What dog food is lowest in fat?
Dietary modification can have a positive effect on your dog’s health.
One popular diet best used for managing stomach issues, liver disease, and even pancreatitis is low fat dog food.
Moreover, low-fat dog food is a great option for those dogs who need to lose weight.
Your dog can be on low-fat dog food for a short period of time. Alternatively, this diet can become your dog’s regular food in case of chronic health issues.
So what’s all about this diet? And which is the best low-fat dog food to give your dog? Continue reading to learn more!
The Benefits of a Low Fat Diet for your Dog
Table of Contents
Low-Fat Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Low-fat dog food can help a dog with a sensitive stomach. So, why does your dog with a sensitive stomach have to take a low-fat diet?
Unlike other nutrients, fats are taxing to digest and may exacerbate your dog’s tummy issues if taken in huge quantities.
Hence why vets prefer to give dogs with stomach issues a low-fat diet for a short period to help them recover.
Also, when giving your dog low-fat dog food for sensitive stomachs, ensure the other added ingredients are easy to digest.
Anything like fillers or artificial ingredients should be avoided, ensuring your dog has a smooth recovery process.
High Protein Low-Fat Dog Food
An often used term in dog food is ‘high protein low-fat dog food.’ So, what type of diet is it? The clue lies in the name—this is a diet that comprises high protein and low-fat content, as the name suggests, but importantly when is a high protein, low-fat dog food appropriate?
Appropriate For Dogs with A Sensitive Stomach
That is because such dogs might find it hard to digest fats. Proteins are also crucial to prevent muscle wasting while your dog is recovering from any medical issue.
Perfect for Weight Loss
The high protein content in such a diet helps maintain your dog’s muscle mass and increases the shedding of excess fat.
Dog food with real animal protein also enhances the burning of excess calories beneficial when you need your dog to lose weight.
The other conditions that may need such a diet include pancreatitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
In regards to ‘real animal protein’ mentioned, it’s really important to look at the label and have a named protein source such as Chicken, Beef, Salmon, etc and not ‘animal derivatives’, which could include all manor of things.
Best Low Fat Dog Food
Many dog food brands sell dry or wet dog food with huge labels reading ‘low-fat dog food.’ However, what is a low-fat diet/recipe?
Low-fat dog food is a diet that derives 17 % of its calories from fats. Often such diets have less than 10 % of fats. You can easily find this figure at the back of the food bag you have bought or that can of food.
Nevertheless, even though you are starting your dog on low-fat dog food, never compromise on the quality of the rest of the ingredients.
It’s common for dog owners to concentrate on one ingredient while ignoring the other ingredient’s quality.
The best low-fat dog food will have low or moderate levels of fat. Choose a dog food brand that has a quality animal or plant proteins. However, animal protein is the best.
VIDEO: The Quality of Pet Food Ingredients
Ensure this diet contains vegetables and fruit sources of vitamins and minerals. It will also be good if that dog food has other extras like taurine, l-carnitine, or Glucosamine. These extra nutrients ensure your dog’s body is in shape.
Quality, Quality, Quality - Read the Label!
Ideally, you want to see a NAMED meat/protein 1st on the label and preferably 2nd and 3rd on the label too! If it’s meat 1st and 2nd 3rd and 4th are grains (barley, oats, grain) then you are primarily feeding your dog a grain-based food!
Look for nutrient-dense veggies and fruits (carrots, peas, kelp, blueberries, or pumpkin) as well as natural colors and preservatives (rosemary, vitamin C [ascorbic acid], vitamin E [mixed tocopherols]).
While these natural preservatives do not have as long shelf life as chemical ones, they are far safer and better for your dog.
For more info on this and how to read a dog food label, check out our blog on: Toxins in Dog Food!
The Best Low Fat Dog Foods
Dog food Specialist has put together an expert review of the Best Low Fat Dog Foods available today.
Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.
Low Fat Dog Food Pancreatitis
JustFoodForDogs Hepatic Support Low Fat
This low-fat dog food for hepatic support has everything needed for your dog’s liver efficiency.
The first ingredient is Alaskan pacific wild-caught cod, a low fat and protein source designed to support your dog’s liver. The added coconut oil is a crucial source of medium-chain triglycerides that support liver regeneration.
The long-grain white rice, the second ingredient after the protein source, provides B complex and other vitamins that support your dog’s vital body systems.
Iceland premium fish oil is a rich source of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA( docosahexaenoic acid )omega fatty acids needed for proper cognitive function and healthy skin.
Pros
- Enriched with a premium protein source
- This diet has omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Food is enriched with lots of vitamins and mineral sources
Cons
- Some dog owners say the food quality is not consistent, batch to batch
Best low fat wet dog food
Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Chicken, Sweet Potatoes & Green Bean Weight Control Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
With 3.5 % fat, solid gold grain-free canned dog food is one of the best low-fat wet dog food that leaves your dog full and feeling better after each meal.
