Wet cat food is a popular choice among Australian pet parents, and for good reason.
With its soft texture, high moisture content, and rich, meaty aroma, it’s often more enticing than dry kibble, especially for fussy cats, seniors, and kittens. Its added hydration also supports urinary health, which is essential in a species known for drinking very little.
Digestive troubles, disinterest in food, or the challenge of hiding medication can make feeding your cat stressful. Wet food can help with all of these. In my clinic, I often recommend it to support hydration, boost appetite in picky eaters, and ease feeding in cats with dental disease or recovering from illness. Cats seem to naturally prefer chunky textures in gravy, and heating wet food gently can help release aroma molecules that encourage even the most reluctant cats to eat.
This guide is different. It’s based on real veterinary insight, backed by experience, research, and clinical judgement. Whether you're feeding a growing kitten, managing urinary health, or just trying to find a food your cat will finish, we've handpicked the best wet cat foods for 2025 to help you make the right choice.
Top Picks
- Best Overall Option: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner Wet Cat Food
- Best Grain-Free Option: Delicate Care Grain-Free Wet Cat Food (Skin or Stomach)
- Best High Protein Option: Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Entree in Gravy Adult Cat Wet Food
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: Advance Adult Chicken Delight Wet Cat Food
- Best for Kittens: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Wet Cat Food
- Best for Senior Cats: Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Adult Cat Wet Food
Best Overall Option: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner Wet Cat Food
A wet food for adult cats, Hill’s Science Diet Feline Tender Chicken Dinner is made with high-quality chicken and a blend of balanced nutrients. This Hill's Science formula supports lean muscle maintenance and contains antioxidants and vitamins to promote overall health and wellbeing.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"Hill’s Science Diet is a go-to for everyday feeding — balanced, reliable, and highly palatable. The tender texture and savoury flavour appeal to most cats, even the fussy ones."
Best Grain-Free Option (Available Through Vets): Delicate Care Grain-Free Wet Cat Food (Skin or Stomach)
Delicate Care’s grain-free formula is ideal for cats with dietary sensitivities. Made in Australia with novel proteins and gentle ingredients, it’s designed to support digestive and skin health without common allergens or grains.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"This formula is perfect for cats needing a hypoallergenic, gentle diet. It's scientifically formulated and particularly helpful for those with food intolerances or itchy skin."
Note: We don’t currently stock Delicate Care, but it’s a highly regarded option available through many veterinary clinics across Australia.
Best High Protein Option: Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Entree in Gravy Adult Cat Wet Food
Packed with high-quality chicken and enriched with rice for energy, Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Entree in Gravy delivers high protein to support lean muscles while remaining gentle on digestion. The gravy-based texture is a favourite among cats.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"Purina Pro Plan is a strong option when you're looking for high protein and broad appeal. It's nutritious, well-balanced, and very well accepted — especially the gravy-based textures."
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Advance Adult Chicken Delight Wet Cat Food
Advance delivers excellent quality at a more affordable price point. Advance Adult Chicken Delight Wet Cat Food includes real chicken, tailored vitamin blends, and ingredients to support immune health and digestion.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"Advance offers solid nutritional value without the premium price tag. It's especially good for multi-cat households or everyday feeding on a budget."
Best for Kittens: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Wet Cat Food
A wet food specially formulated for kittens under 1 year old, Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Wet Cat Food supports healthy brain development, strong bones, and a developing immune system. It’s highly palatable and easy to eat for small mouths.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"Hill’s Science kitten food is perfectly balanced for growth — high in energy, DHA, and protein. It’s one of the best starts you can give a growing kitten."
Best for Senior Cats: Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food
Designed for cats over 12 years, Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food supports joint health, kidney function, and appetite stimulation. It has a soft texture and enhanced palatability to support ageing cats’ nutritional needs.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"Royal Canin Aging 12+ is a favourite for seniors. It’s gentle, supportive, and encourages eating in older cats who might have reduced appetite or dental discomfort."
