How to Choose the Right Dry Dog Food Formula to Aid in Weight Loss

The Best Dog Food For Weight Loss

You mightve noticed that your dogs gained a bit of weight recently, and youre starting to get concerned.

Is it time to put your dog on a diet, and if so, whats the best dog food for weight loss?

The good news is that switching to a diet dog food is most likely only necessary if your dogs obese. We spoke to three vets, who explained how you can tell if your dog is obese and why its important to curb those unhealthy habits that cause your pup to gain weight.

Benefits of a weight-loss dog food

The biggest benefit of a dog food specifically geared toward weight loss is that itll be lower in calories, which will likely help obese dogs shed pounds.

However, low-fat foods, [which are also low in caloric density], may not necessarily help your dog lose weight, Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a vet with SpiritDog Training, told The Dodo.

You need to look at overall calorie requirements for your dog per day (ask a veterinarian!) and then work out how many grams or ounces that equates to in food in total, Dr. Wigfall continued. Even though your dogs overweight, his breed may still need more calories than a diet dog food can offer him.

In fact, you may not necessarily need to purchase specialty weight-loss food at all. Before switching to low-fat dog food, I recommend using an adult dog formula but ensuring to measure the appropriate amount of food at each meal and limiting treats to less than 10 percent of the daily caloric need, veterinarian Dr. Michelle Burch from Paramount Pet Health told The Dodo.

But again, consult your veterinarian to get a more tailored opinion.

How to find the best diet dog food

The best dog food for weight loss is one thats low in calories. Changing to a lower-calorie food may help, Dr. Zach Marteney, a veterinarian and medical director at Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, told The Dodo.

Low-calorie choices may be available over the counter, but there are other dog food formulas made specifically for weight loss thatll require a prescription from your veterinarian.

There are even prescription foods for weight loss that are helpful, Dr. Marteney said. I've used one for my dog in the past with great results.

Its important to pay attention to which foods come widely recommended by vets because thatll help keep your pup healthy on his weight loss journey.

There are many great brands of pet food available, but in general I prefer larger brands as they tend to have higher-quality ingredients with more consistent formulation, and their quality control is much better than smaller brands, Dr. Marteney said.

Dr. Marteney loves brands like:

• Purina Pro Plan (which is what Dr. Marteney feeds his own dog)
• Hills Science Diet
• Royal Canin
• Blue Buffalo

I recommend discussing with your veterinarian the best dog food choice for your pet when choosing a low-fat diet to ensure all nutritional needs are met, Dr. Burch said.

Best dog food for weight loss

We rounded up some great weight-loss dog foods that are low in calories and from brands recommended by vets because of their high-quality ingredients and control standards. Just make sure you always talk to your vet before switching up your pups diet.

How to choose the right dog food

Choosing the right dog food can be a bit of trial and error because it means weeding out any possible sensitivities your pup might have.

You may find that if you give him a chicken-based diet, he gets itchy or develops ear infections, or if you feed him beef, he develops diarrhea, Dr. Marteney said. You may have to try three or four diets before you find one that he can eat long term.

As far as grain-free diets, you should steer clear of them unless your dog is truly sensitive or allergic to grains.

I recommend against grain-free diets for nearly all dogs whole grains bring a lot to the table in terms of nutrition, and a specific type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy has been associated with grain-free diets, Dr. Marteney said.

And once you find a dog food that works, stick to it.

It's best to use the cruise-control method of feeding, Dr. Marteney said. Find a food that works and just keep using it.

How much food do I feed my dog?

When trying to figure out how much food to feed your dog, its going to depend on two things: your individual pup and the specific food youre feeding him.

On the back of the bag or can there will be a chart that tells you how much to feed based on body weight, Dr. Marteney said. This is a good place to start, but I think about it the same way I think about a 2,000 calorie recommendation on human food packaging: If I'm eating that much and I'm gaining too much weight, I need to cut back a little, and if I'm getting too thin, I probably need to increase my calorie intake.

Consulting your vet on the amount of food you should be giving your dog, no matter if its diet dog food or regular food, will ensure youre helping your dogs weight loss rather than hindering it.

Other ways to help your overweight dog

If your dogs either obese or slightly overweight, there are many different things you can do to get him back down to a healthy (and more comfortable) size besides feeding a weight-loss dog food.

