what is the best low fat dry dog food

5 Best Low Fat Dog Foods (2024)

How to Choose the Best Low Fat Food for Dogs

Since dogs love food, it is the natural tendency of most owners to slip them a few extra treats every now and then. Unfortunately, this habit can quickly to lead to weight gain, and getting pounds off a dog is far harder then putting them on in the first place.

Unfortunately, even a modest weight gain can cause significant health problems in dogs. Excess weight can contribute to the development of more serious illnesses and can even alter the dogs lifespan. Thankfully, a commitment to daily exercise and a low-fat diet can help get Fido back in shape again.

Sadly, veterinary professionals indicate that as many as 60 percent of the pets they see carry excess weight with some of their patients falling within the category of obese. It is important for dogs that fall within these parameters to begin a program to remove excess pounds before their health is permanently impacted.

Among the health problems that can plague overweight or obese dogs are inflammation, type two diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, exercise intolerance, and more.

Though obesity is one of the most frequently seen problems in dogs, it can be treated with an excellent quality low-fat diet and moderate daily exercise. Once a healthy body weight is achieved, this body condition must be maintained for the dog to continue to enjoy improved health.

The best low-fat food for dogs can be a powerful help in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Low-Fat Dog Foods

Low-fat foods are carefully crafted to ensure dogs remain satisfied even though the diet contains fewer calories. One of the most important elements of any low-fat food is that it remains extremely flavorful to encourage hearty eating. Through the use of lean proteins, low-fat diets can maintain a delicious taste while bulking up on fiber-rich vegetables to help dogs feel full on fewer calories.

Care must be taken to carefully measure the dogs food to ensure overeating does not occur. When feeding a low-fat diet, treats should be eliminated or at least severely restricted, so as not to interfere with weight loss efforts. Many owners like to set aside a portion of the dogs kibble to use as treats throughout the day.

To determine how much of the best low-fat food to feed a dog, it is a good idea to follow the suggested serving sizes found on the side of the bag. Use these as a starting point, making adjustments based on the dogs weight or visual appearance until the correct amount is found.

Do not use the dogs appetite as a guide as dogs who are overweight often do not understand when they have eaten a sufficient amount of food and will eat far beyond the point of satiation if permitted to do so. For dogs that regularly seem hungry in spite of adequate meals, choose instead to bulk up the dogs portions through the addition of fiber-rich, low-calorie vegetables such as canned pumpkin, green beans, or carrots.

Dietary Requirements for Low-Fat Dog Foods

It is very important when starting a dog on a low-fat food that the amount of food given should not be drastically altered within the first week. Feeding too few calories can lead to setbacks and can also encourage the development of poor manners such as excess begging. Just as with people, physical and emotional satisfaction are important components to the diets success.

Not all low-fat dog foods are created equally. It is important to select a food that is comprised of the highest quality ingredients included in the correct ratio to encourage eating satisfaction. To this end, the primary ingredient in any low-fat food suitable for dogs who need to lose weight is a lean protein from animal origins. Whole meats are preferred, but meat meals also are an excellent dense source of high-quality protein.

By-products are low quality and offer far less nutritional value, and thus, should be avoided. Plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy are very hard to digest and can cause stomach and skin distress in many dogs. The best low-fat foods for dogs do not contain any of these items.

Carbohydrates play an important role in low-fat foods, providing the necessary dietary fiber that helps dogs to feel full. Fruits and vegetables are often the best sources as they offer not only staying power through their fiber but also antioxidants to help fight disease. Since digestion and elimination are critical components of any weight loss program, high-quality carbohydrates are an absolute must; whether they are derived from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.

Healthy fat also plays a role in weight loss. Fats contributed through such ingredients as salmon oil or chicken fat provide dogs with the energy they need to remain active and well. These fats also benefit the dog through maintaining good skin and a healthy coat.

As a general guideline, low-fat foods should contain at least 18 percent protein. Fat totals generally range between 5-10 percent with slightly more acceptable but not less.

Low-fat food is not restricted just to dogs that need to lose a little weight. It is also an excellent choice for dogs suffering from such problems as pancreatitis or irritable bowel disease.

