Dogs with certain medical conditions may require a low-fat diet (often senior dogs, obesity-related conditions, and dogs with kidney or liver disease).
Pets who need to lose a little weight through calorie reduction may also need a little help, and picking the best low-fat dog food brand is one of the ways to do this.
Table of Contents
- 15 Best Low Fat Dog Food Brands
- 1 Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Food by Royal Canin
- 2 Natural Food Reduced Fat by Eagle Pack
- 3 Weight Control Food by Solid Gold
- 4 Natural Food for Pet Weight Control by Earthborn Holistic
- 5 Real Meat Dry Dog Healthy Weight Recipe by Merrick
- 6 Prescription Diet Weight Management by Hill's Pet Nutrition
- 7 Grain Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula by Annamaet
- 8 Limited Ingredient Diets Food by Natural Balance
- 9 Natural Grain Free Food Reduced Fat by Wellness Core
- 10Healthy Weight Management Diet by Victor Dog Food
- 11 Life Protection Formula by Blue Buffalo
- 12 All Life Stages Food by CANIDAE
- 13 Nutrish Natural Food by Rachael Ray
- 14 Protective Health MiniChunks Food by IAMS
- 15 Freeze Dried Pet Foods by Primal
There are plenty of pet food brands out there that proudly flash the “reduced-fat” label, but it can be difficult to choose the best.
Many of these low-fat options lack quality as they reduce the amount of protein in their foods to get rid of this excess fat, leading to unhealthy high-carb, low-protein diets that don’t provide a pup with the nutrition they need.
After analyzing hundreds of brands, below we've picked out the best low-fat dog food brands ranked from having the lowest crude fat content (4.5%) to the highest among low-fat dog foods (14.5%) with a single raw dog food option of lowest fat content (28%).
15 Best Low Fat Dog Food Brands
1 Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Food
by Royal Canin
- Value: $6.2/lb
- Fat content: 4.5% min
- Calories: 240 kcal/cup
With only 4.5% fat content, the Royal Canin Canine Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food boasts the lowest fat amount in America's entire dog food market, making it the best low-fat dog food brand out there.
This formula is made so that it does not place too much stress on a dog’s digestive system, and it uses a formula that is balanced nutritionally and provides a dog with everything they need.
This dog food is composed of a good mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins that are easy to digest, chelated minerals that are quick to be absorbed by the system, and low fiber content to avoid digestive issues.
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Food is best for certain pets who face gastrointestinal problems or otherwise have been prescribed by a veterinarian to pick one of the best low-fat dog food brands.
CRUDE FAT 4.5% min
CRUDE FAT 8.5% max
CRUDE FIBER 3.6% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID (EPA) 0.09% min
DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.04% min
2 Natural Food Reduced Fat
by Eagle Pack
- Value: $1.2/lb
- Fat content: 6.0% min
- Calories: 343 kcal/cup
- LEAN BODY MASS FOR OPTIMAL...
- WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Glucosamine...
- TRIED, TRUSTED AND TRUE:...
- Made in the USA using only the...
- PERFORMANCE NUTRITION: At...
Eagle Pack is a company that has been making products for more than 25 years.
This reduced-fat food is made in the USA and is specifically manufactured to promote a healthy weight in dogs thanks to fewer calories and low-fat content, and it's the second-best low-fat dog food brand out there.
It does not use artificial ingredients like fillers, by-products, wheat, corn, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives.
This dry dog food is made with premium, natural components, mainly meat from pork, fish, and chicken. It has 35% less fat than the brand’s other foods as well as 11% fewer calories, and it provides lots of protein and antioxidants.
The Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food Pork, Chicken & Fish preparation best low-fat dog food brand is also supported by the brand’s special Eagle Pack Guarantee.
CRUDE FAT 6.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.5% min
PHOSPHORUS 1.0% min
VITAMIN E 120 IU/kg min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.4% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.35% min
LACTICACID MICROORGANISMS 70,000,000 CFU/lb
GLUCOSAMINE 320 mg/kg min
3 Weight Control Food
by Solid Gold
- Value: $2.2/lb
- Fat content: 6.5% min
- Calories: 330 kcal/cup
- Treat Your Dog to Something...
- Premium Weight Control - This...
- Probiotic Support for Canine...
- The Best Quality Ingredients -...
- High Fiber, Zero Filler - This...
This Solid Gold's dry food is made to be both low fat and relatively low in calories, and it is made completely naturally and holistically without any gluten, grains, fillers, preservatives, or colorings.
Solid Gold has a great reputation as a company, and this third best low-fat dog food brand is made in the United States and is geared towards adult dogs while being formulated for better weight management.
The Solid Gold Weight Control Dog Food line consists of foods made from a proprietary 20-superfood blend, as well as real chicken that is easy to digest.
