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The Healthiest Wet Cat Foods In 2024

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While our cats might not know what a love language is, they sure love it when we feed them tasty food. The best wet cat foods come in a wide range of flavors and textures to please every cat. Ultimately, the ideal canned recipe for your cat is one that's nutritionally complete and balanced for their life stage and any existing health issues.

To make our picks for this guide, we asked veterinarians and animal nutritionists what to look for in wet food for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Our picks from top brands are based on their insights into the nutritional needs of cats of all ages. One of the best overall wet foods is Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree for adult cats, which contains a healthy balance of protein from salmon, turkey, and egg whites. 

All of our recommendations meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). For more advice on how to shop for high-quality wet cat food, scroll to the end of this article.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Highlights for the best wet cat foods

Best overall: Wellness Gravies Salmon - See at Chewy

Best budget: Natural Balance Chicken and Liver - See at Chewy

Best for indoor cats: Purina One Indoor + Hairball Ocean Whitefish and Rice - See at Chewy

Best for older cats: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken - See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy - See at Chewy

Best for kittens: Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken - See at Chewy

Best for hairball control: Purina Pro Plan Hairball Salmon - See at Chewy

Best fresh: Just Food for Cats Cats Fish and Chicken - See at Chewy

Best overall These recipes from Merrick, Wellness, and Instinct are some of the best wet cat foods. Merrick; Petco; Instinct/Business Insider

Wet food and the best dry cat foods are both quality options for your cat, says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. But there may be cases where wet food is recommended in addition to, or in place of, dry food. Kornreich says wet food benefits cats who need more water, particularly older cats with kidney disease. It packs 75% to 78% moisture, whereas dry foods contain 10% to 12%, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Cats must eat animal proteins to satisfy their essential amino acid requirements, which help maintain normal body functions, so meat should be the first ingredient in cat food. You'll also want to see an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the food label. This indicates that the food meets the AAFCO's recommended balance of fats and proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals for a cat's life stage.

Adult cat foods should have a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein. To compare nutrient profiles of wet food to the AAFCO standards, you'll need to convert wet food percentages of fat and protein to a "dry matter basis." You can do this by following the directions from the Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, calling the food manufacturer, or asking your veterinarian for help.

Although some of our picks for the best wet cat foods are pricier than other options, they're packed with animal proteins such as deboned chicken, salmon, and turkey that cats love and require. 

Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon broth, turkey, salmon, turkey liver, egg whitesOther standout ingredients: Peas, carrots, cranberriesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 51% protein, 22% fat, 14% fiberCalorie count:  68 kcal/3-ounce can Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Pate Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Menhaden fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50.1% protein, 36.2% fat, 0.3% fiber Calorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Salmon Recipe Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, pork liver, egg productOther standout ingredients: Carrots, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kaleFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 48% protein, 18% fat, 9% fiberCalorie count: 90 kcal/3-ounce can Best budget For affordable wet cat food, we recommend Purina, Natural Balance, and Blue Buffalo. Purina; Natural Balance; Amazon/Business Insider

Cost is a significant factor when choosing among the best cat food recipes. Luckily, plenty of budget-friendly options meet a cat's nutritional requirements.

Budget-friendly cat foods often contain byproducts, a concentrated source of protein that's biologically appropriate for felines. Byproducts are repurposed ingredients that keep the cost of cat food down, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a board-certified veterinarian and associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. They include parts of the animal other than skeletal meat that are still nutritious for cats, such as organs. While many cat foods are touted as free of grains, byproducts, or artificial preservatives, these diets have no proven benefit compared to other cat foods that meet AAFCO standards.

The budget foods we recommend are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation and include selections with and without byproducts.

