is moist and meaty dog food good for dogs

Purina Moist and Meaty Dog Food Review (Semi-Moist)

The Purina Moist and Meaty product line includes the 6 semi-moist dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Purina Moist and Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food includes beef by-products, slaughterhouse waste. This is whats left of slaughtered cattle after all the prime cuts have been removed.

With the exception of hair, horns, teeth and hooves, this stuff can include heads, ovaries or developing fetuses.¹

And raw meat contains up to 73% water. So, after cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The quality of this ingredient can vary, depending on the caliber of the raw materials obtained by the manufacturer.

The second ingredient is soy flour, a high-protein by-product of soybean processing.

Although soy flour contains about 51% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The next ingredient lists soy grits, soybeans which have been toasted and broken into small pieces. Although high in protein, compared to meat, soy grits are an inferior source of amino acids.

The fourth ingredient is high fructose corn syrup (or HFCS). HFCS is a corn-based sugar mixture commonly used to make soft drinks, cookies and candy. Sugar is an empty nutrient just as unhealthy for dogs as it is for humans.

The fifth item is water, which adds nothing but moisture to this food. Water is a routine finding in most canned dog foods.

The sixth ingredient is wheat flour, a highly-refined product of wheat milling. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The seventh ingredient is corn syrup. Corn syrup is a glucose-rich, high-calorie item of questionable nutritional value to a dog.

Next, this recipe includes beef. Although its a quality item, raw beef contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With 7 notable exceptions

First, soybean oil is red flagged here only due to its rumored (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

However, since soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains no omega-3s, its considered less nutritious than flaxseed oil or a named animal fat.

In addition, were always disappointed to find artificial coloring in any pet food. Thats because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his food is?

Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the food after processing to help with digestion.

In addition, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

We also note that this food includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.

This product also uses sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this food contains ethoxyquin, a controversial preservative linked to the accumulation of hemoglobin pigment in the liver and elevated hepatic enzymes in the blood.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Purina Moist and Meaty looks like a below-average product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 10% and estimated carbohydrates of about 55%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 27% and a mean fat level of 11%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 54% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.

Which means this Purina product line contains

Near-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of all the soy products, this looks like the profile of a semi-moist dog food containing a moderate amount of meat.

11 Best Moist Dog Foods 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

When choosing dog food for your canine pal, youll find there are many different brands on the market. Should you feed your dog dry kibble, or is moist food the best option? If moist food is the best option, then how do you determine which is the best and healthiest for your dog breed?

Well answer those questions in the section below our list of the best moist dog food this year. First, you can examine our reviews of our favorite brands.

A Quick Look at Our Winners (2024)

The 11 Best Moist Dog Foods

1. The Farmers Dog Moist Dog Food Best Overall

Owners looking to improve their dogs nutrition with moist food will find The Farmers Dog Moist dog food the best overall choice. With The Farmers Dog, you can offer your dog wholesome food without all the unnecessary additives and fillers found in traditional kibbles and other commercial dog foods. The Farmers Dog Moist Dog Food comes in beef, chicken, and turkey flavors, so you can find one your pup loves. You can feel good about feeding your furry family member high-quality foodsince its made in the United States with carefully sourced human-grade ingredients and meets USDA and AAFCO standards for quality and safety. This foods moist texture makes it easy for dogs to chew and digest, and many owners have reported improvements in their dogs coats and overall health after switching to this brand. It always contains real meat as its first ingredient and main source of protein, which helps provide energy for active pups. Plus, it is packed with vegetables and fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition.

Since The Farmers Dog is not available in stores, its a perfect choice if youre looking for a subscription-only delivery service that offers pre-portioned meals. The company provides prompt shipment with delivery notifications and uses environmentally friendly packaging. The food is tailor-made and precisely formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionistsspecifically to meet your dogs needs. Customizable plans with flexible shipments and delivery are available, and it is easy to cancel your subscription if necessary.

