10 Best Wet & Dry Dog Foods for Wheaten Terriers

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was bred as an all-purpose farm dog and family companion in his native Ireland. Sharing a common ancestry with the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue, the Wheaten is distinguished by his soft, silky coat and merry disposition.

These small, muscular dogs require dense nutrition to support muscle growth and healthy bones and to maintain their high energy levels throughout the day. And it’s your responsibility to ensure your Wheaten Terrier gets the best food with an ideal mix of protein and fats and essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Wheatens are not allergic to certain foods and ingredients. Just because your dog is a Wheaten does not mean he is allergic to or has an intolerance for certain ingredients such as chicken or grains. Individual dogs of any breed can have an allergy or intolerance to any one of the many ingredients in dog foods.

But how does one find the best food for Wheaten Terriers or any other breed? Each dog is different, and a dog food marked for a medium, active dog might not be the best choice for your medium-sized Wheaten Terriers. 

When choosing food for your furry friend, consider its current health, metabolism, activity level, and life stage. A puppy’s nutritional needs differ from that of a teenage, adult, and senior dog. Also, your pregnant Wheaten Terriers needs specific nutrients to ensure she has enough milk, and once the puppies are born, the lactating mother has additional needs. A nursing mama dog will do whatever she needs to ensure her puppies are well-fed, and you will be the one who must see that she gets the necessary nutrients to do that.

Making a choice that will provide optimal health for your Wheaten Terriers is complex. It takes time to research and gather information to help you make up your mind. Many professionals agree that variety is the key to giving your dog the best diet. Dog Food Care can guide you through the clutter. 

There are three primary questions for Wheaten Terriers’ parents. 

• Learn the six essential nutrients every dog needs
• Learn how much to feed your Wheaten Terriers
• Learn what to look for on dog food labels

What are the six essential nutrients?

Many dog food labels say “Complete and Balanced,” but what is required for dog food to be complete and balanced? The product is formulated to meet the nutrient levels established by AAFCO for a particular life stage or all life stages.‍ It says you can feed only this food, and your dog will get all the required nutrients. The six essential nutrients are listed below.

1. Water: 70% to 80% of your Wheaten Terrier’s mature body weight is made up of water. It’s essential to make sure your dog has access to an adequate, clean water supply daily. Dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Without sufficient water, your dog’s body will be unable to maintain critical bodily functions shown below.

• Dissolve and transport nutrients to cells
• Regulate body temperature 
• Digest foods
• Flush away waste, and much more.

2. Proteins: Your Wheaten Terrier’s body uses 23 amino acids to build tissues. However, your canine companion’s body can only produce 13 of those on its own. The remaining 10 amino acids must come from proteins in the dog’s diet. To ensure your dog is fueling their day and body with enough protein, look for dog foods with natural, high-quality proteins as the first ingredient. Whole meats and meat meals are good because both provide excellent protein and nutrition. Whole meats contain more water before being processed (which cooks off) and meals are already cooked to remove their water, dried, and ground. So a mix of both on the ingredient label is a great thing.

Whole Meats

• Fish
• Meat
• Poultry

Meat Meals

• Chicken Meal
• Beef Meal
• Salmon Meal

Meat meals contain about four times the protein meats do, so generally, they’re a good source of nutrients, but only when they are named.

3. Fats: Fatty acids, as they are called when talking about dietary needs, are essential for energy and also for your furry doggo’s skin and coat health. Your dog’s body cannot produce essential fatty acids and relies on you to include them in its diet to maintain optimal health. Some essential fatty acids for your dog are:

• Linoleic acid
• Omega-6
• Omega-3

4. Carbohydrates: Carbs are necessary to power the tissues in your dog’s body and for healthy digestion. Carbohydrates are plant-based, coming from grains, barley, brown rice, whole corn, potatoes, etc. It provides the dog’s body with

• Sugars
• Starches
• Fiber

5. Vitamins: Proper growth and health maintenance are impossible without including vitamins in your Wheaten Terrier’s diet. Vitamins support many critical roles in your dog’s diet. As long as your choice of dog food is a complete and balanced meal under AAFCO’s guidelines, your pup should be receiving many of the vitamins necessary to keep them healthy and happy. 

• Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels 
• Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system 
• Vitamin E and C serve as antioxidants 
• Vitamin K helps with blood clots and 
• Vitamin B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system. 

