Dog food contains a specific ratio of protein, carbs, and fat, just like human food. Dogs must consume fat as part of their diet to meet their nutritional needs; however, some only require a small amount.
Low calorie dog foods are given to overweight dogs to help them consume fewer calories. Additionally, some dogs have medical issues like pancreatitis or irritable bowel syndrome that require them to consume a low-calorie diet.
Maintaining your pet’s health and happiness depends largely on your knowledge of his nutritional requirements. You’re in the right place if your dog needs low-calorie food.
So, we’ve listed in this article the top 18 low calorie foods for dogs. Find out more about these foods as you continue reading to make the best choice for your Dogs.
What are low calorie foods?
When attempting to lose weight, most people pay close attention to their calorie consumption.
What does calorie mean? A calorie is a unit of measurement for the energy present in food or the body’s tissues.
Low calorie food is a food item that cannot supply the body with the calories it needs but requires more energy to consume, digest, and absorb.
Therefore, one of the best suggestions for weight loss is to concentrate on consuming fewer calories while using more of your stored energy through physical activity.
Your dogs should also consume low-calorie diets for the reasons listed below.
A low-calorie diet can be successful but requires a lot of effort.
Why dogs should eat low calories foods
A dog may require a low-calorie diet for a variety of reasons. Although, it’s crucial to remember that not all dogs will benefit from it. Dietary fat is essential for preserving your dog’s health. So, it is ideal for feeding your beloved pet regular dog food unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
A low-calorie diet is frequently prescribed for dogs who suffer from pancreatitis since it relieves the pancreas of some of its work, allowing your dog’s body to rest and repair itself.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a similarly comparable condition, frequently necessitates a low-calorie diet.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another medical problem in dogs that often improves with a low-calorie diet. This results in prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
After switching to a low-calorie diet, some dogs experience a decrease in symptoms, especially those that have trouble digesting dietary fats. A low-calorie diet is a quick and easy technique to lower caloric intake for dogs who are overweight or obese.
Weight reduction happens naturally as your dog eats fewer calories and gets more exercise like dog walking.
18 healthy low calorie foods for dogs
1. The Farmers Dog Chicken Recipe
Key ingredients: Chicken, Brussel sprouts, chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli
Protein content: 11.5%
Fat content: 8.5%
Calories: 590 k/cal per pound
The Farmer’s Dog is the greatest option if you’re searching for low-calorie, wholesome, homemade food for your dog. Using only fresh foods, this company develops customized meal programs. Your dog’s weight, age, exercise level, and breed all factor into the meal regimens.
Customers claim their dogs have smoother fur, less inflammation, and improved weight control. The expense of this lunch service is a drawback. Although it costs more, it is a healthier eating alternative. Additionally, since the meal is fresh, you cannot store it on a shelf like dry dog food or canned wet food.
2. Health Extension Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Key ingredients: Organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 288 k/cal per cup
This food includes non-GMO products without artificial colors or preservatives and organic deboned chicken as its major protein source.
This food has the fewest calories per cup on this list and uses 50% less fat than the original Health Extension recipe.
This food is the greatest choice for dogs that need to lose weight on a budget because of the high-quality ingredients, fat content, and calorie ratio. For every pound of food, you get roughly 4 cups of kibble.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe
Key ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, pea fiber, corn gluten meal
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 299 k/cal per cup
The main protein sources in this low-calorie, low-fat dish are chicken and pea fiber.
Science has demonstrated that Hill is effective for weight loss and management. L-carnitine and coconut oil have been added to this high-protein, high-fiber mix to improve your dog’s metabolism. Within just 10 weeks, more than 70% of dogs fed this diet lose weight. You can choose from four weight loss recipes if your dog is a picky eater.
4. Purina Pro Plan Sports Development 30, 20 Chicken & Rice High Protein
Key ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 20%
Calories: 472 k/cal per cup
A puppy needs roughly 990 calories daily on average.
Puppy activity needs a few extra calories to support growth and activity.