Here are a few ways to help your pup drop his extra pounds:

• Increase his daily exercise. Ideally [with] daily walks, Dr. Wigfall said. Hydrotherapy may also be helpful for very obese dogs with joint issues or older dogs.
• Increase play and use of toys inside.
• Nix treats. Use their daily kibble portion as a treat for good behavior, Dr. Wigfall said. Your dog cannot tell the difference and will still get the same chemical release from the reward of a biscuit of their regular food as they do from a store-bought treat.
• Dont feed him human food. Human food contains significantly more calories than pet food, so even a small portion of food can equal many calories, Dr. Wigfall said.
• Feed your dog based on his target weight, and reduce that target weight slowly so as not to underfeed him. This means you should set an achievable target weight first (5 or 10 pounds less than his actual weight), and then adjust the target as he continues to drop pounds.
• Ask your vet about joining a weight-loss program if they offer one. These involve monthly weight checks, diet plans and exercise goals, Dr. Wigfall said. They are usually free to attend, and often there is a lot of competition to find the biggest loser.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will ensure he lives a long and happy life with you, and with plenty of playtime, exercise and healthy food, those extra pounds will disappear in no time.

5 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss (Reviews Updated 2022)

Just like their human companions, canines can gain weight. Also just like humans, carrying extra weight can be dangerous for dogs. Obesity can lead to a number of health issues that can significantly reduce their quality of life, as well as their lifespan. Health complications that can result from canine obesity include an increased risk of obesity, torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and even the development of certain types of tumors.

In this review, were going to talk about one of the key factors in helping your furry friend drop those excess pounds: dog food for weight loss. What exactly is dog food for weight loss? How does it differ from standard dog food? Well answer those questions and more, but first, were going to share our top picks for the best weight loss dog food.

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Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss

First up on our list of the best dog food for weight loss is Nutro Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food. Made with premium quality ingredients that have been hand-selected for their nutritional quality and taste, your pup will be back to his appropriate weight in no time when you fill his dog bowl with this dry dog food.

This formula is crafted with a specific blend of protein and fiber to help support weight loss and control weight gain. Farm raised chicken is the first ingredient, which not only offers a fantastic taste that your pet will love, but also helps to improve the development of lean muscle mass, which is so important for dogs; particularly breeds that are predisposed to joint issues, such as Great Danes, Dobermans, Dachshunds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Sources of fiber include lentils, rice bran, whole brown rice, barley, sweet potatoes, peas, and applies, which are also easy to digest so this food wont cause an upset stomach. Blueberries and supplements offer antioxidants to further encourage healthy weight, and amino acids help to promote skin health and will improve the quality of your pets coat, too. The infusion of a variety of essential vitamins and minerals will improve your canine companions overall health and well-being. Futhermore, the ingredients are non-GMO, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are used in this formula, so you can have confidence knowing that your pet is eating a high quality dog food.

What We Like About It

• Specially formulated to support weight loss
• Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
• Features a precise blend of fiber to improve weight loss and weight management
• Contains a bevy of wholesome fruits and vegetables
• Easy to digest
• Made with non-GMO ingredients
• Fortified with vital nutrients and antioxidants
• Most pet owners say that their dogs love the flavor and report that it does aid in weight loss

Reasons to Complain

• While the ingredients are non-GMO, theres a chance that it could contain trace amounts of genetically modified materials
• Some owners arent keen on the chicken meal

Final Verdict: Nutro Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs that need to lose weight. This formula is made with premium quality ingredients and is specifically formulated to assist with weight loss and weight management.

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Next up on our list of the best weight management dog food is Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Dog Food. Pet owners have been trusting Hills Science diet dog food to nourish their canine companions for decades, as this dog food manufacturer offers a variety of formulas that are made by animal nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure optimal health. This specific formula is made for dogs that are prone to weight gain, such as older dogs that are less active or those who have been neutered.

The first ingredient in this formula is real chicken, so it offers up a healthy dose of protein to support lean muscle mass and healthy joints. Ingredients like cracked pearled barley, brown rice, oat fiber, and dried beet pulp are easy to digest and will fuel your dogs energy levels. Its also infused with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium, taurine, vitamin D3, and vitamin A. Apples, broccoli, cranberries, and green peas add to the taste and the nutritional content. Furthermore, more than 70 percent of dogs that are fed this formula lose weight within 10 weeks.

