The best low-calorie dog food is Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food.
Are you worried about your furry companion getting chubbier with time? It’s most probably due to an unbalanced diet and lack of exercise.
Well, fret no more, as you can easily manage your pet’s calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight by feeding it some of the best low-calorie dog food you can find on the market now.
#1 Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food from Natural Balance is the perfect dietary formulation for dogs that keeps calories at bay while supplying them with balanced nutrients for their daily energy needs.
The primary ingredients of this dry dog food are chicken meat, salmon meat, garbanzo beans, peas, and oatmeal, ensuring the highest quality protein, fiber, and non-existent low-fat levels. The fiber-rich ingredients ensure that your pet feels full, thus avoiding begging behavior.
All the essential vitamins, co-enzymes, minerals, and other ingredients are added to this package. This ensures that your dog doesn’t suffer from any deficiency symptoms like shedding, scurvy, etc. while inducing weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you’re looking for the best results in terms of your furry friend’s healthy weight management, this is the product you should go for. This low-calorie dry dog food is a nutritionally balanced recipe that doesn’t compromise the deliciousness of the food.
Pros
- This product is a dry dog food formulated using chicken, salmon, and barley to suit the needs of adult doggies; also, it is available in 5-lb, 15-lb and 28-lb bags.
- This dog food contains 25% fewer calories than its original counterpart, and this helps your doggie to maintain its weight.
- Contains peas, oat groats, and barley, which are rich sources of fiber to help with digestion.
- Contains proteins and essential amino acids, which are responsible for lean and strong muscles.
- The product is free of grain, soy, gluten, artificial colors, and flavors, which makes it suitable for doggies with allergies.
Cons
- There have been reports of dogs experiencing vomiting and diarrhea after consuming this dog food.
- As such, some doggies may be allergic to some of the ingredients in the dog food.
This is our best pick because of its remarkable mixture of protein and fiber that can satisy an overweight dog’s appetite without overeating; plus it is loaded with extra vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy digestion, immune system, and skin and coat.
#2 Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Healthy Weight Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
The main ingredient of Purina ONE SmartBlend consists of real turkey meat, which contains 25% less fat and 15% fewer calories when compared to its Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula.
Fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this dog food aims to improve your dog’s immune system. Other than that, antioxidants are good for the overall well-being of your pet, such as healthier skin and fur, anti-aging effects, etc.
It contains natural sources of glucosamine which is the key building block of cartilage in your pet’s body, thus ensuring healthy joints.
We’d recommend this dry dog food offering to pet lovers who want their dear Fidos to stay in good shape as well as in good health. If you have multiple pets, this versatile formulation from
Purina can be used to feed any dog breed. The best part is that this product comes in various budget-friendly packaging options.
Pros
- This adult dry dog food is available in a 31-oz bag that contains semi-moist and crunchy kibble bites.
- This is a protein-rich and fiber-rich formula that helps with digestion, weight management, and lean muscle.
- It contains four types of antioxidants, and this helps to support your pup’s immune system.
- The combination of crunchy and semi-moist bites also contains added calcium for great taste and healthy teeth and gums.
- Contains glucosamine, which helps with joint health for your active and playful doggie.
Cons
- The kibble crumbles, which means your pup will not enjoy a crunchy treat.
- Some pups became sick and lethargic after eating this dog food.
#3 Eukanuba Fit Body Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Fit Body dry dog food is ideal for dogs aged 12 months or older that weigh between 24 to 54 lbs. It is a complete and balanced dog food that helps with weight management control for medium-size dogs. How this product achieves this control is that it contains L-carnitine and 39% less fat, compared to Eukanuba’s regular adult dog food.
Furthermore, Fit Body dry dog food has a blend of carbohydrates which will help your medium-sized pup to keep a lean, active body. It has acceptable levels of DHA and vitamin E to help with improving brain function.
It also has chondroitin sulfate and a 50% excess of glucosamine that will help your pet support lean muscles and boost joint health. It contains high-quality protein chicken to keep your dog active all day.
We love Eukanuba Fit Body dry dog food because it helps to maintain your dog’s weight. It has natural ingredients and needed nutrients to help achieve this. It is suitable for dogs over 12 months, and that weigh up to 54 lbs. We recommend that you give your dog a nutritious diet and also visit your vet for a checkup just in case.
Pros
- This is dry dog food that comes in 5-lb, 15-lb, and 30-lb bags, which have a resealable opening to keep the food fresh.