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Adult Cat Wet Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Adult Cat Wet Food is a therapeutic formula that supports digestive health with unique ActivBiome+ prebiotic technology. It helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthy gut microbiome, making it an ideal sensitive stomach wet cat food for cats with chronic or acute digestive upset.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"For digestive concerns, Hill’s Prescription Diet Biome is a clinical game-changer. It works fast and reliably to stabilise gut function — especially useful in cats with recurring diarrhoea or soft stools."
Best for Fussy Eaters: Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care Wet Cat Food
Formulated for recovery and critical care, Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care Wet Cat Food is calorie-dense, smooth-textured, and highly palatable. It can be warmed and even syringe-fed, making it ideal for extremely fussy or ill cats.
Why Dr. Jane Recommends This Food:
"For cats refusing to eat, Hill's Prescription Diet a/d is often the answer. It’s easy to warm up, smells strong, and has a texture that even weak or recovering cats can manage."
How We Chose the Best Wet Cat Food
Every wet cat 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 feline 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.
Our selection process considered:
- Clinical experience treating cats with a range of dietary needs, from fussy eaters to those with allergies or sensitive digestion.
- Review of manufacturer data, including ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, nutritional profiles, and feeding trials.
- Evaluation of key food attributes, such as high-quality proteins, digestibility, palatability, appropriate fat and moisture levels.
- Compliance with AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional standards to ensure balanced, complete diets.
Our goal is to only recommend foods that support both your cat’s nutritional requirements and real-world feeding challenges — whether it’s boosting appetite, managing allergies, or promoting healthy growth and ageing.
What to Look for in Quality Wet Cat Food
Choosing the right wet cat food means looking beyond the label to assess the nutritional quality, ingredient transparency, and suitability for your cat’s needs. Here's what matters most:
High-Quality Protein Source
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they rely heavily on animal protein for essential nutrients. Look for products where the first ingredient is a named animal source, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon — preferably as whole meat or organ meats like chicken liver. These provide better digestibility and a natural amino acid profile to support muscle maintenance and energy.
Nutritional Completeness
Always check for a nutritional adequacy statement confirming the food meets AAFCO standards or complies with the Australian pet food manufacturing standard (AS5812). This ensures the food provides all required vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (like taurine) needed for long-term health. Balanced calcium and phosphorus levels are particularly important for bone health, especially in kittens and seniors.
Moisture and Texture
Wet food is valued for its high moisture content (typically 70–80%), which helps prevent urinary issues and supports hydration. Texture also plays a big role in palatability — many cats prefer chunks in gravy or mousse-style foods. Try different styles to see what your cat prefers, and consider warming food slightly to enhance aroma.
Ingredient Simplicity
Simpler formulas with recognisable, named ingredients are ideal, especially for cats with allergies or food sensitivities. Look for short ingredient lists free of artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, and avoid vague terms like "meat by-products." The fewer the ingredients, the easier it is to spot potential triggers.
Limited Fillers and Additives
Avoid unnecessary fillers like soy flour, corn gluten, or unspecified "meals," unless clinically required. Foods with clear ingredient lists, real meats, and natural oils provide better nutrition and fewer complications. Added Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) are a bonus for skin and coat health.
Vet Recommendation or Therapeutic Use
Some cats benefit from prescription diets designed to manage conditions like kidney disease, food allergies, or post-operative recovery. Trusted brands like Hill’s and Royal Canin offer therapeutic wet foods developed with clinical backing. Always consult your vet before starting one of these diets.
Packaging and Portion Control
Wet food is commonly packaged in cans or single-serve pouches, which help control portions and reduce waste. Choose a size that suits your cat's appetite and lifestyle. Resealable containers or pouches are ideal for maintaining freshness, especially in multi-cat homes.
Vet’s Tip on Reading Labels:
“Cats need high-quality protein and good fats — and a food labelled as complete in Australia will meet those needs. Focus on clear protein sources and steer away from vague ingredients or overly complex formulations.”
