Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

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obese pug sleeping

Over 45% of dogs are overweight — with almost 20% being obese. Just like with humans, excess weight in dogs can cause many health issues — including death.

If your dog needs to lose some pounds, you’ll want to find the best dog food for weight loss. 

Our top choice is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

It focuses on health and wellness from the inside out while reducing calories for weight loss. And it includes chelated vitamins to keep your dog energetic and with a robust immune system. 

Have a large dog? Or want to avoid grains? No worries, we’ve got you covered there too. We’ve included the top ten best dog foods for weight loss, no matter what your needs are.

Our Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

10 Best Dog Food for Weight Loss Reviewed 

The foods for weight loss below follow AAFCO’s nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your dog to a new formula, please consult with your veterinarian. 


Best for Adults

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult
  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber,
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 324 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Low-fat dry food with calcium and potassium for strong bones

When your dog is overweight, it doesn’t just affect their activity levels. The excess can cause their muscles and bones to weaken since they’re carrying much more than they should be.

This can cause severe health issues later in life.  Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight dry dog food was created to combat those issues. 

This formula starts with real animal protein — whole deboned chicken. This high-quality option is full of l-carnitine for lean muscle development and tone. It also has fewer calories from fat than other traditional proteins like beef and pork. 

Flaxseeds and chicken fat provide glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These aid in mobility support and give your pup a shiny coat and healthy skin. Plus, glucosamine helps strengthen joints, which can be helpful when you’re dog is exercising. 

This low-fat diet is enriched with calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. And calcium and phosphorus are added in the perfect 1:1 ratio — to strengthen your dog’s bones and boost their metabolism. Both of which are helpful during weight loss. 

Blue Buffalo Life Protection doesn’t include corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals.

Dog parents with medium and large breeds love this food. Some with smaller dogs say the kibble is a bit large but mention adding water or broth to make it easier to eat. 


Best for Seniors

VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight
  • First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 11.5% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: High-protein dry dog food with probiotics and whole grains for a boosted metabolism 

Puppies need to eat and eat to keep up with their growing metabolisms. But senior dogs have lowered metabolisms and energy — so they need fewer calories.

But they also need just as many vitamins and minerals as puppies to keep up their immune and heart health. So, a lower-calorie formula with all the “good” stuff can help. 

VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight dry food is a great choice. First, it only has 360 calories per cup of food, making it an excellent reduced-calorie option. But, it also contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber to regulate digestion and boost your senior’s metabolism. 

This formula starts with high-quality beef meal, menhaden fish meal, and chicken meal. These animal proteins offer l-carnitine for metabolism support and DHA (from the fish meal) for cognitive function. 

Whole grain brown rice and whole-grain millet provide easily digestible carbohydrates. Plus, they include prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health. And brown rice contains essential vitamins like iron, zinc, and selenium, which can aid in energy production. 

This formula comes pre-fortified with chelated vitamins and minerals perfect for seniors. VICTOR’s VPRO blend includes; vitamin E, D, A, and calcium — just to name a few essential nutrients. These aid in bone health, muscle maintenance, and digestive support. 

Senior pet parents appreciate how every ingredient in this dog food is sourced from the United States. However, some have said that if your dog is allergic to beef or chicken, you’ll want to steer clear of this option.


Best for Small Breeds

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Chicken & Salmon Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Chicken & Salmon Low Calorie
  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Peas, Oat Groats
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 7.5% Crude Fat, 10.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 315 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: High-protein and high-fiber dry food for weight loss in small breeds

Unlike large breeds, small dogs can’t gain more than a few extra pounds on their frame. Why?

Because for a small breed, 1-2 extra pounds is like an additional 20-30 on an adult human. Their tiny structures just can’t handle the excess weight — and it can cause severe health problems like kidney issues.  

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie dry dog food is perfect for small and overweight adult dogs. It includes 26% of Crude Protein to keep your buddy satiated but is low enough in fat that they can shed those excess pounds. 

This formula starts with chicken meal and salmon meal. These high-protein animal proteins are lower in calories than other options. And, they still offer glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and muscles.

Salmon oil provides omega fatty acids and DHA — keeping inflammation at bay and giving your pup some much-needed energy for regular exercise. 

Chickpeas, dried peas, and oat groats are easy to digest legumes and grains. These aid in digestion regulation. And oat groats are packed with fiber to keep your dog fuller longer.

