10 Best Wet Dog Food Brands for Large Dogs

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Wet Dog Food Brands for Large Dogs:

• Solid Gold – Leaping Waters with Cold Water Salmon – Our Top Pick
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Turkey & Chicken Grill
• Simply Perfection Super Premium Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food
• Nutro Wild Frontier Vital Prey Wet Dog Food
• “I and love and you” Top That Wet Dog Food Topper

Have you been thinking about adding wet dog food to your pup’s diet? Whether you’re looking to add some variety to your dog’s kibble or your dog has dental problems that make it difficult for them to eat dry food, wet food can be a good addition or alternative to your dog’s daily meals.

But there are so many different kinds of wet food out there – how can you be sure you’re giving your dog the best?

That’s why we’ve put together this article on the best wet dog food for large dogs. We want to help you make the most appropriate choice, so we’ve gathered our top picks and explained what to look for when selecting a brand for your large breed.

Best Wet Dog Food for Large Dogs: Quick Recommendations

Large Breed Wet Dog Food vs Regular Wet Dog Food: Things to Look For

Large dogs have different dietary requirements than small dogs, and that plays out in things to look for when buying wet dog food.

Unlike kibble, there aren’t that many canned dog foods designed for and marketed toward large breed dogs specifically. So how do you know which canned dog foods are best for large breed dogs?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that large breed dogs tend to have more muscle than small dogs, and protein is required to maintain and build muscle.

That means that you should consider looking for wet dog food with sufficient levels of quality protein. Quality protein is made from whole meat, so avoid by-products as much as possible when looking for a wet food for a large breed.

Another factor you should consider is the size of the can. Many canned dog foods are catered toward small dogs and come in tiny packages.

Even when it’s being used as a kibble topper, one to three ounces of wet dog food won’t go very far when you’re dealing with a dog that weighs more than 50 pounds.

We’ll talk in more detail later in this article about other things you should look for when buying wet food for large dog breeds, but for now, here are our top 10 canned and wet dog food picks.

Best Wet Dog Food for Large Dogs

#1 – Solid Gold – Leaping Waters with Cold Water Salmon – Grain-Free Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach

Solid Gold is one of the more expensive wet foods on our list, but it’s for a good reason. The first five ingredients are all meat or meat-based, which means you aren’t paying for water or fillers. As a result, you can feed your dog less. This grain free wet food is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies and has a taste most dogs love.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Grain-free
• Made in the USA
• Excellent source of omega-3
• Contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial color or preservatives
• Contains prebiotics and live probiotics

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

User Reviews: Pet parents rave about how much their dog loves the taste of this food. This food doesn’t bother dogs with even the most sensitive stomachs, and even a home with two dogs that had different food allergies found success feeding this food to both pets.

Bottom Line: Even picky pets love this food, and it works well for many dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, as well. It’s on the expensive side for canned food, but with the high-quality ingredients, you can feed your dog less, which evens out the cost over time. As long as your dog isn’t sensitive to chicken, we can recommend this food for most large dogs.

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#2 – Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food, Turkey & Chicken Grill

This high protein, grain-free canned food is a great choice for large dogs who are active and need a diet high in protein. The first ingredient is turkey, and it’s made with chicken broth rather than water.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Grain-free
• No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives
• A complete and balanced food
• Made with chicken broth rather than water

Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Potato Protein, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, 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)

User Reviews: Most dogs love the flavor of this product. A few dogs suffered stomach problems, and cans occasionally arrive dented from shipping, but most dog owners swear by this wet dog food.

Bottom Line: While some dogs don’t need a diet so high in protein, this food is a great option for most dogs. Dogs love the flavor and pet parents love that it’s grain free and isn’t filled with water or artificial flavors.

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#3 – Simply Perfection Super Premium Lamb Recipe Canned Dog Food

This lamb and rice recipe is a great option for dogs who are sensitive to more common meats and don’t need a grain-free diet. The cans are easy to open, and the food is made in the United States. The vegetable broth in place of water is a healthy option that helps you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth with this ultra-premium wet dog food.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Easy-Top tabs don’t need a can opener
• Lamb is the first ingredient
• Made with vegetable broth
• No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Made in the USA with carefully selected domestic and imported ingredients

Ingredients: Lamb, Vegetable Broth, Lamb Liver, Brown Rice, Dried Egg Product, Ground Barley, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sunflower Oil, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Oatmeal, Flaxseed Meal, Ferrous Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid

User Reviews: Apart from comments about the price, most reviewers had nothing but good things to say about this food. Their dogs loved the flavor, and they loved the simple ingredients. Many people also commented about how this food was less stinky – both going in and coming out of the dog – than many other canned dog foods they had tried.