Natural Balance Chicken and Liver Recipe Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg productOther standout ingredients: Brown rice, carrotsFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 40.9% protein, 27.3% fat, 6.8% fiberCalorie count: 100 kcal/3-ounce can Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials White Meat Chicken and Vegetables Entree Meat protein sources: Chicken, liver, meat byproducts, turkeyOther standout ingredients: Wheat gluten, tomatoes, carrots, modified corn starch, soy protein concentrateFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50% protein, 9% fat, 7.5% fiberCalorie count: 73 kcal/3-ounce can Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Tender Morsels Chicken Entree in Savory Sauce Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg productOther standout ingredients: Potato starch, brown rice, carrots, sweet potatoesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50% protein, 22.2% fat, 8.3% fiberCalorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce can Best for indoor cats The best wet cat foods for indoor cats are formulated by Natural Balance, Royal Canin, and Purina. Chewy; Royal Canin; Purina/Business Insider

Indoor cats might not face outdoor life's dangers, like predators and food scarcity. But they do face a growing epidemic: feline obesity.

Pet caregivers play an invaluable role in regulating a cat's access to food and ensuring their food is appropriate for their needs, says Dr. Deb Zoran, a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. Indoor cats can't catch their own food and typically don't exercise as much as an outdoor cat would. An indoor cat diet shouldn't replace environmental enrichment and daily play, but incorporating food made for their unique needs is a step in the right direction.

Our recommendations for the best indoor cat foods are lower in calories and fat, which helps them maintain a healthy weight and physique. Added insoluble fibers like powdered cellulose and probiotics like beet pulp support digestion, and omega fatty acids derived from fish oil keep fur soft and shiny while reducing shedding and hairballs.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Platefulls Morsels in Gravy Turkey, Salmon, and Chicken Recipe

Meat protein sources: Turkey broth, turkey, salmon, chicken, chicken liver, dried egg whitesOther standout ingredients: Salmon oil, dried plain beet pulpFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 42.3% protein, 26.1% fat, 1.8% fiberCalorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce pouch

Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cats Morsels in Gravy Meat protein sources: Chicken byproducts, pork byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, pork digestOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oil, L-carnitineFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 52.47% protein, 20.24% fat, 3.28% fiberCalorie count: 65 kcal/3-ounce can  Purina One Indoor + Hairball Ocean Whitefish and Rice Recipe Pate Meat protein sources: Ocean whitefish, chicken, liver, pork lungsOther standout ingredients: Brown rice, powdered celluloseFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:45.6% protein, 22.2% fat, 9.7% fiberCalorie count: 77 kcal/3-ounce can Best for older cats Wellness, Hill's, and Royal Canin make the best wet foods to support the unique needs of senior cats. Petco; Hill's; Royal Canin/Business Insider

As your cat begins to show age-related changes as early as 7 years old and reaches their senior years around 12 years old, simple changes can improve their quality of life. They'll likely have two wellness visits yearly rather than one, which is an ideal time to discuss your cat's changing activity level and caloric needs.

Most senior cats can eat kibble, says Dr. Jennifer Larsen, a board-certified veterinarian and professor of clinical nutrition at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. However, dry foods tend to be three to four times more calorie-dense when compared to canned foods. Wet food is also higher in moisture, which helps support kidney function and can help manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease.

The AAFCO doesn't provide standards for senior cat food. Instead, the food is formulated to meet the AAFCO nutritional recommendations for adults and may vary in calories, fiber, and protein. To be sure a food is appropriate for your cat, review its nutrition and calorie content, then consult your veterinarian. Look for ingredients like glucosamine and fish oil, which are included in our picks and can help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with age-related conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, our recommendations for the best food for senior cats contain fewer calories than our adult food selections.

Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entree Meat protein sources: Chicken, turkey giblets, pork byproducts, pork liverOther standout ingredients: Fish oil, rice, soybean mealFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 39% protein, 24% fat, 3% fiberCalorie count: 90 kcal/2.9-ounce can Wellness Complete Health 7+ Age Advantage Tuna and Salmon Entree Meat and fish protein sources: Tuna, salmon broth, chicken liver, chicken, salmonOther standout ingredients: Peas, beet pulpFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50.8% protein, 22.8% fat, 4.1% fiberCalorie count: 98 kcal/3-ounce can Royal Canin Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Meat protein sources: Pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitinFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 51% protein, 19% fat, 6% fiberCalorie count: 71 kcal/3-ounce can Best for sensitive stomachs The best limited ingredient and sensitive stomach diets for cats include recipes from Merrick, Go! Solutions, and Royal Canin. Go! Solutions; Amazon; Merrick/Business Insider

Limited ingredient diets can help cats with food intolerances and sensitive stomachs. They contain fewer ingredients, reducing the risk of digestive upset like diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. They are also typically made with whole food ingredients that are easier to digest than other options.

