Many of us associate love and compassion for dogs through food, but the problem with this is that many of us end up over feeding them. As their weight slowly creeps up, so does the risk of health problems.
If your dog has put on some weight or if you’ve recently adopted a dog that was overweight, to begin with, you’re going to need a low-calorie/low-fat kibble to help them get back into shape.
Not sure which one to choose? Our guide will highlight the best low fat dog food brands and provide you with useful shopping tips to help you find the right one.
Top 10 Low Fat Dog Foods Table
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*Please note that the percentages we included were true of the dog food formulas at the time this article was written. Always double check on the pet food manufacturer’s website to get the most recent and up-to-date info regarding the Guaranteed Analysis.
How to Choose a Food
If your veterinarian considers your dog to be obese, then make sure you select the brand of food that he or she suggests for your dog.
Most of you probably just need a low-fat formula for a slightly overweight dog, so here are a few tips to help you find the right one.
Look for These Terms
Most dog food manufacturers have a specialty line of food that is specifically formulated for overweight dogs, so look for terms such as weight management, healthy weight, lite, low-fat or healthy weight on the label.
Fat Percentages. If you choose a dry kibble, then the fat percentage should be no more than 12%. Wet foods should contain 16% or less of fat.
Senior Formulas. Since senior formulas are designed for older, inactive dogs, some of them also work for weight loss. Read the label and see what the manufacturer’s recommended use is before buying.
Make Sure It’s Right for Your Dog
Looking at the fat percentage is important, but to truly choose the best low fat dog food, you need to consider a few other things, as well.
- Digestive Problems? If your dog has a hard time digesting food, then you might have success with a formula like the [easyazon_link asin=”B008FGTES0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat[/easyazon_link] formula. Not only is the fat content lower but it is also easier for dogs with various digestive problems. Check with your vet first before using this food.
- Allergies. It’s not always easy to pinpoint an allergy, so if you’re trying to figure it out and would like to help your dog lose weight, a limited ingredient diet is great.
One type is the [easyazon_link asin=”B00JR99JAC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula[/easyazon_link]. It isn’t marketed as a weight management formula, but the Crude Fat minimum is only 10%, which falls below the fat percentage we suggested earlier. It is a fish-based formula with fewer ingredients that might work for dogs who have allergies toward other protein sources such as poultry or beef.
If your dog is only slightly overweight, has allergies and gets plenty of exercise, then this might be a good match.
- Age. Make sure you also choose an age-appropriate formula. We found a great senior formula from [easyazon_link asin=”B00C78QOD0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Victor[/easyazon_link] that we will look at in our review section.
[easyazon_link asin=”B001QW2YGY” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]CANIDAE[/easyazon_link] is another alternative since it is formulated for overweight dogs and seniors (or a combination of the two).
Top 3 Best Low Fat Dog Food Reviews
[easyazon_link asin=”B00BVUEXZ6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Dry Food[/easyazon_link]
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Intended For: Overweight Adults
We like that Natural Balance gives you specific guidelines when it comes to helping your dog lose weight. Based on where your dog falls on the BCS Chart – or Body Condition Score Chart – they have proportions for dogs that scored a 4 or more and separate proportions for dogs that scored 3.
While it does contain barley and oatmeal (not grain-free), dogs with a sensitive stomach seem to do well with it, and the flavor is usually a hit.
Give it a try! If your dog doesn’t like it, there are still plenty of great alternatives on our table.
[easyazon_link asin=”B00C78QOD0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2. Victor Dog Food Senior Healthy Weight Dry Food[/easyazon_link]
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Intended For: Seniors, Overweight Adults
Victor is a reputable brand, and while this is not a grain-free formula, we still liked what we saw on the label. It does not contain corn, wheat soy or gluten.
You can use this food for maintaining a healthy weight in senior dogs, but they also provide you with a Feeding Guide for overweight dogs, too – whether senior or adult. You can provide your dog with the levels of glucosamine and chondroitin that they need for joint support in their golden years.
[easyazon_link asin=”B00K0E8ZF8″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]3. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dry Food[/easyazon_link]
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Intended For: Adults
To help very overweight dogs trim down, Eagle Pack’s Reduced Fat formula has a 6% Crude Fat minimum. That’s the lowest percentage in our top three.
We checked out the ingredients and saw some grains on there, but there is no corn or wheat in it. While we can’t say we’re a fan of all the meat meals they used (whole meat is better than meal), the formula is very successful at helping overweight dogs slim down; probably one of the most popular on our list.
It is affordable and very effective. You can use it temporarily to help an overweight dog slim down or use it as a regular feed for an inactive dog.
