The best low fat dog foods can be beneficial for pets suffering from certain health conditions like:
- Pancreatitis
- Obesity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Yet finding a quality low fat dog food can be difficult.
That’s because to reduce fat, pet food companies are inclined to create dog foods that contain less meat.
Which means…
Most low fat dog foods also tend to be low in protein or high in carbs.
Low Fat Dog Food… by the Numbers
The average dry matter fat content and median low fat limit of all dog foods stored in The Dog Food Advisor’s product database are included in the following table:
The low fat dog foods below have been selected by our research team because they each meet the following 3 guidelines:
- Well below-average fat content
- Reasonable protein levels
- Rated 4 stars or higher
To meet these requirements, it’s common for low fat dog foods to contain less meat and more plant-based protein.
The Best Low Fat Dog Foods
April 2020
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 best low fat dog foods for April 2020:
Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat Formula
Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat is a grain-free dog food that contains high-quality ingredients with just 8% fat and 30% protein. This formula’s main protein source is chicken meal, and it also includes added L-carnitine… which helps promote a healthy weight while keeping your dog’s mind sharp.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 8% (dry matter)
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “My dog has GI issues (inflammatory bowel type stuff) and was on expensive prescription dog foods for many years until I discovered this food. He has had no more active GI issues for a few years now and tolerates this food perfectly. We also had weight issues and this food helped make him a healthy weight again along with exercise! He loves it. Highly recommend.”
Annamaet is a moderately priced grain-free dog food for pups on a low-calorie diet. It’s safe for dogs with GI issues and is formulated for breeds of all sizes.
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Eagle Pack’s Reduced Fat Dog Food contains just 7% fat while still consisting of 24% protein. The primary ingredient is pork meal, a protein-rich meat product. Eagle Pack is not grain-free, but contains gluten-free grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. One of the biggest draws of Eagle Pack is its relatively low price compared to other high-quality lean foods.
- First 5 ingredients: Pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, rice)
- Fat: 7% (dry matter)
- Calories: 343 kcal/cup
- Price: $
Actual buyer review… “My dogs seem to really love this… my 8 year old yellow Lab was recently diagnosed with pancreatic disease and was told to put her on a low fat diet… she seems to really love this food, plus it’s not that expensive.”
Eagle Pack is a great choice for picky eaters and dog parents on a budget. At four stars, it’s a well-made lean dog food that is moderately priced.
Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dry Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dog Food is top-rated, grain-free and low-fat dog food made up of only 8% fat with 30% protein. It’s a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, as the main proteins include cod, turkey meal and salmon meal. Pure probiotics help aid in digestion while L-carnitine promotes your pup’s metabolism.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 8% (dry matter)
- Calories: 368 kcal/cup
- Price: $$$
Actual buyer review… “My dog was recently diagnosed with diabetes and after checking through Chewy I was so happy to find this food. My dog has a sensitive stomach, a chicken allergy, and needs a low fat food due to pancreatitis, so finding the right food seemed impossible. Thankfully my dog loves this food and it has really helped fo regulate her diabetes.”
Though Nulo is on the higher-priced side of our low-fat dog food options, the high-quality ingredients and animal-based proteins make it a top choice—one that’s well worth the price tag.
Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous
Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous is designed to promote weight loss and support dogs with pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal issues. It features pollock as its primary ingredient, a lean, omega-rich source of protein that’s also easy to digest. Each serving contains 7% fat and 26% protein, and features a blend of plant-based superfoods. Just note that it’s not grain-free, and includes oatmeal and brown rice in its ingredient lineup.
- First 5 ingredients: Pollock, pollock meal, pea fiber, oatmeal, brown rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice, barley)
- Fat: 7% (dry matter)
- Calories: 330 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “Like others who have left reviews, I chose this product for my dog with chronic pancreatitis. My veterinarian recommended a prescription dog food, and this food met the low fat requirements of the prescription food. My dog likes it and is doing well, and I am happy with the ingredients. (I wasn’t satisfied with the ingredients in the recommended prescription diet)”
Fit and Fabulous is a great, holistic option that helps promote a healthy weight in dogs of all ages. It’s easy on the wallet and appealing to picky eaters.
Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe
Merrick Healthy Weight is a grain-free, low-calorie dog food with 8% fat and 34% protein. Its main sources of protein are beef and chicken meal, but it also contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to help promote a healthy coat, especially for pets with skin allergies.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 9% (dry matter)
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “My 12 y o lab mix has struggled with skin problems for years…including a $118 monthly prescription. I changed to Merrick for other reasons but incredibly his skin problems resolved within a month of changing to this food and have remained resolved for months!”