Things to Look for in the Best Low-Fat Dog Food

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in a low-fat dog food:

• Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
• Contains 5-10 percent fat

Top 15 Best Low Fat Dog Food Brands

Dogs with certain medical conditions may require a low-fat diet (often senior dogs, obesity-related conditions, and dogs with kidney or liver disease).

Pets who need to lose a little weight through calorie reduction may also need a little help, and picking the best low-fat dog food brand is one of the ways to do this.

There are plenty of pet food brands out there that proudly flash the reduced-fat label, but it can be difficult to choose the best.

Many of these low-fat options lack quality as they reduce the amount of protein in their foods to get rid of this excess fat, leading to unhealthy high-carb, low-protein diets that dont provide a pup with the nutrition they need.

After analyzing hundreds of brands, below we've picked out the best low-fat dog food brands ranked from having the lowest crude fat content (4.5%) to the highest among low-fat dog foods (14.5%) with a single raw dog food option of lowest fat content (28%).

15 Best Low Fat Dog Food Brands

1 Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat FoodbyRoyal Canin

• Value: $6.2/lb
• Fat content:4.5% min
• Calories:240 kcal/cup

With only 4.5% fat content, the Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food boasts the lowest fat amount in America's entire dog food market, making it the best low-fat dog food brand out there.

This formula is made so that it does not place too much stress on a dogs digestive system, and it uses a formula that is balanced nutritionally and provides a dog with everything they need.

This dog food is composed of a good mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins that are easy to digest, chelated minerals that are quick to be absorbed by the system, and low fiber content to avoid digestive issues.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Food is best for certain pets who face gastrointestinal problems or otherwise have been prescribed by a veterinarian to pick one of the best low-fat dog food brands.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Barley, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Grain Distillers Dried Yeast, Chicken Fat, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Psyllium Seed Husk, Potassium Chloride, Monocalcium Phosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Rosemary Extract, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.

CRUDE PROTEIN 20.0% minCRUDE FAT 4.5% minCRUDE FAT 8.5% maxCRUDE FIBER 3.6% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxEICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID (EPA) 0.09% minDOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.04% min

2 Natural Food Reduced FatbyEagle Pack

• Value: $1.2/lb
• Fat content:6.0% min
• Calories:343 kcal/cup

Eagle Pack is a company that has been making products for more than 25 years.

This reduced-fat food is made in the USA and is specifically manufactured to promote a healthy weight in dogs thanks to fewer calories and low-fat content, and it's the second-best low-fat dog food brand out there.

It does not use artificial ingredients like fillers, by-products, wheat, corn, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives.

This dry dog food is made with premium, natural components, mainly meat from pork, fish, and chicken. It has 35% less fat than the brands other foods as well as 11% fewer calories, and it provides lots of protein and antioxidants.

The Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food Pork, Chicken & Fish preparation best low-fat dog food brand is also supported by the brands special Eagle Pack Guarantee.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Pork Meal, Dehulled Barley, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

CRUDE PROTEIN 24.0% minCRUDE FAT 6.0% minCRUDE FIBER 4.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 1.5% minPHOSPHORUS 1.0% minVITAMIN E 120 IU/kg minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.4% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.35% minLACTICACID MICROORGANISMS 70,000,000 CFU/lbGLUCOSAMINE 320 mg/kg min

3 Weight Control FoodbySolid Gold

• Value: $2.2/lb
• Fat content:6.5% min
• Calories:330 kcal/cup

This Solid Gold's dry food is made to be both low fat and relatively low in calories, and it is made completely naturally and holistically without any gluten, grains, fillers, preservatives, or colorings.

Solid Gold has a great reputation as a company, and this third best low-fat dog food brand is made in the United States and is geared towards adult dogs while being formulated for better weight management.

The Solid Gold Weight Control Dog Food line consists of foods made from a proprietary 20-superfood blend, as well as real chicken that is easy to digest.

These foods have fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes and green beans for a healthier overall diet.

