HomeReviewsThe Top 10 Best Small Breed Wet Dog Food Brands (2024)

The Top 10 Best Small Breed Wet Dog Food Brands (2024)

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If you have a toy dog or a small dog (up to 20 pounds), you may want to consider feeding them a specifically formulated small breed wet dog food brand. Compared to their larger counterparts, small dogs will need a dog food formula with higher levels of protein, fat, calories and other nutrients than typical adult dog foods. Additionally, it’s important to feed a small-size kibble for easier digestion and to not overfeed a small-size dog.

When searching online you may find hundreds of small breed specific wet dog food brands. In addition to the hundreds of brands available, they all claim to be the best for a small breed dog.

So what’s the best small breed wet dog food brands? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched analyzed over 300 small breed wet dog food brands for the very best. Here are the best small breed wet dog food brands for 2024.

To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:

  • Real Meat is the #1 Ingredient
  • Small Breed Specific Formula
  • High Protein and Fat Levels
  • 100% Complete and Balanced
  • No Corn, Wheat or Soy
  • No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
  • Exceeds AAFCO Standards



Merrick® Grain-Free Grammy’s Pot Pie Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food

If your dog likes a chunks of gravy texture wet dog food, Merrick’s Grammy’s Pot Pie Recipe is an excellent choice. This grain-free slow cooked stew is made with deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient. In addition to chicken, Merrick adds fresh-cut vegetables and fruits such as peas, carrots, potatoes and apples to the 5 star wet small breed recipe.

To promote overall health and well-being for your dog, Merrick only purchases nutritious ingredients from locally trusted farmers. Furthermore, the complete and balanced nutrition can be served as a complete meal or mixed with your small breed’s favorite dry dog food brand. This special diet contains no corn, wheat, soy and is gluten-free.

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potato, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Dried Egg Product, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrageenan, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Flax Oil, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lecithin.

Caloric Content: 935 kcal /kg, 356 kcal/13.2 oz can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 8% min
CRUDE FAT 5% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.4% max
MOISTURE 81.0% max

 

Instinct by Nature’s Variety® Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food

This 5 star small breed wet dog food is made with real beef and beef liver for highest protein levels to help build strong muscles in your active small breed. Nature’s Variety Instinct Small Breed Recipe has a 1,013 kcal/kg, 153 kcal/5.5 oz can, 86 kcal/3 oz can calorie count which is specially formulated for small breed dogs. This recipe contains no grains, wheat, soy, potatoes, by-products, artificial colors or preservatives.

In addition to being healthy on the digestive system, the delicious pate texture loaf also includes rich omega fatty acids, to help promote optimum coat and skin health. An array of antioxidant rich fruits is also included in this raw focused diet. Made in the USA, Nature’s Variety is great wet dog food option for your small breed.

Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod, Pea Fiber, Tricalcium Phosphate, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley

Caloric Content: 1,013 kcal/kg, 153 kcal/5.5 oz can, 86 kcal/3 oz can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 8.5% min
CRUDE FAT 4.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 2.0% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.% min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 0.45% min

 

CANIDAE® Grain-Free PURE Petite Fricassee Style Dinner with Turkey & Green Beans in Sauce Small Breed Dog Food Trays

For the most pickiest of eaters, CANIDAE Fricassee Style Dinner is a recipe most small breed dogs can’t resist. The chunks in gravy texture is conveniently served in single trays for less of a mess and easy clean up. CANIDE PURE Petite also uses only 7 whole ingredients including turkey broth to simmer the nutrient rich stew.

Chicken, chicken liver and turkey, dried egg whites and green beans make up the first 5 ingredients in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand. In addition to healthy whole ingredients, chelated minerals and vitamins help support active small breed health as well.

Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Dried Peas, Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Rosemary Extract.

Caloric Content: 1101 kcal/kg or 109 kcal/bowl

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 8.5% min
CRUDE FAT 5.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.5% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max

Wellness® CORE Chunky Centers with Beef, Lamb & White Sweet Potato Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Wellness CORE Chunky Centers is a 5 star, easy-to-serve wet dog food formula. The natural recipe is protein-rich with chicken, beef and lamb. Additionally, the delicious pate is mixed with chicken liver, white sweet potatoes and egg. Chicken liver is a rich source of Vitamins A, D and B vitamins.

In addition to chicken, turkey is a excellent source of high quality proteins and fatty acids. Dog owners have noted this small breed wet dog food is perfect for the most sensitive of stomachs. Wellness CORE’s tasty superfood is easy-to-open and makes mealtime cleanup quick and easy as well.

Ingredients: Chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, chicken, turkey, duck, white sweet potatoes, potato starch, chicken liver, egg, natural flavor, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, salt, xanthan gum, magnesium sulfate, vitamins [vitamin e supplement, thiamine hydrochloride, niacin, vitamin a supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin d3 supplement, biotin, vitamin b12 supplement], choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite.

Caloric Content: 173 kcal/container

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 7.0% min
CRUDE FAT 5.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 0.5% max
MOISTURE 85.0% max

 

Whole Earth Farms® Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe Chicken Dinner Wet Dog Food

If you are looking for a small breed wet dog food that helps support digestibility, increases energy, strengthen nails, reduces shedding, promotes a shinier coat and doesn’t put a hole in your wallet, then take a look at Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Recipe. Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this high palatable, specially designed small breed formula.

