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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.
Best Low Fat Dog Foods October 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best low fat dog food brands for October 2024
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1. JustFoodForDogs
Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh product range received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4.5 stars.Â
Balanced Remedy is one of nine recipes in this range made by Just Food For Dogs, a company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley.
However, you will notice this particular recipe Balanced Remedy is unrated. This is because our review methodology is designed for foods which support everyday feeding of healthy dogs. Foods which are designed for a particular nutritional purpose or veterinary condition can contain ingredients or nutritional values which align with a lower rating, but are necessary and appropriate in formulas which tackle certain issues or concerns. We’ll leave these unrated whilst we consider how best to fairly rate this specialized area of the dog food market.
Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Balance Remedy derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, which is naturally rich in the 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 20% protein, 4% fat and 68% carbohydrates. . . with a fat to protein ratio of 20%.
This Pantry Fresh range is vet-recommended, fresh, human-grade food. They can be stored safely for up to two years (refrigeration is only required once opened).
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Water, turkey, rice, rice starch, sunflower oil Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 20% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs"Balanced Remedy is now the mainstay of both our dogs diets. After a serious bout of pancreatitis instigated by 'commercial' food - too high in fat content - the switch to very low fat, digestible Just Food For Dogs Balanced Remedy was life saving and almost miraculous. Both are now enthusiastic eaters and have returned to excellent health. "
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2. 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 33.3% 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.
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.
Read our review of the full Annamaet Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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3. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Eagle Pack’s Reduced Fat Dog Food contains just 7% fat while still consisting of 26.7% 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.
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.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Formula (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Pork meal, de-hulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26.7% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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4. 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 33.3% 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.
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.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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5. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight
Merrick Healthy Weight is a grain-free, low-calorie dog food with 11% 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.
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.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 34% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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!"
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6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dog Food
UnratedRoyal 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 6% fat and 22% protein, and includes grains like brewers rice and wheat.
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.
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 22% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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7. Wellness Core Reduced Fat
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 37% 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.
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.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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!"
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8. 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 33% protein, and contains grains like brown rice and oats. It’s a low-calorie dog food that doesn’t sacrifice protein or carbs.
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.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oat groats) Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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9. Natural Balance Fat Dogs
Natural Balance Fat Dogs gets the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 29% protein, 8% fat and 55% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 29%.
An affordable, fully-balanced grain-inclusive, option containing just 8% fat… with no recalls and a solid safety reputation. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Fat Dogs (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, dried peas, oat groats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog is a finicky eater. She must be on a low fat dog food and this does the trick. She absolutely loves it."
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10. 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 11% fat and 28% protein. It also contains added L-carnitine to boost your pet’s metabolism and help jumpstart weight loss.
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.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Final word
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