If you are willing to help your dog lose weight, your best bet is to add more uniform exercise and a manageable diet to their daily routine. BestReviews wants to be better. From how-to guides, tips and tricks, to product comparisons… Our goal is to be the go-to knowledgebase when it comes to pet-related questions and information. The first ingredient is real chicken, followed by a host of healthy options, such as cracked barley, carrots broccoli, and peas. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.. Their weight is an excellent starting point to determine where your dog falls on this spectrum, with most dog food brands printing weight based recommendations on the dog food bag. It has only nine everyday ingredients, along with natural flavoring and supplements. Yes, there are actually calorie calculators online that ask for certain information so that it can determine the number of calories you should give to your dog. Dogs gain weight just like humans. Comes in small and large dog kibble, and several bag sizes. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. Next, build a short-list (our list in this review should certainly help) and try to narrow it down to less than three options. If you look at the average percentages of crude fat, you'll notice that Purina Pro Plan typically guarantees 3.18% more fat. This food is specifically made for large breeds as well as giant breeds. Of this list, small breeds are the most likely to become overweight, but activity level and diet play a more significant role. The number of calories in every cup of the food you choose should be enough to keep your dog from being hungry but cause weight loss in at least a 10-week timespan. The company supports local farmers and growers, and, in the process, improves the quality of their products. https://dogslim.com/articles/homemade-dog-food-recipes-for-dieting-dogs.html Contains by-products. But this dog food also support lean muscle maintenance along with keeping your dog weight in check. So, the goal here is to know how many calories are in each cup of food you choose and to follow the guidelines listed on the side of the bag. Here are the best dog food for weight loss: Developed by a massive team of 220 veterinarians, food scientists, and technicians, Hill’s Science Diet is recommended by more veterinarians than any other brand. Its price may be prohibitive for some dog owners. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. Available Sizes. Each contains the corresponding flavor as the #1 ingredient and contains no grain, gluten, artificial preservatives or flavorings. Dogs that consume fewer calories than they burn are prone to lose weight. Be wary of older reviews. Just like us, being overweight can lead to a number of dangerous health issues. How to label shop and what to look for: Dry food sold as “light” or “lite” should be labeled as having no more than 3,100 kcal per kilogram of foods. Your first step is to compile a needs list based on all the above. Author: Becky RobertsLast Updated: December 2020. Purina Pro Plan adds a natural probiotic to their weight management blend to help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy. For example, dog foods formulated for large and giant breeds may have elevated levels of glucosamine to help support healthy cartilage and joint mobility. Their Fat Dog blend is widely available online, but otherwise, this is not a kibble you’ll find in every department store in America like bigger brands such as Purina. So, if you are reading this article and have doubts about the health of your dog, you should consult with a professional—one you trust—and not ignore their advice. Blue buffalo takes pride in ensuring all their formulas contain real meat as the first ingredient—in this case, deboned chicken. The Healthy Weight blend optimizes energy balance, so more calories are offered from protein resulting in a reduced fat formula to help your dog slim down. A trusted brand that's often recommended by veterinarians and a recipe that has earned praise by many dog owners for the results it provides in their pets' diets. This dry dog food for adults features a trio of proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon. The food is nutritious and wholesome with probiotics that would ensure the dog is not constipated. A popular brand that has nutritious ingredients and flavor most dogs enjoy. Contains antioxidants, whole grains, and chicken as the first ingredient. This will ensure your dog feels full after eating. Another thing to look for is food with probiotics. Of course, you should look at the quality, ingredients, the source of those ingredients, company reputation, and price, among other factors, but more importantly, you should consider factors specific to your dog. Feed your dog weight management dog food Buying the best diet dog food for your pet’s nutritional needs is another important way to keep your dog’s weight under control. Whether you want to mix it with kibble or your pooch will only eat canned food, this is a good option for dogs on a diet. These weight control dog foods contain real animal protein and L-Carnitine to … Pricey. Contains fillers, including corn, and animal by-products. This limited ingredient diet is best for senior dogs who need a weight control diet. Earns praise for being enticing to most dogs that try it, and resulting in weight loss with regular feedings. Shop Instinct weight management dog food at Petco for a high-fiber, low-calorie meal. But you'll find the perfect weight loss dog