Because they take a bit to digest and have the added fiber, they’ll keep your dog from overeating. Plus, they’ll keep your pup regular, a win-win!

Parents of small dogs exclaim that the kibble size is perfect for their tiny friends. And, they love how it’s lower fat but still aids in skin health and coat shine. 


Best for Large Breeds

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken
  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 13% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 291 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Reduced fat dog food with l-lysine for large breed weight loss 

Large breeds can be prone to weight gain and obesity — especially as they age or stop working.

While a little bit of extra weight may not hurt like a small breed, weight management is still essential. If your dog gets too big, it can still cause health issues like diabetes or joint problems.

Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight dry food is the perfect blend between healthy protein and fats and fewer calories for weight loss. And it includes chelated vitamins to support immune system health, metabolism, and digestion. 

First, this recipe starts with real chicken and chicken meal. These offer a whopping 24% Crude Protein, perfect for large breeds that need to feel satiated. 

Plus, chicken contains l-lysine, which makes it easier to absorb other vitamins, and aids in the formulation of collagen. Chicken liver flavors the food — keeping your dog’s eyes on their food — not yours. And, it includes vitamin A for eye health. 

Fiber-rich carbohydrates like ground brown rice and cracked pearled barley help regulate digestion and keep your dog regular. But brown rice also contains selenium and iron, boosting the immune system and heart health. 

Pet parents say this food is bulky and full of wholesome ingredients that keep their dogs’ full until their next mealtime. 


Best Wet Food

Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Reduced Calorie Canned Dog Food

Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie Chicken Canned
  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Brown Rice
  • Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 8% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 405 kcal/can
  • Key Feature: High-protein wet dog food with yucca schidigera for healthy digestion

No dog wants to eat diet food. Just like humans, they love tasty food. Some love it a bit too much — hence the weight gain.

But, choosing a lower-calorie dog food doesn’t mean that you have to feed your pup bland food every day for the rest of their lives. Instead, treat them with Natural Balance Ultra Reduced Calorie wet food. 

This formula starts with three high-quality animal proteins — farm-raised deboned chicken, salmon, and wild duck. These lower-fat choices still provide omega-3 and omega-6 amino acids for joint health, brain function, and metabolic support. 

Brown rice and oat hulls offer fiber for digestion health and are heartier than simple carbohydrates like white rice. Plus, they offer calcium and potassium for strong bones. 

Yucca schidigera extract is an unusual ingredient in dog food, but don’t fret. This exciting component aids in gastrointestinal health, reduces odor in stool, and can boost your dog’s metabolism.

That means it can help in healthier and more sustainable weight loss without affecting your dog’s digestive system. 

Pet owners say be careful with this wet food — it can make your dog more regular, which may cause problems if you’re not used to it. However, many love that the ingredients are simple and say they’re happy that it doesn’t stink. 


Best Budget Food

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice
  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Brown Rice
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 11% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 240 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Low-calorie dry dog food made with non-GMO ingredients for dog owners on a budget

Specialized food can become costly. But if you’ve been told that your dog needs to lose weight, you don’t have to worry.

Many budget-friendly dog foods are lower in calories and still offer the benefits of high-value food. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight dog food is one of those options. 

This tasty kibble starts with real deboned lamb and chicken meal as the first ingredients. These real animal proteins provide a healthy dose of glucosamine for healthy joints and taurine for heart health. And, lamb has B vitamins for a boost in energy. 

No, this food is not grain-free. But, whole-grain barley and whole-grain brown rice are lower on the glycemic index, which means they’re easier to absorb for most dogs. And this also helps keep them fuller longer — since both of these ingredients are high in fiber. 

Chia seeds and chicken fat provide essential amino acids and iron for digestive health and boost their immune system. Plus, these healthy fats help give your dog more energy and keep them satisfied. 

A great benefit to this wallet-friendly food — it’s made with non-GMO ingredients. It’s also free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you must sacrifice quality ingredients. 

Dog moms and dads love that this food helps keep their dogs’ allergy symptoms away. While it does include chicken, many noted that their pups with intolerances didn’t have any issues with it. 


Best Premium Food

Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food

Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Food
  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Oat Groats, Dried Field Peas, Powdered Cellulose
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 268.6 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Premium slow-cooked dry dog food crafted by a veterinarian for dog weight loss

If you’re looking for the best of the best dog food options to support your dog during their weight loss journey, look no further than Dr. Tim’s Weight Management dry dog food.