6. Minerals: Like vitamins, minerals support several critical roles in your dog’s diet. While different minerals provide different benefits, some general functions include bone and cartilage formation, hormone regulation, oxygen flow, and nerve and muscle function. Recipes with chelated minerals promote mineral attachment to proteins for maximized absorption during the digestive process. Below are some specific attributes of essential minerals for your dog. 

• Calcium and phosphorus make up a large portion of bone matter 
• Iron helps to carry oxygen through the body 
• Zinc supports proper wound healing 
• Selenium helps provide antioxidant support 
• Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium help with nerve transmission and fluid balance.

What to look for on your dog food labels

Like your food labels, your Wheaten Terrier’s food label shows what ingredients it contains and the percentage of essential nutrients in each bag. The ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content by weight and the percentage it represents, with 80% of the food made up of the first 5 ingredients. Studying the ingredients list will help you understand what you feed your dog.

Another part of the information on dog food labels is the Guaranteed Analysis (GA). It is the nutrient profile found on the back of the bag or can. GAs divulge the diet’s basic nutrient composition regarding minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, and maximum crude fiber. GAs let you know precisely what you are getting. 

The name game when decoding the label

The first five or 10 ingredients on the list will give you a good idea about the quality of the ingredients. You always want to see the protein listed in the first position, and then it must be the real thing. If the list of a bag of Beef Dog Food shows the beef first, followed by whole-grain corn and then soybean meal, the percentage of whole-grain corn will be less than the beef, and the soybean meal will be less than the whole-grain corn.

So, if you buy a bag of kibble called Beef Dog Food, beef must be number one on the list, and as per the FDA, it must make up 95% of the product. In contrast, if that bag of dog food’s label says “Beef Dinner,” “Beef Recipe,” “Beef Flavor,” or similar descriptions, the beef percentage need not exceed 25%. 

What you want to see on your Wheaten Terrier’s dog food labels:

• Real meat is the first ingredient 
• Fillers, if any, (corn, wheat, soy) should be listed low on the ingredients list. 
• If a “meal” is listed, be sure it’s from a specific source like chicken meal, beef meal, or salmon meal. You don’t want to see a general “meal” like poultry meal, fish meal, etc., which leave you with a guess as to the source of the meal. The fact that it is a meal is not a bad thing. It is significantly more concentrated than the fresh product because the source product is dehydrated and worked into a fine meal, losing no nutrients in the boiling process. 
• Specific protein by-products like beef by-products are high in nutritional value and generally not an issue. However, watch out for general statements like by-product meals, as these are lower in quality. 

What you don’t want to see on your Wheaten Terrier’s dog food label:

• The name of the food contains the statement “with” or “flavor,” like “with beef” or “beef-flavored,” as this indicates a small percentage of real meat. 
• The same ingredient is listed multiple times using different names, such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar, sucrose, and corn syrup. This tactic is often used to hide high levels of an unwanted ingredient by dividing them and using different terms on the ingredients list. The same goes for manufacturers trying to hide high filler contents like corn, cornmeal, and ground corn, which, if shown under one name, might even exceed the amount of the primary protein at number one on the ingredients list.
• Fillers in foods and treats or too many fillers in dog food may not be biologically appropriate for your Wheaten Terriers.
• Artificial colors and flavors

What are fillers?

In most dog foods, especially kibble, there are added ingredients to help your dog feel full but provide little nutritional value. Usually, fillers are bulky, starchy, and carbohydrate-rich ingredients that could have been replaced by healthier, more natural ingredients.

Typically, these products are cheap and easy for manufacturers to keep costs low. Some common fillers in commercial dog foods are so cheap that they will irritate your dog, causing allergies or sensitivities. There is no official list of fillers, and what some dog owners regard as fillers, others believe they are healthy. Examples include corn, wheat, rice, unspecified by-products, potato protein, pea protein, and more.

Dog Food Care reviewed the 10 Dry and Wet Dog Foods listed below.

After reviewing many dog food brands, Dog Food Care recommends those that stood out as best for your Wheaten Terriers.

