Essential Tips for Finding the Best Dry Food for Canine Weight Loss

Whats the Best Kind of Dog Food for Weight Loss?

Today, pudgy pups are becoming the norm in many U.S. households. According to theAssociation for Pet Obesity Prevention(APOP), an estimated 56% of dogs are overweight or obese.

Because obesity in dogs is associated with a host of medical ailmentsfromdiabetesandosteoarthritistoheart diseaseand cancerits important to find the best dog food for weight loss to complement your pets weight-loss plan.

How to Put a Dog on a Diet

To get your dog on a weight-loss diet, youll need to determine their target weight, calculate their recommended calorie intake, choose the best dog food for weight loss, establish a feeding routine, and work toward reaching their target weight.

Calculating Your Dogs Calorie Intake and Target Weight

For otherwise healthy dogs, most veterinarians will calculate the calories your dog needs with a maximum goal of losing 2% of initial body weight per week. Depending on a number of factors, a loss of 0.5% of initial body weight per week can be used as the minimum desired rate of weight loss.

Your veterinarian will also determine your dogs target weight and the amount of time needed to reach this goal. Then your veterinarian can suggest the best dog food for weight loss, explain ways to determine how much to feed, and schedule regular weigh-ins. Often, the weigh-ins will be scheduled every two weeks for the first two months of weight loss. Your dogs diet will be adjusted based on how theyre doing.

Once your dogs target weight is achieved, a new feeding plan will be initiated with the best weight-management dog food to stabilize your dogs body weight.

Choosing the Right Dog Food for Weight Loss

Weight loss happens when the calories your dog is taking in (through food and treats) are less than the calories expended (through exercise and maintenance needs). Pet parents are responsible for what dogs eat and have control over the calories they take in.

Prescription weight-loss diets are incredibly effective in the battle of the bulge.Several components to look for in a weight loss diet include:

Nutrient and Caloric Density

The value of choosing a diet formulated specifically for weight lossand not weight control or weight managementis related to two factors:

1. Calories in a set serving of dog food

2. Nutrients in that same serving

Diets formulated for weight loss in dogs are designed to decrease caloric intake (so weight loss occurs) while also maintaining appropriate nutrient levels and not inducing nutritional deficiencies.

If you simply feed less of a regular or weight maintenance food, your dog may not get the necessary nutrients, as these diets are nutritionally complete based upon a regular-sized portion, not a diet-sized portion.

Higher Fiber and Lower Fat

Diets higher in fiber and lower in fat promote satiety (a feeling of fullness) while still having a lower caloric density than regular dog foods. Dietary fiber cant be digested, so it adds no calories to a dogs diet.

Weight-loss foods tend to contain sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber because this combination promotes weight loss while not leading to unpleasant side effects like dramatically increased poop production or a dog food that tastes yucky.

Dietary fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient, containing more than twice the number of calories per gram in comparison to proteins and carbohydrates so it makes sense to limit the amount of fat in dog foods designed to promote weight loss.

Therapeutic L-Carnitine Levels

L-carnitine is an amino acid thathelps move more fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy. This helps dogs move and metabolize fat instead of storing it. Look for L-carnitine in the dog foods ingredient list. It may also be listed under the Guaranteed Analysis section of the food label.

Antioxidants

Diets formulated for weight loss are often enriched with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage cells. Many of these antioxidants also have an anti-inflammatory action. This can benefit dogs who are overweight because they tend to experience more inflammation than slimmer dogs do.

Creating a Feeding Routine for Your Dogs Weight-Loss Plan

Its important for you to work with your veterinarian to create a feeding routine that keeps your pup satiated while also on track with their weight-loss plan. Here are a few tips you can follow to help your dog hit their weight-loss goals:

• Measure out the exact amount of food as directed by your veterinarian

• Feed your dog several smaller meals throughout the day instead of feeding free-choice or just one or two large meals

• Do not allow access to other pets food or human food

• Limit treats and stick to vet-approved treats

Some vet-approved, low-calorie treats include:

Reaching Your Dogs Target Weight Through Exercise

Controlling food and calories is the most important part of a dogs weight-loss routine, but the process can be helped along by increasing caloric expenditures (burning calories).