Along with chicken, other whole ingredients are also included; chicken liver, peas, carrots and sweet potatoes as  well. This 5 star stew is made with any corn, wheat, soy, by-products or artificial colors and preservatives. Additionally, it’s grain-free and great for small, extra small and toy-size dog breeds. Proudly made in the USA, Whole Earth Farms is a brand you can trust.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Peas, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Egg Product, Yeast Culture, Apples, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Dried Cranberries, Xanthan Gum, Cinnamon, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Yucca Schidigera Extract.

Caloric Content: 994 kcal/kg, 84 kcal/3 oz can, 1193 kcal/kg, 108 kcal/3.2 oz can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 9.0% min
CRUDE FAT 5.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.4% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max

 

Solid Gold® Leaping Waters Chicken, Salmon & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Small & Medium Breed Wet Dog Food 

Solid Gold is a holistic grain and gluten-free wet dog food your small breed dog will love. The pate texture is formulated with whole vegetables, which provides healthy support for proper digestion. Taking a look at the ingredients list shows this formula is protein packed. Chicken, whitefish, chicken liver and salmon are all stewed in salmon broth for a protein power pack nutrient dense diet.

A variety of complex amino acids are also included. Salmon and flaxseed oil help with cognitive brain development and helps promote a healthy coat. Calcium and Vitamin B12 minerals also help with keeping your small breed dog bones and teeth healthy as well.

Ingredients: Chicken, Salmon Broth, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Peas, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Pumpkin, Spinach, Blueberries, Apples, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Caloric Content: 1,193 kcal/kg, 446 kcal/can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 8.0% min
CRUDE FAT 6.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.5% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max

 

PetKind® Tripett Green Beef Tripe & Venison Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Petkind Tripett consists almost entirely of 100% pure meat and tripe. The grass-fed green beef tripe help’s restore balance to your small breed’s stomach. In addition to green beef tripe, Venison (another high protein source) is also included in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand.

PetKind’s nutrient rich formula is also low in calories and cholesterol. The pate texture is palatable for small, medium and large breeds dogs as well. If your small breed dog is a picky eater and all else has failed try transitioning them to a limited ingredient wet dog food like Tripett.

Ingredients: Green Beef Tripe, Venison, Water, Garlic, Guar Gum.

Caloric Content: 835 kcal/kg, 330.6 kcal/can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 10.0% min
CRUDE FAT 5.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 0.30% max
MOISTURE 79.9% max
ASH 1.0% max
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 0.17% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.15% min

 

Nulo® Freestyle Turkey & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed & Puppy Wet Dog Food

Founded by Michael Landa, Nulo is a fast growing 5 star rated dog food company that promotes canine health and well-being. Michael discovered that most major dog food brands contain more than 40% carb fillers, which is leading to obesity in tens of thousands of dog breeds. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Lentils is designed to keep those unwanted carb fillers out of your small breed’s diet.

The grain-free formula is loaded with  real turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver and lentils for a protein-rich diet that help’s support and grow lean muscles. Nulo Freestyle is low-glycemic and designed without corn, wheat or soy for the most sensitive of small breed dogs. The pate texture can be used to mix with your dog’s favorite dry food or as a primary diet for your small breed.

Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Lentils, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Agar-Agar, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Inulin, Natural Flavor, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Caloric Content: 1,321 kcal/kg, 225 kcal/can

Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 10.5% min
CRUDE FAT 8.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.5% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.20% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.15% min
L-CARNITINE 25 mg/kg min

 

Castor & Pollux® PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Cage-Free Duck Stew Wet Dog Food

Castor & Pollux PRISTINE is another great wet dog food option for your small breed dog. The company focuses on using the freshest, locally sourced, ingredients from the most trusted suppliers. The #1 ingredient is responsibly raised lean duck meat. PRISTINE protein level gets an additional boost with adding organic chicken liver to the formula.

Real organic spinach, carrots and peats are also included to help balance out the optimum protein. This organic produced is proudly made without any harmful synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. To top off this 5 star small breed wet dog food an array of vitamins and minerals help support active small breed health and wellness as well. 

Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Whites, Organic Spinach, Organic Carrots, Organic Dried Peas, Organic Apples, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum.

Caloric Content: 878 kcal/kg, 87 kcal/bowl

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 9.0% min
CRUDE FAT 3.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.4% max
MOISTURE 81.0% max

 

Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill is a high protein, low carbohydrate wet food that your small breed dog will love. Turkey and chicken are the #1 and #2 ingredients in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand. Made without any grain, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives or by-products, Blue Buffalo is a wonderful choice for the most sensitive of small breed dogs.

Additionally, B12 supplement and flaxseed is added to boost gastrointestinal function and overall immune system. The pate texture is designed for small, extra small and toy breed dogs as well. If your adult small breed dog is healthy and active, Blue Buffalo is a great choice at a reasonable price.

Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).

Caloric Content: 1,382 kcal/kg, 216 kcal/can

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 10.0% min
CRUDE FAT 8.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 1.5% max
MOISTURE 78.0% max
GLUCOSAMINE 380 mg/kg min
Hi! I'm

Dr. Janet Evans

it's my pleasure to welcome you to our series on the Dog Food Network. With a deep passion for canine nutrition and years of experience in veterinary medicine, I've dedicated much of my career to understanding what makes a healthy diet for our furry friends. The journey towards optimal health for our dogs begins with the right nutrition, and it's this belief that has motivated me to share my knowledge and insights with you through these articles.

Dr. Janet Evans