Bottom Line: If you don’t like keeping your dog on a grain-free diet, this lamb and rice formula is one of the best canned dog foods you can give your pup. It’s made with vegetable broth rather than water and is made in the USA with easy-top tabs that don’t require a can opener.

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#4 – Nutro Wild Frontier Vital Prey Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for a wet dog food that’s high in protein and low in fillers, this is a great choice. The first 4 ingredients are meat-based, and the gravy is made from chicken broth rather than water. This grain-free food is expensive but contains quality ingredients with no filler.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Grain-free
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• 92% of ingredients from lamb, chicken, and pork
• No chicken by-product

Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Lamb, Liver, Chicken, Potato Starch, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pork Broth, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Dried Peas, Dried Carrots, Guar Gum, Dried Tomatoes, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin

User Reviews: While the occasional pup had digestive problems when switching to this food, most dogs love the flavor and don’t have any digestive issues. The biggest complaint was the price, with most people saying they would feed it to their dogs more often if the cost was lower, but you are getting lots of meat in this wet dog food formula compared to other brands.

Bottom Line: If your dog thrives on a high-protein diet, this product is one of the best wet foods you can buy for your pup. The price is on the high side, but the can is filled with meat and vegetables rather than water and filler, so you’re getting more meat and quality.

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#5 – “I and love and you” Top That Wet Dog Food Topper

While all the other wet dog foods on our list come in cans, we recognize that sometimes you just want to give your large dog a wet mix-in with their dry food and you don’t need a large can, so we included these pouches of non-GMO “meal enhancers.”

Notable Qualities and Features:

• 3-oz pouch is perfect for mixing with dry food
• Non-GMO protein and produce
• Grain-free
• No corn, wheat, soy, or added gluten
• Includes a boost of superfoods

Ingredients: Duck, duck broth, chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, dried egg whites, pea flour, pumpkin, cranberries, guar gum, dried egg product, salt, sodium phosphate, natural flavor, sodium carbonate

User Reviews: One dog became ill after eating this product, but most dogs loved this taste and suffered no stomach problems afterward. It helped many picky dogs finish their food when mixed in with kibble.

Bottom Line: This dog food topper isn’t intended to be used as a dog’s only food, so it isn’t nutritionally complete by itself. However, as a kibble topper, this product is hard to beat. The foil pouches are easy to open and put on top of your dog’s kibble. Even the pickiest of eaters finish their food when this is mixed with their kibble.

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#6 – Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Adult Canned Wet Dog Food

For a more budget-friendly wet dog food, this one is high-quality, made up almost entirely of meat-based products, including turkey broth instead of water. Real turkey is the first ingredient, and it’s grain-free.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Affordable
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Contains 4 antioxidant sources
• Grain-free
• 0% fillers

Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Pork Lungs, Liver, Venison, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Vitamins (Choline, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-3, Vitamin B-1, Vitamin B-5, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B-2, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3, Vitamin B-7), Locust Bean Gum. D421817Guaranteed Analysis:Crude Protein (Min)…9.0%, Crude Fat (Min)…8.0%, Crude Fiber (Max)…1.5%, Moisture (Max)…78.0%

User Reviews: With the lower cost comes less consistency in how many dogs did or didn’t like it. Some dogs refused to eat it at all, and some dogs had digestive problems. However, most dogs enjoy the food and do well on it, even those with allergies.

Bottom Line: If you can’t afford the more expensive brands on this list, this is a solid choice that contains quality ingredients for the price. Most dogs enjoy it and don’t have digestive problems.

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#7 – Nutro Premium LOAF Adult Canned Wet Dog Food

Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient in this food. Nutro is working with trusted farmers and suppliers to source high-quality, non-GMO ingredients. The motto on the can is “feed clean,” which seems like a good direction to take the pet food industry.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Made in USA facilities with the finest ingredients from around the world
• Made with non-GMO ingredients
• No corn, wheat, soy, chicken by-product meal, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Grain-free

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Dried Peas, Dried Potatoes, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Flaxseed, Salt, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Dried Yams, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement

User Reviews: Nutro changed their recipes within the last year or two, so it’s difficult to say which reviews were for the old recipe and which were for the new recipe. With that being said, most dogs seem to enjoy the flavor and don’t have any issues with it. It’s important to note that this is a loaf-style wet dog food, which means it’s finely ground and doesn’t contain recognizable chunks of food.

Bottom Line: With their new recipes, Nutro is raising the bar on their wet dog foods. If you prefer canned dog food that’s made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients, this is a good choice.

