All dogs have different dietary needs, and if your dog is overweight or has a digestive condition that causes her to not be able to process much fat in her diet, you might need a low fat dog food. These foods come in various formulations, so it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian before switching to a special diet.
We looked at various types of low fat dog food and ranked them according to category. We considered some different needs that your dog might have (sensitive stomach, the need for grain-free food, and so on) and tried to match those up to the best food in those categories. We also checked out the ingredients and saw what Amazon buyer had to say.
Our top pick goes to Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food. This one is formulated for small breeds, but other varieties are available. The ingredients focus on chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, so the results is a low-fat formula chock-full of nutrition. Dogs seem to love its taste, too!
The 5 Top-Rated Low Fat Dog Foods
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Low Fat Dog Food | Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food | 4.7 |
| Best Canned Low Fat Dog Food | Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Food | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Low Fat Dog Food | Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dog Food | 4.4 |
| Best Grain-Free Low Fat Dog Food | CANIDAE PURE Weight Management | 4.4 |
| Best Low Fat Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs | Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and may change over time.
Best Low Fat Dog Food Overall: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food made our top spot among the low fat dog foods available. This particular product is a 15-lb bag, but you can also choose smaller bags of the food. Also, this one is for small dogs. The ingredients are natural and healthy; they include farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. All of these are low in fat, so they will satisfy your dog with plenty of protein without adding too much fat to his diet.
In addition to the high-quality ingredients, this food also has vitamins and minerals added. Among the most essential are omega fatty acids, which can improve your dog’s skin and coat health. There are also non-GMO fruits and vegetables included to round out the food’s nutritional level and provide some necessary variety to your dog’s diet. The natural fiber contributes to healthy digestion, too, making it a good food to try if your dog has has digestive disturbances in the past.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food Key Features:
- Made for small dogs
- Different size bags available
- Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains brown rice, sweet potatoes, and other fruits and veggies
- Includes omega fatty acids
- Good for digestion
Best Canned Low Fat Dog Food: Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Food
Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Food is our favorite low-fat canned dog food. This one is turkey and rice flavor, so it will appeal to most dogs. It is a case of twelve 13-oz cans. Balancing out the low fat levels are high protein levels, so your dog will have plenty of energy and will be able to build muscle even while cutting down on body fat. This formula has 25 percent less fat than the brand’s regular canned food.
This food consists of tasty morsels of turkey and rice in an appealing gravy. The first ingredient is real turkey. This can be fed as the mainstay of your dog’s diet or can be mixed with a low-fat dry dog food to add some variety without adding too many calories. It provides 23 vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about giving your dog the nutrition he needs.
Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Food Key Ingredients:
- Turkey and rice flavor
- Twelve 13-oz cans
- Low in fat
- High in protein
- Made with real turkey
- Can be added to dry food
- Includes 23 vitamins and minerals
Best Budget Low Fat Dog Food: Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dog Food
Is your dog a bit on the chubby side? If so, you will want to check out our best budget-friendly option, which is Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dog Food. This is a low-calorie and low-fat food, which makes it ideal for dogs who need to lose weight. This is a five-lb bag of dry food.
The high-protein, low-fat ingredients include chicken, salmon, garbanzo beans, peas, and oatmeal. These add nutrition to your dog’s diet while helping him to whittle his waistline and keep it maintained. It is a complete source of nutrition for adults dogs; you don’t need to add anything or supplement with vitamins, because it includes everything your dog needs for good health. The fiber will keep your dog feeling full, too, so you won’t need to worry about him being hungry between meals.
Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dog Food Key Features:
- 5-lb bag
- Weight loss formula
- High in protein
- Complete nutrition for adult dogs
- Fiber to keep your dog satisfied
Best Grain-Free Low Fat Dog Food: CANIDAE PURE Weight Management
Does your dog need grain-free food? CANIDAE PURE Weight Management made our top spot for grain-free food that is also low in fat. Because it contains just nine natural ingredients, this is an ideal formula for dogs who have allergies or who need to have foods with limited ingredients. The nine ingredients in this particular variety are chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, peas, garbanzo beans, potatoes, alfalfa, and chicken fat. There are also other varieties available, also with limited ingredients.
The food is high in protein and contains minimal fat, so your dog will have plenty of energy and won’t lose muscle mass while he loses or maintains his weight. The food also contains probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to help with digestion, the immune system, and skin and coat health. This food contains everything your dog needs and nothing that he doesn’t.