- This dog food is for medium doggie breeds weighing between 24 and 54 lbs and aged 12 months or older.
- Contains high-quality chicken protein, which provides your pup with energy as well as lean muscle to help them stay active.
- Contains less fat and is rich in carbohydrates and L-carnitine that help with joint health, weight management, and lean muscle.
- This dog food contains DHA and vitamin E, and these help with healthy brain function.
Cons
- Some doggies do not like the taste or smell of dog food.
- There are pups who experienced diarrhea and vomiting.
#4 AvoDerm Natural Weight Control Dry Dog Food
For advanced healthy weight management of overweight and less active dogs, AvoDerm Natural Weight Control Dry Dog Food is your friend in need. Its chief ingredients are ground brown rice, ground white rice, chicken meal, rice bran, oatmeal, avocado, chicken fat, and others.
The omega-rich avocados contain vitamins A, C, E, B6 and other essential nutrients like folate, potassium niacin, etc. These essentials promote good skin, and coat, and help improve digestion and immune response.
Ground brown rice is known for being more nutritious and protein-packed while containing low-fat content. Oatmeal makes your dog feel satiated as it contains mostly fiber which also benefits the digestive system.
If your pet doesn’t play much lately and is getting overweight, this dry dog food from AvoDerm can ease your troubles. This dog food works by recharging your pet’s playfulness, as well as reducing your pet’s weight. It’s also safe to use because there’re no such ingredients as preservatives, flavoring agents, etc., which can cause harm to your furry friend.
Pros
- This dry dog food is available in 4.4-lb and 28-lb bags that you can choose from and is suitable for doggies at all life stages.
- This is a chicken and brown rice formula that provides a great-tasting meal as well as protein and other essential nutrients for weight control.
- Contains avocado that helps give your pup a healthy and shiny coat.
- Contains antioxidants that help provide overall immunity.
- It is made with all-natural ingredients and does not contain wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients, making it perfect for doggies with allergies.
Cons
- Some doggies were found to experience vomiting and displayed grass-eating behavior after consuming this dog food.
- It has a strong smell that some pups and their owners find unappealing.
#5 IAMS Adult Dry Dog Food For Healthy Weight
IAMS Adult Dry Dog Food is a protein-rich dry dog food containing natural probiotics to ensure healthier digestion. If your canine’s stomach is on the weaker side, the preloaded probiotics will rejuvenate it.
It’s made with real farm-raised chicken meat which supplies your pet with lean proteins, promoting stronger muscles and healthier weight management and control.
Among its essential nutrient profile is L-carnitine, an essential fatty acid transporter that plays a key role in the cellular production of energy. Thus, it helps improve your dog’s metabolism and aid in its weight loss.
Honestly speaking, we’d want you to cart this IAMS product right away because L-carnitine is highly effective in healthy weight management and control. Other than that, you wouldn’t need to worry about your bongo’s tummy issues as the added probiotics aid in the digestion of this dry dog food.
Pros
- This dry dog food comes in 7-lb, 15-lb, or 29.1-lb bags and is ideal for large adult dog breeds.
- Contains fibers and natural prebiotics that help with easier food digestion.
- It contains premium-quality protein in the chicken and egg ingredients, which help with building muscle and providing energy.
- Contains L-carnitine to help support a healthy metabolism, which in turn is great for weight management.
- It is made in the United States and does not contain artificial ingredients, giving your pup natural health support.
Cons
- Some doggies experienced bloating and an upset stomach after eating this dog food.
- Some pups started vomiting and became lethargic after use.
#6 Diamond CARE Specialized Adult Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food from Diamond CARE is a real lamb-based protein dry dog food feast for your adult canine, comes with extra fibers to make your dog feel full, and aids in the digestive process.
The added antioxidants ensure that your Fido stays safe from harmful free radicals, which can otherwise cause cellular damage or even accelerate the process of aging.
It comes with L-carnitines whose purpose is to fix the cellular metabolism of your furry companion, resulting in efficient fat metabolism that is good for weight loss.
Probiotics are often added to this formulation to make it easier for your pet’s digestive system to digest extra fiber-rich food. There’re no traces of gluten, corn, wheat, or filler and no artificial chemicals so that you don’t have to worry about your dog’s allergies, etc.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one dry dog food to support your pet’s health issues with weight management, without suffering from sensitive, itchy skin, you should buy this for your pet. To make it easier for your pet to lose weight, without feeling hungry all the time and with no stomach issues, we’d want you to get this one for your pet.