• Subscription setup is easy
• Fast shipment with delivery notifications
• Securely packed and delivered
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Labeled and preportioned for each dog
• Veterinary nutritionist-formulated
• No unnecessary preservatives or fillers

• Expensive, especially for multiple dogs
• Takes up lots of fridge/freezer

2. Nutro Premium Loaf Canned Dog Food Budget Buy

Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Slow Cooked Canned Dog Food is our top pick for the money. The food contains vitamins and minerals that help with digestion and has an 8.5% protein content. It also contains fish and slow-cooked chicken, which are flavors that most dogs love.

Some pet owners even reported that the food smells excellent as well. Unfortunately, it isnt suited for dogs with chicken allergies, so be careful when feeding it to your dog for the first time. However, if youre searching for a recipe that fits almost any budget, this is the best moist dog food for you.

• Affordable
• Helps with digestion
• Contains fish and slowed cooked chicken
• Smells great
• Dogs love the taste

• Not suited for dogs with chicken allergies

3. Purina Beyond Canned Dog Food

Another of our favorites is Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot, & Pea Canned Dog Food for its balanced nutrition. The moist food provides complete nutrition for your pet and contains no by-products. It also has 8% protein, which is a decent amount. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also contains plenty of carrots and peas for added vitamins and minerals.

The recipe has no artificial flavors or additives, making it a solid choice to feed your pet. However, some pet parents reported the liquid in the cans as being inconsistent, and others said it didnt have enough gravy.

• Provides complete nutrition
• Contains no by-products
• No artificial flavors
• No additives

• Liquid is inconsistent
• Has very little gravy

4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Recipes

Another good moist dog food is Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Hearty Recipes Variety Pack for its filler-free content. Its a good source of protein with its 9% content, and chicken is listed as the first ingredient. The recipe does not include artificial ingredients, and its a healthy choice for your pup.

Some pet parents reported the pieces were too small. Since it comes in plastic containers, it isnt good for the environment. However, we feel that this is one of the best moist dog foods on the market today.

• Free of fillers
• Contains no artificial ingredients
• Made with real meat
• Good source of protein

• Comes in plastic containers
• Pieces of meat are small

5. Purina Puppy Chow Wet Puppy Food

Purina Puppy Chow Classic Wet Puppy Food has an excellent protein content and promotes immune support. The recipe has 11% protein, which is perfect for growing puppies. In addition, it promotes immune support and contains protein-rich beef and chicken.

Youll also find vitamin E for healthy skin and fur, but some pet owners reported the food as clumpy and having a horrible smell. Others said it caused stomach upset in their puppies, so be careful when giving it to your furry friend for the first time.

• Good protein content
• Promotes immune support
• Contains beef and chicken
• Contains Vitamin E for healthy skin

• Clumpy and smells bad
• May cause stomach upset

6. Royal Canin Weight Care Canned Food

Our next choice for the best moist dog foods goes to Royal Canin Canine Care Canned Dog Food for promoting weight loss, and dogs seem to enjoy the taste. The food has been known to cause stomach upset, and some mentioned that the servings are just too big for some breeds.

• Promotes weight loss
• Dogs enjoy the taste

• Can cause stomach upset
• Servings may be too big for some breeds

7. Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food

Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food uses real chicken, which is the first ingredient listed. It has a protein content of 9%, which is one of the best on our list. The recipe contains plenty of moisture to keep your dog happy as it eats, and its made with high-quality ingredients.

However, the food may not be suitable for all dogs because of its grain and chicken content, as some dogs have allergies to chicken and grains. A few customers mentioned that Canidae had an unpleasant aroma.

• Real chicken used
• Contains plenty of moisture
• Protein-rich
• High-quality ingredients

• Not suitable for dogs with chicken or grain allergies
• Bad smell

8. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Canned Dog Food is high in protein, with 7.5% protein content, and it contains amino acids that are healthy for your pup. The food contains natural ingredients and promotes joint health and mobility, which all dogs need on a daily basis to be healthy. The first ingredient in the food is chicken, which makes it a solid choice for your pet, in our opinion.