This unique recipe is a slow-cooked and all-natural recipe designed by a Ph.D. canine nutritionist and an experienced veterinarian. 

This low-calorie recipe starts with a high-quality chicken meal from antibiotic-free farm-raised chicken. Chicken meal is rich in essential amino acids like l-carnitine, which promote a healthy metabolism. And it offers 30% Crude Protein, which keeps your dog full for hours. 

Salmon meal and fish oil team together to provide DHA and EPA. These essential nutrients assist with immunity, brain function, and can even reduce shedding. Plus, these healthy fats also boost your dog’s energy. 

Dr. Tim’s Metabolite dog food also includes their patented BC30 probiotic — promoting a healthy digestive system and keeping your dog regular.

This formula is made without corn, wheat, or soy for canines with sensitive stomachs. 

Canine owners say this is the best premium food for both weight loss and weight management after the loss. Many keep their dogs’ on this formula for years with no issues. 


Best Grain-Free Food

ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free
  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Deboned Duck, Eggs, Lamb Meal, Goat Meal
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 33% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 388 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: High-protein and grain-free dry dog food for weight loss

Some dogs can’t handle grains — whether they’re allergic or if it gives them tummy troubles. If your pooch is one of the many that needs a grain-free diet and needs to lose a few pounds, try Acana Grasslands Grain-Free dog food. 

Now, it’s essential to keep in mind that this dry kibble doesn’t have “reduced calories, diet, or weight-loss” on their listing.

However, it’s a great weight maintenance formula. It’s only 388 calories per cup and full of novel proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants. 

This formula starts with raw grass-fed lamb, duck, goat meal, and rainbow trout. These animal proteins start raw and are frozen at their peak freshness. They provide glucosamine and chondroitin for solid joints — and omega fatty acids to encourage lean muscle mass and healthy skin. 

While this recipe couldn’t be considered high in fat, it’s important to note its quality. Your dog won’t be eating rendered or saturated fats. Instead, fish oil and duck fat are rich in vitamin K2 and EPA for cognitive function and a faster metabolism

Each batch of ACANA Grasslands formula is free of corn, soy, wheat, and tapioca.

Pet owners are happy with this low-calorie and grain-free formula. But, many note that you shouldn’t switch your dog from a grain food to a grain-free recipe too fast. Speaking from experience, many note that the fast switch gave their pups loose stool. 


Best for Sensitive Stomachs

Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown
  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 395 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Low-fat dry dog food with fiber-rich grains for dogs with sensitive stomachs

Getting your dog to lose weight doesn’t have to hurt their digestive system. If your pup suffers from a sensitive tummy, the last thing that you want to do is switch their diet and make it worse.

So instead, try Wellness CORE Digestive Health dry dog food. It will help your dog shed those stubborn pounds without causing tummy troubles. 

This formula starts with deboned chicken and turkey meal. These provide a high-protein diet and contain iron and omega fatty acids for energy and supple joints. 

While some dogs may be sensitive to poultry, many owners noted that their dogs’ didn’t experience any upset. However, if your dog can’t handle the chicken formula, Wellness Core may not be the best option for them (try Acana Grasslands instead!). 

Salmon oil provides both DHA and EPA. Not only do these amino acids give your dog a shiny coat, but they also aid in a healthy heart, faster metabolism, and cognitive function. 

Wellness Core includes pumpkin, brown rice, and barley for fiber and antioxidants. These offer prebiotics for healthier digestion. And pumpkin provides vitamin C and beta-carotene for a healthy immune system and eye health.

Pet parents say this is an excellent option if your dog gets gassy or experiences bloat. But many admit that it takes slightly longer for their dogs’ to lose weight, so be sure to measure the food correctly. 


Best High-Protein Food

Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Grandma Lucy's Performance Fish Freeze Dried
  • First 5 Ingredients: Pollock, Chickpeas, Flax, Carrots, Celery
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6.2% Fiber, 6.5% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 515 kcal/cup
  • Key Feature: Grain-free and high-protein freeze-dried dog food for weight loss 

Sometimes, a low-fat and low-calorie diet isn’t always the best for overweight dogs. If you have a working dog or a pup who needs a high-protein and moderate-calorie diet to keep them healthy, you can still help them shed a few pounds without sacrificing nutrients. 

Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Grain-Free dry dog food keeps your dog full, satisfies their need for animal proteins, and still helps them lose weight, even with higher fat content. Plus, they use high-quality ingredients from trusted farmers and fishers. 