Pros
- Weight management dry dog food that is available in 8-lb and 25-lb bags.
- Contains fiber and probiotics that help to boost gut health and digestion.
- It is low in fat and high in protein, such that it should help with energy, weight management, and lean muscle support.
- Contains L-carnitines for metabolism and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat.
- It is rich in antioxidants that help to boost your doggie’s immunity, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Cons
- Some doggies experienced vomiting and diarrhea after eating this food.
- There are pups who hate the smell and also experience bloating.
#7 Nulo Freestyle Adult Grain-Free Weight Management Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle adult grain-free weight management dog food is ideal for keeping your dog free of excess weight. It has a special cod and lentils recipe that offers a complete and balanced diet for your pup. This low-fat yet tasty recipe also keeps your dog satisfied and feeling full for longer.
This dog food contains patented BC30 Probiotic to support a healthy gut and aid in digestion. It also has L-carnitine which helps convert fatty acids to energy.
This protein-rich recipe keeps your dog feeling healthy all around. It is free of artificial color, soy, corn, wheat, or preservatives. This Nulo dog food helps to protect your dog from potential health challenges due to excess weight and keeps them healthier for longer.
We love the cod and lentils recipe of Nulo Freestyle adult grain-free weight management dog food. It is low fat yet tasty, and your pup won’t know it is on a weight control diet. It contains the needed nutrients to help with digestion and overall health. As always, we recommend talking to your vet before taking on a diet change for your dog.
Pros
- This grain-free dog food comes in bag options between 4.5 and 26 lbs, and it is suitable for adult doggies.
- It contains 74% animal-based proteins and zero plant protein concentrates that should help with lean muscle and energy levels.
- It contains GanedenBC30 biotic, a special probiotic that aids digestion.
- The small kibble formula gives your furry friend something crunchy to nibble on.
- Contains the amino acid L-carnitine, which helps with metabolism and weight management.
Cons
- Some pups had loose stool and vomited shortly after eating this dog food.
- Some doggies did not like the smell of the food and refused to eat it.
#8 Nutro ULTRA Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
This healthy weight management adult dry dog food from Nutro will help your canine buddy in weight loss within the least stipulated time.
This is because your canine buddy gets to devour three varieties of proteins coming from chicken, lamb, and salmon, containing minimum fat content.
Fortified with chondroitin and glucosamine, it keeps your pet stays free from inflammations and free radicals. It also protects your pet’s cartilage, gives relief from pain, and provides many other benefits.
Other than that, 15 vibrant superfoods such as coconuts, chia seeds, kale, blueberries, etc. are added which make your pet feel more energetic, nourish its skin and coat and improve various bodily functions.
Pros
- This dry dog food is ideal for large adult doggie breeds and comes in 8-lb, 15-lb, and 30-lb bags you can choose from.
- Contains proteins, such as lamb, chicken, and salmon; these proteins should benefit lean muscle development, as well as boost your doggie’s energy levels.
- Contains high-quality superfood ingredients, such as coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries, which help to boost the immune system.
- Contains dry kibble rich in nutrients to help with healthy bones and a radiant coat and skin.
- It contains no by-products, fillers, or other artificial ingredients, which makes this food perfect for doggies with allergic reactions.
Cons
- Some doggies take some time to get used to the taste and smell of this dog food.
- Doggies with sensitive tummies experienced bloating, diarrhea, and lethargy.
#9 PEDIGREE Healthy Weight Roasted Chicken & Vegetable Flavor Dog Food
This roasted chicken and vegetable flavored dry dog food from PEDIGREE contains low-fat, high-quality protein as its key ingredient.
Its formulation uses a unique fiber blend and whole grains, in aiding digestion and ensuring that your dog feels full. Each serving is a balanced meal for your dog and contains no irritants, such as high corn, artificial flavors, and added sugar.
Enriched with essential fatty acids and minerals, such as omega-6 fatty acids and zinc, it helps your dog’s skin and coat in staying healthy and nourished. The crunchy kibbles ensure that your dog’s teeth stay safe.
If you’re looking for an effective yet economical pet dog food to get your pet’s weight under control, this is one of the steal deals on the list. For starters, this product from PEDIGREE contains high-quality protein, low-fat content, and essential fatty acids. Added to that, it has been flavored to taste like a feast for picky eaters.