These foods have fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes and green beans for a healthier overall diet.
It is said that this best low-fat dog food brand has been designed to help keep the immune system strong while improving the health of the fur and skin.
CRUDE FAT 6.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 9.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
ZINC 200 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 250 IU/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID 50 mg/kg min
TAURINE 0.05% min
L-CARNITINE 25 mg/kg min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.0% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.75% min
DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.1% min
LACTIC ACID BACTERIA 2 x 105 cfu/g min
4 Natural Food for Pet Weight Control
by Earthborn Holistic
- Value: $1.8/lb
- Fat content: 7.0% min
- Calories: 325 kcal/cup
- Grain, gluten, potato-free,...
- Premium chicken meal provides...
- Fibers from vegetables and...
- L-Carnitine helps burn fat and...
- Packaging is BPA-free,...
This fourth best low-fat dog food brand from Earthborn is designed for adult dogs to help manage weight through a low-calorie and low-fat diet.
The brand uses resealable bags for ease, and all packaging is completely free from BPA and is fully recyclable through Earthborn’s own ReBorn/Terracycle recycling program.
Wells Pet Food Earthborn Holistic Natural Food for Pet Weight Control contains a balance of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a shinier coat and fur.
It has a good amount of chondroitin and glucosamine for healthier, stronger joints.
This best low-fat dog food brand makes use of a healthy chicken-based formula along with fiber from apples, carrots, peas, spinach, blueberries, and cranberries. There are no added grains.
CRUDE FAT 7.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 9.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.1% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.8% min
VITAMIN E 250 IU/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID 100 mg/kg min
L-CARNITINE 50 mg/kg min
BETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg min
TAURINE 0.05% min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.4% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.45% min
GLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 250 mg/kg min
5 Real Meat Dry Dog Healthy Weight Recipe
by Merrick
- Value: $2.4/lb
- Fat content: 8.0% min
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- One (1) 25 lb Bag - Merrick...
- Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog...
- Healthy weight dry dog food...
- Real deboned chicken is the...
- Dry food for dogs made with...
This dry food is made in the USA and is specifically made to help maintain a healthy weight in dogs, as well as to qualify as one of the best low-fat dog food brands.
It is made with real deboned beef as its main ingredient, which adds to the 55% of the food made from both poultry and beef for more protein.
The food is completely free from grain as well, allowing it to be digested more easily.
Apart from 55% meat, the Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe also contains 45% vitamins, minerals, and fresh produce.
This ensures that a dog received a large amount of protein and fiber without the perils with too many added calories or extra added fat.
The produce used in this fifth-best low-fat dog food brand includes blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas.
This food also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in better amounts than most other brands and chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and hip health.
CRUDE FAT 8.0% min
CRUDE FAT 11.0% max
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 11.0% max
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID 2.4% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID 0.3.0% min
GLUCOSAMINE 600 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 600 mg/kg min
6 Prescription Diet Weight Management
by Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Value: $5.8/lb
- Fat content: 9.0% min
- Calories: 260 kcal/cup
- Hill's Prescription Diet...
- 96% of dogs lost weight at...
- Helps keep lost weight off and...
- Easy weight loss; dogs lose...
- Activates pet's metabolism for...
With a fat content of around 9%, this sixth-best low-fat dog food brand is ideal for dogs who need to lose some weight or otherwise require lower fat content.
Hill's is known for its scientific approach, and this food has been proven through research to facilitate a body fat loss of 28% in adult dogs within the span of two months, and this is done in a safe and nutritionally sound manner.
This best low-fat dog food formula is meant to ensure weight loss and even help a dog maintain a specific weight, and it is able to improve the metabolism of pups of all kinds in a way that is natural and safe.
Although Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food works best with other foods from this brand’s line, it can work well on its own.
CRUDE FAT 9.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 15.0% max
CALCIUM 0.6% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.55% min
VITAMIN C 115 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 540 IU/kg min
7 Grain Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula
by Annamaet
- Value: $3.2/lb
- Fat content: 9.0% max
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED:...
- PREMIUM NUTRITION: Our...
- SUSTAINABILITY: Annamaet is...
- Annamaet GRAIN-FREE FORMULAS:...
- SOLVING A REAL PROBLEM: At...
The Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula Dog Food claims to contain only half of the lean fat content than most other traditional dog food brands have, and indeed their fat percentage makes it one of the best low-fat dog food brands out there.
It contains ingredients such as chickpeas, tapioca, carrots, potato, lettuce, spinach, watercress, parsley, and cranberries, and also has sources of vitamins C, A, B12, and D3.
However, take this with a grain of salt, as its main ingredients and meat sources are chicken meal, duck meal, and herring meal.