food for … While it does contain chicken, which, as mentioned, can be problematic for some dogs, it doesn’t contain any chicken by-products—or corn, soy, and artificial preservatives, either, for that matter. Blended with quality protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Worse, it doesn’t seem to be a fan favorite with dogs. Bottom Line: Best Dog Food for Weight Management! How active are they? Can I Feed Human Food to My Dog? We know that it's a daunting task to maintain your dog's ideal weight for his breed, size or age. There are a few things you should always consider when you are looking to purchase any dog food — not just a weight management formula. This dog food has been highly accepted by most pugs we tried it with. 5 lb, 15 lb, 33 lb. This dog food is a hidden treasure for most people. Large breeds such as Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers, and giant breeds, such as Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Falls on the lower end of the price spectrum for weight management dry dog food. With real meat as the first ingredient and a mix of crunchy kibble and tender shredded chicken bits, your dog is sure to enjoy this food flavor-wise. Some dogs, for example, such as Golden Retrievers, can develop joint disease from a high-calorie diet. It includes a fresh chicken at the top to … See All New Reviews and Updates. An overweight dog can experience ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, to name a few. A dog’s owner decides how much to feed him as well as when to take him out for a jog. If your dog doesn’t start to lose weight, consult the vet on feeding amount since all dogs are “different”. Many owners have reported their dogs wouldn’t touch a single kibble. However, this is not the cheapest dog food on the market by far. In other cases, you may want a dog food to nutritionally support a unique need, such as weight management or athletic performance. It tends to be higher in protein than dry food and lower in carbohydrates and fat —plus most dogs really enjoy it as a little gravy for their kibble. If you’re looking for a formula that is lower in calories and fat than your dog’s current diet but still rich in nutrients, try this Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Weight Management Dog Food … Dachshunds are tiny-breed dogs that have long bodies and short legs, not to mention, a loving personality and droopy ears. As Merrick was bought out by Purina, some users also complain the formula for this food has changed. Consistency is somewhat thick and "clumpy" for canned food – some consumers wish it had more gravy. Canned dog food is also an excellent addition to a weight management diet. Their Life Protection line includes LifeSource Bits, which are small kibbles packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals designed to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. Give it at least two weeks before passing judgment unless you see extreme signs of illness in your dog, which may indicate an allergic reaction. You want to be sure the food you are getting for your dog will not harm them in any way. Our food is specially formulated to help your dog reach and maintain a healthy weight. These form the backbone of a formula with a macronutrient balance specifically aimed at building lean muscle and shedding excess weight — 55% protein and healthy fat and 45% complex carbohydrates from vegetable and fruit sources. With 15% fewer calories than the standard Diamond Naturals pack and added glucosamine, L-Carnitine, and chondroitin, this recipe is the perfect choice for dogs to reach and maintain healthy body weight along with adequate nutrition. A high-antioxidant mix with vitamin C and E along with Omega-3, ensure your dog’s immune system functions at its best, too. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. It may take some time for the difference to be noticeable to the naked eye, so putting them on the scale at the end of every month will give you more knowledge on whether the methods you’re using are working. How to label shop and what to look for: Dry food sold as “light” or “lite” should be labeled as having no more than 3,100 kcal per kilogram of foods. It's in the top 3 bestselling dog food formulas and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Wellness Complete Health or Wellness Chicken … Probiotics help prevent an upset stomach during the transition between brands, which can sometimes be hard. Quality nutrition is key, no matter your dog’s body weight. Natural Dry Dog Food Adult Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken, Lentils & Sweet Potato Recipe. Keep in mind that flatulence is a common issue in dogs switching to a new food. The use of vegetable-based carbs rather than grains reduces allergen risks while simultaneously boosting fiber. Kirkland Signature Healthy Weight Dog Food Formula – this type of dog food is designed to help your pooch maintain their weight. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. New Reviews and Updates. Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Weight Management Dog Food Formula. If you’re not noticing your dog’s weight decreasing, you may want to lower the amount of food you’re offering. It is also grain-free and gluten-free making it an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Health Extension Lite Dog Food. You want to be sure you are feeding them below-average calories, below-average fat, above-average proteins. The number of calories your dog should consume varies based on their weight and activity level, but between 240 kcal/per cup and 440 kcal/per cup is common. The ideal diet for an overweight dog is full of lean protein to build muscle, amino acids to build up their immune system, fatty acids to protect their skin and fur, and superfoods to maximize health benefits. While an impressive 26% protein is sure to keep them feeling full longer, and so eating less. Especially if you are the owner of an overweight dog, your bias will be leaning more towards no for obesity than yes. If your goal is to reduce the weight of your pooch, start with the recommended feeding amount and monitor the weight for about 2 weeks. To follow the label guidelines on the side or back of the bag, you will need to know how old your dog is, how much they weigh, and the breed to be sure you’re hitting the right metrics. If you want to put that into a number, that’s 35 million dogs. Of course, this is only an issue if you prefer to buy local. But a good example of a non-prescription food that will aid in weight management while delivering higher quality nutrition is Acana Light & Fit Dry Dog Food with 35% protein, 10% fat, approximately 30% carbohydrates, 325 calories per cup and an excellent ingredient profile. Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Artemis Weight Management Rice, Chicken meal, chicken, turkey, barley 20 – 6 - 308 Avoderm weight control chicken Ground whole brown rice, ground whole white rice, chicken meal, rice bran, oatmeal 20 – 8 - 298 Beneful Healthy Weight Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, soybean hulls, whole wheat flour 25 – 7 - 306 With an average Amazon.com rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, this is another favorite with other large breed dog owners. Some reports of loose stools until dogs get use to eating it. Once you have achieved the target dog weight continue with this diet for weight management. It’s 25% lower fat content should, in theory, also help them return to a healthy weight, but some users report they saw no change in weight of their dog with this diet. Always look for a weight loss food that has a low caloric count, but is high in fiber. Buying the best low-fat dog food can be a terrifying experience because of how deceitful most dog food manufacturers are. Contains ingredients that are easy to digest, such as rice. Most brands incorporate some different variations of meat into their foods. Diamond Naturals Light strikes an impressive balance between price and quality with pasture-raised lamb as the #1 ingredient in this weight control food. There is no shortage of options on the market, and not all are created equal. However, also consider your dog’s tastes. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. ... MedalSeries High-Meat Kibble weight management chicken & sweet potato recipe. While some diet food brands serve dogs of all ages, a lot of the brands only offer formulas aimed at adult dogs. There are separate feeding guidelines on the pack for both weight management and weight loss. Age? Please take our 3-minute survey, The Best Dog Foods Dog Food Reviews A to Z Latest Dog Food Recalls. This is another department where your vet can help. Nutro’s Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food is currently 50% off on your first subscribe and save order. Even the picky ones loved it! Clearly, in this case, one factor is weight management, but what breed is your dog? An overweight dog can experience ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, to name a few. We offer a variety of different weight management dog food formulas to help your dog lose, gain or maintain his weight. and give us feedback about your visit today. Veterinarians report over 50% of dogs they see are overweight, while their owners only agree 17% of the time. Sometimes, just like us, your furry friend may need a little diet refresh to make sure their lifestyle is the best it can be for health, happiness and fun ! When your dog is on a diet program, it would be best to check their weight either weekly or monthly depending on how fast you expect results. Another wet canned dog food option, Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management canned food offers a friendly way to give your dog a little treat at mealtime. Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas. About: Fromm Gold Weight Management Recipe is a super-premium dog food, designed to taste great, while still helping your pooch to lose a little weight. Fromm Family Weight Management Gold Food for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food … No artificial ingredients. Formulated with quality chicken protein for optimal flavor. SmartBlend Natural Healthy Weight Formula Dog Food, Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dog Food, Weight Management Adult Dry Food & Wet Dog Food, Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food (Small Breed), Light for Healthy Weight & Weight Management, Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Healthy Weight Real Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Natural Healthy Weight Formula, Fat Dogs Low Calorie Dry Food for Overweight Dogs, Signature Healthy Weight Formula Dog Food, Weight Management Adult Dry & Wet Dog Food. Hill's ® is a REAL LIGHT dog food! A few reports of stomach upset. Save 35% with repeat delivery & free shipping on low fat dog food at Petco! Light and lean foods are recommended for weight management or if your dog has a tendency to gain weight but is not yet overweight. We found that it offers fast results, it has the best formula, it’s good for senior, allergic, and sensitive pugs. On a side note, you can also mix this food with wet dog food with grains if your dog is getting constipated. This is a nutrient-rich dog food made with quality ingredients; but you may have to pay close attention to portion sizes to for optimal weight loss. On the upside, Nutro offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their dog food products. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Food Metabolite Weight Management Dog Formula has added L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids and 77% of the protein … The Best Weight Management Dog Food for Large Breeds! Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases. The addition of fiber and prebiotics aids digestion, which is beneficial for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. With a high protein and fiber content, this food is formulated to help your dog feel full longer while also keeping their bowel movements regular. Many dogs do just fine with chicken, though, and it’s considered a lean protein source, second only to turkey. But with moderate exercise along with this dog food you will start noticing the weight loss within 2-3 weeks. (See our policy) Formulated with a unique prebiotic blend and high in nutrient-rich fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, and raspberries, Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Stew aims to mimic the diet your dog would eat in the wild—and you don’t see a lot of fat wolves. Even better, the formula features a patented mix of K9 Strain probiotics with 80,000 live cultures per pound of dry kibble. At least 45% of US dogs are overweight or obese. Do they have any other health issues or known allergies? ALDI Julius dry dog food is Australian-made and is said to include natural prebiotics to help your dog’s digestion and immune system, along with high protein for healthy growth. Dogs are somewhat like humans; the only difference is they depend on us for every meal. With a price point far below average for specific diet concerns such as weight management, you might expect lower quality, but user reviews don’t seem to reflect that. Also note that Blue Buffalo healthy weight is meant for weight control. Diamond Naturals Light is good for overweight or less active adult dogs. When you’re trying to choose the right food, your dog’s breed comes into play. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. How to maintain your dog weight with good and balanced food? They did, however, notice an increase in gas. You will start seeing the results with this diet and the chicken flavor of this food is generally liked by dogs. ACCEPT. When you are looking at dog breeds, there are four categories. Feeding a puppy adult dog food could deny them the right nutrients they need to grow and nourish. Things like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, lung disorders, high blood pressure, and immune dysfunction can occur to your dog if it remains overweight. Contains corn as the number one ingredient and has by-products. High fiber is also often recommended. Your dog might not start to lose weight on this diet alone without exercise. Size? More exercise and less food! Luckily there is a wide variety of weight-loss dog food available to help your hefty pup. Wellness Core’s Natural Reduced Fat formula is the best grain-free food for weight loss featuring high protein and limited ingredients. Fuzzyrescue.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some owners voiced concern about formula changes. Health Extension Lite is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Health Extension product line. Making sure the dog food you buy has the proper ingredients to help your dog develop muscle and lose fat is key. Natural Balance’s Fat Dogs low-calorie dog food is pretty direct with their target market — fat dog owners. It is specially formulated for overweight adult dogs to help with healthy weight management. Additionally, fuzzyrescue.org participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. A low-fat canned dog food with a flavor many dog owners say that their pets love. Some users do complain that the pop tops on the cans are a bit flimsy and tend to break leaving you with the fun task of breaking the lid off some other way. Though not premium, it provides good results for most canines without breaking your budget. This is a grain-free dog food for weight management that’s based on a simple recipe. Among these brands, Hill's Science Diet is the only canine weight management dry food to meet the AAFCO requirements for maximum allowable calorie content. Unfortunately, that quality comes at a price. Here are the best dog food for weight loss: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight for Fast Weight Loss; Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Reduced Calories from Fat; Purina Pro Plan Weight Management; Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie; Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Low Fat; CANIDAE PURE Weight Management; Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Wet Canned Stew This food has 18% less calories per portion than regular large dog food of the same brand. Contains some animal by-product and fillers, but is balanced with lots of high-quality ingredients. So, when you are choosing based on ingredients, be sure to consider the things your dog likes and dislikes. Our food is specially formulated to help your dog reach and maintain a healthy weight. And, as her Vet wishes her to be only 100 pounds, this weight management dog food is perfect.” Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com. Once you find out that information, you can then compare the number of calories each of these brands have to offer. Most dogs are attracted to the flavor. The next food on our list is the Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Large Breed Dog Food, another great contender and another great way to keep your dog at a healthy weight. Remember, the ideal weight for your dog will depend on their breed . 2: Calculate your dog’s RER: 70 x (ideal weight in kg) 0.75, or use the chart below (again, use ideal weight, not current weight). Purina weight management dog food works best with mildly obese dogs who need to lose only a few lbs. Doesn't contain artificial flavors or sugar. Always look for a weight loss food that has a low caloric count, but is high in fiber. The dog won’t feel hungry or beg for more food. But if you know that he or she is overweight and want to help them get back on track, there are plenty of ways to do it. With so many animals in need of a home and love, we strive to provide a resource to go to when they have questions related to rescuing and/or caring for animals or their pets. Keep in mind that there is always a transition period. Size Comparison. Dog-specific factors play a significant role in identifying the best food. The best weight management dog food should include chicken, beef, turkey, pork, sardines, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, beet, beans, apples, bananas, blueberries, rice, pasta, quinoa, whole wheat bread, whole oats, whole barley, kelp, cod liver oil, canola oil, coconut oil, walnut oil, flax seed oil, and eggshell powder. There’s also a Julius ‘Gold Puppy’ range available for dogs in their early stage of life, as well as Julius ‘Gold Lite’ for pets on a weight management program. The recipe focuses on whole ingredients — deboned turkey, potatoes, peas, and more — designed to support lean body mass and overall healthy weight. Now, if you and your dog exercise a bunch, it might be good to check weekly. A healthy bowel also eventually ensures the healthy weight of the dog. Certain breeds have a higher chance of obesity, like Yorkies or Beagles, unlike their counterparts, Greyhounds and German Shepherds, who are both prone to remaining quite slim throughout their life. Small breeds, such as Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Cavalier King, and Charles Spaniels. Doesn't have preservatives or artificial ingredients. The only wide-spread complaint regarding this food is that it seems to be the culprit behind sudden bad breath. Every ingredient in Merrick products is also made in the USA and contain no controversial imports from China. Light and lean foods are recommended for weight management or if your dog has a tendency to gain weight but is not yet overweight. Shop low fat dog foods clinically designed to help with weight loss or weight maintenance. Free of artificial colors, flavors, and dyes, Fromm Weight Management is full of nutritious ingredients – including a few unusual items — that are sure to please owners and pups. It is perfect for dogs that weigh more than 55 pounds at one year of age. 1. The Weight Management blend only contains nine major ingredients—chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, potatoes, and sun-cured alfalfa. This weight management dog food comes with some desirable features; but some others on our list offer similar results and better ingredients. PetPlate Dog Food Review (Fresh) 12/20/2020 Wellness Complete Health Dog Food Review (Canned) 12/13/2020 Inception Dog Food Review (Dry) 12/13/2020 Member’s Mark Dog Food Review (Dry) 12/13/2020 See All Natural Balance is not the most well-known dog food brand, but they have been in business since 1989. Check Price on AMAZON. The first five ingredients of Merrick Healthy Weight are deboned beef, chicken meal, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes. You need enough food for about three weeks unless there is an immediate sign your dog may be allergic to some ingredient. It is formulated from lean protein sources, such as chicken, and boasts a notable 14-ingredient superfood blend to keep your pup’s immune system running at the top of its game. Merrick Healthy Weight is one of the most expensive weight management dog foods on the market. Know your dog and what they need to be healthy — your vet can be an invaluable resource in this process. Known to produce weight loss in dogs when fed according to directions. If you’re dissatisfied for any reason—including that you can’t get it open—you can receive a full refund. The basics being covered, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of this. Total Microorganisms* not less than 1,000,000 CFU/lb (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri) *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food … It also contains a complex mix of probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food. We use cookies and similar technologies to run this website and help us understand how you use it. Very active dogs, such as working breeds, may require more calories than their weight suggests, while couch potatoes may need less. This can create a point of confusion, as the bag seems to suggest the food only contains nine ingredients, but the ingredient list is far longer. Nulo's recipes can give your dog the extra support they need to become fit again.