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#8 – AvoDerm Natural All Life Stages Dry & Wet Dog Food, Grain Free, Salmon & Vegetables Recipe

AvoDerm is unique because they put avocadoes in all their food, which are a great source of fatty acids. These fatty acids can help improve dogs’ skin and coats. This grain-free wet food also includes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Added omega-3 fatty acids with avocadoes and avocado oil
• Grain-free
• Includes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals
• No corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Made in the USA

Ingredients: Salmon Broth, Salmon (Source of Omega-3), Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas, Dried Egg Whites, Potatoes, Potato Starch, Guar Gum, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Avocado OIl, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Avocado Meal, 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), 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 B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid)

User Reviews: There are some reports of dogs becoming sick after eating this food, but most dogs love it and show improvements in itching and skin quality.

Bottom Line: AvoDerm can be a great food for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies, but you need to read all the ingredients. This salmon and vegetables recipe also includes chicken. Assuming your dog isn’t allergic to chicken, this could be a great choice.

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#9 – Natural Balance Ultra Premium Liver Formula Wet Dog Food

If your dog doesn’t do well on high-protein foods, this one may be a good option since it contains oat bran and rice. The first 3 ingredients, though, are beef liver, beef broth, and beef, so it’s still a plenty rich food for your pup.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Complete, balanced nutrition
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Optimal balance of premium proteins and key nutrients
• High-quality energy sources

Ingredients: Beef Liver, Beef Broth, Beef, Brown Rice, Carrots, Oat Bran, Potatoes, Dehydrated Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Vitamins (L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN C), VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, FOLIC ACID), Minerals (ZINC PROTEINATE, ZINC SULFATE, FERROUS SULFATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER SULFATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, CALCIUM IODATE, SODIUM SELENITE), Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Dried Kelp, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Salt, Menhaden Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Carrageenan, Parsley Flakes, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract

User Reviews: While some dogs suffered from digestive problems after eating this food, most enjoy it. Some people complain about the smell, but the pups don’t seem to mind the smell at all.

Bottom Line: If you prefer to avoid grain-free foods, this is a good choice of food with high-quality ingredients.

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#10 – Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Large Breed Adult Canned Wet Dog Food in Gravy

Few wet dog foods are formulated specifically for large dog breeds, but this is one food that is. This wet food is a little wetter than most foods on our list, with “Water Sufficient for Processing” listed as the first ingredient.

Notable Qualities and Features:

• Formulated for large breed dogs over 50 pounds
• Made with high-quality protein, including real beef
• Affordable

Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef, Liver, Wheat Gluten, Chicken, Rice, Meat By-Product, Corn Starch-Modified, Added Color, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin, Sodium Selenite. D-4436

User Reviews: While some dogs got sick after eating this product, most dogs enjoy it and do well on it. Even picky pups seem to enjoy this food.

Bottom Line: If you need an affordable canned dog food, this one is popular and has good reviews; just be aware that you are paying for water and filler with ingredients like meat by-product and wheat gluten. You can get better ingredients for not that much higher of an expense per ounce.

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How to Choose the Top Canned Dog Food for Your Large Breed

How can you tell quality canned dog food from junk food? There are actually many different things to look for as you compare wet dog food brands.

Whole Protein Listed as the First Ingredient

Why pay for water? Many wet dog foods list water as the primary ingredient in their food. While liquid is necessary for wet dog food, it shouldn’t be the first ingredient.

You also want to avoid by-products, especially as the first ingredient. By-products are the part of the animal deemed unfit for human consumption, like beaks and hooves, and are not the most nutritious meat sources.

That’s why you want to look for a wet food that lists a whole protein as the first ingredient.

Made in a Country with High Safety Standards

These days, many companies are sending their manufacturing overseas to cut costs. It’s one thing to buy a shirt made overseas, but do you really want to trust your dog’s health to a country with lower safety standards than we have here? Look for food made in the United States, Canada, Europe, or Australia for the best safety standards.

Made Without Artificial Dyes or Flavors

Dogs don’t care what color their food is, and they’re generally happy with the taste of the meat, so why give them food filled with unnecessary artificial dyes or flavors? The fewer added ingredients, the better, so look for a wet dog food that’s made without artificial dyes or flavors.

Ingredients Rich in Omega-3

Omega-3 is a fatty acid that’s responsible for building healthy skin and coat in your dog. Omega-3 is found naturally in things like salmon, avocado, and flaxseed, so bonus points go to wet dog food with any of those ingredients.

Probiotic Supplements

You might take a probiotic for your own health, but did you ever stop to think that probiotics could benefit your dog, too? Probiotics are great for improving digestive and immune health, so wet dog foods that contain probiotics should be considered even higher quality than those that don’t.

Wrapping Up: What Is the Best Canned Dog Food for Large Dogs?

Only you can decide which is the best food for your dog. Some of the top foods on our list cost nearly $3 per can, which can be prohibitively expensive for families with multiple large dogs. Some dogs also have food allergies or texture preferences, so only you can decide which food would be the right fit for your dog and your budget.

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