1. Crave with Protein from Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
2. Whole Earth Farms Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
3. Merrick Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
4. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Chicken Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food
5. VICTOR Classic Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food
6. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Turkey & Chicken Dinner
7. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food
8. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food
9. Health Extension Lamb Entree Canned Dog Food
10. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula Canned Dog Food

The packaging of the above dry dog foods ranges from 10-pound bags to 50-pound bags, and prices from $42.96 to $79.98 per bag. When broken down to prices per pound, the average is $4.45 per pound.

The canned dog food prices range from $24.96 and $44.16 with an average price per can of $2.58.

Dog Food Care’s Choice of Top 5 Dry Dog Foods for Wheaten Terriers dogs is listed below.

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best Overall	CRAVE Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with Chicken Delicious chicken provides 34% protein Peas provide grain-free carbohydrates No artificial colors or preservatives	10	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Puppies	Whole Earth Farms Healthy Grains Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Recipe - 25 lb Bag Veterinarian-developed specifically for your puppy High in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat Contains DHA to support brain development	9.9	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Seniors	Merrick Grain Free Senior Dog Food, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-free dog food  Sweet potato provides fiber for easy digestion Contains wholesome ingredients such as peas, apples and blueberries	9.7	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Freeze-Dried Bites	Grandma Lucy's Artisan Dog Food, Grain Free and Freeze-Dried - Artisan Chicken, 10Lb Bag Grain-free recipe Delicious bites for your dog with freeze-dried chicken, fruits & veggies Made for dogs in all life stages	9.6	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best Value	VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food – Gluten Free Dog Food with Beef, Chicken, Pork Great for active dogs Proprietary VPRO blend is packed with vitamins and minerals Contains 72% protein from meat sources	9.5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy

Dog Food Care’s Choice of Top 5 Wet Dog Foods for Wheaten Terriers dogs is listed below

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best Overall	Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Carved Turkey Dinner in Gravy Adult Contains a nutritious superfood blend including organic flaxseed and organic blueberries Number 1 ingredient is free-range turkey Does not contain wheat, corn or soy. Grain-free.	10	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Puppies	Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Puppy Food, Puppy Chicken & Salmon Savory protein and great texture in all-natural pâté Contains antioxidant-rich vegetables Natural source of DHA	9.8	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best for Seniors	Chicken Soup for The Soul Puppy - Chicken, Turkey & Duck Classic Wet Dog Food Pate Great-tasting, delicious blend of chicken, turkey and duck Made from simple, high-quality ingredients Does not contain by-product meals, artificial flavors and preservatives	9.7	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best Gluten-Free	Health Extension Wet Dog Food Canned Grain-Free for All Dogs, Lamb Entree Blend of lamb and wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal Delicious real meat Grain and gluten-free	9.6	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
Best Value	Natural Balance Original Reduced-Calorie Formula Recipe is formulated to support healthy digestion Simple ingredients and a reduced calorie dog food Quality protein and essential fibers	9.5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy

The list below contains Dog Food Care’s Best Dry Dog Foods choices.

Best Overall
1. Crave with Protein from Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Crave pet food is manufactured by the Mars Petcare company, which also owns many other pet brands that are well-known and respected. Crave is a relatively new brand launched in 2017 to provide both dogs and cats with a formula as close to their natural diet as possible. This brand’s recipes are cooked and packaged in the United States.

10/10Our Score

• Delicious chicken provides 34% protein
• Peas provide grain-free carbohydrates
• No artificial colors or preservatives

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Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food offers your Soft Wheaten Terrier a diet rich in real animal protein. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, and the food contains no chicken by-product meal, soy, corn, or wheat and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Ideally suited for dogs of all breed sizes, this protein-rich food provides all the nutrients your snuggle buddy needs to develop and maintain a lean, healthy body, strong immune system, and the energy to run and play.

Crave High Protein Chicken is an exceptional quality dog food at a low price. This product has no controversial ingredients with zero artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It has a relatively well-balanced amount of protein, fat, and carbs with excellent meat and fat quality. Crave has a below-average number of recalls.

Dog Food Care highly recommends this exceptional product as Best Overall Dry Dog Food for Wheaten Terriers and their cousins, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Irish Terriers. 