Made without gluten or artificial flavors, Merrick Healthy Weight is an ideal choice for anyone hunting for a grain-free and low-calorie dog food from a trusted brand.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dog Food
Royal Canin Low Fat Dog Food is a professionally prescribed gastrointestinal dog food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. The recipe is not rated on this website due to its intentional therapeutic design.
RC Low Fat derives its protein from chicken by-product and is intended to help pups easily digest fat. It contains just 5% fat and 20% protein, and includes grains like brewers rice and wheat.
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brewers rice, wheat, barley)
- Fat: 5% (dry matter)
- Calories: 240 kcal/cup
- Price: $$$
Actual buyer review… “My dogs love this food and I can see a difference. My dog has been very sick from pancreatitis and since they started eating this food, within two weeks they have been so much better. No more throwing up and upset belly.”
Royal Canin is a prescription solution for dogs with sensitive stomachs who could stand to drop a few pounds… or could benefit from eating a pro-grade, low fat recipe. It’s a smart solution for dogs who suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food is a protein-rich, low-fat dry food that’s both grain-free and optimal for sensitive stomachs. With 33% protein and 11% fat, this food will keep even the hungriest pups full until the next mealtime. The primary protein sources are turkey and chicken meal.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, potatoes, peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 11% (dry matter)
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “Our shih tzu has pancreatitis and we struggled with finding a food that will help her. As soon as we made the switch we noticed immediate improvement in her energy level. Wellness has now become our favorite brand and the dogs love it!”
A premium quality product containing an unusually generous amount of protein. Consider Wellness Core for any dog with a big appetite… and would also benefit from a premium-grade, low-fat recipe.
Highly recommended.
Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Weight Management Formula
Dr. Tim’s Metabolite is a tasty dry food that focuses on lean proteins, such as chicken meal, to fuel your pup while cutting calories. It’s made up of 11% fat and 30% protein, and contains grains like brown rice and oats. It’s a low-calorie dog food that doesn’t sacrifice protein or carbs.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oat groats)
- Fat: 11% (dry matter)
- Calories: 269 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “5 months of feeding my dog Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Dry Dog Food & cutting her food in half, she’s lost 30 pounds! She went from weighing 88 pounds & being tired/lazy to weighing 58 pounds & being active/back to her original self before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The vet is really proud of her & she’s back at being the perfect weight she should be.”
This kibble is not only low in fat, it’s also low in calories. So, if your dog has a lot of weight to lose or is suffering from a digestive condition requiring a special diet, an appetizing and protein-rich food like Dr. Tim’s is a great way to keep her feeling full.
Earthborn Holistic Weight Control Formula
Earthborn Holistic Weight Control is a low-fat dry dog food that uses plant-based ingredients to keep your dog full. Its protein source is chicken meal, and it’s made up of 8% fat and 25% protein. Formulated without grains, it also contains a mix of healthy fatty acids and minerals to promote overall health.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, peas, tapioca, pea fiber, tomato pomace
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 8% (dry matter)
- Calories: 325 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “I needed to keep my lab/rottie on grain free because of her allergies but she was gaining weight on it. My vet said most grain free dog foods are packed with calories. So I did my research and chose this brand. My girl is flake free still and has lost a few lbs.”
An affordable, grain-free, option containing just 8% fat. A brand with no recalls and a solid safety reputation.
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken is made with lean chicken to give your dog a healthy source of protein without added fat. Each serving contains 10% fat and 30% protein, and is entirely grain-free. It also contains added L-Carnitine to boost your pet’s metabolism and jumpstart weight loss.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, tapioca starch
- Type: Grain-free
- Fat: 10% (dry matter)
- Calories: 353 kcal/cup
- Price: $$
Actual buyer review… “We have always loved the Blue Buffalo food for our Rhodesian Ridgeback. We recently switched him to the healthy weight version, and he loves it. Our vet saw him recently and commented on how great his weight and health is for a dog who is nearly 9 years old. Great product!”
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight is ideal for picky eaters who need to shed a few pounds… or dogs that could otherwise benefit from a low-fat diet. Though low in calories and low in fat, it’s also fairly high in protein… so your pup won’t go hungry.
Video: Dr. Karen Becker
Pet Pancreatitis and How to Avoid It
Got a dog with pancreatitis? In the following video, Dr. Karen Becker, a popular holistic veterinarian, shares what causes this painful disease…
And what you can do to prevent the condition from returning.
More Top Picks
A Final Word
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Important FDA Alert
The FDA is investigating a potential link between diet and heart disease in dogs. Click here for details.