Do you want to find the best wet puppy food? Check out our buyer's guide for tips!
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What is the best wet puppy food in the UK in 2024?
Quality food is essential for your puppy's health and growth. Learn how to choose the best wet puppy food with our buyer’s guide.
Puppies can start eating wet food from two to three weeks old. They continue nursing, but the food provides extra calories and nutrients when they start weaning. Wet puppy food is more suitable than kibble because it is easier to digest for young puppies. It is also very palatable and helps them learn to chew. They can gradually develop their jaw muscles and use their little fangs. In the beginning, it's best to split their daily portion into three or four servings, to avoid any stomach upsets.
If your dog is about to have her first litter, read our comparison and find out how to choose the best wet puppy food. In no time, you’ll be ready for the arrival of the pups!
Summary
The different types of wet puppy food
Wet food is ideal for supporting the growth and development of puppies. It is very palatable and works well for transitioning from milk to dry food. However, it is important to distinguish between wet and semi-moist food. Wet food is stored in cans or pouches and consists mainly of water. You should strictly follow the indicated proportions to ensure that your puppies eat enough, but overall wet food is optimal at meeting the energy needs of young dogs. Semi-moist puppy food is more suited as a treat. It has a water content of 10% - 30% and is often made with pieces of artificial meat. Semi-moist food cannot replace your puppy's meals as it does not contain enough nutrients on its own.
How do I choose the best wet food for my puppy?
You need to take into account the tastes of your little buddy, but not only that! To avoid any allergy problems, choose wet puppy food brands that use high-quality organic ingredients which have undergone minimal processing. Always read the ingredients on the can; puppy meals should be high in fat and protein but low in carbohydrates. You can also check out buyer’s guides, online comparisons and pet forums where owners are happy to share their experiences. You can also ask any questions you may have.
What is the best wet puppy food?
There's no such thing as perfect food for every puppy. The one that's right for your dog may not be optimal for your neighbour's animal. It all depends on your puppy's breed, physiological needs, weight and taste. Choose a premium food, made with quality ingredients. Your puppy’s wet food should be well-balanced and provide them with all the energy they need to grow and experience the world.
Puppies need a higher protein and fat content than adult dogs. They also need plenty of calcium, which helps to build healthy bones. Phosphorus is important for skeletal development. Small portions of wet puppy food should be easy to digest. Don't hesitate to opt for a gluten-free food to avoid any form of allergy or intestinal pain. If your puppy's stools are well-moulded, their eyes are bright, the coat is shiny and they’re growing well, then you have chosen the right wet food for your pet!
What is the difference between wet food and puppy kibble?
The difference between kibble and wet puppy food is the moisture content. Kibbles contain less than 12% water, while wet food contains more than 80%. The packaging also differs: kibble is sold in bags and can be stored for several months after opening. Wet puppy food, on the other hand, is packaged in cans or aluminium trays. As long as the packaging remains airtight, wet food can be kept for a long time. If you open a can, however, the contents will expire as quickly as human food would! Dry food resembles hard little balls, while wet food takes the form of pate or mousse. Both types of food can be used over a long period of time. Both can contain the nutrients your baby dogs need to thrive. Make sure you check the ingredients on the packaging!
How much wet food should I feed my puppy?
The amount of wet food your puppy needs really depends on their breed and weight. For example, a two-month-old Chihuahua weighs one kilo, while a Bernese Mountain Dog weighs twelve! Of course, their nutritional needs won’t be the same at all. The best way to find the ideal dose is to seek advice from your vet. You can also refer to manufacturer guidelines on the packaging.
At the time of weaning, puppies still have a fragile digestive system and it is best not to give them their full daily dose all at once. Instead, divide the meal into 3 to 4 portions given early in the morning, late in the morning, mid-afternoon and evening. That way, introducing this new kind of food won’t weigh down their little stomachs!