CANIDAE PURE Weight Management Key Features:
- Grain-free
- 12-lb bag
- Comes in several varieties
- Limited ingredients
- High in protein
- Contains probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids
Best Low Fat Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin earns our highest accolades for foods for dogs with sensitive tummies. This product is a 30-lb bag (other sizes are also available). It is made to be gentle on your dog’s system and to be highly digestible. This means less stomach upset for your pooch and easier clean-up duties for you. It also keeps your dog’s gut microbiome healthy thanks to prebiotic fiber.
There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors in this food. The first ingredient is chicken, and most dogs find the taste appealing. It is made in the USA with high-quality, globally sourced ingredients. Vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids help improve your dog’s coat and skin, too.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Key Features:
- 30-lb bag
- Made for optimal digestion
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Nothing artificial
- First ingredient is chicken
- Made in the USA
- Improves coat and skin health
Who Should Buy Low Fat Dog Food
If your dog is overweight or has trouble maintaining a healthy weight, a low fat dog food can be a good choice. Another reason you might choose a low fat dog food is that foods with less fat tend to be easier for dogs to digest. If your dog has struggled with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is possible that a low-fat diet might help. Finally, as dogs get older, they often struggle with weight gain. Talk to your veterinarian to see if a low-fat dog food is right for your best furry friend. This is particularly important if your dog is pregnant, lactating, elderly, or has various health problems.
If you’re more interested in a specific diet for your pup, then you may want to check out The Best Vegan Dog Foods.
Important Features to Consider
Low fat dog foods come in various types, and it’s important to think about a few features that you want your brand to have. Here are some considerations to remember as you look at the different foods available.
- Ingredients. In general, you want to look for meat or poultry as the first ingredient. Lean meat is a great source of protein, and that’s what your dog needs for energy. You can also check to be sure that there’s nothing in the food that your dog is allergic or sensitive to.
- Additives. Of course, you will want to look for a food that doesn’t have artificial flavors or colors. Some additives, however, are good: You might choose a food with omega fatty acids, for example, to improve your dog’s skin and fur.
- Other health issues. If your dog needs to eat grain-free foods or if he has a sensitive stomach, look for a food that will meet those needs. Talk to your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a low fat diet good for dogs?
If your dog is at a healthy weight and it is not a struggle to keep him maintaining that weight, then he probably does not need a low-fat dog food. If your dog is overweight or the pounds tend to creep on easily, however, then it is worth looking into. It is best to talk to your veterinarian about the best type of food to feed your dog. Dogs who are pregnant, nursing puppies, or afflicted with various health issues might not be suitable candidates for a low-fat diet.
What do you need to feed a dog with pancreatitis?
Dogs with acute or chronic pancreatitis need to eat a low-fat, high-protein diet. A low-fat dog food might be the right choice for this type of illness. You should also take care not to feed your dog table scraps, particularly those which contain fat.
What is a good fat content for dog food?
Most dog foods contain anywhere from 10 to 20 percent fat. If your dog isn’t at risk for illness and doesn’t have conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or pancreatitis, it is not really a problem if the food has a higher level of fat. The goal is to find a balanced food that has plenty of fiber, fat, and protein for most healthy dogs.
What percentage is considered low fat in dog food?
A low-fat dog food is usually considered to have less than 10 percent fat. This varies by brand and formula.
Other Low Fat Dog Food We Reviewed
We reviewed 20 other low fat dog foods in addition to the ones we’ve described above. These didn’t make our top five list, but they are still great choices for your dog, depending on her needs. Take a look at the listings below for the information you’ll need to compare them.
- Grain Free Low Fat Dog Foods
- Canned Low Fat Dog Foods
- Other Low Fat Dog Foods
Grain Free Low Fat Dog Foods
Annamaet Grain Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula Dog Food
Chicken meal and lentils provide protein in this reduced-fat, grain-free food. Prebiotics improve your dog’s digestion and overall gut health.
Key Features:
- 25 lb bag
- Contain chelated minerals
- Contain omega fatty acids
Cost: $70
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Made with real chicken, this food provides the energy your dog needs without overloading on calories or fat. This food contains only natural ingredients.
Key Features:
- 24-lb bag
- Contains antioxidants
- Nothing artificial
Cost: $55
Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Deboned beef is the first ingredient in this grain-free food for dogs who need help losing or maintaining their weight. A delicious option!