Besides being a low-fat diet, this recipe features quality protein sources, i.e., chicken and chicken meal, to nourish its muscles.
Besides that, this delicious low-fat wet dog food for pancreatitis and weight loss is enhanced with nutrient-dense superfoods that provide your dog’s body with vitamins and antioxidants.
Everything here is from the USA, and it’s easy to digest for your fur baby.
Fillers, corn, wheat, soy, and other grains are locked out, making this recipe one of the best low-fat dog foods for a sensitive stomach.
First five ingredients: chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, ocean whitefish, sweet potatoes
Crude protein | 7.5 % min |
Crude fat | 3.5 % min |
Crude fiber | 2.0 % max |
moisture | 78.0% max |
Pros
- Made with chicken and chicken meal as the protein source
- No grains or fillers are added
- Made in the United States
- Made with high fiber vegetables
Cons
- Most pet owners say this canned food smells terrible
Best Low Fat Grain Free Dog Food
Wellness CORE Grain-Free, Reduced-Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness core is a reputable brand that manufactures the best low-fat dog food for dogs who need to shed some pounds.
The protein content here is 10 % making this diet ideal for pets suffering from pancreatitis or liver disease.
The first three ingredients are animal protein sources geared to maintain your dog’s muscle tone.
The added fruits and vegetables provide a healthy punch of vitamins and antioxidants needed by the dog’s immune system..
This low-fat diet has Glucosamine and chondroitin needed for healthy joints and hips.
The added omega fatty acids ensure your dog has a smooth and shiny coat— and the added probiotics ensure your dog has a healthy gut.
Overall this recipe has whole fresh ingredients that provide complete and balanced nutrition and a flavor that will make your dog yearn for more.
First five ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas
Crude protein | 33.0 % min |
Crude fat | 10 %- 12% min |
Crude fiber | 12.0 %max |
moisture | 10.0 %max |
Pros
- The first three ingredients are animal proteins
- No meat by-products, fillers, corn, soy
- Forfeited with taurine for heart health
Cons
- Some pet owners complain this food dog has much dust in it
Best High protein low-fat dog food
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean, Low-Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
Are you still looking for the best low-fat dog food that provides your dog with balanced and complete nutrition? Then this recipe from Annamaet should be your top pick.
This diet is crafted with a low-fat content of 7 % making it ideal for dogs with pancreatitis.
Chicken meal and lentils are the core source of protein in this low-fat dog food for pancreatitis.
Besides that, this recipe features chelated minerals that support the immune system and enhance nutrient absorption.
The DHA- omega fatty acids promote proper cognitive function.
The added l carnitine and low-fat composition make this food ideal for dogs who need to shed some pounds.
Prebiotics and probiotics keep your dog’s gut healthy.
First five ingredients: chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca
Crude protein | 30.0 % min |
Crude fat | 7.0 % min |
Crude fat | 9 % max |
Crude fiber | 3.5 % max |
moisture | 10. 0 max |
Pros
- Made in the United States
- Enriched with pre-and probiotics for heart health
- No fillers, artificial preservatives, or flavors
Cons
- Some dog owners say the pellets are big for dogs to chew
Best low-fat dog food for senior dogs
Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Senior Reduced Calories Dry Dog Food
This recipe has a low-fat content of about 7 % making it ideal for dogs with liver and pancreas health issues.
This low-fat dog food has chicken and menhaden fish meal as the core protein sources.
The added vitamin E and beta carotene in this Dr. Gary’s best breed recipe enhance your dog’s immunity.
The added Glucosamine and green-lipped sea mussels in this recipe are important for your dog’s joints.
The low-calorie content and low-fat level make this recipe ideal for elderly dogs with reduced metabolism. It also makes a great option for overweight or inactive dogs.
First five ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, sorghum, dried beet pulp
Crude protein | 21 % min |
Crude fat | 7.0 % min |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
moisture | 10.0 max |
Pros
- Perfect for old dogs with reduced metabolism
- An animal protein leads the ingredient list
- Fortified with Glucosamine for joint health
Cons
- Pet owners don’t like the whole packaging of this dog food
Hills Low Fat Dog Food for Pancreatitis
Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Care Low-Fat Original Flavor Pate Wet Dog Food
Sometimes the vet may recommend a prescription diet.
One option that will provide the right nutrition to your dog while containing any digestion issues is this prescription diet from Hill’s prescription.
This low-fat wet dog food has easy-to-digest ingredients needed by your pet. The added prebiotic fiber in this diet promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your dog’s tummy.
