13 Best Dog Foods For Weight Loss in 2023

This (updated) guide lists all of the best dog foods for weight loss this year.

The cornerstone of an effective weight loss plan for your dog is based on their dietary intake. While increased exercise is beneficial, it’s crucial to recognize that merely boosting physical activity won’t yield significant results if their diet consists of nutritionally deficient junk food, abundant in unhealthy fats and high-calorie content.

Overweight dogs are more prone to health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and heart diseases than their ideal weight counterparts, significantly lowering their life expectancy.

Our team got together to find the best dog foods for weight loss on the market to help your overweight dog lose weight. We use a 40-point inspection checklist and consider factors such as ingredient analysis, customer reviews, and industry reputation.

Let’s dive in.

The Best Dog Foods For Weight Loss

#1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Potatoes, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Lamb Meal, 5. Canola Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,562 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This Healthy Weight formula from Blue Buffalo is a reduced-calorie diet with L-carnitine for lean muscle development. It contains antioxidants, chelated minerals, and vitamins to keep your dog’s immune system strong while they set on a weight loss journey. This recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meals.

This brand comes highly recommended due to its commitment to producing nutritionally balanced options that cater to dogs’ specific needs. If you’re conscious about your dog’s weight, Blue Buffalo offers a range of quality products that can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

#2. VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef Meal, 2. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 3. Whole Grain Millet, 4. Peas, 5. Blood Meal

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,385 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 11.5% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

If you worry that your aging couch potato dog is starting to pack on the pounds, this Senior Healthy Weight diet from Victor is a great choice. 

Its unique VPRO blend is highly digestible and supports a healthy immune system. It caters to the older joints of your senior by providing glucosamine and chondroitin and provides L-carnitine helping to burn fat faster while fueling lean muscle mass. Finally, this dog food is sourced and made in the USA with nutritionally rich ingredients like beef, chicken, and fish meals.

#3. Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Chicken & Sweet Potato Canned Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Ocean 4. Whitefish, 5. Sweet Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 950 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 7.5% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 2% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet Food

Help your dog slim down and hydrate with this Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control Canned Dog Food. The recipe features a reduced fat and calorie count that triggers fat loss and makes your dog leaner. Your dog will feel fuller for longer as it is full of tasty, low-calorie veggies like green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins. 

In addition to aiding weight loss, this formula enhances coat health with omega fatty acids and essential minerals. Superfoods like fish oil and flaxseed support immunity and overall well-being. It’s also suitable for sensitive or allergic dogs, being free from grains, gluten, fillers, corn, wheat, and soy.

#4. Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Raw Pieces Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Tapioca, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,668 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 35%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 9%
• Form: Dry

Like their standard Raw Boost formula, Instinct’s Healthy Weight Dog Food features the same high protein content and wholesome ingredients with 25% fewer calories and 15% less fat. It features kibble and freeze-dried meat bites that offer your dog higher doses of protein and a mouth-watering flavor.

This formula is enriched with L-carnitine so your dog can build more muscle and lose fat faster. The recipe is full of fiber and ensures that your dog stays fuller longer. It’s also free from grains, corn, wheat, potatoes, soy, and artificial additives that might irritate sensitive or allergic dogs.

#5. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,300  kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 12% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

This Wellness Core Reduced Fat formula contains 25% less fat than traditional Wellness formulas and is specifically crafted to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. It does this by using meticulously chosen premium proteins, fruits, and vegetables and is enriched with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and more.

It does all this without using meat by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat gluten, or artificial ingredients.

#6. Iams ProActive Healthy Weight Large Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Ground Whole Grain Barley, 3. Dried Plain Beet Pulp, 4. Carrots, 5. Brewers Dried Yeast

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,425 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Excess weight can slow larger dogs and permanently damage their joints. Iams ProActive Healthy Weight Formula can help you avoid these problems by returning your dog to its former ideal weight. The recipe features 17% less fat and contains L-carnitine to metabolize excess fat and help your dog reach an appropriate weight. L-carnitine will further convert this fat into energy and use it to fuel your dog’s daily activities.

