make the best choice for our beloved pets. Whether it’s wet or dry food, you may be slightly overwhelmed by all the options, especially when it comes to the best food to suit your pup and its needs.
Wet dog food can have extra benefits when compared to dry dog food. It has a higher moisture content, is more palatable, is easier to chew, and your canine friend will most likely feel fuller for longer.
You may be wondering if your small pup has different dietary needs than bigger dogs, so we compiled a list with reviews of the best canned and wet dog food for small dogs to help you select the best option for your small friend.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Dog Food
Made with real chicken and liver
Specially formulated calorie levels
High protein content
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Best Value
Halo Small Breed Canned Dog Food
No rendered meat
No GMO fruits or vegetables
Sustainable and holistic
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Premium Choice
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Exceeds industry nutritional standards
Pre-measured portions
High protein content
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Canned Dog Food
Made with real chicken
23 essential vitamins and minerals
DHA to support brain and vision
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Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Dog Food
Natural ingredients
Easy to digest
Pre-portioned
Check Price
The 11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Foods for Small Dogs
Our choice for best overall wet food for small dogs is Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free dog food. This wholesome recipe is made with 95% real meat and organs, followed by real fruits and vegetables. The high protein content provided by chicken and liver will keep your dog’s muscles lean and strong, and the recipe’s omega fatty acids help promote a healthy coat and skin. The calories in each portion are specially formulated for small-breed dogs, so they don’t get overweight. Instinct Original is free from preservatives and artificial colors, but it’s nutrient-dense and tasty for a happy, healthy pup.
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, cod, peas, eggs, pea fiber, ground flaxseed
Protein content: 8.5% min
Fat content: 4.5% min
Calories: 88 kcal per can
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This product is grain-free which is only ideal for some dogs. Grains can be very beneficial to a canine’s diet, so it is best to consult your vet.
Pros
Made with real chicken and liver
Specially formulated calorie levels
High protein content
Cons
Expensive
Halo Dog food is made with whole meats and sustainably sourced fruits and vegetables that are GMO-free. This formula contains no artificial ingredients and is rich in antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats. Since it’s paired with a delicious savory flavor that your dog will love, Halo won the best-wet dog food for the money award. Halo is specially formulated for smaller breeds, and your dog will love this recipe which is ideal for its high metabolism.
Made with real chicken and liver
Specially formulated calorie levels
High protein content
- Made with real chicken and liver
- Specially formulated calorie levels
- High protein content
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, ground dried peas, duck, carrots
Protein content: 11% min
Fat content: 5% min
Calories: 194 kcal per can
The consistency can be a bit mushy for some dogs causing them to turn it down. This grain-free recipe is suitable for all canines. Grains can benefit a dog’s diet, so we recommend consulting with your vet to find the best diet plan to suit your dog.
Pros
No rendered meat
No GMO fruits or vegetables
Sustainable and holistic
Cons
Mushy consistency
3. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Premium Choice
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Main ingredients: Meat by-products, chicken, water, liver, carrageenan
Protein content: 8% min
Fat content: 3.5% min
Calories: 100kcal per tray
The pandemic saw a meteoric rise in meal kits as families coped with the sudden upheaval. That trend extended to pet food. Enter The Farmer’s Dog, our premium pick for the best affordable canned and wet dog food. It is a subscription-based service, offering your choice of four protein sources: turkey, chicken, beef, or pork. The meals are pre-cooked for storage in your fridge.
No rendered meat
No GMO fruits or vegetables
Sustainable and holistic
- No rendered meat
- No GMO fruits or vegetables
- Sustainable and holistic
Mushy consistency
- Mushy consistency
This company works with veterinary nutritionists to ensure a quality product. Unfortunately, we saw a couple of red flags in the ingredients with items such as lentils (beef recipe), chickpeas (turkey recipe), and sweet potatoes (pork recipe). The FDA is currently investigating their possible link to spikes in canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
The company also describes its foods as “human-grade,” which is not a defined term for these animal products. On the positive side, the pre-measured portions make it easy for you to keep your pet’s weight in check. They have a high protein content to keep your pup sated. They are also within the recommended caloric intake for dogs.