Furthermore, this low-fat wet dog food is laced with omega fatty acids for proper mental function. There is also a healthy punch of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
First five ingredients; water, rice, pork, liver, turkey giblets
Crude protein | 5.0 % min |
Crude fat | 1.7 % min |
Crude fat | 3.5 % max |
fiber | 2.0 % max |
Pros
- High levels of omega fatty acids
- Enriched with prebiotic fiber for gut health
- With antioxidants that support the immune system
Cons
- Some pet owners say sometimes say this food smells sour and appears discolored
Best grain inclusive low-fat diet
Regal pet foods lean recipe dry dog food
This recipe’s delicious chicken and eggs provide proteins needed for healthy and lean muscles. Moreover, all the ingredients in this recipe are slowly cooked to ensure no nutrients are denatured.
Worth Noting, this recipe sources its carbohydrates from grains like sorghum and barley, providing your dog with enough energy to romp all over.
However, if your dog is allergic to grains, this formula may not be the best.
First five ingredients; chicken meal, brown rice, sorghum, pearled barley, oatmeal
Crude protein | 24 % min |
Crude fat | 7.0 % min |
Crude fat | 9.0 % max |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
Pros
- The ingredients are slowly cooked to maximize digestibility
- The recipe has glucosamine for joint health
- The recipe is made in the United States
Cons
Made of grains
Blackwood Chicken Meal & Rice Lean Diet Adult Dry Dog Food
Blackwood Chicken Meal & Rice Lean Diet Adult Dry Dog Food is a tasty recipe with easy-to-digest ingredients.
This recipe has 9 % of fat on a dry matter basis hence why it’s included in this list of the best low-fat dog food.
This recipe beats its competitors in terms of quality as its ingredients are cooked in small batches, ensuring what your dog feed is of the highest precision.
The only concern you might have with this recipe is the ingredient list. The first ingredient is a meat meal.
After the protein source, the recipe has a load of ancient grains, thus not ideal for dogs who are starting to develop a sensitive stomach.
First five ingredients: chicken meal, brown rice, millet, ground grain sorghum, oat groats
Crude protein | 20.5 %min |
Crude fat | 6.5 % min |
Crude fat | 9.0 %max |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros
- Fortified with pre and probiotics
- No harmful chemicals, GMOs, or fillers
- Slowly cooked in small batches
Cons
- Some pet owners say their dogs become gassy after eating this dog food
Low Fat Dog Food Witout Chicken
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula has low-fat content to help support dogs with sensitive stomachs and pancreatitis.
Besides that, this recipe features Glucosamine that promotes joint health. Moreover, this low-fat dry dog food features omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
Finally, this recipe bears no corn, wheat, artificial colors, or preservatives, making it a healthy option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
First five ingredients: pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal
Crude protein | 24 % min |
Crude fat | 6.0 % min |
Crude fat | 9.0 % max |
Crude fiber | 4.0 % max |
moisture | 10.0 % max |
Pros
- This recipe has a high protein content
- Enriched with omega fatty acids for coat and skin health
- With fewer calories to support weight loss
Cons
Overall this dog food has great reviews, only that some dogs don’t like this recipe’s flavor
Best Foods to Fatten Up A Dog
After performing a body condition score of your dog and confirming it’s underweight, you should start immediately crafting a way to increase its weight. However, before that, your vet’s input is always crucial.
One available option that always works is starting your dog on high-protein and fat dog food.
Such a diet provides your dog with the right nutrients and calories needed to pack up some weight.
However, inform your vet if your dog is suffering from pancreatitis before starting it on high protein dog food for weight gain.
A high-fat diet may be taxing to digest and might cause excess digestive enzyme production, deteriorating your pet’s health.
Human Foods to Fatten Up a Dog
Although dogs have different dietary needs than us human beings, here are some of the human foods that can help your dog bulk up.
- Cooked beef- a source of proteins and vital minerals
- Cooked chicken. More so the chicken breasts are a quality source of proteins
- Cooked eggs with no seasoning- avoid a raw egg as it may contain salmonella bacteria
- Cottage cheese is high-fat dog food for weight gain that your canine companion can enjoy.
- Peanut butter- can be used as treats for your dog (make sure it has no artificial sweeters in it such as Xylitol, (This is extremely toxic to dogs,Some peanut butter might contain this, so double-check the label before offering as a treat.) out our article on food bad for dogs.
What is the best food to feed a dog with Pancreatitis?
The severity of pancreatitis in your dog may warrant a dietary change.
And in this case, you will need to consult with your vet on diet modification. A trained vet will prioritize giving the dog a diet that will not overload the pancreas. And a great option is low-fat dog food.
This above mentioned low-fat dog foods for pancreatitis have digestible proteins and carbohydrate sources, ensuring your dog gets complete nutrition to help it recover.
If an over-the-counter, low-fat dog food for pancreatitis seems ineffective, your dog might be given a prescription diet.
This diet will help your dog recover while still providing the right nutrition your dog needs.
Final Thoughts
Its’ time to get your dog the best low-fat dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition. When choosing this diet, look for one with easy-to-digest Quality ingredients. And remember, pricey does mean quality!
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health?
A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-Full Bucket’s Probiotic supplements.