• First 8 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Lentils, Pork Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max
• Calories: 449 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active medium and large dogs of all breeds
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefit: Provides the nutrients needed to develop and maintain a lean, healthy body, strong immune systems, and the energy to run and play
• Price: $47.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.18-lb)

Best for Puppies
2. Whole Earth Farms Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food 

Whole Earth Farms® is backed by nutritional pioneers in the pet food industry. As a brand within the Merrick Pet Care and Nestlé Purina PetCare family, Whole Earth claims to focus on high-quality proteins first, along with Wholesome Harvest Blend of field-grown fruits and vegetables, for optimal nutrition. Their pet foods help support a healthy immune system, healthy joints, and healthy skin and coat.

9.9/10Our Score

• Veterinarian-developed specifically for your puppy
• High in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat
• Contains DHA to support brain development

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Whole Earth Farms Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is a wholesome, delicious recipe made in the USA with multiple protein sources, including real chicken and salmon. Add to that omega-rich salmon oil, brown rice, and organic alfalfa for a complete and balanced meal your new furball will savor. Antioxidant support from real blueberries and added vitamins and minerals help make sure your young canine companion gets all the nutrition she needs for healthy growth and development.

Whole Earth Farms Puppy Recipe is an exceptional quality dog food at a low price. This product has no controversial ingredients and zero artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. However, its carb levels are high in proportion to protein and fat. The quality of the meat and fat in the food is excellent. Whole Earth Farms has a below-average number of dog food recalls, and it is a safe and intelligent choice for puppies of all breeds, from Whippets to Dalmations. 

Dog Food Care rates Whole Earth puppy food as an exceptional product, deserving the Best Dry Puppy Food recommendation.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Canola Meal, Rice, Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 383 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Puppies of large and medium dogs like Beagles, Bassets, and Wheaten Terriers
• Feeding: Follow guidelines for puppies based on size and age, and divide their food into three or four meals per day.
• Key Benefit: Complete and balanced nutrition is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to help your new best friend grow and thrive
• Price: $44.98 per 25-lb bag ($1.80-lb)

Best for Seniors
3. Merrick Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food

Merrick Pet Care was founded over 30 years ago in Garth Merrick’s family kitchen in Hereford, Texas. That’s when Garth began home-cooking food for his dog to ensure she was eating the most wholesome and nutritious food possible. Merrick Pet Care was founded in 1988. Then in 2015, Nestle Purina PetCare Company acquired Merrick Pet Care in a buyout agreement. The company is a leading producer of natural and organic pet foods, and Merrick’s foods are made in the USA.

9.7/10Our Score

• Grain-free dog food 
• Sweet potato provides fiber for easy digestion
• Contains wholesome ingredients such as peas, apples and blueberries

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As your Wheaten Terrier ages, you’ll have to attend to its changing nutritional needs. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe is a good choice for your canine companion in its golden years. This specially-formulated food wraps the essential nutrition your senior dog needs in the delicious taste of chicken and sweet potato meals.

Ingredients like naturally-sourced chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine help protect your older buddy’s joints and knees, which can weaken as he gets older. A healthy blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants gives your Wheatie, Basset, or Beagle’s immune system a boost, and the protein-rich formula helps maintain his quality of life. DHA from natural fish sources also helps promote healthy eye and brain function, and Taurine slows down cognitive decline as your precious pal gets older. 

Merrick Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe is a mid-priced dog food with exceptional quality. This product has no controversial ingredients, including zero artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, which is excellent. The food is somewhat high in carbs but offers excellent meat and fat quality. Merrick has no dog food recalls. Thus, Dog Food Care can confidently recommend this product as the Best Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs like Wheaten Terriers, Irish Terriers, and the Kerry Blues in their golden years.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
• Calories: 370 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds from small Border Terriers to Giants like Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and medium-sized Wheaten Terriers in their senior years
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight.
• Key Benefits: Includes natural sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to protect your buddy’s knees and joints, and Taurine to slow cognitive decline.
• Price: $64.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.95-lb) 

Best Freeze-Dried Option
4. Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Chicken Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Grandma Lucy’s is one of the few remaining 100% family-owned and operated pet food companies. Grandma Lucy’s set itself up as an alternative to mass-produced, highly processed kibble. All their freeze-dried food and treats are manufactured at their Rancho Santa Margarita, California facility from start to finish.

9.6/10Our Score

• Grain-free recipe
• Delicious bites for your dog with freeze-dried chicken, fruits & veggies
• Made for dogs in all life stages

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If you are a dog owner who believes your precious Wheaten pup deserves the same excellent food quality as you, Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Grain-Free Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food has your back. Instead of sharing your people’s food, this freeze-dried option will ensure your canine companion eats the best. Grandma Lucy’s recipes use the highest quality ingredients from trusted restaurant suppliers. 