What We Like About It

• Features real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains healthful fruits and vegetables
• 70 percent of dogs that are fed this formula lose weight within 10 weeks
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
• Infused with essential nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants
• Contains easy to digest fiber and carbohydrates
• Made in the USA
• Backed by a satisfaction guaranteed; if you arent satisfied, Hills Science Diet will refund your money

Reasons to Complain

• It does contain corn gluten meal, so if your pet is allergic to corn, you might want to consider a dog food for allergies that also supports weight loss
• Some customers said that their pets dont like the flavor

Final Verdict: Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight Management Adult Dog Food is specifically made to support weight loss and weight management. Its formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists and 70 percent of dogs that are fed this formula lose weight within 10 weeks. According to most pet parents, it offers great results and their pets like the flavor.

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Purina dog food is another trusted manufacturer of a variety of formulas for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Their Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is made for all adult canines that need to lose weight, no matter their breed or size.

This Purina Pro Plan dog food for weight loss is formulated to offer 100 percent balanced nutrition. It is meant to support your pups overall health and well-being. The first ingredient is chicken, so it offers up a healthy dose of protein. It also contains easily digestible wheat bran and brewers rice to provide your pup with the energy he needs. Natural sources of glucosamine will help to strengthen your pets joints and can potentially stave off issues like arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia. This formula also contains 25 percent less fat than other Purina Pro Plan dog food options for adult dogs, which further ensures that it will help your pup lose weight. Most pet parents say that they are very happy with the results and that their furry family members love the taste.

What We Like About It

• Contains less fat than other Purina Pro Plan formulas
• Features real chicken as the first ingredient
• Made with glucosamine to improve joint health
• Infused with essential vitamins and minerals
• Most pet parents say that they have noticed positive weight loss results after feeding their overweight dogs this formula.

Reasons to Complain

• It does contain corn, wheat, and flour, so if your pet is sensitive to these grains, you should consider a grain free dog food that will support weight management
• Some pet owners said that the bags were damaged when they received them

Final Verdict: If your pet needs to lose weight, Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is a good option to consider. Its a low fat formula that is made to support weight loss and weight management, and it also contains essential nutrients to improve your pets overall health and well being.

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If your canine is carrying around extra weight, then you might want to consider feeding him the Fat Dogs Dry Dog Food, which comes from the makers of Natural Balance dog food. Natural balance is another highly regarded brand of dog food that offers a variety of formulas for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, such as senior dog food, puppy food, and wet dog food. As the name suggests, their Fat Dogs recipe is specially formulated for overweight adult dogs.

This dry kibble will help to support your dogs weight loss, as it is a low calorie, yet nutritionally balanced dog food. It also features a special blend of protein and fiber that will help to keep your pooch feeling fuller for longer so he wont have the urge to eat as often. Ingredients include chicken and salmon meal for protein, garbonzo beans, peas, barley, oats, and dried beet pulp for fiber and carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep your pet strong, healthy, and well-nourished. Like all Natural Balance recipes, every batch of this formula undergoes 9 safety tests to ensure that the best ingredients are used and that the food is safe. These tests are performed by microbiologists and chemists, and the results are displayed right on the Natural Balance website to assure customer confidence.

What We Like About It

• Low calorie formula
• Features a special blend of fiber and protein to keep your pet feeling fuller longer
• Contains easy to digest ingredients
• Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
• Every batch undergoes 9 safety tests to ensure quality

Reasons to Complain

• It does contain chicken meal and salmon meal instead of whole cuts of chicken and salmon
• Some users said that the quality of the product was much lower when they purchased it from Amazon then when they purchased it from the pet store.

Final Verdict: To encourage weight loss in your pup, Natural Balance Fat Dogs Dry Dog Food is a wonderful option to consider. Most pet owners confirm that this formula has successfully helped their dogs lose weight, and they report that their pups like the flavor.

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Last, but definitely not least, on our list of the best dog food for weight loss is Blue Buffalos Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. Blue Buffalo dog food is one of the most highly regarded dog food brands on the market. Thats because they only use the best possible ingredients to ensure that pets receive the best possible nutrition. Their recipes are also made under the guidance of holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, so you can have confidence knowing that your furry friend will receive superior quality food.

Blue Buffalos Life Protection Formula features real meat as the first ingredient, just like all of their other recipes. In this formula, the protein is sourced deboned chicken. It also features wholesome whole grains, like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal to promote healthy digestion. Fruits and vegetables, like cranberries, blueberries, potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots are also included in this recipe to improve the nutritional content and the flavor. Like all Blue Buffalo products, there are absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, or preservative. It also contains Blues exclusive Life Source Bits, which contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its also completely free of grains like corn, wheat, and soy, and no byproduct meals are used in the recipe.