If your dog has been overweight for some time, Iams ProActive can help reverse joint damage with glucosamine and chondroitin. Both of these compounds are required to produce cartilage and prevent arthritis. Protein, grains, and micronutrients are also plentiful in the recipe and will keep your dog muscular, sharp, and happy in the long run.

#7. Hill’s Science Diet Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Pea Fiber, 4. Whole Grain Wheat, 5. Whole Grain Corn

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
• Caloric content (per cup): 271 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 20%, Fat (min.) 5.5%, Fiber (max.) 14%, Moisture (max.) 10.5%
• Form: Dry

Being overweight can put small dogs at risk of heart and respiratory problems. Hill’s Science Diet Light Small Bites Formula can help slim your dog while providing healthy fuel to stay active. It contains 18% fewer calories—weighing in at just 271kcal per cup, making it ideal for healthy weight loss.

As obese dogs are prone to cardiovascular problems, the recipe contains taurine to improve heart health and vision. Vitamin E and C also improve muscular function, while antioxidants reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity. This formula is unlikely to cause digestive problems because it’s free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

#8. ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Turkey Giblets, 4. Turkey, 5. Cod

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,490 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 42% | Fat min. 13%, | Fiber max. 8% | Moisture max. 12%
• Form: Dry

Orijen’s Fit & Trim Dog Food is an excellent option if you want premium food for your dog’s weight loss journey. The extra cost buys a recipe made from almost 85% animal ingredients, including chicken meat, flounder, pinto beans, pumpkin, turkey giblets, and whole apples. These combined ingredients provide a nourishing, balanced, and lip-smacking diet that any dog would find difficult to resist. 

As for triggering weight loss, the food features reduced calories but high protein content to make your dog slimmer and more muscular. Each kibble is coated with freeze-dried liver to give the kibble a juicy, meaty, and delicious flavor. The recipe is also free from grains, gluten, corn, wheat, soy, and all kinds of artificial additives and filler, making it perfect for all dogs.

#9. Purina Beneful Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Whole Grain Corn, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal , 4. Barley, 5. Whole Grain Wheat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,213 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 25% | Fat min. 8%, | Fiber max. 7.5% | Moisture max. 12%
• Form: Dry

This Healthy Weight formula from Purina Beneful contains 10% fewer calories than the original recipe. The kibble is free from artificial ingredients and preservatives and has no added sugar or potatoes for cheap energy.

What it does have is US farm-raised chicken along with apples, carrots, green beans, and other healthy but low-fat ingredients. Give this one a try if you’re looking for a dog feed that is just lighter in the calorie department.   

#10. CANIDAE PURE Healthy Weight LID Chicken & Pea Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Garbanzo Beans

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 28% | Fat min. 9%, | Fiber max. 5% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

Canidae Pure’s Healthy Weight LID Dog Food offers an excellent weight-loss solution for dogs that are sensitive or allergic to certain foods. That’s why most of the recipe is from 9 wholesome, non-allergenic, and easily digestible ingredients. This recipe excludes all grains, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, so your dog only receives the necessary nutrients.

But even with such limited ingredients, the food is high in protein, carbs, and micronutrients. Protein is sourced from real chicken meat, while carbs come from sweet potatoes. Probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids are also present in healthy quantities, most of which are real vegetables and animal fats. 

#11. Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Cod, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Yellow Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,122 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 30% | Fat min. 7%, | Fiber max. 9% | Moisture max. 6%
• Form: Dry

Shedding extra pounds can be difficult for allergic dogs, which is why Nulo Freestyle has developed this fantastic Grain-Free Cod & Lentils Dog Food. It switches the standard grains for lentils, which contain just as many carbs and are also non-allergenic. The food uses premium deboned cod and around 74% animal-based proteins to promote muscle growth.