Every ingredient is chosen with a specific benefit in mind, inspected for quality, and prepared in small batches at their family-owned California facility. From anti-inflammatory properties to maintaining a healthy digestive system and heart, it’s the easy way for your dog to eat his way to better health. And if your Wheatie or Irish terrier has food sensitivities, Grandma Lucy took care of that by using only natural ingredients. The freeze-drying process helps preserve the raw nutrients your Wheaten Terriers needs and the delicious flavor he craves.

Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Grain-Free Chicken recipe is a high-priced freeze-dried dog food with exceptional quality. This product has zero controversial ingredients, meaning no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are used. The food has a slightly higher carb level compared to its protein and fat content, but excellent meat and fat quality. Grandma Lucy’s has no recalls, and for all these reasons, Dog Food Care highly recommends this product as the Best Freeze-Dried dog food option. 

• First 5 Ingredients: USDA Chicken, Potatoes, Flax, Carrots, Celery
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 7.5% Max
• Calories: 438 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Highly active dogs of all breeds like Wheaten Terriers, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Brittany.
• Feeding: Add 1 to 2 cups of warm water to each cup of freeze-dried food. Stir and let it stand between 3 and 5 minutes before serving it to your Wheaten Terrier.
• Key Benefit: Ideally suited for the dog with food allergies or sensitivities; rich in natural omega fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin, coat, and joints.
• Price: $79.79 per 10-lb bag ($7.97-lb)

Best Value
5. VICTOR Classic Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food 

Introduced in 2007, VICTOR offers super premium pet food in various recipes to appeal to both dogs and cats while helping to meet special dietary needs through grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas, a variety of protein offerings, and more. VICTOR is sold primarily in farm & feed and independent pet stores across the country and through select online retailers. With a commitment to offering high-quality nutrition at a common-sense value, the company manufactures all kibble in-house at its Mt. Pleasant, Texas facility.

9.5/10Our Score

• Great for active dogs
• Proprietary VPRO blend is packed with vitamins and minerals
• Contains 72% protein from meat sources

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Keep your Wheaten Terrier going strong with VICTOR Classic Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food. This diet is made with premium-quality beef, chicken, and pork meals for reasonably active dogs, regular maintenance, and off-season periods of lower activity. It is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and amino acids. Made with gluten-free grains, VICTOR Classic Multi-Pro Dry Dog Food is a complete and balanced diet for your furry friend.

Victor Multi-Pro is an average-quality dog food at a low price. This product has no controversial ingredients and does not use any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, which is excellent. However, it has a very high amount of carbs compared to its protein and fat content. The high carbs are a concern, but the meat and fat quality in the food are excellent. Victor has a below-average number of recalls, and Dog Food Care recommends Watchdog Labs recommends Victor Multi-Pro for dog owners who need to feed their dogs on a budget.

• First 5 Ingredients: Grain Sorghum, Beef Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Meal, Pork Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22.5% min, Crude Fat 10% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% Max
• Calories: 359 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Ideal for normally active Wheaties, regular maintenance, and off-season periods of lower activity.
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Unique VPRO Blend promotes superior digestibility and immune system function.
• Price: $54.99 per 50-lb bag ($1.09-lb)

The list below contains Dog Food Care’s choices of Best Wet Dog Foods:

Best Overall
1. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Turkey & Chicken Dinner 

All ORGANIX recipes are made in the USA in an organically certified facility. Founded in 2000, Castor & Pollux was a leader in organic and natural pet food. ORGANIX was the first certified organic dog and cat food to meet all the requirements established by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Merrick Pet Care bought Castor and Pollux in 2012, and Nestle Purina PetCare Company acquired Merrick Pet Care in a buyout agreement in 2015.

9.8/10Our Score

• Contains a nutritious superfood blend including organic flaxseed and organic blueberries
• Number 1 ingredient is free-range turkey
• Does not contain wheat, corn or soy. Grain-free. 

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You can add variety to your adult Wheaten Terrier’s diet with Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Chopped Turkey & Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food. It features hearty cuts of certified organic meats and vegetables to indulge your dog’s appetite with satisfying proteins and essential nutrients for optimum health.