Blue Buffalo has been reported as causing stomach upset in some dogs, and some pet parents complained that it smelled terrible.

• High in protein
• Contains amino acids
• Natural ingredients
• Promotes joint health and mobility

• Can cause stomach upset
• Contains too much liquid
• Smells bad

9. Pedigree Choice Cuts Adult Wet Dog Food

Pedigree Choice Cuts Adult Wet Dog Food has an 8% protein content and comes in three flavors. The pouches contain real meat, and the first ingredient is chicken. It is made in the United States and is an excellent source of balanced nutrition for your dog.

Some pet parents mentioned the food was too small for all breeds, and some dogs refused to eat it at all. However, with three flavors to choose from in the variety box, we feel its worth a try for pet parents everywhere.

• Comes in three flavors
• Contains real meat
• Made in the USA
• Balanced nutrition

• Food is too small
• Some dogs refused to eat

10. Cesar Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays

Number nine on the list goes to the Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Dog Food Trays. Beef is listed as the first ingredient, and the food contains real meat and has a 9% protein content, which is essential as dogs need high-quality protein in their diets.

This wet food has been reported as being perfect for finicky eaters, but some dogs didnt seem to like the taste. It might not be suited for dogs with allergies to grains, and it is quite expensive.

• Contains real meat
• Perfect for fussy eaters

• Quite expensive
• Not for dogs with grain allergies
• Some dogs didnt like the taste

11. Eukanuba Adult Canned Dog Food

Last but not least is Eukanubas Adult Mixed Grill Canned Dog Food. This is an excellent choice of wet food, and it has 8% protein to support active or working dogs.

It may not be suitable for dogs with chicken or grain allergies, and some dogs have refused to eat the blend. In addition, pet owners have reported it as having a horrible smell and said that the food was primarily liquid with tiny chips of meat in it.

• Great for hydration
• Promotes strong muscles
• Perfect for active or working dogs

• Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
• Mostly liquid with chips of meat
• Some dogs would not eat
• Horrible smell

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Moist Dog Food

Now, well examine the benefits of moist over dry food and a few other things you should know in the section below.

Benefits of Moist Dog Food Over Dry Food

There are quite a few good things to be said about moist dog food. Wet foods often dont require synthetic preservatives

• Wet foods contain more moisture
• Canned food lasts longer if unopened
• Meat ingredients are closer to their original state
• Easier for senior dogs and dogs with dental issues to eat
• Stronger smells for picky eaters
• Lower carbohydrate percentage

FAQs

How Long Does Wet Dog Food Last Once Open?

When you open a can of dog food, you should immediately refrigerate the unused portion. Then, make sure to add a cover or put the food in an airtight container. Even then, the food should be used within five days. Once youve passed the five-day mark, its best to throw the unused portion out.

How Long can Moist Food Stay in Your Dogs Bowl?

Unlike dry kibble, you cant leave wet food in a dogs bowl for long. Wet food can carry disease-causing bacteria that can be activated by sitting in the open at room temperature for very long. You can leave the food in your dogs bowl for only a maximum of four hours; after that, it needs to be put in the trash.

Can You Mix Wet and Dry Foods?

Its fine to mix wet and dry dog foods, and it might even help to whet your dogs appetite. However, you should only mix the same type of dog foods, so you dont risk upsetting your pups stomach.

Final Thoughts

Our overall pick for the best moist dog foods goes to The Farmers Dog moist dog food for its filler-free contents. Our top pick for the money is Nutro Grain-Free Premium Loaf Slow Cooked Canned Dog Food for its affordability. Our premium choice goes to Purina Beyond Chicken, Carrot, & Pea Canned Dog Food for its balanced nutrition.

Puppy Chow Classic Wet Puppy Food has excellent protein content and promotes immune support landing it at number four on our list. Finally, Royal Canin Canine Care Canned Dog Food for its promotion of weight loss.

We hope these reviews and the buyers guide help you find the best moist food to keep your pets happy for many years.

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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock