Best Low-Fat Dog Foods | Buying Guide
Little fatty dogs are quite common nowadays. Many ingredients in the food make them being obese. Most dog owners want their dogs with optimal weight as they can have several health issues when they have been overweight. Some elements like protein, vitamins, minerals are vital for a healthy weight. So, the dog owners are looking for dog food without compromising such nutrients values.
Does your dog have a belly bulge? If yes! why don’t you consider low-fat dog foods? There are a lot of brands out there with low fat.
For instance, some brands will provide low-fat dog food with low content of meat. However, nutrients are rich in meat, so it is important to add them to your dog’s diet without increasing its fat level.
As mentioned, there are a lot of dog foods out there. How could I choose the right food? What are the factors to be considered? These are the common questions that will arise among dog owners when choosing low-fat dog food. So, we are here to guide you, you are advised to follow the instructions to choose the best low-fat dog food on the market.
1. Reduced Caloric Content
This is the first and foremost factor to be considered for the best low-fat dog food. Usually, the weight loss dog food has lower calories than regular. Ideally, such foods still come with the same amount of calories not to make your dog feel hungry. This would be accomplished by increasing the fiber content in the food that takes more space in your canine’s gut.
On the other hand, many weight loss dog foods are developed with increased protein and decreased fat levels to reduce the caloric level in the food. As this food has high protein, your dogs will have enough nutrients in their diet.
We suggest you buy dog food that has less than 400 calories level for healthy weight. Dog food with less than 300 calories per cup is ideal for healthy weight loss.
2. Taste
The taste of the food is another important thing you need to pay attention to as your dogs never like tasteless foods. Usually, most weight loss foods are developed with minimal ingredients to help your dog lose weight loss, so they provide attention to the fat and caloric level rather than taste. You cannot expect good taste from such dog foods. However, still, many companies consider taste along with its nutrients level. Thus, you need to choose the food that supplies the weight loss dog food without compromising the taste, so that your dog will also eat food without wasting it.
3. Nutritious
Nutrients are necessary to maintain a dog healthy, and it is very crucial when you decide to reduce its weight. So, choose weight-loss food that has significant vitamins, minerals, a certain amount of macromolecules (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) to remain your canine health. The major difference between standard dog food and weight loss dog food should be caloric content.
4. Probiotics Strains
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help in healthy digestion. Suddenly switching to low-fat dog foods may create a digestion problem. So, selecting weight loss dog food with probiotic strains is likely to reduce the intestinal upset of your buddies, so that your dog is able to digest food properly without any issues. This is because considering probiotic stains on your low fat or weight loss dog food is important.
General Dog-Food Buying Guidelines
Whether you are looking for normal or low-fat dog food, you’ll need to make sure that your food meets the below listed certain criteria.
Check the dog food whether they have gone through all standard safety tests recommended by professionals. Probably! selecting foods made from the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia or New Zealand are the best options as they must complete all the tests.
Ingredients of the low-fat dog food is another considerable factor. You’ll need to check the primary ingredients in the food list and select the food that is made with meats like deboned chicken, beef, etc because these ingredients only can provide enough nutrients to your sweet friend.
Your low fat or weight loss dog food shouldn’t include any artificial flavors, colors, or other additives as they trigger health issues like allergies to your dog. So, it is better to avoid food with such ingredients to keep your dog healthy.
Choose the food that doesn’t contain any meat by-products because they may be collected from unsavory resources. So, you’ll need to avoid dog foods that contain the ingredients like meat meals. You are advised to always buy the food with properly labeled and identified meat products such as beef or chicken meal.
Dogs Predisposed to Weight Gain
Obesity is common among dogs. It will occur due to a lot of reasons. Here are some types of dogs that have weight issues.
1. Older Dogs
In general, a dog’s metabolism will become slower when they get older, so they are likely to pack on the pounds easier.
Besides, the activity of the older dogs also becomes slower, so absolutely they will gain weight in their golden years.
2. Inactive Dogs
Dogs that are inactive or less active can be the reason for being overweight as they don’t burn their calories alternatively to gain weight. Activities like running, jumping, playing are important to remain a healthy body or weight.
3. Dogs Recovering from Injury or Illness
This is a rare reason for obesity. The Dogs which are suffering from illness or recovering from some injuries are likely to be quiet, you cannot make them exercise every day. So, it will lead to a caloric imbalance in your canine, so that their weight will be increased automatically.
Some bad healthy conditions like hypothyroidism also can be the reason for being overweight.
Best Low-Fat Dog Food
Is it really possible to avail low-fat dog food with the optimal nutrients value? This is a common question among dog owners. So, we reviewed a lot of brands and came up with lists that suit all stages of dogs and breeds. Here are the top 6 low-fat dog foods recommended by vets and training professionals.
1. Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Adult Weight Care In Gel Canned Dog Food, 5.8 oz,
Low-fat dog food from the Royal Canin is available in both wet and dry forms. But this is a dry form specially developed for your buddy’s metabolism. This is formulated with natural ingredients like chicken meal, rice, beet pulp, and fish oil, which are high in probiotics play a vital role in your canine’s health.
So, this is ideal for dogs that need to lose weight and struggle with soft stool or diarrhea. It is also suitable for senior dogs and those suffering from the prone to pancreatitis dogs because of its low-fat level.
However, it is not a great option for dogs to have a problem with grains like wheat since it is one of the ingredients on its lists. This dog food is formulated by veterinarians, and it will safe for all stages and breeds of dogs. These are quality tested and reviewed by huge customers.
Pros
- No artificial flavors and colors
- 100% safe
- Best low-fat dry dog food
- Contains 7% fat content
- Includes natural high nutrients ingredients
- Supports gastrointestinal problem
- Affordable for its size
Cons
- Included wheat
Bestseller (lists)
Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Mature 8+ Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 5.2 oz Can (Pack of 24)
- Highly palatable for the older dog as their sense of smell can begin to decline ... Read More
2. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Healthy Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 29.1 lb. Bag
IAMS dog food is specifically designed to support seven different healthy vitalities: healthy skin, coat, digestion, teeth, heart, strong muscles, and immune system. As it is comprehensive, it has been on the market for over 70 years and more popular across the world. This is high-quality low-fat dog food highly recommended by vets.
There are no artificial substances and filler means developed with natural ingredients. Impressively, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. IAMS can promote a healthy body along with supporting weight control. This also helps to lose the belly weight of your canine.
The main ingredients on this food are dried chicken and turkey, dried whole egg and barley, and dried beet pulp. Your dog will have enough Omega 6 and Omega 3 from each kibble that supports healthy skin and coat.
The minerals in this food support fighting tartar and keeps the dog's teeth healthier while its prebiotics for healthy digestion and vitamin D for stronger bones. So, this is the best option for dogs that have issues with grains like wheat.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Wheat free
- No fillers
- Blended antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin D
- Helps to control or maintain weight
- No artificial flavors, colors, or GMOs
Cons
- These food bags could have been thicker for easy transport.
Bestseller (lists)
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Healthy Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 29.1 lb. Bag Pet Supplies
- Contains one (1) 29.1 lb. bag of IAMS Large Breed Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food Chicken
- Made with real farm-raised chicken and created to meet the specific nutritional needs of large breed dogs
- Helps maintain healthy bones and joints in large breed dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin
- Supports a healthy metabolism and weight control with L-carnitine
- Helps with healthy weight management and control by delivering 17% less fat vs. IAMS Minichunks recipe... Read More
3. Wellness Complete Healthy Weight
Do you want to maintain a healthy weight for your dog? Then, choosing a wellness complete health natural dry dog food is the best choice as its main ingredient of chicken is based weight control formula.
Chicken and chicken meals are these first ingredients, providing enough nutrients to your sweet buddy. Grains like oatmeal and brown rice are low calories foods that help to maintain a healthy weight. Wellness is popular for providing healthy and tasty food for dogs, so its healthy weight recipe is no exception.
There are no fillers, artificial flavors and colors, and poultry by-products. This is almost similar to other wellness dog foods except for its fat level, so there is no doubt that your dog’s weight is maintained well. As chicken and grains are on this list, your canine will have premium protein and feel full for a longer time.
On the other hand, it also includes fruits and veggies to provide vitamins and minerals to your sweet buddy. These are rich in antioxidants and four different prebiotics to promote intestinal function well.
Pros
- Very pleased recipe
- Helps to lose or stop gaining weight
- Quality ingredients with affordable price
- Dogs loveable taste
- No artificial substances
Cons
- The calories content of the food could have been better
Bestseller (lists)
Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Deboned Chicken & Peas Recipe, 5 Pound Bag Pet Supplies
- This adult dry dog food's #1 ingredient is chicken; high quality protein with wholesome grains like oatmeal
- Our crunchy kibble has no meat byproducts, fillers, or artificial preservatives
- Expertly selected ingredients and added nutrients support immune health, energy levels, joint and bone health, and healthy skin and coat
- Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients
- Spend a lifetime with Wellness natural dog food; we offer recipes f... Read More
4. Wellness CORE Reduced Fat Grain-Free
As the name implies, Wellness Core is premium grain-free food, added 25% less fat than normal formula. The three different main ingredients of the food are chicken meal, lean turkey, and turkey meal, which satisfies all your dog’s nutritional needs.
They have included sweet potatoes and potatoes to keep your canine energetic throughout the day. Like others, these also contain antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies such as carrots, blueberries, broccoli, parsley for better taste and texture for your dogs.
Salmon oil is also added in this formulation, which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthier while its probiotic strains help your dog tummy’s well-functioning.
Pros
- Best rated food on the market
- Very impressive ingredients
- Easily digestible food
- Chemical-free
- Grain-free
Cons
- Fewer calories
Bestseller (lists)
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Reduced Fat, 26-Pound Bag Pet Supplies
- ADVANCED NATURAL NUTRITION TO FUEL YOUR DOG'S BEST LIFE: Premium protein expertly balanced with nutrient rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with guaranteed levels of all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive and no fillers
- SAVORY FOOD DOGS LOVE: Wellness CORE is available in grain and grain free recipes, as well as limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Wellness CORE dog food is made with a high concent... Read More
5. Fromm Gold Weight Management Recipe
Low-fat dog food from the Fromm Gold Weight Management is premium diet dog food, ingredients like chicken meal, turkey liver, quality animal proteins are included.
Grains can also be found in this food diet, but there are no artificial elements. It is developed with good taste since it has a low-fat level. So, there is no doubt that it will reduce your pooch’s weight without compromising the taste.
Formulated with salmon and chicken oil, flaxseeds for Omega 3 fatty acids, so your canine will never have issues in their skin and coat. They are developed with healthy grains like oatmeal, barley, millet, brown and white rice to add carbohydrates to their diet which provides extremely high energy the whole day to your dog.
Fruits and vegetables like carrots, lettuce, celery are the amongst ingredients that provide enough vitamins and minerals to your pooch.
Pros
- Recipe is good
- Tasty food
- Wheat free
- No fillers, artificial elements
Cons
- Quite Expensive
Bestseller (lists)
Fromm Family Foods 727533 Weight Management 15 Lb Gold Dog Food (1 Pack), One Size Pet Supplies
- Only The Highest Quality Ingredients Available Are Used In Fromm Pet Foods
- Many Variety'S Available From Puppy To Senior
- The Best Dog Food Money Can Buy ... Read More
6. Tim’s Premium Weight Management Pet Food
Dr. Tim’s Premium Weight dog food is another premium pick on this list as this has developed with a weight management formula. Chicken meal is its first ingredient, which is the primary source of protein and fiber that speeds up your dog’s metabolism.
So, Dr. Tim’s Premium Weight Management Pet Food is known for dog’s metabolism. It also fulfills your buddies’ caloric intakes through its different fiber sources.
It also includes salmon meals and chicken liver for better function of dogs. Brown rice, whole oats, several fruits and veggies, parsley, celery are added to this food to increase the dog food's fiber content.
You can find the ingredients like beet pulp, chicory root, and psyllium seed husk in this food. Chicory root is prebiotic, which is beneficial bacteria that help to digestive tract well functions.
Pros
- Reviewed by many
- Ideal for weight loss
- No chemicals and GMOs
- Fiber-rich ingredients to make them feel full
- No side effects
Cons
- Expensive
Bestseller (lists)
Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite with Grains Premium Dog Food, 24 lb. Bag Pet Supplies
- PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS - High levels of protein, moderate fat content and complimentary fiber structure work with your pet's natural metabolism to support weight loss
- FULL ALL DAY" FORMULATION - Keeps your dog feeling full and helps curb begging between meals
- BETTER OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS - Mainly ocean sourced, Omega 3s reduce inflammatory stresses found in an overweight dog and maintain a beautiful coat
- L-CARNITINE PROMOTES FAT METABOLISM - Formulated to allow yo... Read More
7. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Reduced-fat food from Eagle has used pork meal as the primary sources of protein. It also blended probiotic strains that are not found in most dog foods.
This is one of the best options for dogs that want to reduce or maintain weights as it is specifically formulated for weight loss with low-level fat.
Since it has reduced fat level ingredients, still provides enough nutrients to your sweet friend. So, you can maintain your dog’s healthy weight all the way.
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Recipe relies on the chicken and turkey meal along with pork meal. It also features ground brown rice, dehulled barley, and oatmeal for carbohydrates.
This is a no-frills dog food because it doesn’t contain fruits and vegetables that are added to most dog foods. However, by contrast, it includes several healthy supplements than others for dog’s better functions.
This includes eight different probiotic strains that are not found in many weight loss dog foods. It also contains glucosamine, which is a cartilage supporting compound that helps in hip and joint problems.
Pros
- It is tasty
- Helps in losing weight efficiently
- Improved energy level
- No fillers
- No artificial substances
Cons
- Limited numbers of fruits and veggies
Bestseller (lists)
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Reduced Fat Dog Food, Pork, Chicken & Fish, 30-Pound Bag Pet Supplies
- LEAN BODY MASS FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: This food features optimal protein, carbohydrate levels, and fewer calories for adult dogs; expertly balanced to support adult dogs healthly weight loss
- WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Glucosamine supports healthy joints, omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat and antioxidants promote a strong immune system; made with no corn, wheat, meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- TRIED, TRUSTED AND TRUE: Natural Performance P... Read More
8. Nutro Ultra Weight-Management Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dog Food is specifically designed for fatty dogs. With this, you are able to reduce your dog’s weight without compromising its food level.
It contains whole grains, farm-raised chicken, salmon, and pasture-fed lamb, which gives enough protein to your canines. Nutro Ultra is also rich in glucosamine and taurine, so your dog will never have joint problems.
As mentioned, this is blended with three different protein-rich ingredients: salmon, lamb, chicken which helps your canine to have enough proteins. Though it is a relatively low caloric food, still provides an excellent taste with its super taste ingredients.
Fruits and vegetables are these other ingredients for rich fiber content. They also include dried spinach, blueberries, and apples for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pros
- Several proteins source
- Improved immune system
- Excellent taste
- No artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- This kibble is quite small not suitable for large breeds
Bestseller (lists)
NUTRO ULTRA Adult Weight Management High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food for Weight Control with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag Pet Supplies
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon
- Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the #1 ingredient—specially formulated for overweight adult dogs to help with healthy weight management
- Our premium, all natural dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients (plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients) and provides complete and balanced n... Read More
9. Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Dog Food
All Dog food from Blue Wilderness is high in nutrients, so the Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Dog Food is no exception.
It is made with high protein, but still, it manages to balance the weight optimally. It is developed with superior protein ingredients such as chicken meal, deboned chicken, menhaden fish, etc. This dog food contains five different probiotic strains to regulate digestion.
Blue Wilderness is grain-free and meat-rich dog food, which is perfectly suitable for wild dogs to maintain their weight. Though it is a high caloric food, consider a healthy weight dog food as it is grain-free. Omega-3 fatty acids are also a primary source of this dog food.
As this food contains more calories than 350 per cup, your dog will never feel hungry for a long time.
It includes peas and tapioca starch to add carbohydrates to your dog’s diet. Other ingredients like blueberries, cranberries, kelp, parsley, and others provide enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pros
- Healthy weight dog food
- Helps to lose weight
- Easy to digest
- Improved elimination habits
- Chemical-free
- Grain-free
Cons
- The taste of the food could have been better
Bestseller (lists)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Red Meat 22-lb Pet Supplies
- PACKED WITH REAL BEEF: A recipe inspired by the Rocky Mountains, this high protein dog food features a blend of red meat to satisfy your dog’s wild side while helping your adult dog build and maintain lean muscle mass
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free healthy weight dog food is formulated with a precise blend of calories and fat to help your adult dog achieve and maintain his ideal weight while supporting joint health
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A p... Read More
Conclusion
We hope you have some ideas about low-fat dog foods. All these listed dog foods are recommended by vets and professionals. So, there is no doubt that they will be suitable for all stages of breeds with overweight. You can select the best one depending on your dog’s needs.