It is said that this best low-fat dog food brand has been designed to help keep the immune system strong while improving the health of the fur and skin.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Pollock, Pollock Meal, Pea Fiber, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas, Pearled Barley, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavors, Dried Eggs, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Pumpkin, Parsley, Apples, Cranberries, Blueberries, Lettuce, Celery, Beets, Watercress, Spinach, Dried Chicory Root, Broccoli, Spearmint, Almond Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sesame Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Thyme, Lentils, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.

CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% minCRUDE FAT 6.5% minCRUDE FIBER 9.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxZINC 200 mg/kg minVITAMIN E 250 IU/kg minASCORBIC ACID 50 mg/kg minTAURINE 0.05% minL-CARNITINE 25 mg/kg minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.0% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.75% minDOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.1% minLACTIC ACID BACTERIA 2 x 105 cfu/g min

4 Natural Food for Pet Weight ControlbyEarthborn Holistic

• Value: $1.8/lb
• Fat content:7.0% min
• Calories:325 kcal/cup

This fourth best low-fat dog food brand from Earthborn is designed for adult dogs to help manage weight through a low-calorie and low-fat diet.

The brand uses resealable bags for ease, and all packaging is completely free from BPA and is fully recyclable through Earthborns own ReBorn/Terracycle recycling program.

Wells Pet Food Earthborn Holistic Natural Food for Pet Weight Control contains a balance of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a shinier coat and fur.

It has a good amount of chondroitin and glucosamine for healthier, stronger joints.

This best low-fat dog food brand makes use of a healthy chicken-based formula along with fiber from apples, carrots, peas, spinach, blueberries, and cranberries. There are no added grains.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavors, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg Product, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Spinach, Blueberry Fiber, Cranberry Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.

CRUDE PROTEIN 25.0% minCRUDE FAT 7.0% minCRUDE FIBER 9.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 1.1% minPHOSPHORUS 0.8% minVITAMIN E 250 IU/kg minASCORBIC ACID 100 mg/kg minL-CARNITINE 50 mg/kg minBETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg minTAURINE 0.05% minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.4% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.45% minGLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg minCHONDROITIN SULFATE 250 mg/kg min

5 Real Meat Dry Dog Healthy Weight RecipebyMerrick

• Value: $2.4/lb
• Fat content:8.0% min
• Calories: 360 kcal/cup

This dry food is made in the USA and is specifically made to help maintain a healthy weight in dogs, as well as to qualify as one of the best low-fat dog food brands.

It is made with real deboned beef as its main ingredient, which adds to the 55% of the food made from both poultry and beef for more protein.

The food is completely free from grain as well, allowing it to be digested more easily.

Apart from 55% meat, the Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe also contains 45% vitamins, minerals, and fresh produce.

This ensures that a dog received a large amount of protein and fiber without the perils with too many added calories or extra added fat.

The produce used in this fifth-best low-fat dog food brand includes blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas.

This food also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in better amounts than most other brands and chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and hip health.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Apples, Blueberries, Yeast Culture, Organic Alfalfa, Flaxseed Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.

CRUDE PROTEIN 32.0% minCRUDE FAT 8.0% minCRUDE FAT 11.0% maxCRUDE FIBER 5.0% maxMOISTURE 11.0% maxOMEGA-6 FATTY ACID 2.4% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACID 0.3.0% minGLUCOSAMINE 600 mg/kg minCHONDROITIN SULFATE 600 mg/kg min

6 Prescription Diet Weight ManagementbyHill's Pet Nutrition

• Value: $5.8/lb
• Fat content:9.0% min
• Calories:260 kcal/cup

With a fat content of around 9%, this sixth-best low-fat dog food brand is ideal for dogs who need to lose some weight or otherwise require lower fat content.

Hill's is known for its scientific approach, and this food has been proven through research to facilitate a body fat loss of 28% in adult dogs within the span of two months, and this is done in a safe and nutritionally sound manner.

This best low-fat dog food formula is meant to ensure weight loss and even help a dog maintain a specific weight, and it is able to improve the metabolism of pups of all kinds in a way that is natural and safe.

Although Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food works best with other foods from this brands line, it can work well on its own.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Mill Run, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Pea Fiber, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver Flavor, Pork Fat, Flaxseed, Coconut Oil, Pork Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Powdered Cellulose, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Carrots, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Lipoic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, L-Carnitine, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.