However, limited ingredient diets aren't always necessary unless your cat has food sensitivities. According to Saker, food intolerances can mimic some of the symptoms of food allergies, but food intolerances are typically limited to the gastrointestinal tract rather than a full-body immune response. Before transitioning your cat to a limited ingredient diet for digestive issues, talk to your veterinarian to rule out other underlying problems. 

Our picks for the best sensitive stomach cat food include sources of dietary fiber, like pumpkin and cellulose, which can help regulate your cat's digestion. 

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Organic alfalfa meal, yucca extract, pea proteinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 36.4% protein, 27.7% fat, 6.4% fiberCalorie count: 148 kcal/5-ounce can Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Pollock Pate Meat and fish protein sources: Deboned Alaskan pollock, salmon broth, cod liverOther standout ingredients: Pumpkin, cranberriesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 42% protein, 18% fat, 0.9% fiber Calorie count: 166 kcal/6.4-ounce carton Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy Meat and fish protein sources: Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, hydrolyzed chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose Feeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 44.4% protein, 17.4% fat, 5.5% fiber Calorie count: 66 kcal/3-ounce can Best for kittens Our favorite kitten foods are made by Purina, Wellness, and Iams. Iams; Purina; Wellness/Business Insider

Choosing the right food for your kitten can be challenging. The first step is to look for food appropriate for a growing kitten's nutritional needs. It should be formulated according to the AAFCO standards for growth or all life stages to support a kitten's rapid growth and high-energy needs. This ensures your carnivorous kitten gets at least 30% protein and 9% fat from their food.

Plus, food formulated for growth includes key nutrients like calcium to support bones and teeth and the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for brain growth and mental development. Our picks for the best kitten foods have all the essential nutritional qualities for growth. They also include healthy ingredients like antioxidants and prebiotics, which help support a kitten's developing immune and digestive system. 

Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate Chicken Entree Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken brothOther standout ingredients: Carrots, cranberries, ground flaxseed, menhaden fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 46.7% protein, 37.2% fat, 1% fiberCalorie count: 105 kcal/3-ounce can  Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, ocean fish, liver, chickenOther standout ingredients: RiceFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:54.5% protein, 31.7% protein, 0.5% fiberCalorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken Recipe Meat protein sources: Chicken, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 44% protein, 41% fat, 0.4% fiberCalorie count: 90 kcal/2.6-ounce twin pack Best for hairball control Hill's, Purina, and Royal Canin make the best wet cat foods to control hairballs. Hill's; Purina; Royal Canin/Business Insider

Although hairballs are common, if you find your cat gets them frequently, it's important to tell your veterinarian. Hairballs can become a medical issue, balling up in the digestive tract and causing an obstruction. Sometimes your vet may recommend one of the best hairball remedies for cats or a special diet.

A high-fiber diet can help your cat safely pass hairballs, Larsen says. While the AAFCO doesn't recommend a specific level of dietary fiber for cats, most complete and balanced cat foods include fiber sources in the form of digestible (starches), fermentable (oats), and insoluble (cellulose) fibers. Most hairball control diets also include insoluble fiber sources like rice hulls, pea fiber, and cellulose. While all types of fiber are beneficial for digestion, insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps to pull fur through the digestive tract. 

Dry cat foods are typically higher in fiber, but the best hairball cat food recipes are formulated with extra insoluble fiber. They also include omega fatty acids to improve skin health and reduce shedding.

Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree Meat and fish protein sources: Chicken, turkey liver, pork byproducts, pork liver, turkey heart, fish mealOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 36.3% protein, 21.1% fat, 9.2% fiberCalorie count: 84 kcal/2.9-ounce can Purina Pro Plan Hairball Salmon Entree Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, meat byproducts, chickenOther standout ingredients: Powdered celluloseFeeding trials: NoCalorie count: 84 kcal/3-ounce can Meat and fish protein sources: Chicken byproducts, pork byproducts, chicken liver, pork liverOther standout ingredients: Powdered celluloseFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 40.3% protein, 14.7% fat, 5.6% fiberCalorie count: 55 kcal/3-ounce can Best fresh Just Cats is our top pick for the best complete and balanced fresh food. Petco/Business Insider

Some cats want a bite of every meal we cook, but not all of us have the time or resources to cook our pets fresh meals consisting of whole meats and vegetables. Fresh cat food provides a solution with nutritionally complete and balanced meals made with high-quality human-grade ingredients. Some fresh foods are offered through subscriptions, while others are available for single purchases.

Just Cats is the best fresh cat food we've tested. It's made in one of nine privately owned kitchens across the US, where it's prepared in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists. They don't share processing plants or packaging lines with other companies. According to Kornreich, this means greater quality control over the ingredients and the prepared food.

Just Food For Cats Cats Fish and Chicken Meat and fish protein sources: Alaskan Pacific wild-caught cod, whole Atlantic sardines, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Dried yucca rootFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 52% protein, 19.5% fat, 2% fiberCalorie count: 288 kcal/cupSave 40% on your first purchase and 5% on recurring autoship orders. What to look for in wet cat food

When shopping for the best wet cat foods for your kitten, adult, or senior cat, you'll want to consider the following criteria:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: A cat food with an AAFCO statement on the label is nutritionally complete for a cat's life stage. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for kittens. Food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for adult cats.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients. For kittens, a minimum of 9% fat and 30% protein is recommended, while adult cats should have a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein. Cat foods should also contain other essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

To compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food, convert the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food to a "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, you can use these directions from the Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.

Key ingredients: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Animal protein is essential for cats to maintain normal body functions because it contains essential amino acids. As a result, cats are obligate carnivores. Therefore, animal-based protein should be the first ingredient in cat food.

Expert formulations: Look for brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines and our experts' guidance. Even better are brands that are active in research on small animal nutrition or those that collaborate with universities and colleges. 

Manufacturing standards: When choosing a brand of cat food, it's important to consider the quality control measures and facilities used. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have greater control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat consumes. It's also important that a brand is transparent about how they implement quality control measures. Merely stating that they conduct quality control may not be sufficient. Pet food companies should make this information available on their website or be willing to provide it upon request.

Calorie content: Cat food lists calorie content in kilocalories (kcal). The number of calories a cat needs varies based on age and activity level.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens should be given multiple meals daily and allowed to eat as much as they want since they require more energy to support their rapid growth. As your kitten approaches 9 to 12 months of age, consult your veterinarian to determine their ideal body condition, weight, and caloric requirements.

The WSAVA offers a reference chart to estimate the number of calories an adult cat should eat based on their weight, but these are just general guidelines. The appropriate amount of food for your cat depends on their weight, energy level, breed, and overall health. Talk with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your cat should consume daily.

How we selected the best wet cat foods

To land on our recommendations for the best wet cat foods, we consulted three veterinary nutritionists and one board-certified veterinary cardiologist.

Dr. Bruce Kornreich is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. While Cornell University faculty cannot disparage or recommend specific brands, Kornreich helped us understand when wet cat food might be appropriate to serve in addition to, or in place of, dry food. He also guided our understanding of what makes a high-quality wet food and what to avoid.

Dr. Deb Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor at Texas A&M University. Zoran shared insights on cat nutrition and quality food. 

Dr. Jennifer Larsen is a veterinarian, distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and professor of clinical nutrition at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Larsen spoke with us about senior cat nutrition and the role of high-fiber diets in feline nutrition and well-being.

Dr. Korinn Saker is a veterinarian, distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. We spoke with Saker about the metabolic needs of indoor cats, in addition to feline food intolerance and sensitivities. 

We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from other organizations, including the AAFCO and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.

Wet cat food FAQs What is the healthiest wet food for a cat?

Because cats are obligate carnivores, the healthiest wet food for a cat includes animal-based protein as the first ingredient. Complete and balanced food also has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on its label. However, there isn't a perfect wet food choice that fits every cat or kitten. Instead, ask your veterinarian for food recommendations tailored to your pet. They may be able to suggest some options that meet your cat's specific nutritional and caloric needs based on their age, body condition, and overall health. 

