The Cost of Canine Cuisine: Affordable Canned and Wet Dog Food Options
Did you know that the average American dog owner spends over $400 a year on food? This staggering figure highlights the financial commitment that comes with pet ownership. In fact, dog owners often find themselves spending more on food than on other essential pet-related expenses, such as vaccinations, grooming, pet insurance, and training. For those with larger breeds or working dogs, the costs can skyrocket even further. However, the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to provide your furry friend with high-quality food.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best affordable canned and wet dog food options available in 2024, ensuring that your pup receives the nutrition they need without emptying your wallet.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes – Best Overall
- Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Variety Pack – Best Value
- American Journey Variety Pack – Premium Choice
- Iams ProActive Health Puppy
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Brown Rice
- Purina Beneful IncrediBites
- Dog Chow High Protein
- Iams ProActive Health
- Redbarn Naturals Beef Roll
- Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature
The 10 Best Affordable Canned and Wet Dog Food
1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes – Best Overall
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas
Protein Content: 8.5%
Fat Content: 5.5%
Calories: 451 cal/cup
Blue Buffalo’s variety pack contains eight 12.5-ounce cans of high-quality food at a fair price. With real meat as the first ingredient and no by-products, corn, or soy, this food is designed to support your dog’s lean muscle mass. The inclusion of wholesome grains and natural fruits and vegetables ensures a balanced diet.
Pros:
- Complete and balanced for adult dogs
- No artificial flavoring or preservatives
- Enticing scent
Cons:
- Slightly costlier than other options
2. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Variety Pack – Best Value
Main Ingredients: Chicken, sufficient water for processing, meat by-products, animal liver, Brewers rice
Protein Content: 8%
Fat Content: 6%
Calories: 420 cal/can
For those on a tight budget, Pedigree’s variety pack offers 12 13.2-ounce cans of ground dog food with flavors like filet mignon and beef. This food provides complete and balanced nutrition, making it a great option for adding texture to your dog’s diet.
Pros:
- Highly digestible formula
- Hearty texture
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like both flavors
3. American Journey Variety Pack – Premium Choice
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, beef broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites
Protein Content: 8%
Fat Content: 5%
Calories: 388 cal/can
American Journey’s stew variety pack features real meat as the first ingredient and is packed with vegetables for added nutrition. These grain-free meals are simmered in savory broth, providing a unique texture.
Pros:
- No by-product meal or artificial colors
- Crafted in the USA
Cons:
- Contains peas, which may be controversial
4. Iams ProActive Health Puppy
Main Ingredients: Sufficient water for processing, chicken, meat by-products, Brewers rice, meat protein isolate
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 8%
Calories: 468 cal/can
This affordable canned food is tailored for puppies, providing essential nutrients for growth and development. It’s enriched with vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system.
Pros:
- Complete and balanced nutrition for puppies
- No artificial flavoring
5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Brown Rice
Main Ingredients: Lamb and chicken broth, liver, lamb, wheat gluten, pork lungs
Protein Content: 10%
Fat Content: 3%
Calories: 350 cal/can
Purina ONE offers a natural food option made with real lamb and brown rice, formulated with essential vitamins and minerals. This food is particularly beneficial for dogs needing to maintain a healthy weight.
Pros:
- High in protein
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
6. Purina Beneful IncrediBites
Main Ingredients: Beef broth, beef, wheat gluten, liver, meat by-products
Protein Content: 11%
Fat Content: 2.5%
Calories: 86 cal/can
Designed for small breeds, Beneful IncrediBites features real ingredients in a chunky texture. It’s fortified with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for smaller dogs.
Pros:
- High protein
- Made with real ingredients
Cons:
- Meat by-products can be controversial
7. Dog Chow High Protein
Main Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken, wheat gluten, meat by-products, liver
Protein Content: 11%
Fat Content: 3%
Calories: 363 cal/cup
Purina’s Dog Chow is a high-protein option that supports muscle health. It comes in a chunky texture that most dogs love, providing complete and balanced nutrition.
Pros:
- High protein recipe
- No artificial flavoring
Cons:
- Not made for weight management
8. Iams ProActive Health
Main Ingredients: Chicken, sufficient water for processing, chicken by-products, lamb, brown rice
Protein Content: 8%
Fat Content: 6%
Calories: 390 cal/can
This vitamin-rich pate is designed for adult dogs, offering a balanced diet with natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Complete and balanced nutrition
Cons:
- Chicken is the first ingredient
9. Redbarn Naturals Beef Roll
Main Ingredients: Beef, beef lung, beef liver, whole wheat flour, egg product
Protein Content: 13%
Fat Content: 5%
Calories: 415 cal/serving
Redbarn’s beef roll is a versatile option that can be used as a meal, topper, or training tool. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial additives.
Pros:
- All-natural formulation
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
- Must be refrigerated after opening
10. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, turkey, chicken liver
Protein Content: 7.5%
Fat Content: 4%
Calories: 395 cal/can
Designed for senior dogs, this food promotes muscle mass and supports overall health with its carefully selected ingredients.
Pros:
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Promotes healthy digestion
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Affordable Canned and Wet Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your dog involves more than just picking a product off the shelf. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Dog’s Life Stage
Different life stages require different nutritional needs. Puppies need higher protein and fat content for growth, while adult dogs require maintenance diets. Senior dogs benefit from lower sodium and added joint support.
Price
While affordability is crucial, it’s essential to ensure that the food you choose is of high quality. Avoid discount brands that use cheap fillers.
Ingredients
Look for foods with high-quality protein sources listed as the first ingredient. Avoid unnamed meat sources and prioritize foods with fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
Your Dog’s Weight
If your dog is overweight, consider foods that are higher in protein and lower in fat. Wet food can help dogs feel fuller without adding extra calories.
Our Selection Process For Affordable Canned & Wet Dog Food
Our team evaluated customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to curate this list of affordable canned and wet dog foods. We also considered hands-on testing and how well our dogs responded to the foods.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted resource for dog owners. Our in-house veterinarians and writers ensure that the products we recommend are of the highest quality. We prioritize transparency and provide detailed information to help you make informed decisions for your furry friends.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes stands out as the best overall affordable dog food, while Pedigree’s Chopped Ground Dinner offers excellent value for budget-conscious owners. For premium nutrition, consider American Journey Stews. Regardless of your choice, providing your dog with quality nutrition doesn’t have to be a financial burden. We hope this guide simplifies your search for the best dog food for your beloved pet.