Best Low Fat Dog Foods: Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Bojana Radulovic

The best low fat dog foods are specially designed to help dogs have healthier and longer life.

This kind of food is carefully crafted to help dogs avoid certain health conditions like:

  • Obesity
  • Pancreatitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Any of these three conditions can lead to further medical complications and overall poor health in dogs.

Some dog breeds are naturally prone to obesity which is why their diet should be carefully selected from day one.

This may be easier said than done, but it isn’t impossible.

Finding quality low fat dog food can be difficult, but it isn’t mission impossible, especially since we have got you covered.

Before we list the best brands of quality low fat food you should understand first why finding this food is so tricky.

The main reason for this is that to reduce fat, pet food manufacturers are inclined to create dog foods that contain less meat.

In practice this means

Most low fat dog foods also tend to be low in protein or high in carbs, which is why you should focus on choosing food that:

  • Contains below-average fat content
  • Fair protein levels

For a food brand to deliver these traits, low fat dog foods should contain less meat and more plant-based protein.

How we chose

Because choosing the right food for your dog can be confusing and overwhelming, we reviewed all dog foods.

Every product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Barking Royalty’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

  • adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements
  • is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs)
  • is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
  • is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust

Additional factors we considered included:

  • Ingredients. We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients such as fillers and artificial
  • sweeteners and colors.
  • AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. We checked if the food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.
  • Price. We included products to suit a range of budgets.

Here is the Barking Royalty’s top selection of the best low fat dog foods.

Best Overall

1. Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,122 kcal/kg, 368 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-free
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 30.0% min
Crude Fat 7.0% min
Crude Fiber 9.0% min
Moisture 6.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.35% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.35% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.85, healthy

Deboned cod is the first ingredient in this formula as a high-quality protein source, followed by turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, and yellow peas.

Cod is known for offering great protein that helps dogs build their muscles.

Not only cod is a great protein source, but it also offers amino acids that dogs need to create new proteins in their body.

Cod is not commonly seen in dog food, so when a food contains cod you can be sure that the formula primarily offers enough protein and low carbs, fat, and calories.

Chicken fat is added to provide a better taste and stronger flavor, while dried chicory root supplies dogs with enough fiber to keep their digestion in balance.

For more fiber and vitamins and minerals, this formula contains dried carrots, dried blueberries, and dried apples.

As a grain-free formula, this food is free from chicken and egg proteins making it low in fat.

To help dogs have proper digestion this formula includes pure probiotic strains, while calcium and phosphorus help dogs maintain strong bones while supporting optimal health.

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Best Budget

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken, rice, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, corn germ meal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,535 kcal/kg, 364 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: All Size Dog Food
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 27.0% min
Crude Fat 9.0% min
Crude Fiber 13.0% min
Moisture 12.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.5% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better taste and easy-to-chew texture, followed by rice, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, and corn germ meal.

As a high-protein formula, this food should serve to keep the dog’s weight in balance, while offering high fiber and low fat.

Best suited for adult dogs, this formula offers a great protein-to-fat ratio to maintain muscle mass during weight loss.

This formula is packed with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health.

Primarily, this formula used to be known as FOCUS Weight Management Formula making it great for weight control.

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Best Grain-Free

3. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turkey meal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,345 kcal/kg, 354 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-free
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 32.0% min
Crude Fat 10.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0% min
Moisture 11.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.5% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.0% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.0, healthy

Deboned beef is the first ingredient in this formula for a protein source and many fatty acids, followed by a chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turkey meal.

Every of these top five ingredients is carefully selected to deliver the perfect balance of protein, energy, and vitamins.

To provide enough vitamins and minerals, this formula is packed with peas, chicken fat, and salmon meal.

Whenever a formula contains a salmon meal you can expect your dog to have healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Real fruit and vegetable are added to provide the right vitamins and essential minerals, such as apples and blueberries.

Sunflower oil is carefully mixed to keep your dog’s skin healthy while regulating hair growth at the same time.

Sunflower oil also contains vitamin A which prevents dry skin by promoting new skin cell growth.

It also comes with vitamin C, which helps wounds heal faster.

Miscanthus grass present in this formula is a great fiber source not only for dogs but for cats as well.