Wet Food Feeding Tips
Feeding wet food comes with a few practical considerations that can help keep your cat happy and healthy:
- Store leftovers properly:
Once opened, wet food should be refrigerated in a sealed container and used within 1–2 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Warm it slightly for picky eaters:
Cats are highly driven by scent. Warming wet food gently (for about 5–10 seconds in the microwave) can help release aroma molecules and make the meal more enticing — especially for fussy eaters or those recovering from illness.
- Use a clean bowl every time:
Always wash your cat’s food dish between meals to prevent bacterial growth. Wet food residue can build up quickly and may deter your cat from eating or lead to stomach upset.
These small habits can improve your cat’s appetite, hygiene, and overall feeding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wet cat food do vets recommend?
Vets often recommend brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, Advance, Purina Pro Plan, and Delicate Care due to their science-based formulations, balanced nutrition, and proven performance in clinical settings.
Wet or dry cat food: which is best?
Both have benefits. Wet food provides hydration, is highly palatable, and easier for cats with dental or kidney issues. Dry food is more calorie-dense, easier to store, and helps with dental health when chewed. Many vets suggest mixed feeding to combine the advantages of both.
What is the best wet cat food for cats with sensitive stomachs?
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome is a top vet-recommended cat food for sensitive stomachs. It contains prebiotic fibre to support gut health and is formulated to manage digestive issues effectively.
What is the best wet food for kittens?
Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Wet Food and Royal Canin Mother & Babycat are excellent choices. They are nutritionally dense, easy to digest, and contain the right balance of protein, fat, and DHA for healthy growth and brain development.
Can wet food help with hydration?
Absolutely. Many cats naturally drink very little water, which can lead to urinary tract issues. Wet food increases overall moisture intake, supporting better hydration and urinary system health — especially when paired with a water fountain to encourage drinking.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Wet Cat Food
Myth 1: “Wet food causes dental problems.”
It’s true that dry kibble can help reduce plaque to some degree through mechanical action, but wet food doesn’t cause dental disease. Poor dental health is more about genetics, lack of tooth brushing, and age. Many cats on all-dry diets still develop dental issues. Regular dental care — like brushing and professional cleanings — is far more effective than relying on food alone.
Myth 2: “Grain-free is always better.”
Grain-free diets are not inherently superior. While some cats with true grain allergies may benefit from avoiding grains, many grain-free foods rely heavily on legumes, peas, and potatoes as substitutes — which can be problematic in excess. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning animal protein is more important than whether a food contains grains. The focus should be on essential nutrients and protein quality, not the grain content alone.
Myth 3: “Wet food leads to obesity.”
Obesity comes from excess calorie intake, not the type of food. In fact, wet food is often lower in calories per gram than dry kibble and can help with portion control and satiety. Because it’s more filling and has high water content, wet food can be a helpful part of a weight management plan — when portions are measured appropriately.
Myth 4: “Wet food contains harmful additives or contaminants.”
Premium veterinary-recommended brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, Purina, and Advance undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and nutritional balance. Concerns around heavy metals or artificial additives are usually linked to poorly regulated or obscure brands. Choosing well-known, vet-backed foods ensures you’re feeding a diet that meets strict standards for safety and quality.
In short, the best wet cat foods are formulated with your cat’s health, biology, and dietary needs in mind — and many of the myths surrounding them are outdated or misunderstood.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wet cat food can make a meaningful difference in your cat’s health, hydration, and overall happiness.
Whether you're managing sensitive digestion, feeding a picky senior, or supporting a growing kitten, the best options combine high-quality ingredients, veterinary insight, and proven results. Brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, Advance, Purina, and Delicate Care consistently offer science-backed nutrition that meets the needs of cats at every life stage.
This guide is built on real veterinary experience and practical knowledge — not just label reading. By focusing on foods that are nutritionally complete, palatable, and suited to your cat’s unique needs, you’re setting them up for better meals and better health.
Always speak with your vet if you’re introducing a new food or managing a medical condition, and remember that even small changes, like offering a highly palatable wet option, can make a big difference to your cat’s wellbeing.