What wet food is best for indoor cats?

Obesity is common among indoor cats, especially middle-aged and neutered male cats. Your cat's ideal weight can be maintained through regular exercise, play, and enrichment, as well as low-calorie indoor cat food. Omega fatty acids are also included in some indoor cat formulas to promote healthy skin, which could mean less shedding and fewer hairballs. Indoor cats prone to frequent hairballs may benefit from a diet high in insoluble fiber, says Larsen. Most hairball control diets contain insoluble fiber sources like rice hulls, pea fiber, and cellulose.

Is it OK to give cats wet food every day?

Wet food with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy is OK to feed your cat every day. However, to prevent food inflexibility, Zoran recommends rotating textures, proteins, and brands starting from a young age. Check out our guide on the best automatic cat feeders if you are interested in feeding your cat at specific times.

Do vets recommend wet food for cats?

Both canned and dry food choices can meet the nutritional needs of cats and kittens, as long as they're labeled with the AAFCO statement for your cat's specific life stage. The most appropriate food for your cat depends on their overall health, your budget, and your cat's preferences. According to Kornreich, veterinarians may recommend a wet food diet for older cats with kidney disease or cats prone to dehydration. If you're unsure how much your cat should eat or if they have special nutritional needs, talk to your veterinarian.

My House Stinks Of Damp Dog Since The Weather Turned Cold – But There's A £3 Mrs Hinch-approved Buy That Will Banish It

ANY dog owner knows that with the cold autumn and winter weather comes plenty of walks with your furry friend in the rain.

Although it's important to still make sure your pooch is getting plenty of exercise during the colder months, rain and dogs don't mix very well.

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The wet weather for furry dogs doesn't always mixCredit: Getty

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Wet dog smell can be tricky to banish from your home in a hurryCredit: Getty

That's what one woman has discovered after she realised her entire house has began to smell like "damp dog" after a few drizzly walks.

Taking to the popular Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, the dog lover asked for some tips getting rid of the grim smell.

"It's awful now the weather has turned," she said.

Failing washing your dog every time they come back in from a walk, some pet owners had a cheap and cheerful hack.

Although some suggested reed diffusers and scented candles worked wonders, others insisted on a cheaper alternative.

"Zoflora pet spray works for me," one commented on the post.

The Zoflora Mountain Air Disinfectant Trigger Spray is specifically designed for homes with pets, so can target those horrid damp smells.

The best part is you can pick up a huge 800ml bottle from most supermarkets for as little as £3 - so it won't break the bank either.

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Better yet, it's currently available for just £2.50 on Amazon.

"I use Zoflora spray and don't have any issues," someone else commented on the post.

I'm the Dogfather - here's how to get and keep your anxious pooch calm during the autumn thunderstorm..

And a third agreed: "Me too, I use it all year round."

If you're still struggling with damp dog smell, there are some other tricks you can try out too - and don't worry, you won't need to go out and spend a fortune on fancy perfumes or cleaning products.

With this hack, all you'll need to do is spend 32p - yes, you heard that correctly. 

another annoyed dog owner took to Mumsnet to reveal that she is fed up with the smelly odour her dog leaves behind.

She said: "The dog herself doesn't smell, she's a greyhound so not loads of damp/wet fur at all. 

"She's bathed frequently. Had a good bath only 2 days ago with Aloe Vera dog shampoo and smells nice.

"Is there anything else I can use to disguise the smell which doesn't involve shampooing the carpet?"

Cleaning fans were quick to respond with their simple hacks for getting rid of such smells, with many sharing the 32p item dog owners can use to stop their house from smelling like a wet dog.

One woman said: "A tip I got from the Good Housekeeping threads was to put vinegar around the house, in pots, to neutralise the airborne pong you can get."

Seconding this tip, another user added: "For airborne smells, try putting bowls of white vinegar in the offending rooms. 

"I use ramekins and put them in the corner of window sills behind the curtains. 