It can help in weight control, and help your dog maintain his weight in balance.

Glucosamine and chondroitin found in this formula maintain healthy hips and joints, while omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

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4. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,240 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Adult Dog Food
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 24.0% min
Crude Fat 6.0% min
Crude Fiber 4.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.35% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.4% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio4.0, healthy

Pork meal is an excellent source of amino acids, making it a great choice for the first ingredient in this formula, followed by dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, and oatmeal.

Pork meal is also high in protein, and rich in thiamine.

When a formula contains barley you can expect to offer your dog a food that is enriched with fiber making it a great source of dietary fiber for dogs of any size.

Plus, fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, can help lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Barley acts as a natural laxative to a dog’s digestive system.

If your dog has any sort of issues with constipation you should serve him food that offers barley.

Peas are one of those foods that are packed with minerals, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.

As such they are a great addition to dog food as they can positively affect the entire dog’s well-being.

Peas are extremely rich in protein, which is why they are often included in commercial dog food.

To help dogs with their coat and skin health this formula offers oatmeal, while chicken fat provides energy and helps dogs so their organs can function properly.

Overall, this formula is a special blend of proteins and carbohydrates offering a balance between healthy weight loss in adult dogs.

Made in the USA, this formula is carefully designed to support your dog’s health.

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5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,227 kcal/kg, 248 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Maintenance
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 20.0% min
Crude Fat 5.5% min
Crude Fiber 3.9% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 Fatty Acidsnot disclosed
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Rationot disclosed

Brewer rice is a great source of carbohydrates, making it a common choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

This formula is primarily based on brewers rice as the first ingredient, followed by chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, and natural flavors.

For more delicious bites this formula offers chicken fat, while fish oil support’s dog’s heart health, promotes a silky coat, and reduces itchy and flaky skin.

This oil is also great when it comes to relieving different allergies in dogs and joint pain.

This food is veterinary-exclusive dry dog food for dogs with long-or short-term digestive sensitivities.

That being said, make sure that you always follow your vet’s recommended guidelines when it comes to feeding your Fido with this diet.

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6. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: This food contains 3,300 kcal/kg or 366 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-free
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 33.0% min
Crude Fat 10-12.0% min
Crude Fiber 12% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.4% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids2.20% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio5.5, healthy

Deboned turkey is the first ingredient in this formula to provide enough protein sources and overall better nutrition.

It is common for dog commercial food to use deboned turkey for a better and richer taste.

Just like chicken, turkey is known for being lean meat which helps dogs preserve and build their muscles.

Since turkey is not toxic to dogs is it often used in dog food to deliver nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous.

The top five ingredients are carefully mixed to provide a great balance between protein, fat, and fiber.

For extra fiber, this formula contains pea fiber, while chicken fat provides a richer texture and easier bites.

Salmon oil is added to provide a healthy immune system and heart health while keeping skin and coat strong and healthy.

Did you know that salmon oil protects your dog’s heart by managing cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels?

Just a small amount of salmon oil ingested on a daily level can improve your dog’s cardiovascular health while supporting the dog’s activity levels.

This formula is carefully designed to encourage lean body mass and muscle tone while promoting whole body health.

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7. Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken meal, brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3027 kcal/kg, 268.6 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-inclusive
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 30.0% min
Crude Fat 10.0% min
Crude Fiber 8.0% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.35% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.75% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio5.0, healthy

Chicken is considered to be lean meat that provides protein and helps dogs build muscles.

Chicken meal acts identically to the regular chicken while providing a richer taste, which is chicken meal is the first ingredient in this formula.

Followed by brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose, and chicken meal presents a nice addition to the overall balanced formula of the low-calorie recipe.

Thanks to amino acids like L-carnitine, this formula promotes healthy fat metabolism.

It also helps to optimize the dog’s skin, coat, paws, and overall health.

Thanks to DHA and EPA from fish oil it is fair to say that this formula can assist not only with inflammation but also with heart health and shedding.

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8. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Chicken meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, dried peas, oat groats

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3070 kcal/kg, 315 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-inclusive
  • Grain-free: No
Crude Protein 26.0% min
Crude Fat 7.5% min
Crude Fiber 10.5% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.25% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.5% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio6.0, healthy

Carefully designed to help dogs with their weight management, this formula offers food that is low in calories and high in fiber.