CRUDE PROTEIN 24.0% minCRUDE FAT 9.0% minCRUDE FIBER 15.0% maxCALCIUM 0.6% minPHOSPHORUS 0.55% minVITAMIN C 115 mg/kg minVITAMIN E 540 IU/kg min

7 Grain Free Lean Reduced Fat FormulabyAnnamaet

• Value: $3.2/lb
• Fat content:9.0% max
• Calories:350 kcal/cup

The Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula Dog Food claims to contain only half of the lean fat content than most other traditional dog food brands have, and indeed their fat percentage makes it one of the best low-fat dog food brands out there.

It contains ingredients such as chickpeas, tapioca, carrots, potato, lettuce, spinach, watercress, parsley, and cranberries, and also has sources of vitamins C, A, B12, and D3.

However, take this with a grain of salt, as its main ingredients and meat sources are chicken meal, duck meal, and herring meal.

Though it is stuffed with healthy sources of nutrition, its ingredients do not denote the absolute best low-fat dog food brand varieties, and you may want to look at other higher fat options too.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Chicken Meal, Field Peas, Lentils, Potato, Tapioca, Duck Meal, Herring Meal, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Carrots, Celery, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress, Spinach, Marine Microalgae, Lecithin, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Cranberries, Taurine, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Oligofructose, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Kelp Meal, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Betaine Anhydrous, Iron Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate.

CRUDE PROTEIN 30.0% minCRUDE FAT 9.0% maxCRUDE FAT 7.0% minCRUDE FIBER 3.5% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxASH 7.5% maxDHA 0.2% minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.0% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.6% minL-CARNITINE 35 mg/kg min

8 Limited Ingredient Diets Foodby Natural Balance

• Value: $2.1/lb
• Fat content:10.0% min
• Calories:350 kcal/cup

This dry food only has a fat content percentage of 10% and is of limited ingredient formulation.

It contains a very small number of ingredients that can actually affect your dog or cause any allergies to limit a pups overall exposure to too many different varieties of food components, and it's one of the best low-fat dog food brands with a limited ingredient recipe out there.

No preservatives, colorings, or flavors are used in its manufacture.

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food also comes in other flavors equally low in fat, including Lamb and Rice, Beef and Sweet Potato, and Bison.

In all cases, this food uses premium quality ingredients that ensure a dog receives the right amount of carbs and protein daily.

Each purchase of this best low-fat dog food brand is protected by the Natural Balance Buy with Confidence Promise, which guarantees that 9 safety tests are performed on all batches of food released.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Ingredient Statement: Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Dried Potato Products, Salt, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dl-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract

CRUDE PROTEIN 21.0% minCRUDE FAT 10.0% minCRUDE FIBER 5.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 0.6% minPHOSPHORUS 0.5% minDOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.05% minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.1% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% min

9 Natural Grain Free Food Reduced FatbyWellness Core

• Value: $3.1/lb
• Fat content:10.0% min
• Calories:360 kcal/cup

The reduced-fat formula (9-10% fat content) in this food is made without any grains at all and is chock full of protein, and with reputation, Wellness have, this is easily one of the best low-fat dog food brands out there (though not the lowest content).

All ingredients used are natural and premium and made in the United States.

The food is designed to provide a balanced diet and meet all of a pups food needs.

The Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat makes use of real chicken, real turkey, and real salmon oil, as well as containing a wealth of probiotics and nutrients, including blueberries and flaxseed.

This ninth-best low-fat dog food brand boasts that it contains 80% more protein than the average food brand, too.

A Wellness Guarantee also supports the whole Wellness brand for peace of mind.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

CRUDE PROTEIN 33.0% minCRUDE FAT 10.0% 12.0% minCRUDE FIBER 8.5% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 1.9% maxPHOSPHORUS 1.3.0% maxVITAMIN E 400 IU/kgOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.20% minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.4% minGLUCOSAMINE 250 mg/kg minCHONDROITIN SULFATE 200 mg/kg minBETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg minTOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* +80,000,000 CFU/lb min

10Healthy Weight Management DietbyVictor Dog Food

• Value: $1.6/lb
• Fat content:11.5% min
• Calories:370 kcal/cup

No products found.