Talk with your veterinarian about your dogs unique capabilities and needs before starting a new exercise routine. At your dogs weigh-ins, your vet will adjust their diet and exercise routine to ideally result in a rate of 1-2% body weight loss per week.

Many dogs lose weight in a stair-step fashion, losing quite a bit over a two-week period, and then not losing much over the next two weeks. Major alterations in diet plans are not usually done unless weight has not changed at two sequential examinations.

Maintaining the Ideal Weight

After your dogs target weight is reached, your dogs body weight should be monitored monthly to ensure that the ideal weight is maintained. Just remember that even after the diet is over, approved treats should still only comprise less than 10% of your dogs total caloric intake.

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The 10 Best Dry Cat Foods for Weight Loss

What food is best for overweight cats?

The best food for overweight cats is a calorie-controlled formula that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Many cat food brands make weight management, weight control or indoor formulas formulated to help overweight or less active cats achieve a healthy weight. Browse our wide range of wet and dry cat foods for weight loss or ask your vet for some recommendations.

Do vets recommend dry cat foods for weight loss?

Many vets recommend dry cat foods for weight loss as long as they are formulated for optimal weight management. Look for dry cat foods made specifically for weight loss or healthy weight management, or choose an indoor dry cat food formula for weight control if your cat stays mainly indoors. Many high-protein and low-carb dry cat foods can be helpful for weight loss, as well, so consider one of these formulas if you're trying to help your cat lose weight. Of course, your vet can probably recommend some preferred dry cat foods for weight loss, so be sure to ask if your cat's weight is becoming a concern.

Can cats lose weight on dry food?

Cats can lose weight on dry food as long as they get the right nutrient balance and the right amount of calories for their activity level and metabolism. Most vets recommend measuring out your cat's food and feeding at regular times rather than free feeding to ensure your cat doesn't eat too much. Choosing a formula that is high in protein and lower in carbs can help cats feel sated while eating less for weight management. Special weight management dry cat food formulas can also help your cat lose weight. For help finding a dry cat food for weight loss that your kitty will love, use our product filters or shop Chewy's list of the 10 best ones!

Best Dog Food For Weight Loss: Fresh, Dry, Grain-Free, Wet & More

Is your pup packing on the pounds? Overweight dogs can suffer from many of the same health problems that heavy humans do. If youre concerned about your dogs extra pounds, its time to make some changes to his diet and lifestyle. But where do you start? Getting your dog in shape takes some planning, but were here to help. We have some quick tips and our picks for the best dog food for weight loss.

At A Glance: Our Top Picks

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overweight?

Before considering the best weight management dog food, you should determine if your dog needs to go on a diet. Every breed and dog size has a narrow ideal weight range, and your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog is at a healthy weight. But there are a few quick signs that you can look for at home.

• Can you easily feel your dogs ribs without having to press down? If not, he very likely needs to lose weight.
• Look at your dog from above; if your dog looks oval-shaped, your dog is likely overweight. If your pup has an hourglass shape, hes probably at a healthy weight.
• Have a dog with a defined waist and a straight body down the sides (i.e., no love handles)? Then his current weight is probably okay.

Best Dog Food For Weight Loss

Always consult your veterinarian before putting your dog on a weight loss diet. Your dogs weight gain could be due to an underlying condition, so its important to rule out any potential problems. Your vet can also help you make sure any diet food youre considering will give your pup all the nutrients he needs. With that said, here are our top picks for weight loss dog food options.

Personalized Fresh Food: The Farmers Dog

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The Farmers Dog offers fresh, human-grade meals using all-natural ingredients. All recipes are pre-portioned and personalized to your dogs specific dietary needs. You fill out a brief survey, which includes your dogs age, breed, current weight, and whether hes at a healthy size. You can have them customize the food for a weight-loss goal.

They offer turkey,pork, or beef recipes, developed by board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) nutritionists and flash frozen. And you can have all of your dogs meals regularly shipped right to your door.