Carefully designed to promote healthy digestion, this formula is more than suitable for even more picky eaters.

Since one of the best ways to treat obesity in dogs is to serve food that is low in fat and high in protein, which is why chicken meal is the first ingredient in this formula.

A chicken meal is followed by a salmon meal, chickpeas, dried peas, and oat groats.

Pea protein is added to provide an extra protein boost, while oat fiber helps with digestion.

Chicken fat makes every bite rich in texture, while dried eggs help protein with building muscles.

Dried carrots, dried spinach, and dried parsley are added to this formula to help dogs with digestion and a cleaner intestinal tract.

In similar manners, salmon oil helps by making the dog’s skin and coat stronger and shinier.

Specially made for overweight adult dogs, this formula is designed to keep your dog nutritionally balanced even when eating fewer calories.

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9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Top five ingredients in this formula: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, tapioca starch

  • Price: $$
  • Energy: 3,269 kcal/kg, 353 kcal/cup
  • AAFCO Profile: Grain-free
  • Grain-free: Yes
Crude Protein 30.0% min
Crude Fat 13.0% min
Crude Fiber 10.5% min
Moisture 10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids0.5% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids1.75% min
Omega-6 To Omega-3 Ratio3.5, healthy

Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula for better nutrition, followed by a chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch.

This is an entirely grain-free formula with a healthy source of protein and balanced nutrients.

To support a dog’s balanced weight, Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken formula contains L-carnitine to boost your dog’s metabolism and help with weight loss.

Pea fiber is added to help with digestion and overall feeding experience.

Food that is rich in fiber always helps dogs with their intestinal tract and smooth digestion.

Chicken fat is added to provide a richer taste, while dried tomato pomace is an excellent amino acid source for your pet.

Thanks to omega 3 and 3 fatty acids this formula helps promote a healthy coat and skin.

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Now that you have the clean guidelines of which low fat dog food should be served to your dog, let’s discuss more on this type of food and why it matters.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, food that is loaded with carbs can lead to weight gain in dogs.

As extra weight can lead to numerous health issues, it is fair to say that keeping your dog’s weight in balance should be every dog owner’s goal.

Feeding dogs with the right food will not only keep their weight in balance but will keep their joints strong and well-muscles.

This is something that is especially important for senior dogs. Knowing how to feed your dog, how much and when will help your dog reach his senior years without major health issues.

Looking at those big puppy eyes and refusing to hand them over a treat may be tricky, but it is mandatory.

Even the healthiest treats can lead to weight gain and some health-related issues.

Balance is the key when it comes to feeding your dog, both with dog food and dog treats.

If you strongly believe that treats cannot make any harm, know that even an extra pound or two can be significant for a dog.

These extra pounds can shorten dogs’ lifespans and increase their risk of disease.

Some of the risks that are weight-related and that dogs may experience include:

  • Chronic issues
  • Strong risk for developing type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Some markers for heart disease
  • Increased joint degeneration
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Risk for urinary bladder stones
  • Respiratory issues
  • Reduced tolerance for heat
  • Reduced tolerance for exercise

One of the most common medical conditions seen in dogs is obesity.

In fact, obesity in dogs is so much on the rise across the States that it puts both dog owners and veterinarians at a new level of concern.

To avoid being part of these statistics you should stick to regular veterinarian check-ups.

This is the most effective way in the long run when it comes to keeping your dog not only fit but also healthy.

The good side is that obesity can be treated.

Of course, it won’t be an easy task, and often requires discipline, planning, and the right kind of knowledge, but it is definitely worth it.

Next to this, fighting obesity includes regular walks and an overall well-structured exercise regime.

In a way, weight loss in dogs isn’t much different than weight loss in humans.

Next to regular exercise, and veterinarian check-ups, meeting your dog’s calorie needs with high-quality dog food is a great way to keep your dog’s weight in order.

If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, switching to low fat dog food or weight management dog food should provide great results.

Low-fat And Weight Management Solutions

We know, saying ‘no’ to those puppy eyes is hard.

Still, when something is bad for a dog’s overall health you should think about healthier practices.

In reality, this means feeding dogs food that is specially designed for them and serving them treats only as an occasional thing.

