Wet dog/cat/pet food is made by cooking a mixture of ingredients (also called “the recipe”) together and sealing the finished product into a hermetically sealed can, pouch or other type of packaging. The wet food in the container remains sterile until opened (the shelf life duration differs among different packaging, recipes, etc.). Wet dog/cat/pet food can be in the form of chunks, with sauce or jelly, as a compact mince or finely mixed (mousse or pate).
Usually, pet food producers use animal and/or fish meat or by-products, of 3rd quality class (not meant for human consumption; FEDIAF calls this “parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry“). By-products are usually animal organs (kidneys, lungs, liver, etc.) and meals from remaining by-products (“meal” is a cooked, extruded and dried powder). Animal protein can be fresh or frozen, before being cooked.
Depending on the recipe, dry ingredients can be added to the mixture, such as cereals, oils, fats, grains, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Water can also be added to the mixture, as well as a thickening agent, in order to create a better texture or to form a sauce or jelly.
Generally, “the recipe” is a business secret, so producers only list the necessary ingredients on the label. As a rule, the ingredients are listed in a way that the most prevalent ingredient is listed first, followed by the second prevalent, third, etc. Especially with wet foods, be very mindful of any hidden ingredients, such as additives, artificial flavourings, preservatives and/or colourings, if your dog is sensitive to certain food groups or has allergies.
I am happy to say that the pet industry in the EU is developing in way that producers are sourcing better ingredients (also human-grade ingredients), adding vegetables, fruits and herbs into the protein mixtures, refusing to use grains and legumes, and offering sustainable packaging options. If you have time, cooking your own wet food might also be an option, so that you can 100% control the ingredients that your dog eats. I do batch meals on the weekends and freeze them, which lasts me for a while. If you are too busy, there are several smaller businesses available who cook and deliver their own, healthier recipes of wet food. Usually, there are also some personalized options.