Hi Mariah- I believe your friend is being fueled on somewhat outdated information. There is more of a correlation to weight loss with higher protein foods than weight gain. However, dogs utilize quality animal protein much better than plant proteins so that has to be factored in. Also calories must be taken into account as well. I feed foods that range from 24% protein to upwards of 40% and my dog continues to maintain an ideal weight. I am also very careful about how much I feed and I decrease the amount I feed if he goes over 67 lbs which is the max ideal weight according to the AKC for his breed (American Staffordshire Terrier). I also don’t give a lot of treats in my house. They are rare and taken into account when feeding.
Also keep the fats in the range of low/moderate. Some people have had luck with WellnessCORE reduced fat. I personally have never needed a food marketed for weight loss if my boy needs to lose a couple pounds.