"It's amazing at freshening the air without using chemical smelling cover ups."

While a third user said: "I think the vinegar as a room freshener is amazing! 

"I'll be interested to hear what others think when they have tried it."

Dog Owner Guide: All You Need To Know

Owning and keeping a dog happy and healthy is not only a long-term financial, but a lifetime commitment.

Nine facts you should know ahead of time:

Half Of Americans Will Ditch Friends And Family To Hang Out With Their Pet, Study Reveals

Almost half of pet parents have canceled plans just to stay home with their pet. 

That's according to a new survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners, which found that not only have 48% bailed on plans with friends and family, they've done so an average of five times in their pet's life.     

Another 30% even admit they've called out of work just to stay home with their pet — averaging four times since they've brought them home. 

Almost half of pet parents have canceled plans just to stay home with their pet.  Georgii – stock.Adobe.Com

Almost all respondents (97%) agree that their pet is a member of their family and another 99% believe it's important to show them love and appreciation every single day.

To show their love, pet parents chat with their four-legged friends an average of 11 times per day, as well as average 10 cuddle sessions and 10 instances of giving them scratches or a massage.

Respondents reported that on average, they also play games with their pet seven times per day, call them nicknames 10 times and even sing to them about five times.

Almost all respondents (97%) agree that their pet is a member of their family and another 99% believe it's important to show them love and appreciation every single day. SWNS

And when they aren't spending time together, their pets are also dominating owners' thoughts. Respondents dwell on their pet nearly every other waking hour (four times per day).

Not only that, but another 39% are concerned about their pet's nutrition at least once a day, with 22% saying they think about it multiple times.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of dog and cat food brand Nutrish, the survey found that when asked about several different aspects of their pet's well-being, pet parents selected nutrition most frequently (40%) as the aspect they feel is most important.

Around 30% even admit they've called out of work just to stay home with their pet — averaging four times since they've brought them home.  SWNS

Most pet owners (51%) feed their pet a combination of both dry and wet food, including 61% of cat owners. 

Cats tend to prefer the wet food portion of their meal (31%), whereas dogs prefer dry food (43%), according to their pet parents.

They also have different palate preferences; dogs most often devour chicken (44%), beef (31%) and bacon (30%), whereas cats prefer chicken (57%), salmon (43%) and turkey (18%).

Regardless of flavor choice, 13% of all pet owners report that their pet has special dietary needs — including sensitive stomach (38%) and weight management (28%).

"Between dousing them with love and affection and paying special attention to their nutritional needs, it's clear that cat and dog owners take their pet parenting seriously," said Dr. Preston Buff, a board-certified Animal Nutritionist working as a Principal Scientist of Nutrition and Animal Safety at Post Consumer Brands, which manufactures Nutrish. "Pet owners are going the extra mile to ensure that their pet feels like part of the family, and high quality food with ingredients that offer mind, body and energy benefits can only increase that bond."

The survey also asked respondents to design a hypothetical "dream day" for their pet, specifically, a day that combines all their fluff ball's favorite things.

According to the results, their special day would start around 8:36 a.M. The main event for the day would be either a road trip (34%), a shopping spree at their pet's favorite store (29%) or a dinner at a pet-friendly restaurant with a pet-friendly menu (27%) together. 

Pet owners would also ideally lay in the sun or sit outside with their pet for an average of five hours and report that their pet would want to nap for an additional six hours during this extra special day. 

This is good news, as almost two in five (37%) pet parents even say their favorite way to bond with their pet is a cuddle or nap on the couch or bed. 

Pet parents hope that their pet will display some of their quirky or silly ways of showing happiness, including "zoomies," "wiggle butt," "trying to lick the cat's ears," or even "take a little bite out of my nose."

"Though it may be hypothetical, designing a dream or special day for their pet clearly demonstrates the lengths pet owners are willing to go to keep their furry friends feeling loved and both happy and healthy," said Dr. Buff. "Pets bring so much joy into our lives and it's only fair we reciprocate by giving them the quality time and quality food their owners know will make the difference."

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 cat and dog owners; the survey was commissioned by Nutrish and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August 24 and August 30, 2024.

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