It’s hard to beat the convenience of these foods. However, you must take food safety seriously, particularly during the summer, although they do pack everything with ice packs to keep the food cool for as long as possible!
Pros
Exceeds industry nutritional standards
Pre-measured portions
High protein content
Various recipes to choose from with mostly clean ingredient
Cons
A few questionable ingredients
Must be careful about food spoilage
Purina’s Pro Plan Development food is a well-balanced recipe to sustain your pup for its first year, providing a strong foundation. It is made with real chicken as the primary ingredient, and it is a high-protein recipe for your pup’s developing muscles. Pro Plan is packed with DHA to support vision and brain development and 23 essential vitamins and minerals that help your pup’s vulnerable immune system and coat.
Exceeds industry nutritional standards
Pre-measured portions
High protein content
Various recipes to choose from with mostly clean ingredient
- Exceeds industry nutritional standards
- Pre-measured portions
- High protein content
- Various recipes to choose from with mostly clean ingredient
A few questionable ingredients
Must be careful about food spoilage
- A few questionable ingredients
- Must be careful about food spoilage
Main ingredients: Chicken, liver, meat by-products, water, salmon, rice
Protein content: 10% min
Fat content: 7% min
Calories: 475kcal per can
Some puppy owners have reported that the consistency of the food is sticky and too pasty, causing it to stick to the puppy’s pallet and making it more difficult to eat.
Pros
Made with real chicken
23 essential vitamins and minerals
DHA to support brain and vision
Cons
A bit pasty and sticky for some pups
Contains meat by-products
Hills Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dog Food is formulated by pet nutritionists, and it is our vet’s choice dog food. This recipe is designed for small breed dogs 7 years and older and is packaged in single-serving trays for convenient and ideal portioning. Small Paws is made with real chicken, vegetables, and brown rice, and the hearty gravy makes this recipe easy to digest.
Made with real chicken
23 essential vitamins and minerals
DHA to support brain and vision
- Made with real chicken
- 23 essential vitamins and minerals
- DHA to support brain and vision
A bit pasty and sticky for some pups
Contains meat by-products
- A bit pasty and sticky for some pups
- Contains meat by-products
Main ingredients: Water, chicken, pork liver, brown rice, carrots
Protein content: 3.5%
Fat content: 2.3% min
Calories: 83 kcal
The single servings could end up being a costly choice, and some dog owners have found the foil seal is a bit tight, causing gravy to spill when it is pulled open.
Pros
Natural ingredients
Easy to digest
Pre-portioned
Cons
Costly
Inconvenient packaging
Purina Bella Small Breed dog food is a tasty pre-portioned dog food that comes in a variety of flavors. It is high in protein to support small muscles, while a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants looks after your dog’s immune system. The small chicken pieces mixed up with savory juices make it easy for little mouths to chew, and the single-serving trays allow you to take your dog on outings with a convenient, easy-to-serve portion of food that can easily fit into your handbag. This nutrient-dense recipe will provide your small dog with all the goodness they need. The only con that dog owners have reported is that the food can have a strong and sometimes unpleasant smell.
Natural ingredients
Easy to digest
Pre-portioned
- Natural ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Pre-portioned
Costly
Inconvenient packaging
- Costly
- Inconvenient packaging
Main ingredients: Meat by-products, chicken, water, liver, carrageenan
Protein content: 8% min
Fat content: 3.5% min
Calories: 100kcal per tray
Pros
High protein
Easy for small mouths to chew
Easy to serve tray for when on the go
Cons
Can have an unpleasant smell
The first ingredient in Blue Buffalo Homestyle Dog Food is chicken for a high protein and tasty recipe to support your small dogs’ healthy muscles. This pack of 24 cans can be served as a treat, on its own, or it can be mixed with your dog’s favorite dry food. Homestyle is formulated with a balance of protein and carbohydrates and wholesome ingredients, including fruit, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. It doesn’t contain any preservatives, artificial colors, or by-products.