Purina Pro Plan Sports Development is a fantastic choice for pups who burn many calories. With chicken as the main protein source, this dish is rich in protein to aid muscle growth. This meal contains extra fat to aid strength and endurance compared to other Purina Pro Plan puppy recipes. DHA, EPA, taurine, choline, and vitamin C are also present for healthy brain development.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Key ingredients: Deboned lamb, chicken meal, whole grain barley, rice bran, whole grain brown rice
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 7% min
Calories: 240 k/cal per cup
This recipe is very low in calories but high in fiber for healthy digestion and to keep your dog feeling satisfied for longer.
This diet contains a wonderful mix of vegetables for added nutrition and has roughly 4 cups of kibble per pound.
The limited size of Nutro’s Healthy Weight dish and the food’s high carb content (about 49%) is its greatest drawbacks.
You’re better off trying something else if your dog has diabetes because the suggested carb content for diabetic dogs is between 25% and 30%.
6. VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Key ingredients: Beef meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain millet, grain sorghum, chicken fat
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 11.5%
Calories: 360 k/cal per cup
This recipe is high in protein to help muscle and higher in fat to help with aging.
This diet incorporates glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, which is crucial for elderly dogs that are overweight.
This bag contains 4 cups of kibble per pound. You don’t need to buy separate food brands for each dog because adult canines of all ages can benefit from this meal. The drawback of this recipe is that some dogs have diarrhea and constipation. You might wish to try a new food if this occurs.
7. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Fit & Healthy Natural Weight Control
Key ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley brown rice
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 324 k/cal per cup
This meal is an economical dog food with extra fiber to make your dog feel satisfied for a long time. On this list, it also has the most protein.
Particularly with little dogs—like the Pug on the bag’s front—many owners have shared their dogs’ great weight loss journeys!
However, many pet owners didn’t experience that problem with this recipe.
Blue Buffalo has caused gastrointestinal (GI upset with their other recipes in several dogs.
Although the ingredient list is lengthy for nutritious food, most contain vitamins.
This can be a good weight-loss choice for your dog if you can get over the fishy smell!
8. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food
Key ingredients: Pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 6%
Calories: 343 k/cal per cup
Despite having the least fat on this list of higher-calorie foods, this recipe is an excellent choice for dogs who need less fat without changing their caloric intake.
Although pork is the primary protein source rather than fish or chicken, it contains chicken meal, turkey meal, and chicken fat. Glucosamine and hydrochloride are also included for the health of the hips and joints.
This food’s major drawback is the size of the kibble. Large breeds could find it insufficient. Some owners said their bags also contained a lot of kibble dust.
9. Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe
Key ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 325 k/cal per cup
This recipe includes chicken, lamb, and salmon for lean muscle and a beautiful coat. This diet contains a wonderful mix of vegetables for added nutrition and has roughly 4 cups of kibble per pound.
For dogs weighing between 15 and 65 pounds, Nutro’s weight-management recipe works well. Not weight loss, but weight control, is also a benefit. So, you might want to try a different food if your dog’s goal is to lose weight. However, regular exercise is essential if your dog wants to continue losing weight.
10. Freshpet Dog Food Nature’s Fresh Chicken Loaf
Key ingredients: Chicken, carrots, pea protein, eggs, natural flavors
Protein content: 17%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 261 k/cal per cup
This dish is a chilled meal loaf rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fresh protein.
It’s a little different from canned food because it requires constant refrigeration and lacks gravy.
Dogs adore biting into fresh meat, so we appreciate this alternative.
Additionally, it’s low in calories, non-GMO, and a wonderful substitution for dry food.
If your doctor advises otherwise, most dogs should consume some grain in their diet, even if this meal is grain-free. If you have to avoid wheat, certain allergic dogs might benefit from this meal.
11. Pupper Chicken Topper
Key ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, brown rice, and flax
Calories: N/A
Fat content: N/A
Pupper Fuel is made with all the nutrients required for your dog to achieve peak health and performance. All-natural, premium ingredients are used to make this grain-free food. Your dog will look forward to each meal if you use the chicken recipe.