Turkey Recipe:

• Crude Protein: 38%
• Crude Fat: 26%
• Crude Fiber: 2%
• Calories: 282 kcal per 1/2 lb
• All ingredients: USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, fish oil, TFD nutrient blend

Price: starts at $2/day and includes free shipping

Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed;just usethis link,and the discount will be applied. You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.

Full Review Of The Farmers Dog

Our First-Hand Experience

We switched our dog, Lexie, from kibble to The Farmers Dog shortly after rescuing her. Because King Charles Cavalier Spaniels are prone to heart conditions (which are onset by obesity), we wanted to make sure she maintained a healthy weight. She not only shed a few extra pounds, but we also noticed an improvement in her coats shine and her energy level. Shes been a fan ever since and gobbles it down! I mix it with a little rice (or kibble) to stretch the packs out and add grains to her diet, and she didnt gain back the weight. Journal

Sadie C., Canine Journal

Full Review Of The Farmers Dog

Ollie Review

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Ollie is another fresh, human-grade dog food delivery servicethat customizes your pups food (similar to The Farmers Dog). However, Ollie gives you more subscription options. You can order fresh meals (full or half portions) or choose a mix of their fresh and gently baked dry food, which includes the same high-quality, human-grade, and whole-food ingredients.

Ollie works with specialized veterinarians to formulate their fresh recipes (beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb) and dry food (beef and chicken). All recipes includehigh-quality proteins, fresh produce, healthy oils, vitamins, and minerals and are made in USDA-certified and inspected kitchens. They offer both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas.

Price: Full Fresh plans start at $3.14/day

Our readers can get50% off their first box.Usethis linkto take advantage of this offer(no discount code needed).

Our First-Hand Experience

I switched from feeding Tiny 100% dry kibble to mixing the kibble 50/50 with Ollie. Tiny gobbled up his new mixture immediately and was begging for more. This was a big change from him typically turning his snout up when I feed him only kibble. After a few weeks on the new diet, Tiny continues to love his new food. Ive also noticed that he doesnt having nearly as much gas, and his every-other-day vomiting has calmed down a lot as well. The only challenge is making room in my freezer for his food packets and remembering to keep enough thawed in the fridge for his next few meals.

Sally J., Canine Journal

Full Review Of Ollie

Dry Food: Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight

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Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight dry dog food is recommended by many veterinarians for a healthy weight loss diet. In clinical studies, more than 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks on this diet. The first ingredient is lean protein, and it also includes other natural ingredients (plus vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

This food is a bit on the pricey side compared to many other commercial diet dog foods, but many customers say their dogs love the taste and lose weight.

• Protein: 28.7%
• Fat: 11.2%
• Crude Fiber: 10.4%
• Carbohydrate/NFE: 43.2%
• Calories: 299 kcal/cup
• First eight ingredients: chicken, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, pea fiber, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, dried tomato pomace, oat fiber

Price starting at (4-lb bag): $24.49 ($6.12 / lb)

Grain-Free: Wellness Core Grain-Free, Reduced-Fat Dry Dog Food

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This grain-free weight control dog food is an excellent option for dogs who are grain and gluten intolerant (although its rare for dogs to be intolerant to either). It has a high protein content to help your dog feel full for longer. And it also contains some super healthy ingredients for overall dog health: omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for a healthy heart. Its free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

The major downside to this product is its price. Its expensive for dry dog food. Some owners said their dogs didnt care for the taste, but many others expressed that their dogs wolfed it down.

• Protein: 33%
• Fat: 10%
• Crude Fiber: 8.5%
• First eight ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas, dried ground potatoes, pea fiber, ground flaxseed

Price starting at (4-lb bag): Check Amazon for availability

Wet Food: Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management

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If you and your dog prefer canned food, this Purina Pro Plan weight management wet food is effective for many pet parents dogs as their primary food or as atopper for dry diet dog food. Its low in fat and calories and contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals and no preservatives. You can also find Purinas Pro Plan in dry formulas.

• Protein: 9%
• Fat: 4.5%
• Crude Fiber: 1.5%
• Moisture: 82%
• Calories: 299 kcal/can
• First eight ingredients: water, turkey, liver, wheat gluten, rice, chicken, meat by-products, potassium chloride

Price (12 13-oz cans): $35.04 ($3.59 / lb)

What Are My Other Best Diet Dog Food Options?

There are a lot of delicious dog foods for weight management on the market. Although these didnt make our top picks, you may want to consider these popular and healthy options as well.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Formula

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This low-calorie dog food is a great budget-friendly option. It contains LifeSource Bits, small kibbles full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. It has no corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

• Protein: 20%
• Fat: 9%
• Crude Fiber: 10%
• First eight ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, pea fiber, pea starch, oatmeal, peas

Price starting at (5-lb bag): $14.98 ($3.00 / lb)

Canidae Pure Healthy Weight

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This grain-free weight management dog food is chock full of healthy lean proteins, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support your dogs overall well-being. It also contains antioxidants and omega-6 and 3 fatty acids to support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat.

• Protein: 28%
• Fat: 9%
• Crude Fiber: 5%
• Moisture: 10%
• Calories: 409 kcal/cup
• First eight ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, peas, garbanzo beans, potatoes, sun-cured alfalfa

Price starting at (12-lb bag): $47.99 ($0.25 / Fl Oz)

Natural Balance Fat Dogs

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Natural Balances Fat Dogs dry dog food (you have to love the name!) is another popular healthy choice for many dog owners. This low-calorie formula is high in lean proteins and fiber to satisfy your dogs hunger pangs. They also conduct nine safety tests on each batch of food to make sure there are no contaminants.

• Protein: 26%
• Fat: 7.5%
• Crude Fiber: 10.5%
• Moisture: 10%
• First eight ingredients: chicken meal, salmon meal, garbanzo beans, peas, barley, oat groats, dried beet pulp, pea fiber

Price starting at (5-lb bag): Check Amazon for availability

Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

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Nom Nom is another fresh dog food delivery service like The Farmers Dog that can tailor your pups food for a weight-loss goal and some other health conditions. They offer four all-natural recipes (beef, chicken, pork, and turkey) created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

The food comes in single-meal packaging that has easy tear-off tops. And packages are vacuum-sealed, so they dont take up quite as much room in your freezer or fridge. Nom Nom even offers a full money-back guarantee if you dont see a difference in your pup after 30 days.

Turkey Recipe:

• Crude Protein: 10% min
• Crude Fat: 5% min
• Crude Fiber: 1% max
• Moisture: 72% max
• Calories: 201 kcal/cup ME
• First eight ingredients: ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and citric acid.

Price: Plansstart at $3/day with free shipping. For $15, you can get asample packto try out their food before subscribing.

Our readers have access to save50% off your first order of Nom Nom;no promo code needed. Usethis linkto get started!

Full Review Of Nom Nom

Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food

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This all-natural Nutro dry dog food is specially formulated for overweight adult dogs to help with healthy weight management. It contains chicken as the primary ingredient, with lamb and salmon as other protein sources. This formula includes superfoods, like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients. And its made with no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, as well as no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

• Crude Protein: 26%
• Crude Fat: 12%
• Crude Fiber: 4%
• Calories: 325 kcal/cup
• First eight ingredients: chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats, brewers rice, pea protein

Price starting at (15-lb bag): $54.98 ($3.67 / lb)

Full Review Of Nutro Dog Food

Why Should My Dog Lose Weight?

Extra weight can reduce your dogs quality of life, cause significant health problems, and shorten his life. For dogs, this can happen with as little as a few extra pounds. Some of the common health conditions that develop from excess weight include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Increased risk of joint injuries
• Increased cancer risk especially intra-abdominal cancers, mammary tumors, and bladder cancer
• Liver problems
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue and lethargy

How Can I Help My Dog Lose Weight?

Check out this Rachel Ray video for some quick tips on ways you and your family can help your dog lose weight. One of these tips includes getting a fitness tracker to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. See our reviews of the best dog activity monitors to learn more. And be sure to read more tips on how to help your dog lose weight.

How Do I Change My Dogs Food Safely?

If youre switching your dog to a weight loss diet, youll need to know how to transition him from his current food. Dogs tummies are extremely sensitive to sudden food changes and can develop digestive issues. So be sure to read our article on how to change your dogs food safely before starting a new food.