While dry kibble is the standard when it comes to dog food, many dogs enjoy canned foods. They’re less processed, contain more water and may have healthier extras such as omega fatty acids or joint health ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. For these reasons, it’s important to choose the best canned dog food for your pet. We’ve rounded up the best options, below.
The best canned dog foods are made with quality, fresh ingredients and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient standards for your pup’s life stage. They also have a high percentage of animal protein and low-to-moderate amounts of carbohydrates. They also have a low fat content, and many are formulated to help dogs who suffer from stomach sensitivities.
A family’s two-year-old Labrador retriever has a sensitive stomach, so they had to find a special diet for her. They found that this canned food from Weruva did the trick – it is grain-free, contains no wheat or corn and has a low level of fat, which their dog loves. It’s also made with chicken and a variety of vegetables, fruits, and brown rice. There are no meat by-products or artificial flavors or preservatives in this canned food.
Unlike other brands, which use high-quality ingredients in their canned foods and then sell them for a premium price, Orijen makes their foods by hand in their own kitchens with local produce and wholesome grains. Their foods are free from GMO ingredients, and they don’t use any pesticide or herbicide residue, which is good for the environment. Their meats are ethically sourced and aspire to a farm-to-food bowl model, which means you can trace the source of each ingredient with your lot number.
Orijen’s recipes have an average protein level of 55% and a low-to-moderate carbohydrate level of 2% on a dry matter basis, which is exceptional for canned foods. However, because they are so highly processed, they lose a lot of active enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They also have a few glam ingredients (such as natural flavor and MSG) that prevent them from getting higher scores.
Orijen is owned by Mars Petcare and manufactured in Auburn, Kentucky. They source their ingredients regionally and make a commitment to sustainability, which is great for people and the planet. Their products are backed by AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements and have plenty of healthy extras, including Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. They’re also a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they use no grain fillers and no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. The only downside is that the foods are more expensive than some other brands on our list.