This weight management formula starts with Pollock is the very first ingredient. This lean fish protein offers a whopping 31% of Crude Protein to satisfy your dog’s ancestral protein needs. And it includes both DHA and omega fatty acids for joint and muscle health. 

Instead of simple carbohydrates, chickpeas offer a low-glycemic carb for prebiotic fiber and lysine. They help build collagen in the body and keep your dog regular, which can benefit their metabolism. 

For a boost in antioxidants, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkin are also added. These boost your dog’s immune system and make the food tasty. 

Grandma Lucy’s prepares their kibble in small batches at their family-owned California facility. It’s free of GMOs, and artificial flavors and preservatives.

Pet parents love adding a bit of broth or water to this freeze-dried food. Many say it resembles home-cooked meals or raw meat with extra nutrients. 


english bulldog fat

How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Dog Food?

Ready to choose the best weight loss dog food for your pup? Here’s what you need to know. 

What Should You Be Buying?

Some weight loss formulas are better than others. Here’s exactly what to look for. 

Reduced Calories

Of course, the easiest way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit. In other words, your dog should be consuming fewer calories than they burn.

So finding a formula with lower calories without sacrificing nutrients and flavor is vital. All of the foods on this list are reduced calories — so you have many options to choose from. 

Low-Fat Content 

Yes, your dog gets energy from fat. But when they are overweight, they need a lower-fat diet to burn off the extra energy.

When trying to get your dog to lose weight, try to stick to a formula with less than 15% Crude Fat. 

But remember, healthy fats are still essential. Focus on unsaturated fats like fish oil or coconut oil. 

High Fiber

Did you know soluble fiber can help your dog lose some weight? This slows down how fast the tummy releases digested food, acting as an appetite suppressant. And it also helps your dog poop, which can help reduce bloat. 

Sometimes, a high fiber diet can cause constipation. If that happens, you can try adding more moisture, or adding a scoop of pumpkin to your dog’s food. If this occurs often, talk to your vet about the best ways to prevent it. 

High Protein

While fat needs to be kept to a minimum, high protein content is beneficial when getting your dog to lose weight.

This is because protein offers energy to your dog (just like fat!) and helps keep them satiated. When they’re full, they’re less likely to overeat or beg for extra food. 

Enough Nutrients

Vitamins and minerals are essential to your dog’s needs. And vitamins like taurine, healthy fatty acids, and potassium can help your dog keep healthier muscles, joints, and bones.

These aren’t just recommended — they’re essential. And luckily, 99% of commercial dog foods include the recommended AAFCO amounts of nutrients.

fat beagle

Health Risks for Overweight Dogs

When your dog is overweight, they are at a higher risk for many different diseases. Here are a few that can affect your pup. 

Diabetes

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from diabetes. And it’s a chronic disease that causes your dog to be intolerant to glucose due to insulin deficiency. If your dog is obese, they have a higher chance of developing Type II diabetes. 

In the long run, this disease can cause kidney and liver damage, heart issues (and even a heart attack), and in the worst cases, death. This is why the proper diet and weight maintenance are so important.  

Joint Problems

When your dog is overweight, they have a higher chance of joint issues. This can cause joint, muscle, and even bone deterioration. 

To avoid joint issues (when weight-related), focus on daily exercise and proper nutrition. You’ll want to fill your dog up on high-quality food and provide them with healthy fats that can protect and strengthen their joints. 

Heart Disease

When your dog is overweight, they have a higher chance of heart disease — mainly canine valvular disease. This happens when the heart valves weaken and begin to leak. 

When your dog is heavier, their heart has to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body, causing the wear and tear to happen faster. While heart disease is still common in older dogs, yours will be less likely to contract it if they stay at a healthy weight. 

High Blood Pressure

An underlying disease usually causes high blood pressure for many dogs. But, if your dog is overweight, it can be harder to confirm and treat high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can cause blindness, fatigue, and even seizures or death. 

A proper diet that’s low in sodium and fat can help your dog lose the pounds and manage high blood pressure. But don’t forget to also talk to your vet about medications and other treatments. 

Why Do Dogs Gain Weight?

Is there a reason why your dog has gained too much weight? Well, there might be a few. Let’s talk about them. 

Too Much Food

Of course, one of the top causes of weight gain is overeating or overnutrition. This is because your pup isn’t burning the calories that they eat, thus having a surplus in energy — and it has to go somewhere!  