Though it is stuffed with healthy sources of nutrition, its ingredients do not denote the absolute best low-fat dog food brand varieties, and you may want to look at other higher fat options too.
CRUDE FAT 9.0% max
CRUDE FAT 7.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.5% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
ASH 7.5% max
DHA 0.2% min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.0% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.6% min
L-CARNITINE 35 mg/kg min
8 Limited Ingredient Diets Food
by Natural Balance
- Value: $2.1/lb
- Fat content: 10.0% min
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Contains (1) 26 pound bag of...
- Premium dog food for adult...
- Produced in the USA with the...
- Features real lamb as the...
- Provides essential amino acids...
This dry food only has a fat content percentage of 10% and is of limited ingredient formulation.
It contains a very small number of ingredients that can actually affect your dog or cause any allergies to limit a pup’s overall exposure to too many different varieties of food components, and it's one of the best low-fat dog food brands with a limited ingredient recipe out there.
No preservatives, colorings, or flavors are used in its manufacture.
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food also comes in other flavors equally low in fat, including Lamb and Rice, Beef and Sweet Potato, and Bison.
In all cases, this food uses premium quality ingredients that ensure a dog receives the right amount of carbs and protein daily.
Each purchase of this best low-fat dog food brand is protected by the Natural Balance Buy with Confidence Promise, which guarantees that 9 safety tests are performed on all batches of food released.
CRUDE FAT 10.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 0.6% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.5% min
DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA) 0.05% min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 1.1% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% min
9 Natural Grain Free Food Reduced Fat
by Wellness Core
- Value: $3.1/lb
- Fat content: 10.0% min
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD:...
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE...
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH &...
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY:...
- MADE IN USA: Using only the...
The reduced-fat formula (9-10% fat content) in this food is made without any grains at all and is chock full of protein, and with reputation, Wellness have, this is easily one of the best low-fat dog food brands out there (though not the lowest content).
All ingredients used are natural and premium and made in the United States.
The food is designed to provide a balanced diet and meet all of a pup’s food needs.
The Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat makes use of real chicken, real turkey, and real salmon oil, as well as containing a wealth of probiotics and nutrients, including blueberries and flaxseed.
This ninth-best low-fat dog food brand boasts that it contains 80% more protein than the average food brand, too.
A Wellness Guarantee also supports the whole Wellness brand for peace of mind.
CRUDE FAT 10.0% – 12.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 8.5% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.9% max
PHOSPHORUS 1.3.0% max
VITAMIN E 400 IU/kg
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.20% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.4% min
GLUCOSAMINE 250 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 200 mg/kg min
BETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg min
TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* +80,000,000 CFU/lb min
10Healthy Weight Management Diet
by Victor Dog Food
- Value: $1.6/lb
- Fat content: 11.5% min
- Calories: 370 kcal/cup
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This dry food is the perfect variety for senior dogs who a vet has prescribed to use one of the best low-fat dog food brands in their diet.
With only 11.5% fat content, it is specifically made to provide a balanced, complete diet to senior pups based.
It has a good amount of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are both responsible for healthy joint support.
Victor Dog Food Senior Healthy Weight Management Diet Dog Food with Glucosamine does not contain extremely high amounts of protein at only 27%. Only 72% of that meat is from beef, pork, chicken, or fish sourced within the United States.
This might raise some eyebrows among dog owners.
However, all ingredients used in this tenth best low-fat dog food brand are high quality, and the food contains important components like Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and DHA.
CRUDE FAT 11.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.5% max
MOISTURE 9.0% max
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.6% min
ZINC 150 mg/kg min
SELENIUM 0.4 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 150 IU/kg min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.4% min
L-CARNITINE 50 mg/kg min
DHA 0.1% min
GLUCOSAMINE 1,100 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN 300 mg/kg min
11 Life Protection Formula
by Blue Buffalo
- Value: $1.3/lb
- Fat content: 14.0% min
- Calories: 378 kcal/cup
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo...
- FOR ADULT DOGS: BLUE Life...
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE...
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry...
- PACKAGING MAY VARY: Contains...
The eleventh best low-fat dog food brand from (in)famous Blue Buffalo has a 14% fat content percentage and, as its name suggests, is designed to help keep a pup healthy and aid in their journey to a long and happy life while boosting the immune system.
It makes use of the BLUE brand’s special LifeSource Bits, which consist of a mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals curated by animal nutritionists and holistic veterinarians.
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula makes use of real meat, with selections available that include lamb, chicken, and fish, and uses high-quality whole grains in their ingredients – most notably brown rice.
These Blue Buffalo best low-fat dog food recipes also use healthy fruit and veggies and are made with glucosamine, which is great for the joints.
Each bag also contains a good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and fur.