This dry food is the perfect variety for senior dogs who a vet has prescribed to use one of the best low-fat dog food brands in their diet.

With only 11.5% fat content, it is specifically made to provide a balanced, complete diet to senior pups based.

It has a good amount of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both responsible for healthy joint support.

Victor Dog Food Senior Healthy Weight Management Diet Dog Food with Glucosamine does not contain extremely high amounts of protein at only 27%. Only 72% of that meat is from beef, pork, chicken, or fish sourced within the United States.

This might raise some eyebrows among dog owners.

However, all ingredients used in this tenth best low-fat dog food brand are high quality, and the food contains important components like Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and DHA.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Pork Meal, Peas, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flax Seed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid), Feeding Oat Meal, Yeast Culture, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Salt, Montmorillonite, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Dried Carrot, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, L-Carnitine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharide, Folic Acid, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

CRUDE PROTEIN 25.0% minCRUDE FAT 11.5% minCRUDE FIBER 4.5% maxMOISTURE 9.0% maxOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.6% minZINC 150 mg/kg minSELENIUM 0.4 mg/kg minVITAMIN E 150 IU/kg minOMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.4% minL-CARNITINE 50 mg/kg minDHA 0.1% minGLUCOSAMINE 1,100 mg/kg minCHONDROITIN 300 mg/kg min

11 Life Protection Formulaby Blue Buffalo

• Value: $1.3/lb
• Fat content:14.0% min
• Calories:378 kcal/cup

The eleventh best low-fat dog food brand from (in)famous Blue Buffalo has a 14% fat content percentage and, as its name suggests, is designed to help keep a pup healthy and aid in their journey to a long and happy life while boosting the immune system.

It makes use of the BLUE brands special LifeSource Bits, which consist of a mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals curated by animal nutritionists and holistic veterinarians.

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula makes use of real meat, with selections available that include lamb, chicken, and fish, and uses high-quality whole grains in their ingredients most notably brown rice.

These Blue Buffalo best low-fat dog food recipes also use healthy fruit and veggies and are made with glucosamine, which is great for the joints.

Each bag also contains a good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and fur.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, Dried Chicory Root, Dl-Methionine, Caramel Color, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

CRUDE PROTEIN 24.0% minCRUDE FAT 14.0% minCRUDE FIBER 5.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 1.0% minPHOSPHORUS 0.7% minOMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% minOMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS 3.0% minGLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg min

12 All Life Stages FoodbyCANIDAE

• Value: $1.6/lb
• Fat content:14.5% min
• Calories:468 kcal/cup

Canidae's best low-fat dog food brand contender is suitable for all sorts of dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes and contains only 14.5% fat.

This formula was created while consulting veterinarians and only uses premium quality ingredients, meaning there are no fillers, by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. The aim is to create a nutritionally dense food, even with less fat content.

The CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Dry Food makes use of top-grade protein sources, with flavors like chicken, fish, turkey, and lamb, sometimes with brown rice too.

There is also the option of purchase the less active variety of this food, which boasts 27% less fat content and is primarily geared towards senior dogs or those who dont get as much activity but can be another perfect addition to your list of best low-fat dog food brands.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Rice Bran, Peas, Potatoes, Oatmeal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, Millet, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Oceanfish Meal, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Suncured Alfalfa, Inulin (From Chicory Root), Lecithin, Sage Extract, Cranberries, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Sunflower Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Papaya, Pineapple. Contains A Source Of Live Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.

CRUDE PROTEIN 24.0% minCRUDE FAT 14.5% minCRUDE FIBER 4.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxLINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6) 3.7% minALPHA LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) 0.5% minVITAMIN E 200 IU/kg minASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) 50 mg/kg minGLUCOSAMINE 700 mg/kg minCHONDROITIN SULFATE 250 mg/kg minLACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS 100,000,000 CFU/lb minCELLULASE 100 CMCU/kg min

13 Nutrish Natural FoodbyRachael Ray

• Value: $0.9/lb
• Fat content:14.0% min
• Calories:326 kcal/cup

With a 14% fat content, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food may not have the lowest fat out of the other mentioned best low-fat dog food brand options on this list, but it certainly is a trendy brand.