Castor & Pollux Organix Butcher & Bushel Organic Dinners are an average-priced wet dog food with exceptional quality. It contains no controversial ingredients, including zero controversial preservatives, flavors, and colors. It has well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, carbs, and excellent quality meat and fat. Castor & Pollux has an outstanding track record with no dog food recalls. Dog Food Care highly recommends this canned dog food product. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Organic Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8% min, Crude Fat 4% min, Crude Fiber 1.4% Max
• Calories: 345 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds, from the small Shetland Sheepdogs to the Wheaten Terriers, and the giant Dogue de Bordeaux. 
• Feeding: Use the Turkey and Duck as a topping on your Wheatie’s kibble, or divide the contents of one can into two or three meals to feed at a different time during the day.
• Key Benefit: Handcrafted in small batches with fruits, vegetables, and grains provide soluble fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive system
• Price: $42.96 per case of 12 × 12.7-oz ($3.58-can)

Best for Puppies
2. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food

This dog food is manufactured by Wellpet LLC, headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, founded in 1926. Wellness uses minimum ingredients but aims for maximum nutrition while ensuring that its recipes care for those with sensitive stomachs.

9.7/10Our Score

• Savory protein and great texture in all-natural pâté
• Contains antioxidant-rich vegetables
• Natural source of DHA

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Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Salmon. This natural, canned wet food for puppies is packed with protein and veggies to keep your little Wheaten Terrier thriving. It is designed to provide whole-body health with nutrient-rich ingredients that support a strong immune system, optimal energy levels, digestive function, and a healthy coat and skin. This pate-style wet dog food features a savory taste and mouthwatering texture that dogs love with all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your Wheatie, Westie, or Maltipoo needs. It is formulated by nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal lovers using nature’s finest ingredients.

Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy is good-quality mid-priced dog food. This product has one controversial ingredient, carrageenan, but it’s far enough down the ingredients list not to be harmful. This puppy food has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It has well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, and carbs, with excellent meat and fat quality. Dog owners should know that Wellness has an above-average number of recalls. Dog Food Care recommends this product as the Best Wet Dog Food for Puppies.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Ground Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1% Max
• Calories: 434 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Formulated for puppies of Wheaten Terriers, Bluetick Coonhounds, and other medium and large breeds. 
• Feeding: Feed 1 can (12.5 oz) for every 15 lbs of body weight per day. Feed up to twice the adult amount to puppies. 
• Combination Feeding: reduce dry by 1/3 cup for every 6 oz of wet food.
• Key Benefits: Helps support a strong immune system, optimal energy levels, digestive function, and a healthy coat and skin.
• Price: $44.16 per 12 x 12.5-oz ($3.68-can)

3. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe Canned Dog Food 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food was founded in 2004. The family-owned and -operated company comprises a small team that works closely to develop premium, healthy pet foods made from high-quality ingredients. They offer Classic and Grain-Free food for dogs of all life stages. Chicken Soup for the Soul’s pet products are manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a much larger national brand that owns four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the US.

9.7/10Our Score

• Great-tasting, delicious blend of chicken, turkey and duck
• Made from simple, high-quality ingredients
• Does not contain by-product meals, artificial flavors and preservatives

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Give your older Wheaten Terrier everything he needs to keep him feeling his best with Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Canned Dog Food. This diet contains real chicken as the first ingredient to maintain lean muscles. It is blended with turkey, duck, and salmon, making for a taste your furry friend will love. With no by-product meals, wheat, corn, or soy, Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Canned Dog Food is a complete and balanced option for your aging canine companion.

 Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Canned Dog Food is a low-priced dry dog food with good quality. This product includes no controversial ingredients like artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. However, the food has a high amount of carbs but excellent meat and fat quality at a reasonable price that deserves Dog Food Care’s recommendation as good wet food for senior dogs.

• First 8 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Ocean White Fish, Salmon, Duck
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 7.5% min, Crude Fat 4% min, Crude Fiber 1% Max
• Calories: 395 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active medium and large breed dogs like Wheaten Terriers and Huskies.
• Feeding: 1 to 1½ cans per 15 lbs of body weight per day.
• Key Benefit: Mature diet with real chicken and turkey as the first two ingredients.
• Price: $24.94 per case of 12 x 13-oz ($2.08-can) 

4. Health Extension Lamb Entree Canned Dog Food

Health Extension Pet Care, a New York-based premium holistic pet food company founded in 1963, uses all-natural formulas to ensure peak nutrition for pets. The company selects organic and naturally raised livestock that has not been compromised by antibiotics, steroids, or artificial hormones. They purchase free-range chicken, turkey, duck, and beef from local farms. Health Extension also uses a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals, including organic apple cider vinegar, primrose oil, colostrum, and blue and green algae.