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.0% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.7% min
OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% min
OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS 3.0% min
GLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg min
12 All Life Stages Food
by CANIDAE
- Value: $1.6/lb
- Fat content: 14.5% min
- Calories: 468 kcal/cup
- Contains 1- 27 lb. Bag of...
- Nutritionally dense kibble...
- Complete and balanced goodness...
- Formulated with antioxidants...
- Canidae is creating a world of...
Canidae's best low-fat dog food brand contender is suitable for all sorts of dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes and contains only 14.5% fat.
This formula was created while consulting veterinarians and only uses premium quality ingredients, meaning there are no fillers, by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. The aim is to create a nutritionally dense food, even with less fat content.
The CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Dry Food makes use of top-grade protein sources, with flavors like chicken, fish, turkey, and lamb, sometimes with brown rice too.
There is also the option of purchase the “less active” variety of this food, which boasts 27% less fat content and is primarily geared towards senior dogs or those who don’t get as much activity but can be another perfect addition to your list of best low-fat dog food brands.
CRUDE FAT 14.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6) 3.7% min
ALPHA LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) 0.5% min
VITAMIN E 200 IU/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) 50 mg/kg min
GLUCOSAMINE 700 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 250 mg/kg min
LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS 100,000,000 CFU/lb min
CELLULASE 100 CMCU/kg min
13 Nutrish Natural Food
by Rachael Ray
- Value: $0.9/lb
- Fat content: 14.0% min
- Calories: 326 kcal/cup
- Contains one (1) 40-pound bag...
- Now more nutritious and...
- Natural dry dog food for adult...
- Includes Nutrish’s Whole...
- A portion of the proceeds from...
With a 14% fat content, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food may not have the lowest fat out of the other mentioned best low-fat dog food brand options on this list, but it certainly is a trendy brand.
It touts itself as a natural dog food, and sure enough, it does not contain artificial preservatives or flavorings, nor does it use filler ingredients, meat by-products, or wheat gluten.
All meat used in this food is farm-raised in the United States and uses true meat as its main ingredient. Some added chelated minerals and vitamins make the entire food a great option for most dogs.
This thirteenth best low-fat dog food brand also contains natural prebiotics that claims to support digestion, making that bodily process healthier and smoother.
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 12.0% max
LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID) 1.5% min
ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID) 0.1% min
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 1.0% min
ZINC 250 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 225 IU/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID 55 mg/kg min
14 Protective Health MiniChunks Food
by IAMS
- Value: $1/lb
- Fat content: 14.0% min
- Calories: 380 kcal/cup
- Adult Dry Dog Food: Give your...
- Veterinarians Recommend IAMS:...
- Complete and Balanced...
- Tailored to Your Dog: We carry...
- IAMS Super Premium Dog Food:...
Although this brand is yet another option with a higher crude fat percentage than many other best low-fat dog food brands mentioned above, it is still relatively low in fat and was designed for healthy living and provides a healthy, low-calorie diet.
It is also relatively well-known for having a good nutritional balance, meaning its fat content is not high to begin with. The IAMS brand is also fairly commonly recommended by veterinarians, so there is some credibility.
The brand ensures the use of farm-raised chicken for maximum protein, meaning that real meat is its main ingredient.
The IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food also uses only wholesome grains, healthy vegetables, fruits, and beet pulp, and a good number of prebiotics, antioxidants, and fiber.
The food also contains L-Carnitine, which keeps metabolism running healthily.
The company has a great reputation among pet owners, and this is one of the best low-fat dog food brands you can pick out there.
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.05% min
L-CARNITINE 30 mg/kg min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.14% min
15 Freeze Dried Pet Foods
by Primal
- Value: $2.9/oz
- Fat content: 28.0% min
- Calories: 150 kcal/oz
- Premium freeze dried raw dog...
- Upgrade from kibble. Minimally...
- Serve as a complete & balanced...
- Convenient & delicious raw...
- Crafted in the USA. Wholesome...
We couldn't go through the list of best low-fat dog food brands without including at least one such option of a different kind.
This food is the only raw variety of food here, and for those who feed their dog's raw diets and want something low fat, it’s a good option.
The food contains about 28% crude fat (and most of their other formulas contain about 25-30% too), fat, and is made up of 85% venison, bone, and organs, with the remaining 15% consisting of fresh produce and other supplements.
Made in the USA with meats found locally and in New Zealand, this unique nugget food is completely soy and grain-free.
Primal Freeze-Dried Pet Foods do not use any meat with added hormones or steroid and uses only certified organic minerals and produce.
The inclusion of bone within the ground food is to provide some calcium in a dog’s diet.
All ingredients included are calculated to provide a dog with all the nutrients they need.
If you're looking for the best low-fat dog food brands that are freeze-dried and/or raw, this is your best option.
CRUDE FAT 28.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 4.0% max
ASH 6.0% max
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