Treats should be a part of the reward system and over-feeding dogs with manufactured treats eventually lead to health-related issues.

Once you know for sure that your dog needs to lose a pound or two, you should think about your next steps.

What kind of strategy will you implement? Will you start with a more extended exercise timer?

Or you will start searching for the best food immediately? No matter for which step you might go first, you should know that including both diet and exercise will be needed for the final results.

Keeping a healthy weight in dogs is something that requires great planning, dedication, and proper weight management.

This is why starting with low fat dog food is also always a great step. This is the first step, but make sure that you talk with your veterinarian first.

When you decide to switch your dog from one food to another, do your best to consult your veterinarian first.

Consulting with your vet so you can understand the pros and cons of a new diet and what you should focus on when it comes to choosing the right low fat dog food.

Not only that but your veterinarian will be able to help you figure out an approach that includes not only the right foods but also the proper exercise regime.

Start Small

Do not make drastic changes overnight. This means that you should not cut down the amount you feed your dog.

This is a drastic move and may even cause more harm than good.

If you choose to drastically reduce your dog’s calorie intake you might achieve weight loss, but it could create other problems.

For example, if you start feeding your dog below the recommended volume of dog food, your Fido may not receive adequate nutrition.

Start decreasing food amount as your veterinarian suggests it.

In most cases, veterinarians will suggest searching for food that is low in fat and high in protein.

This is the most effective way to keep a dog full while helping him build and keep lean muscle mass.

Add to this fiber and moisture content and it should help your dog feel full while boosting digestion and reducing calories.

Know that the dog’s minimum dietary requirements for fats are met (minimum 5% for adult dogs) – you should never go over under 10% of fat which is considered to be ideal.

Why Some Dogs Need To Eat A Low-fat Diet

Obesity isn’t the only reason why dogs should eat low fat diet. There are actually many reasons why dogs should enjoy this food daily.

Dogs that have pancreatitis are often put on a low-fat diet.

Another condition called pancreatic insufficiency often requires a low-fat diet.

Dogs who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often put on a low fat diet.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Low Fat Dog Food

Just like with any other food type, choosing the right food always requires certain knowledge.

Once you know what are the factors that you should take into consideration, choosing the best low fat food will be easy and fast.

Did you know that in traditional dog foods, crude fat makes up between 25% to 60% of calories?

Or that dry kibble commonly has less fat than wet food? Every bag of commercial dog food contains labels.

These labels serve to present what are the ingredients. This is why knowing how to read pet food labels is too important.

Not that it will help you choose the best low fat food, but it will also help you do it fast. Still not sure how to use numbers to serve you?

For example, if a label says that a product comes with a 20% crude fat minimum, it means that more than 40% of the calories in each serving come from fat.

In other words, this number is too high for overweight dogs or dogs with pancreatitis.

As mentioned earlier, focus on food that offers less than 10% of fat on a dry basis. This equals around 16% of calories from fat.

So far it is clear that when it comes to choosing low fat dog food you should be mindful of fat content.

However, this isn’t the only factor that you should consider. You want food that is nutritionally balanced and complete, and that really offers a complete nutritional profile.

Some of the important factors that you should include when it comes to choosing the best low fat dog foods are:

  • Easily digestible ingredients
  • Low to moderate fiber
  • Premium protein source

No harmful ingredients like additives or preservatives

Once again, before you change your dog’s diet to low-fat food, make sure that your veterinarian approves that move.

What you feed your dog directly impacts the dog’s health and well-being. Moreover, feeding your dog the wrong type of food could have serious health-related consequences.

Benefits Of Low-fat Dog Food

Every dog food comes with a certain set of benefits that helps dogs thrive. Low fat dog food is no exception.

This food type is often recommended to dogs who suffer from extra weight or have a certain health condition that requires a different diet.

If a dog suffers from pancreatitis, the vet will almost always recommend feeding your Fido a low fat food diet.

In obese or overweight dogs, low fat food will help dogs feel more full compared to regular dog food.

Plus, it will provide just the right set of vitamins and minerals that dogs may not get when eating less regular dog food.

Again, this is something that your veterinarian might help you the best with.

Always seek your vet’s expertise when it comes to any food change or switching from one food type to another.