Pros
- This dog food comes in roasted chicken and vegetable flavor, and you can choose between a 13.2-lb and 15-lb bag for your adult furry friend.
- It contains whole grains and a unique fiber blend, and they help to boost gut health and digestion.
- Rich in protein like chicken to help with lean muscle development and boost energy levels.
- Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help to boost their immunity.
- It contains no sugar syrup or artificial flavors, so your doggie can enjoy a blend of natural ingredients.
Cons
- It tastes grainy and bitter, which makes some doggies dislike it.
- Some doggies experienced diarrhea and bloating.
Buyer’s Guide – Things To Consider When Buying Diet Dry Dog Food
There are several things to consider when selecting the right dry dog food for your beloved pooch. Here are the top factors that we believe are imperative to take note of:
Calorie Intake
Weight loss can be easily achieved by keeping track of and controlling your dog’s calorie intake per day. If you’re feeding your pet with diet food containing calories per cup within the range of 250 to 400, your dog will lose weight. However, if your pet buddy is a lazy fellow, you should feed it less food than usual.
Chief Constituents
The key to choosing the best pet food for your dog is to go for the ones which are labeled with the type of meat, grains, or other sources of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids like avocados, ground brown rice, and coconut, etc.
You should also correctly verify the sources of all the fortifications present in the dog food and make sure that they are high-quality.
Dog Breed And Age
There are different types of dog foods available in the market for different types of dogs, such as small-sized, large-sized dog breeds, etc. Likewise, you should check whether a particular diet of dry dog food is suitable for dogs of all age groups or not.
It is because adult dogs can be put through a strict weight-loss dietary regime, whereas a puppy needs extra calories and nutrients for healthy growth.
Adulterations
Never feed your pet with diet dry dog food that contains artificial chemicals like coloring agents, flavoring agents, or preservatives. Also, make sure that there’re no filler materials like modified corn starch, corn, cottonseed hulls, etc.
Grain-Free
You may want to consider getting grain-free dog food to induce weight loss in your dogs. Grain-free kibbles do not contain filler ingredients, which are mainly grains due to their cheaper price points. Grains tend to build up fats if they are not utilized, which is especially true if your dog is a lazy one.
Regular Dry Dog Food VS Diet Dry Dog Food
When it comes to regular dog foods, each cup serving is said to contain calories ranging from 400 to 500, resulting in rapid weight gain for your canine buddy, especially if your pet doesn’t engage sufficiently in physical activities.
In comparison to that, diet dry dog food is formulated to provide your pet with a minimum of 250 calories and a maximum of 350 calories per cup. Plus, dog food for weight loss doesn’t contain too many carbohydrates and fats.
Most of the dry dog foods dedicated to weight loss have high-quality proteins as their main ingredient. In addition, soluble and insoluble fiber-rich ingredients are added, which make your pet feel satiated.
Tips For The Management And Control Of Your Canine’s Weight
Regular Exercise
Diet dry food does help you in managing your pet’s weight. However, to see visible results in its weight within a time-bound period, your pet needs regular exercise. If your canine buddy isn’t used to physical activity, you can start by taking it for slow walks and then eventually speed it up.
No Junk Food
What is junk food in terms of dogs? Any low-quality dog food containing fillers, artificial additives, coloring agents, and other such ingredients accounts for unhealthy pet food and should be avoided at any cost.
Protein-Rich Dog Food
If you’re wondering why most of the healthy weight management dry dog food is rich in protein, it’s because protein from different animal sources keeps your canine buddy’s muscles well-maintained without adding any more dead weight. It also keeps your canine satiated so that it doesn’t feel hungry too quickly.
Consult Your Vet
The last but not the least thing to do would be to keep in touch with your vet. It’ll help you in targeting weight loss management for your pet right where it’s needed. Other than that, it’ll allow you to regularly monitor the health of your pet whilst it is on a diet of dry dog food.
Final Thoughts
All the dog foods that we’ve listed above come from reputed brands which use naturally grown, freshly harvested animal sources like chicken, turkey, fish, etc., for high-quality protein content.
If you want our recommendation, our vote goes to our top pick. It’s because this dry dog food contains a perfect blend of protein and fibers and is most suitable for overweight dogs.
It’ll help with the weight loss of your dog, and its nutritive values are sufficient to keep your pet dog physically fit and active while maintaining a healthy weight.