What We Like About It

• Offers a low calorie and fat content to support weight loss
• Contains a wealth of fruits and vegetables
• Features essential nutrients, like protein, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids
• Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• No byproducts
• Made in the USA

Reasons to Complain

• Some pet owners said that they think this formula was responsible for stomach issues
• Other customers have said that they think the formula has changed

Final Verdict: To help your pet lose weight and ensure that he is getting the nutrition that he needs to thrive, consider feeding him Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. Made with premium quality ingredients and specially formulated to feature a lower calorie and fat content, this recipe will help your pup stay satisfied and lose weight.

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Buyers Guide to the Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

When it comes to selecting food for your pet, you want to make sure that you are selecting a high quality product that will meet his nutritional needs to ensure that he maintains maximum health. If your pet has gained weight or if he is prone to weight gain (as some breeds, like Beagles, are), then you should consider feeding him a specially formulated dog food for weight loss.

In this portion of our buyers guide, well share some important insight about weight management dog food so that you can ensure you are choosing the very best option for your four-legged family members needs.

Why You Should Consider a Diet Dog Food

As mentioned in the beginning of this review, obesity can lead to several health issues in dogs. Complications can include an increased risk of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Arthritis
• Reduced mobility
• Fatty liver disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Skin and coat problems
• Reduced mobility

Obviously, you dont want your pet to experience any of these issues; therefore, if you want to ensure that he maintains a healthy life, veterinarians recommended feeding overweight canines, as well as canines that are prone to obesity, dog food that is specially formulated to support weight loss and weight management.

How can you tell if your do is carrying too much weight? A routine checkup at with your vet will confirm; however, there are signs that indicate your pup is too heavy. For example, if you cant feel his ribs, if he isnt as active as he used to be, if hes panting more than he usually does, or if he just looks and feels heavier than he normally does, then chances are that hes too heavy.

Important Factors to Consider

If your pooch could stand to lose a few pounds, youre going to find that there are a lot of dog food formulas on the market that claim they support weight loss. Unfortunately, those claims are not always factual; therefore, its important to read the nutrition label and look for the following factors when you are selecting a recipe:

• Reduced calories. A dog food that has a lower calorie content can help your pup shed weight. Any calories that your pet doesnt consume will be stored into fat, which will eventually lead to extra weight. Therefore, feeding your pet less calories can help to encourage his weight loss.
• Low fat. Like too many calories, too much fat can also lead to weight gain. A high quality dog food for weight loss will feature a reduced fat content to support weight loss.
• High quality protein. While protein contains calories, in order to process it, your dog will have to burn more calories, which will translate to weight loss.
• High quality ingredients. Like any type of dog food, a high quality food for weight loss will be made with premium quality ingredients. Real meat, fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of fiber and carbohydrates are all indictors of a premium quality food.

How We Chose the Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

In order to select the best weight loss dog food, we read the ingredients in several different weight loss formulas to determine which options best support weight loss will offering balanced nutrition. The information we collected, coupled with the countless reviews that we read, allowed us to narrow down the options to the five formulas that are featured in our review.

Dog Food for Weight Loss Review Conclusion

If your furry friend is carrying too much weight, its important to make an effort to help him lose the added weight. Making sure that he receives plenty of exercise and feeding him a premium quality weight loss for dogs are two of the best ways that you can assist your pet with weight loss. All of the formulas featured in our review are proven to support weight loss and manage healthy weight.

Needless to say, if it seems like your furry friend has packed on a few extra pounds, youre going to want to help him get back is sleek physique. When you want to lose weight, you can start a diet and exercise regiment on your own, but your pet cant; therefore, its up to you, his best friend, to help him shed the weight. One of the easiest ways to help your four-legged family member drop the extra pounds that hes carrying is by changing his dog food to a weight loss formula. Combined with regular exercise (make sure you get him a well-fitted dog harness and/or dog collar, as well as an appropriate leash, so you can take start taking him on regular walks), you can successfully help your pooch drop the weight. One your pet gets back to an appropriate weight for his breed, youll start to notice a huge difference in his disposition, his activity levels, and his overall health and well-being.

Recommended Reading:

Sources:

Pet Health Network

Mudbay

Whole Dog Journal