High protein
Easy for small mouths to chew
Easy to serve tray for when on the go
- High protein
- Easy for small mouths to chew
- Easy to serve tray for when on the go
Can have an unpleasant smell
- Can have an unpleasant smell
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, carrots, peas, brown rice, dried egg product, barley, oatmeal, sweet potatoes
Protein content: 10% min
Fat content: 7.5% min
Calories: 214 kcal per cup
Some dog owners mentioned that their dogs disliked the food’s flavor, but every dog will have a different preference, andmost dogs seem to enjoy this recipe.
Pros
Can be served as a treat, mixed or on its own
No by-products
No preservatives or artificial colors
Cons
Some dogs dislike the flavor
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Dog Food will give your dog a combination of functional and nutritional ingredients. Real chicken is the top ingredient that packs this formula with protein to support your dogs’ muscles. Pro Plan has 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support your pet’s immune system, nourish their skin and coat, and deliver complete and balanced nutrition for a happy and wholesome life.
Can be served as a treat, mixed or on its own
No by-products
No preservatives or artificial colors
- Can be served as a treat, mixed or on its own
- No by-products
- No preservatives or artificial colors
Some dogs dislike the flavor
- Some dogs dislike the flavor
Main ingredients: Chicken, water, liver, meat by-products, rice, guar gum, minerals
Protein content: 9% min
Fat content: 6% min
Calories: 443 kcal per can
This recipe is low in fiber, which can affect bowel movements. The ingredient Carrageenan can also cause bloating in some dogs.
Pros
Made with whole chicken
High protein
No artificial flavorings or preservatives
Cons
Contains carrageenan
Contains by-products
Low in fiber
Pedigree Chopped Ground Canned Dog Food is a nourishing recipe that is easily digested so that nutrients are easily absorbed. It contains high levels of oils and minerals that keep your dog’s coat looking shiny.. This tasty recipe can be served on its own or mixed with your dog’s dry food. The texture and consistency make it easy for small breeds to eat as well.
Made with whole chicken
High protein
No artificial flavorings or preservatives
- Made with whole chicken
- High protein
- No artificial flavorings or preservatives
Contains carrageenan
Contains by-products
Low in fiber
- Contains carrageenan
- Contains by-products
- Low in fiber
Main ingredients: Filet mignon flavor: chicken, sufficient water for processing, meat by-products, animal liver
Protein content: 8% min
Fat content: 6% min
Calories: 420 kcal per can
It is important to be aware that the main ingredient in this recipe is chicken, and the label can be misleading.
Pros
Easily digestible
Can be served alone or mixed
High protein
Cons
Misleading label—primary ingredient is chicken
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small and Mighty Small Breed Formula lists chicken as its primary ingredient, providing high-quality protein for your dog’s energy needs and muscle growth. This recipe is enriched with wholesome grains, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Blue Buffalo does not contain animal by-products, preservatives, or artificial colorants, but it features a prebiotic fiber to support digestive health.
Easily digestible
Can be served alone or mixed
High protein
- Easily digestible
- Can be served alone or mixed
- High protein
Misleading label—primary ingredient is chicken
- Misleading label—primary ingredient is chicken
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, whitefish, chicken liver, brown rice, oats, barley, carrots
Protein content: 7.5 % min
Fat content: 5% min
Calories: 178 kcal per can
This tasty and nutritionally balanced dog food has a higher price tag, but it’s not unreasonable compared to the competition.
Pros
Contains prebiotic fiber
Real chicken is the primary ingredient
No by-products
Cons
Expensive
This recipe is specially formulated for small dogs aged 1–6 years old and is veterinarian recommended. It is a wholesome and balanced recipe that is crafted with high-quality ingredients like chicken, pork liver, cracked pearl barley, and whole-grain corn to encourage lean, strong muscles and healthy weight. Although most customers were satisfied with Hill’s Science Diet, some dog owners complained that the cans arrived dented.