9.6/10Our Score

• Blend of lamb and wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal
• Delicious real meat
• Grain and gluten-free

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Health Extension Lamb Entree is a gluten-free wet dog food, an excellent source of high-quality protein, made with real New Zealand lamb. There are no growth hormones or steroids. Lamb is a perfect option for dogs that need high-quality protein but have allergies to other commonly used protein sources. Dogs that prefer canned food will benefit from all the real-food ingredients.

Health Extension is a high-priced wet dog food with overall exceptional quality. This product has no controversial ingredients, including zero artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. The food also has well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, and carbs, and excellent quality of meat and fat. Health Extension has no recalls. Dog Food Care highly recommends this product as Best Gluten Free Wet Dog Food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Water Sufficient For Processing, Lamb Liver, Carrots, Brown Rice, Rice Flour
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 9% min, Crude Fiber 1% max.
• Calories: 258 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Medium and large breeds like Wheaten Terriers, Irish Terriers, and Kerry Blues
• Feeding: The amount of food your dog requires will depend on activity, age, environment, and breed. Feed 3/4 – 1 /1/4 cans per 15 lbs. of body weight per day. Feed up to twice this amount to puppies.
• Key Benefit: Fortified with vitamins, minerals, rich fruits and vegetables, this recipe provides essential moisture to prevent dehydration and help maintain proper urinary tract health.
• Price: $24.96 per case of 12 x 13-oz ($2.08-can)

5. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula Canned Dog Food

A partnership between Smucker and Nexus Capital Management markets the Natural Balance Brand, owned by Nexus Capital Management LP. Natural Balance was established in 1989, based in Pacoima, Los Angeles, California, United States.

9.5/10Our Score

• Recipe is formulated to support healthy digestion
• Simple ingredients and a reduced calorie dog food
• Quality protein and essential fibers

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Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie Chicken, Salmon & Duck Formula is formulated to nourish your adult dog’s complete well-being by taking an entire body approach. This gluten-free diet, made with high-quality chicken, salmon, and duck, is an optimal balance of premium proteins and essential nutrients created by expert nutritionists. 

Natural Balance Original Ultra is a mid-priced dog food with good quality. This product has one controversial ingredient, Carrageenan, but it is third from last on the ingredients list and not likely to affect your Wheaten Terrier. However, there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Overall, it has well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, and carbs with excellent meat and fat quality. Natural Balance has an above-average number of recalls. Still, Dog Food Care recommends Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health as a good quality dog food with a low price to make it our Best For Budget option for wet dog food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% max.
• Calories: 377 kcal per 8-oz cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Medium breeds 
• Feeding: one 8-oz cup of food for every 25 pounds of its body weight
• Key Benefit: Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants contribute to your pup’s immune system health.
• Price: $54.50 per 30-lb bag ($1.81-lb) 

What are the facts you should know about dog foods for Wheaten Terriers?

What type of diet is perfect for your Wheaten Terrier?

You know your Wheaten Terriers best, and as long as you understand that a high-quality diet is packed with nutrients, you don’t have to feed more to get the benefits. Below is a list of different diet options for Wheaten Terriers.

• Kibble Diet 

A kibble diet is a dog food that is processed and cooked and comes in many different varieties. It is supposed to be a balanced diet and meet the dog’s nutritional needs required by law. Dry dog foods should have necessary ingredients such as animal protein, grains, cereals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Wet or “canned” dog food

Canned dog food has a higher moisture content, which may be a good choice if your Wheatie doesn’t drink as much water or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration, like a history of urinary or kidney disease. Canned dog food is often more aromatic and flavorful when compared to dry food, and this may entice sick or older dogs to eat if their appetite is decreased. It is easier to chew for dogs with dental disease or other oral abnormalities, which may find wet food easier to chew than dry food. Many dog owners use canned foods as toppers in combination with kibble.