Because the formula is fiber-rich and has probiotics, it can significantly improve your dog’s digestive health and nutrient absorption. A highlight feature of this dog food is it contains L-carnitine. This amino acid makes the body use fat for energy while maintaining muscle mass, which can help your dog develop a leaner physique while losing fat. 

#12. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oat Fiber, 5. Coconut Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,191 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This healthy recipe is a breakthrough blend for your dog’s healthier weight journey. Packed with real chicken, it maintains muscles while aiding weight loss. It is loaded with essential nutrients, supports overall health, and guarantees a shiny coat. Free from artificial additives, it’s a choice that truly cares for your dog’s well-being.

This formula is perfectly balanced to aid weight management, combining wholesome ingredients to keep your dog feeling satisfied while promoting gradual, sustainable weight loss. With added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this recipe not only assists in shedding extra weight but also nourishes your dog’s overall well-being.

#13. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Beef, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Apples, 5. Blueberries

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,345 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
• Form: Dry

Working breeds need more calories to stay active but fewer calories simultaneously to lose weight. Merrick’s Healthy Weight Dog Food solves this paradox with a protein-dense, low-fat formula that triggers weight loss and increases energy at the same time. The recipe consists of 32% deboned beef protein, which promotes muscle repair and gives your dog enough fuel to last the entire day.

Instead of fat, Merrick uses fibrous veggies and fruits like sweet potatoes, apples, peas, and blueberries to satisfy your dog’s appetite without inducing a caloric surplus. Active dogs are also prone to joint problems, especially if they are obese, which is why the formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to build new cartilage. It includes a combination of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote well-being.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Best Dog Foods For Weight Loss – A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re a dog owner committed to helping your four-legged friend achieve a healthier weight, you’re in the right place. We understand that finding the perfect food for your pup’s weight loss journey can be a daunting task with the myriad of options available.

This guide is here to simplify that process, presenting you with all the information that will help you select the finest foods for your dog designed to aid in weight loss.

Is Your Dog Really Obese? Find Out!

Canine obesity doesn’t always present itself in the most obvious way. It might take some inspection and monitoring to identify whether your pup is overweight. Here are some of the easiest and most accurate methods of finding whether your dog is obese or not:

1. Check their weight: Probably the easiest method to check your dog for obesity is to weigh them. See whether their weight falls in the ‘healthy’ range as per their breed and height.

2. Examine their body profile: Observing your dog’s body profile from the side and above is a quick way to test them for obesity. You will notice that their abdomen is slightly tucked inside, and their body has a faint hourglass shape from above if they’re at a healthy weight.

3. Feel your dog’s ribs: Hold your dog’s torso from the sides and gently press in with both hands. If your dog isn’t overweight, you’ll be able to feel its ribs without much pressure. But if they are obese, the layer of fat covering their body will make it difficult to make out the ribcage.

Health Risks for Overweight/Obese Dogs

You might look at your fluffy pooch and think how the extra pounds add to its cuteness. As a result, many keep feeding fatty food and treats to their dogs in the name of love. While understandable, this ends up being detrimental to your dog’s health.

Being overweight poses a number of health risks for dogs, many of which can prove to be fatal. By feeding dog foods designed for weight loss, you can help your dog lose weight and avoid such a misfortune.

Here’s a list of the most common diseases in overweight dogs.

1. High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (or hypertension) isn’t directly caused by fatty food. However, being obese increases the chance of hypertension in dogs.

2. Diabetes

Obese dogs are at a high risk of diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia), in which there’s an increased amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Obese dogs can get pancreatitis which destroys the cells that create insulin. Without insulin, blood glucose does not get utilized for energy in cells which leads to diabetes.

3. Heart Diseases

Obese dogs are far more prone to catching heart diseases than ideal-weight dogs. The structure of the heart can potentially change, leading to a change in function.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is more common in middle-aged to old overweight dogs. In this disease, the bones rub against cartilage due to extra weight, eventually eroding it. This can lead to a painful condition where bones in the joints rub directly against each other. Fortunately, losing weight can help improve the situation.

