Best Wet Dog Food Australia: Vet-Recommended Picks (2025)

Wet dog food is increasingly favoured by Australian pet parents for its soft texture, high moisture content, and rich flavour, making it especially appealing to fussy eaters, seniors, and small breeds.

Its palatability and ease of consumption can be a game-changer for dogs with dental issues or diminished appetites.

In my veterinary practice, I've observed numerous cases where transitioning to wet food significantly improved a dog's eating habits and overall well-being. Whether it's a senior dog requiring softer food or a picky eater needing more enticing meals, wet food often provides the solution.

This guide offers vet-backed, need-based recommendations tailored to real-life concerns, helping you choose the best wet dog food for your dog in 2025.

• Best Overall Option: Prime100’s SPD Slow Cooked Kangaroo & Pumpkin
• Best Grain-Free Option: Delicate Care Skin or Stomach Kangaroo & Duck Wet Dog Food
• Best for Small Breeds: Royal Canin Mini Chunks in Gravy Adult Dog Wet Food
• Best for Fussy Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolysed Wet Dog Food
• Best for Senior Dogs: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Mature Consult Dog Wet Food
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolysed Wet Dog Food

Prime100’s SPD Slow Cooked Kangaroo & Pumpkin offers a single-protein diet that is highly digestible and hypoallergenic. With novel protein kangaroo and the added benefit of pumpkin, this Prime100 formula supports digestive health and is the best wet dog food for adults with food sensitivities. The slow-cooked method helps preserve nutrients while enhancing palatability.

Why Dr Jane Recommends This Food:

"Prime100 is my go-to for dogs with dietary sensitivities. The use of a novel protein like kangaroo, combined with fibre-rich pumpkin, supports both digestive health and consistent energy. It's particularly valuable in elimination diets."

Delicate Care's Skin or Stomach formula featuring Kangaroo & Duck is scientifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin or digestive systems. This grain-free, hypoallergenic diet is designed to support dogs with specific dietary needs.

Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:

"For dogs requiring a grain-free diet, Delicate Care provides a wholesome, nutritionally balanced option that doesn't compromise on taste or quality."

Note: While we don’t currently stock Delicate Care, it’s a reputable option available at many veterinary clinics across Australia.

Explore more dog food options for dogs with skin allergies.

Tailored for small breed adult dogs, Royal Canin Mini Chunks in Gravy Adult Dog Wet Food delivers precise nutrition in bite-sized portions. The highly palatable formula supports skin health, digestive function, and energy needs specific to smaller dogs.

Why Dr Jane Recommends This Food:

"This Royal Canin food meets the unique requirements of small breeds — it's tasty, easy to chew, and supports high metabolic rates with balanced nutrients."

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolysed Wet Dog Food is formulated for dogs with food allergies or intolerance. Its hydrolysed protein is broken down into small components, making it less likely to trigger an immune reaction. It also has a smooth, palatable texture, ideal for fussy or sensitive dogs.

Why Dr Jane Recommends This Food:

"For dogs that reject most foods, this Purina hydrolysed formula is gentle on digestion and often more palatable than dry versions — an excellent clinical tool in allergy cases."

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Mature Consult Dog Wet Food supports aging dogs with a formulation that aids renal function, joint mobility, and cognitive health. Its soft texture and precise nutrient balance are ideal for dogs over seven years of age. 

Why Dr Jane Recommends This Food:

"Senior dogs need tailored support, and Mature Consult by Royal Canin delivers with its renal-friendly, anti-ageing formulation. It's one I frequently prescribe for older patients."

Explore more wet food options for senior dogs.

Advance Healthy Weight Chicken with Rice Adult Dog Wet Food is designed to support weight control while delivering balanced nutrition. With controlled fat levels and added fibre, this Advance formula helps maintain a healthy body condition without sacrificing taste or quality.

Why Dr Jane Recommends This Food:

"This is a great everyday option for dogs needing weight management. It's cost-effective but still meets the nutritional needs of adult dogs."

Explore more wet dog food options for weight management.

Every wet dog food recommended in this guide is selected based on real veterinary insight and an evidence-based approach. We combined practical clinical experience with a close look at product data to ensure each option genuinely meets the needs of canine nutrition.

It includes nutritional guidelines like the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812) and a close look at leading pet food brands available across Australia. 

We assess each product based on:

• Veterinarian recommendations and how the food performs in clinical settings.
• Ingredient sourcing and protein quality, with a focus on named, digestible meats and minimal fillers.
• Nutritional balance, ensuring all foods meet AAFCO or NRC standards for complete and balanced diets.
• Brand reputation and transparency in manufacturing and formulation.
• Customer reviews and feedback from pet owners managing specific dietary needs.
• Suitability for various dietary requirements, including sensitivities, ageing, and recovery.

Only foods that meet high standards for quality, palatability, and health outcomes are included, ensuring your dog receives trusted nutrition backed by both science and real-world results.