It touts itself as a natural dog food, and sure enough, it does not contain artificial preservatives or flavorings, nor does it use filler ingredients, meat by-products, or wheat gluten.

All meat used in this food is farm-raised in the United States and uses true meat as its main ingredient. Some added chelated minerals and vitamins make the entire food a great option for most dogs.

This thirteenth best low-fat dog food brand also contains natural prebiotics that claims to support digestion, making that bodily process healthier and smoother.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Beef, Beef Meal, Dried Peas, Soybean Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Pea Starch, Corn Gluten Meal, Brown Rice, Natural Flavor, Salt, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Sulfate, Beet Powder (Color), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Biotin, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K), Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% minCRUDE FAT 14.0% minCRUDE FIBER 4.0% maxMOISTURE 12.0% maxLINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID) 1.5% minALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID) 0.1% minCALCIUM 1.2% minPHOSPHORUS 1.0% minZINC 250 mg/kg minVITAMIN E 225 IU/kg minASCORBIC ACID 55 mg/kg min

14 Protective Health MiniChunks FoodbyIAMS

• Value: $1/lb
• Fat content:14.0% min
• Calories:380 kcal/cup

Although this brand is yet another option with a higher crude fat percentage than many other best low-fat dog food brands mentioned above, it is still relatively low in fat and was designed for healthy living and provides a healthy, low-calorie diet.

It is also relatively well-known for having a good nutritional balance, meaning its fat content is not high to begin with. The IAMS brand is also fairly commonly recommended by veterinarians, so there is some credibility.

The brand ensures the use of farm-raised chicken for maximum protein, meaning that real meat is its main ingredient.

The IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food also uses only wholesome grains, healthy vegetables, fruits, and beet pulp, and a good number of prebiotics, antioxidants, and fiber.

The food also contains L-Carnitine, which keeps metabolism running healthily.

The company has a great reputation among pet owners, and this is one of the best low-fat dog food brands you can pick out there.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Salt, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Tomatoes,Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharides, Spinach, Green Peas, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Brewers Yeast, DL-Methionine, Dried Apple Pomace, L-Carnitine, Dried Blueberry Pomace, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.

CRUDE PROTEIN 25.0% minCRUDE FAT 14.0% minCRUDE FIBER 4.0% maxMOISTURE 10.0% maxCALCIUM 1.05% minL-CARNITINE 30 mg/kg minOMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.14% min

15 Freeze Dried Pet Foodsby Primal

• Value: $2.9/oz
• Fat content:28.0% min
• Calories:150 kcal/oz

We couldn't go through the list of best low-fat dog food brands without including at least one such option of a different kind.

This food is the only raw variety of food here, and for those who feed their dog's raw diets and want something low fat, its a good option.

The food contains about 28% crude fat (and most of their other formulas contain about 25-30% too), fat, and is made up of 85% venison, bone, and organs, with the remaining 15% consisting of fresh produce and other supplements.

Made in the USA with meats found locally and in New Zealand, this unique nugget food is completely soy and grain-free.

Primal Freeze-Dried Pet Foods do not use any meat with added hormones or steroid and uses only certified organic minerals and produce.

The inclusion of bone within the ground food is to provide some calcium in a dogs diet.

All ingredients included are calculated to provide a dog with all the nutrients they need.

If you're looking for the best low-fat dog food brands that are freeze-dried and/or raw, this is your best option.

INGREDIENTSANALYSIS

Venison, Venison Hearts, Venison Livers, Ground Venison Bones, Organic Collard Greens, Organic Squash, Organic Green Beans, Cranberries, Blueberries, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Cilantro, Organic Ginger, Sardine Oil, Alfalfa, Dried Organic Kelp, Organic Quinoa Sprout Powder, Organic Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Preservative).

CRUDE PROTEIN 59.0% minCRUDE FAT 28.0% minCRUDE FIBER 4.0% maxMOISTURE 4.0% maxASH 6.0% max

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