What to Look for In a Weight Loss Diet Food for Dogs

Not every “weight loss formula” is worth your money. Whenever buying one, make sure you do your research and check if it qualifies to be the best dog food for fat loss. Here are some factors that you should look at:

1. Fewer Calories

The basic formula for weight loss is simple: eat lesser calories than you burn. When your dog does that, excess fat is utilized as energy by the body. Usually, dog foods have about 400 kcal/cup. So, anything under that should work well.

2. Low-Fat Content

If you’re looking to reduce fat in your dog’s body, then you should limit its intake as well. Normally, dog foods have a fat content of about 12%. However, good weight loss foods for dogs would lie in the range of 9-10%.

3. High Protein Diet

Your dog needs something to fulfill its energy requirements, and with a cap on its fat intake, protein needs to be bumped up. Ideally, you’re looking at over 30% for dry dog foods.

4. Optimal Nutrients

Don’t get too involved in the math! Reducing weight for dogs is not just about how many calories they consume or what percentage of fat they’re getting in their diet. You should also make sure your dog is getting enough fiber, healthy fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as a balanced proportion of water.

5. Quick Digestion

Like other dog foods, weight control formulas should be easy on the tummy. By adding healthy fiber, the best dog foods for weight loss ensure that the digestive tract remains clear of obstructions and helps nurture the bacterial flora in it.

6. No Artificial Flavor

Artificial flavors can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Whenever purchasing dog food, read its ingredients list and look for artificial flavors and colors that might be added. If you find one, immediately cross the product off of your list of potential diets for your dog.

7. By-Product Meals

Poultry By-Product Meals (PBM) are often used in dog foods as meat concentrates. There’s nothing wrong with having something like “chicken meal” or “lamb meal” in the ingredients list

Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight Fast

Although a low-calorie diet can certainly help your dog lose extra pounds, implementing the following tips can further boost this process. Here are some of the best tips to accelerate your dog’s weight loss journey:

1. Get your dog more exercise: Like humans, dogs can also benefit from increased exercise when losing weight. Start off by gradually increasing your dog’s exercise duration and intensity till they’re getting at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity daily. This will help them burn fat quicker and increase both their stamina and endurance.

2. Avoid treats and free-feeding: Treats and table scraps can mess with your dog’s caloric intake and curb their progress. Stick with a certain feeding routine, and do not give in to your dog’s puppy eyes if they ask for any extra food.

3. Keep track of their progress: During a weight-loss regime, it’s crucial to track your dog’s progress and tweak their diet accordingly. We highly recommend staying in touch with your vet during the process and taking your dog for a checkup every week so you can be confident that they’re on the right track. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will grain-free dog food help my dog lose weight?

Grain-free dog food alone doesn’t guarantee weight loss for your dog. Successful weight management relies on factors like calorie control, ingredient quality, and exercise. While grain-free options can be suitable for dogs with sensitivities, consult your vet to create an effective weight loss plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

What is the best low-fat dry dog food?

The best weight loss dog food has controlled calories, quality protein for muscle maintenance, and balanced fats. It’s fiber-rich for fullness, nutrient-rich for health, and avoids fillers and artificial additives. Clear portions, sensitivity considerations, and supplements enhance well-being. All of our top-picked options in this article tick all of these boxes to ensure you get your hands on the best one. Compare them and pick your dog’s favorite without a worry.

How many calories should a dog eat to lose weight?

It’s recommended that you discuss your particular scenario with your vet. However, to give you a ballpark figure, you should calculate the current number of daily calories you’re feeding your dog and reduce it by 250 calories per day until you reach your vet’s recommended daily calorie intake for your pooch.

How many calories should a 10 lb dog eat?