This low-fat dog food is ideal for puppies with dietary restrictions or dogs that need to lose a few pounds. By giving your dog Pupper Fuel, you can be sure he is getting all the nutrients he needs to feel and perform at his best.
12. Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dry Dog Food
Key ingredients: Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, and yellow peas
Calories: 368 kcal per cup
Fat content: 7% minimum
It’s never been more delicious to keep in shape!
With fewer calories and fiber than other Nulo recipes, Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dry Dog Food provides excellent protein sources.
Along with low glycemic components, it has 74% animal-based protein.
You can feel comfortable giving your dog this kibble because it only contains 7% fat. Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dry Dog Food will assist your dog in becoming the pup he desires.
13. Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat Formula
Key ingredients: Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, and tapioca
Calories: 350 kcal per cup
Fat content: 7% minimum
Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat Formula dog chow is a lean formula with half the fat of other brand recipes. The premium protein sources for this dry kibble include chicken, duck, and herring.
L-carnitine is present in greater concentrations in the formula, which helps to increase fat metabolism while promoting lean muscle building.
Chicken meals, lentils, field peas, and other delectable ingredients your dog is sure to adore are used to make this low-fat dog food.
Prebiotics, chelated minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids are healthy ingredients in every serving.
14. Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula
Key ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, whole grain corn, and corn gluten meal
Calories: 364 kcal per cup
Fat content: 9% minimum
Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula will help your dog feel his best while he loses weight.
This dry kibble diet has an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to keep your dog’s lean muscle mass while decreasing weight.
This low-fat snack has a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber that feeds and maintains good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula is enhanced with live probiotics that are proven active to support immunological and digestive health.
To maintain the skin’s and coat’s health, it also contains vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids.
15. Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control
Key ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas
Calories: 320 kcal per cup
Fat content: 6.5% minimum
While it’s true that fat dogs are incredibly adorable, extra weight harms your dog’s health. A high-quality, low-fat meal can help your dog lose weight.
To assist your dog in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, they created Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control.
Even the pickiest dog won’t turn his nose to the flavor of Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control dog chow since it is naturally tasty.
16. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Key ingredients: Pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, and oatmeal
Calories: 343 kcal per cup
Fat content: 6% minimum
Your dog will love mealtimes if you feed him Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food. Despite having no fillers like wheat, maize, or animal by-products, the tasty pork, chicken, and fish recipe offers a lot of protein.
This dry kibble has 11% fewer calories without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Their special protein and carbohydrate composition include oatmeal, barley, and flaxseed. The food also includes glucosamine to safeguard your dog’s joints and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
17. Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe
Key ingredients: Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turkey meal
Calories: 354 kcal per cup
Fat content: 10% minimum
With raw ingredients from reliable local farmers, Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe delivers a nutritious and well-balanced recipe.
It’s made to keep your dog satisfied and energized while aiding with weight loss. This recipe has 45% fresh produce and 55% proteins from beef and chicken.
Each portion includes nutrient-dense foods like sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries that are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Additionally, the mix includes easily absorbed carbohydrates that provide your dog with all-day energy.
18. Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken
Key ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch
Calories: 353 kcal per cup
Fat content: 10% minimum
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken will satisfy your dog’s inner wolf.
This high-protein dry dog food is created with deboned chicken for your dog’s natural meat appetite.
The dish is flavorful and packed with nutrients despite having few calories.
Both delicious and nutrient-dense, Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken is a great option.
Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are present in every serving, maintaining the suppleness and health of your dog’s skin and coat. Soy, wheat, corn, and animal by-products are all absent from this grain-free mix.
Conclusion
Your dog’s health and happiness may change if you switch to low-calorie dog food.
Feeding your dog a low-calorie and balanced diet is a fantastic alternative if you want to help it lose some weight.
Ensure your dog’s veterinarian has given the go-ahead before making the change.
You can make sure your dog is receiving food that best satisfies his dietary and nutritional demands in this way.