If your dog is constantly eating or begs for (and receives) table scraps, it’s time to stop. Be sure to follow your dog’s food instructions on how much to feed them daily, so you don’t go over their calorie and nutrition limit. 

Not Enough Activities

If you’re feeding your dog the recommended amount of food, but they’re still gaining weight, they may not be getting enough exercise. If your dog lies around or is older, their metabolism will be slower. This will cause easier weight gain if they aren’t burning excess calories. 

Start with 20-30 minutes of daily activity. It can be a walk, a swim in the pool, or even playing fetch in the backyard. Adjust as needed, up to 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can help shed those stubborn pounds that your dog has gained. 

Breed

Did you know that some breeds are more susceptible to weight gain than others? Bulky dogs and large-breeds — like Dalmatians, Boxers, and Rottweilers — tend to have an easier time packing on the pounds. 

If that’s the case for your pup, you’ll want to lower their food and feeding to about 22 calories per pound that they weigh.

For example, a 100-pound dog would eat 2,200 calories a day versus a higher-calorie diet.  And, don’t forget to get in their exercise! 

Health Conditions

Specific health issues like Cushing’s Disease, hypothyroidism, bloat, and liver disease can also cause weight gain. In cases like this, proper food will only go so far. 

Instead, you’ll want to visit your vet and figure out the best treatment plan and medications to help your dog. From there, you can manage the disease better, and with good food, you can help your dog lose weight.

overweight dog

How Do I Know if My Dog Is Overweight? 

Your vet will tell you during your dog’s checkup. Or, you can also search for average weight based on your dog’s breed and age. If they are over that, most likely, they’re overweight. 

And of course, symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and even excessive gas can show if your dog is a few pounds over too. 

How Many Calories Does Your Dog Need? 

This will depend on your dog’s age, current weight, and height. But usually, dogs that need to lose weight should eat between 20 and 25 calories per pound that they currently weigh. So if your dog is 50 pounds, they will eat less than 1,250 calories a day. 

You can also follow manufacturer instructions on the dog food you buy and feed your dog based on the weight you want them to be after weight loss.

So if your dog is 50 pounds but needs to be 45 pounds, you’d feed them as much as a 45-pound dog based on formula instructions. 

Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Want to help your dog reach a healthy weight? There are a few tips to follow. 

First, remember that their diet is essential. Even if you choose a low-calorie or low-fat food, be sure that it includes all of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. 

Second, overweight dogs need activity time. You should aim for at least 30 minutes daily. If you have a senior pooch, focus on low-impact exercises like swimming. 

Don’t forget the protein! A higher protein diet can keep your dog fuller longer. And, it keeps your pup from overeating or losing their muscle tone underneath the weight. 

Lastly, focus on steady and sustainable weight loss. Just like in humans, it’s not good for your dog to yo-yo diet and fluctuate in weight. Slow and steady wins the race.

Plus, losing weight too quickly could have adverse effects on their digestive system, joints, muscles, and bones. 

As always, be sure to talk to your vet about the best weight loss options for your dog. They will be able to give you more personalized care and tips to help your furry friend be at their best weight. 

Our Verdict

It’s possible to help your dog lose the pounds without sacrificing the quality or taste of food that they get. And all of the dog foods on this list can help you achieve that. 

Of course, our favorite is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Not only does it include high-quality ingredients, but it also has raving reviews from thousands of dog owners. 

But it’s not a one size fits all formula. No matter your needs, we have other options that can help your dog lose weight as well. 

FAQ

Want to know more about dog food for weight loss? Here are common questions and our answers to them. 

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

Not necessarily. The key to helping your dog get to a healthy weight is to keep them in a calorie deficit. However, if your dog is allergic or intolerant to grains, it’s okay to choose a grain-free food. 

How many calories per day does my dog need to eat to lose weight?

This will depend on their age, breed, height, and more. Talk to your vet to figure out the best diet for your dog, or multiply their current weight by 20 to roughly figure out their daily calorie limit.

Is wet food better for weight loss in dogs?

It can be. Canned food has a much more water content than kibble, so it coats your dog’s stomach and makes them feel fuller faster. This can keep them from over-eating and getting too many calories. 

However, depending on your dog’s breed or size, it may not be economical or smart only to offer wet food. And dry kibble, significantly when lower in calories, can be just as good for weight loss.

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AUTHOR
Kim Studdard is a freelance writer for many websites in the pet universe. When she isn't spending time with her family and pets, or saying "Look a dog" everytime she sees one, you'll find her reading a book or traveling the U.S.

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