Generally, smaller dogs are more active and require extra calories as compared to larger breeds. For every pound of your dog’s weight, you need to feed it about 30 calories. So, a 10 lb dog would do fine with somewhere around 300-400 calories per day, depending on its activity levels.

Is it okay to feed a dog once a day?

I’d advise you against feeding your dog only once a day. Adult dogs require two meals a day, while puppies might even need three or four. Feeding your dog only once a day would lead to malnutrition and starvation, which is not at all recommended, even if you’re aiming for weight loss.

What is the best time of day to feed your dog?

For optimal digestion, space your adult dog’s two feedings at least 6-4 hours apart. Consider one meal in the morning before work and the other in the evening upon your return. This schedule supports your dog’s digestive system.

Should I leave food out for my dog all day?

No. Leaving food out all day for your dog allows it to eat as much as it wants, whenever it wants. This often results in overeating, which leads to obesity in dogs.

What foods should dogs avoid?

Numerous foods are unsafe for dogs, including candy, chocolate, apple seeds, caffeine, garlic, and dairy products like milk.

Should I leave water out for my dog all day?

Yes, you should. Dogs need at least an ounce of water per pound of their body weight. The only exception to this rule is when you’re still housebreaking your dog. According to the American Kennel Club, you should remove your puppy’s bowl during the night to avoid having it accidentally pee.

Can dogs eat lying down?

This is quite normal and isn’t a reason to worry. In fact, dogs in the wild catch their prey and often eat lying on their sides. Just make sure your dog isn’t sick and that its overall health is fine.

Why do dogs sleep after eating?

Resting or sleeping after a meal allows your dog to digest its food. If your dog is active after its meal, there’s a chance it could face problems like gastric bloat. In that case, you should provide a calm atmosphere after meals.

Is it bad to feed a dog late at night?

Feeding your dog late at night will increase the chances of it having to poop in the night. Bear in mind that every dog has a different rate of digestion. However, most dogs would digest their meal in around 4-8 hours.

Should you hand-feed your dog?

Hand-feeding your dog isn’t a compulsion, and neither does it have an overwhelmingly positive effect. However, hand-feeding can certainly help create a stronger bond between you and your dog, especially if your pup is a bit shy.

Can new dog food make a dog sick?

Yes, it can. If you switch to a new dog food brand, it might upset your dog’s tummy, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. In that case, we’d advise slowly transitioning to your new dog food by mixing it with your old one, then gradually increasing its concentration in the mixture.

Why does my dog bury his food?

It is a dog’s natural instinct to bury his leftover food. This is what hunting dogs do in the wild to preserve their food. Also, it helps calm them during times of distress and save food for when they’re comfortable to eat again.

Why does my dog keep pushing his food away?

There could be a number of reasons for this behavior, the most common of which is having an illness. If your dog pushes its food away consistently, you should see a vet as soon as possible. This behavior might also occur if you change your dog food brand or flavor.

How do I get my dog on a feeding schedule?

The best way to get your dog on a feeding schedule is to keep it at 2 meals a day. Only allow your dog to eat during your specified time. Put the food bowl down for 5 minutes at “mealtime” and pick it up after that, even if your dog hasn’t fed. Then, place the bowl down at the next feeding time and let your dog eat for 5-10 minutes. Remember that some dogs can be picky eaters. Also, if you suspect that your dog is sick, contact your veterinarian.

Should I feed my dog before or after a walk?

Walking your dog immediately before or after a meal can cause stomach issues. It’s recommended to walk your dog at least 30 minutes before meals. If you want to walk after meals, wait at least an hour after eating.

Conclusion

Maintaining the ideal weight for your dog will have a positive impact on not just its health but its overall mood and lifestyle.

If your dog is gaining weight, prioritize daily exercise and consider switching to the best weight-loss dog food.

Further Reading:

• The Best Raw Dog Foods Guide & Reviews
• The Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomach Ultimate Guide
• The Overall Bestselling Dog Foods