Contains prebiotic fiber
Real chicken is the primary ingredient
No by-products
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Real chicken is the primary ingredient
- No by-products
Main ingredients: Water, chicken, pork liver, whole grain corn, cracked pearled barley
Protein content: 5.2% min
Fat content: 3% min
Calories: 166 kcal per can
Pros
Recommended by veterinarians
Made with lean protein
Highly digestible
Cons
Dented cans
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Wet and Canned Dog Food for Small Dogs
When it comes to choosing the best food for your dog, there are a few things to consider that will help you make the right choice.
Recommended by veterinarians
Made with lean protein
Highly digestible
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Made with lean protein
- Highly digestible
Dented cans
- Dented cans
Ingredients
The essential ingredients of all dog diets are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Approximately 10 % should be protein, and up to 50% should be carbohydrates for adult dogs.
The first ingredient on the label is what makes up most of the recipe by weight. This should be high-quality meat, and although some good dog foods list water or broth as their first ingredient and meat as the second, we would recommend going with a brand where meat is the first ingredient.
Sugars and sweeteners will not need to be present if the food contains quality meats.
Meal means water and fat have been removed and usually contains organ meat like liver, kidneys, and heart.
Natural flavor means it can come from any animal or plant source but does not mean organic
Label:
Look out for words like “complete” and “balanced”
An AAFCO statement should be present on the label.
Dietary Needs and Health Issues:
Consider if your dog has any health issues, like allergies, that may require certain ingredients to be left out.
The essential ingredients of all dog diets are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Approximately 10 % should be protein, and up to 50% should be carbohydrates for adult dogs.
The first ingredient on the label is what makes up most of the recipe by weight. This should be high-quality meat, and although some good dog foods list water or broth as their first ingredient and meat as the second, we would recommend going with a brand where meat is the first ingredient.
Sugars and sweeteners will not need to be present if the food contains quality meats.
Meal means water and fat have been removed and usually contains organ meat like liver, kidneys, and heart.
Natural flavor means it can come from any animal or plant source but does not mean organic
- The essential ingredients of all dog diets are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Approximately 10 % should be protein, and up to 50% should be carbohydrates for adult dogs.
- The first ingredient on the label is what makes up most of the recipe by weight. This should be high-quality meat, and although some good dog foods list water or broth as their first ingredient and meat as the second, we would recommend going with a brand where meat is the first ingredient.
- Sugars and sweeteners will not need to be present if the food contains quality meats.
- Meal means water and fat have been removed and usually contains organ meat like liver, kidneys, and heart.
- Natural flavor means it can come from any animal or plant source but does not mean organic
Look out for words like “complete” and “balanced”
An AAFCO statement should be present on the label.
- Look out for words like “complete” and “balanced”
- An AAFCO statement should be present on the label.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing, they require a diet that is higher in protein.
Older dogs may need food that benefits their aging joints and changing cognitive function, so a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain cartilage and joint health, and L- carnitine is an amino acid that can help support cognitive function.
For certain health issues, your vet may prescribe a diet and recommend the correct dog food for your pet.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing, they require a diet that is higher in protein.
Older dogs may need food that benefits their aging joints and changing cognitive function, so a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain cartilage and joint health, and L- carnitine is an amino acid that can help support cognitive function.
For certain health issues, your vet may prescribe a diet and recommend the correct dog food for your pet.
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing, they require a diet that is higher in protein.
- Older dogs may need food that benefits their aging joints and changing cognitive function, so a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain cartilage and joint health, and L- carnitine is an amino acid that can help support cognitive function.
- For certain health issues, your vet may prescribe a diet and recommend the correct dog food for your pet.
Conclusion
For the best overall dog food, we recommend Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe for its high protein and specially formulated calorie levels. Halo Turkey & Duck Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed food is our best value for money pick because of its high-quality ingredients and reasonable price tag. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is our premium choice. Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entree Food is packed with vitamins and minerals to sustain your pup for the first year, and Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Savory Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food is formulated by pet nutritionists, making it our vets’ choice.
We hope these reviews helped you pick out the best-wet dog food for your canine’s needs.
Featured Image Credit: Jairo Alzate, Unsplash