• Raw Diet

A raw diet usually consists of organ meat, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, and dog-friendly vegetables. It comes in many different forms: dehydrated raw, freeze-dried raw, pre-packaged raw, BARF (biologically appropriate raw food), and PMR (Prey Model Raw). Wheaten Terriers dog parents are advised to feed raw diets under the eye of someone knowledgeable in this area, such as a clinical nutritionist.

• Home Cooked Diet

A home-cooked meal prepared for a dog can consist of many different animal proteins and vegetables. It is based on the nutritional needs and health issues of the dog. Home-cooked diets require dietary supplements such as Balance IT to ensure that the dog’s dietary needs are met. Wheaten Terriers parents feeding a home-cooked diet would be advised to do so under the care of a veterinary nutritionist.

What is the daily amount of food for Wheaten Terrier?

Wheaten Terriers are medium-sized, muscular dogs with high energy levels. Therefore, they need a well-balanced diet of excellent quality proteins to meet their nutritional requirements. The best dog foods for Wheaten Terriers contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat, with higher amounts also acceptable if your Wheaten is an overly energetic dog.

It is essential to remember that feeding guides on dog food bags are precisely that – guides based on age and weight. However, your dog’s activity level, metabolism, and overall health are essential in determining how much to feed it. 

Also, keep in mind that puppy food is different from the food you will feed an adult Wheaten Terriers dog. Please buy appropriate food for your dog’s life stage. Adult dog food can be too big for puppies and can cause harm to their teeth and gums. Below are guides for feeding puppies.

Recommended daily quantities for your Wheaten Terriers are listed below, and you can adjust those to meet your canine companion’s unique needs.

• 1 3/4 cups per day if they weigh 30 pounds
• 2 1/4 cups per day if they weigh 40 pounds
• 2 2/3 cups per day if they weigh 50 pounds

Calculate 1 to 1 ½ cups per 25 pounds body weight if your dog weighs more than 50 pounds.

Remember that you must divide the total daily food allocation into several daily meals to prevent the deadly risk of bloat. Puppies should eat three to four times per day, and twice per day is good enough for adult dogs.

Are Wheaten Terriers prone to common food allergies?

Wheaten Terriers are not predisposed to any food-related health conditions, but dogs of any breed can have an allergy or intolerance for any one of the many ingredients in dog foods. Your Wheaton requires dense nutrition to support muscle growth and healthy bones, and maintain its high energy levels throughout the day. And it’s your responsibility to ensure your Wheaten Terrier gets the best food with an ideal mix of protein and fats and essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Obesity

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Wheaten Terriers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Though it’s tempting to give in to your canine companion’s begging eyes, be strong and remember you can “love her to death” with leftover people’s food and doggie treats. Instead, find a way to distract your furball’s attention – hug her, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. She’ll feel better, and so will you.

• Skin allergies

A food allergy is an inherited problem in some Wheaten Terriers that can start at any age but is most common in young adult dogs. Symptoms can include itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and chronic vomiting or diarrhea. A prescription veterinary diet is often the best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy. Keep your dog’s diet consistent, and don’t give her people food. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. 

Is Homemade Food Good for Wheaten Terriers?

Yes, homemade food is good for Wheaten Terriers, but it is not something most dog owners can do without first gaining comprehensive information about the do’s and don’t of maintaining food standards that will keep their dogs healthy in all aspects.

According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Association, a study from a while back showed that more than 90% of homemade dog food recipes found online might be bad for your dog.

The study went over 200 recipes from reputable veterinary textbooks, certified veterinary nutritionists, and other pet-related sources. Of the 200 recipes, 191 weren’t up to par with the Association’s standards.

A subsequent study evaluated more DIY homemade dog food recipes found online and gave them to pet owners to test. After the analysis, the scientists concluded that these diets exposed pets to nutrient deficiencies.

Considering the two above studies, it’s clear that the DIY homemade dog food diet approach is not necessarily bad, but rather the lack of expertise and knowledge in preparing homemade diets for dogs.

Bottom Line

A homemade diet is good IF you have the necessary knowledge and have the time to keep up with your dog’s nutritional demands. There is no getting away from it; it will keep you busy. Know that once spoiled with home-cooked meals, your Wheaten Terrier is not likely to be happy going back to kibble if you give up your noble quest.