Key Features:
- 25-lb bag
- Lean protein source
- Made in the USA
Cost: $60
Solid Gold – Fit & Fabulous
Chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans combine to make this tasty food nutritionally complete for your adult dog. It also contains probiotics.
Key Features:
- 24-lb bag
- Cage-free chicken
- Contains probiotics and fatty acids
Cost: $55
Visionary Pet – Keto Dog Food
This is not a low-fat food, so it is not appropriate for dogs with pancreatitis, but it is low carb and good for weight loss and maintenance.
Key Features:
- 3.5-lb bag
- Ketogenic/low carb
- Less than 1 g net carb per cup
Cost: $18
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Turkey, chicken, and salmon oil are low-fat, high-protein ingredients that keep your dog happy and healthy. All natural, nothing artificial.
Key Features:
- 12-lb bag
- Protein rich
- Made in the USA
Canned Low Fat Dog Foods
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Made with real turkey and chicken, this is a delicious way to give your dog excellent, grain-free nutrition without loading him up on too much fat.
Key Features:
- Twelve 12-oz cans
- Nothing artificial
- Grain-free
Cost: $25
HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET Pet Nutrition
This food is for dogs with gastrointestinal problems who need a low-fat diet. It can help prevent a relapse of pancreatitis.
Key Features:
- Twelve 13-oz cans
- Good for dogs who have had pancreatitis
- Chicken flavor
Cost: $70
Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Dog Food
This wet food is made with all natural ingredients that have been sourced globally. It’s formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin.
Key Features:
- Twelve 13-oz cans
- Available in several flavors
- Boosts skin and coat health
Cost: $28
Natural Balance Original Ultra
This food helps support your dog’s healthy weight while also supporting his immune system. It has a balance of high-quality proteins.
Key Features:
- Twelve 13-oz cans
- Contains chicken, salmon, and duck
- Designed for healthy digestion
Cost: $25
Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Weight Management
This food has a soft texture and is perfect for dogs who need to lose or maintain weight. It is available in two flavors; this one is beef.
Key Features:
- Twelve 12-oz cans
- Can be mixed into dry food
- Ground texture
Cost: $11
Royal Canin Veterinary Gastro Low Fat
This is a low-fat food that is designed for dogs who have pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal problems. Only use this if directed by your veterinarian.
Key Features:
- Twelve 13-oz cans
- Dogs love the taste
- Use as recommended by a vet
Cost: $170
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free
This is a grain-free low-fat food that contains chicken, turkey, pork liver, fish, and other high-quality ingredients. It’s great for weight management.
Key Features:
- Twelve 12-oz cans
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Contains real meat
Other Low Fat Dog Foods
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
High-quality chicken mixed with healthy brown rice can keep your dog satisfied between meals while helping him keep his weight consistent.
Key Features:
- 30-lb bag
- Contains Lifesource Bits
- All natural ingredients
Cost: $50
Diamond CARE Specialized Diets
Extra fiber and easily digested protein combine to make this low-fat food easy on your dog’s stomach. Also good for dogs with allergies.
Key Features:
- 8-lb bag
- Contains real lamb
- Has extra fiber
Cost: $20
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight
This low-fat dog food is formulated for small dogs. Over 70 percent of dogs eating this food might lose weight within 10 weeks.
Key Features:
- 4-lb bag
- Maintains muscle in small dogs
- Veterinarian recommended
Cost: $15
Iams Proactive Health
Made with farm-raised chicken, this weight-management formula has 20 percent fewer calories than the regular Iams chunk food.
Key Features:
- 29-lb bag
- Contains real chicken
- For large breeds
Cost: $30
Pedigree Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
This crunchy, tooth-friendly food is low in fat and full of fiber to keep your dog full and aid in digestion. This is the chicken-flavored formula.
Key Features:
- 15-lb bag
- Unique kibble shape
- Great for digestion
Cost: $14
Purina EN Gastroenteric LOW FAT Canine Formula
This is a dry food recommended for dogs with pancreatitis, hepatitis, and various digestive issues. It is low in fat and highly digestible.
Key Features:
- 6-lb bag
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Good for dogs with health conditions
Cost: $45
Royal Canin Weight Care
If you have a small dog (under 22 lbs) who tends to hold onto weight, this formula might be the right one to help him maintain a healthy, fit physique.
Key Features:
- 13-lb bag
- Contains fiber
- Promotes bone and joint health
Cost: $68