High-Quality Protein Source

The best wet dog foods list a named animal protein (like kangaroo, chicken, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Proteins support muscle maintenance, immune health, and energy. When evaluating protein quality, look for clear ingredient listings — for example, “kangaroo” or “chicken liver,” not vague terms like “meat by-products.” Dogs with allergies often benefit from novel or single-protein sources, such as kangaroo or hydrolysed soy in therapeutic diets.

Nutritional Completeness

A food labelled as “complete and balanced” in Australia meets AAFCO or NRC nutritional standards for daily feeding. These formulas contain essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fats to support health across life stages. While wet food may have fewer calories per gram than kibble, it can still deliver all necessary nutrients when properly formulated — just be mindful of portion sizes.

Moisture and Texture

Wet food typically contains 70–80% moisture, which supports hydration and is especially valuable for dogs prone to urinary issues, seniors, or those recovering from illness. Soft textures are easier for dogs with dental issues or reduced appetite. For fussy eaters, warming wet food slightly can release aromas and improve appeal, especially when broth or gravy-based textures (like chicken broth) are involved.

Ingredient Simplicity

For dogs with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances, fewer ingredients can mean fewer triggers. Choose wet foods with limited or novel ingredients and avoid artificial colours, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. Ingredients like chicken liver, pumpkin, and sweet potato often offer digestible, nutrient-rich options. Discover more best dog food for sensitive stomach options in our detailed guide.

Limited Fillers and Additives

Avoid formulas that include vague by-products or fillers like corn gluten meal or soy flour, unless specifically required in a prescription formula. Look for transparent labelling with ethically sourced ingredients, and prioritise foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health. Foods that meet animal welfare standards often reflect higher ingredient quality overall.

Vet Recommendation or Therapeutic Use

Prescription diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d or Royal Canin Veterinary formulas are created to manage specific conditions such as food intolerances, kidney disease, or post-operative recovery. These diets undergo scientific testing and are developed based on clinical research. Always consult your vet before transitioning to or from a therapeutic formula.

Packaging and Portion Control

Wet foods come in various formats, from resealable tubs to single-serve pouches. Choose packaging that matches your dog’s portion needs and helps minimise waste. For smaller breeds or those on restricted diets, accurate portioning is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Wet and dry dog food each have their own advantages, and the best choice often depends on your dog’s health, preferences, and lifestyle.

Wet dog food has a higher moisture content, which supports hydration and can benefit dogs with urinary or kidney concerns. It's typically more palatable and easier to chew, making it ideal for seniors, dogs with dental issues, or slow eaters. However, it tends to have lower energy density than dry food, meaning your dog may need larger portions to meet their caloric requirements. Wet food also spoils more quickly once opened, so portion control and storage are important.

Dry dog food, on the other hand, is more nutrient-dense on a dry matter basis, stores easily, and is generally more cost-effective. It can help support dental health through the mechanical action of chewing and is well suited to prescription diets that require precise cereal ingredient balances or high energy density. Check out our guide to the best dog food brands.

Many vets recommend mixed feeding — combining both wet and dry foods — to balance the benefits of both. This approach can increase variety, boost hydration, and maintain optimal digestibility and nutrition. If you’re considering a transition to wet dog food, do it gradually over a week to avoid digestive upset and monitor your dog’s response to changes in portion sizes and texture.

What wet dog food do vets recommend?

Veterinarians often recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary, Prime100, and Delicate Care — especially for pets with health concerns. For general health and picky eaters, Advance and Purina Pro Plan also provide vet-trusted formulas.

Wet or dry dog food: which is best?

Both have their place. Wet food offers higher moisture, which benefits hydration, kidney function, and palatability — especially for seniors or small dogs. Dry kibble is more calorie-dense and often more economical. Many vets recommend a mixed diet to balance benefits.

What is the best wet dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Prime100 SPD Kangaroo & Pumpkin and Purina HA Hydrolysed are top picks for digestive support. They use novel or hydrolysed proteins to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and are easy to digest.

What is the best wet dog food for puppies?

Puppies need energy-dense, complete formulas. While this guide focuses on adult wet food, brands like Royal Canin Puppy Wet Food and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Stew offer age-appropriate, vet-recommended options.

Can I mix wet food with kibble?

Yes. Many dogs benefit from a mixed feeding approach. Wet food adds flavour, texture, and moisture, while kibble boosts calorie intake and supports dental health. Just ensure the combined diet remains complete and balanced and transition slowly to avoid digestive upset.

The best wet dog food combines great taste with targeted nutrition to support your dog’s unique needs — from sensitive stomachs to senior care. Brands like Prime100, Delicate Care, Hill’s, Royal Canin, Advance, and Purina are trusted by vets for a reason: they deliver quality, balance, and real health benefits.

If you're switching foods or managing a health issue, check in with your vet and transition gradually. A well-chosen wet food can boost hydration, encourage eating, and help your dog feel their best every day.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller