7 Best Dog Foods For Weight Management in 2024

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to your dog’s long-term health and well-being, so it’s really important to make sure that if he gets a little chunky, it brings him back to his healthy weight. 

To do this, it is vital that you find the best dog food for weight management and weight loss that works with your dog’s digestive system. 

Some dogs have slow metabolisms and pile on the pounds easily, while some dogs, no matter how much they eat, will never seem to get fat, and just like us humans, they are all different.

Before reading this guide it is important to understand that weight loss food should never be given to puppies, as these foods do not have the nutrients and growth power they need to become healthy adults. 

Weight management foods are only intended for those dogs that need to lose weight or those dogs that are very sedentary and are susceptible to rapid weight gain.

In this guide, we’ll tell you how to know if you’re overweight, why you might be gaining weight, other weight loss tips, and our favorite weight loss kibble. So whether you are here because your vet told you your dog needs to lose some weight, or you think he has put on some lump after Christmas and you want to move him, then read this complete guide to canine weight loss.

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7 Best Dog Foods For Weight Management 

The recipes listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your pup to new dog food, please consult with your veterinarian. 

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1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 13% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3191 kcal/kg (299 kcal/cup)
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Weight Control, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• Hill’s Science Diet is made and recommended by veterinarians and nutritionists across America which means that because this recipe is trusted by professionals, you can also trust that your dog is in the best hands. 

• It is clinically proven to help dogs lose weight in just 10 weeks according to their study. It has L-Carnitine listed in the ingredients, as well as plenty of added vitamins and minerals to support her overall well-being. 

• There are plenty of fibrous ingredients like carrots, peas, and dried beetroot pulp to keep it full, as well as antioxidants like apples and cranberries.

• This recipe still provides a high level of protein, with chicken being the first ingredient, so this healthy recipe doesn’t compromise on taste or the ability to repair muscle mass. 

• This recipe is based on grains, as it includes ingredients such as barley and corn, but this makes it a great option for those who do not wish to feed their dog a grain-free diet. 

• It also has prebiotic fiber, with many owners claiming this was great for their dog’s sensitive stomach. This is one of the best weight loss dog foods, and Blue Buffalo is a brand we constantly see on our other lists.

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2. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3346 kcal/kg, 325 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Non-GMO, Molasses-Free, Natural, Pea-Free, Weight Control, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein

Reasons to suggest–

• This recipe is made with real chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal, which not only meets your protein needs.

• This recipe is also high in glucosamine and chondroitin which supports healthy bones and joints, which is important if you are particularly overweight. or if it is an older dog. 

• The grains are brown and healthy, which means that not only is it easier to digest, but it doesn’t raise their sugar levels, which leads to a constant appetite rather than persistent hunger.

•  Many online reviewers have commented that after trying many weight control recipes, including veterinary prescription kibble, this is by far the best and most effective they have tried.

• It is filled with natural superfoods like spinach, kale, carrots, coconut, blueberries, and apples to support her immune system, as well as flaxseed and Omega 3 fatty acids which promote a healthy coat and skin, and not only help her lose weight but also keeps it in good general condition.

•  It has the lowest fiber content on this list, making it a good option for those little dogs that don’t do well on a high-fiber diet.

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3. Nulo Adult Trim Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Deboned Cod, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Lentils, Yellow Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,122 kcal/kg, 368 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control, Gluten Free, High-Protein, Low Glycemic

Reasons to suggest–

• This recipe has the lowest fat content on this list, which helps keep your dog fit and healthy.

•  It is filled with turkey, cod, and salmon meals which is a great source of protein and has no chicken meat.

• With lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes he will feel fuller for longer, and this will hopefully reduce his food demand between meals.

• This grain-free recipe has been reviewed by many other dog owners as one of the best around for their dog’s sensitive stomach, as not only is it higher in fiber, but it also has a unique blend of BC30 probiotics, which promote healthy intestinal flora and digestion.

• It also aids in a healthy metabolism, and in combination with L-carnitine, your dog will burn fat more efficiently than standard kibble.

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4. ORIJEN Fit and Trim Dog Food, Healthy Weight Recipe

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Turkey, Cod
• Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3490 kcal/kg, 401 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Medium Breeds, Small Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, Weight Control, High-Protein, Natural, Gluten Free, Raw, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• This premium recipe has the highest calorie content on this list, so if you have a super hog puppy, this may not be the best option for you, But it’s great for those dogs who are still energetic and need their energy, and it’s still much lower in calories than another standard kibble. 

• Despite being a healthy diet recipe, this ingredient list doesn’t skimp on protein with the top five ingredients being high-quality protein.

• It will keep his lean muscles healthy and provide him with a biologically appropriate diet just like nature intended it to be.

•  While the idea of ​​cartilage, liver, and heart may not appeal to you, it will drive your dog crazy!
• This Orijen formula is packed with antioxidants and is often compared to other high-quality dog ​​food brands. Omega-3 fatty acids. 

• After rich sources of protein, the rest of this recipe is made with nutritious, antioxidant fiber, such as squash, zucchini, apples, blueberries, and parsnips, and is also grain-free.

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5. Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food Recipes

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Mea
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,345 kcal/kg, 354 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Weight Control

Reasons to suggest–

• This recipe is made with natural proteins and vegetables and has no unsightly or unnecessary fillers. 

• After the premium recipe above, this recipe has the second-highest protein content, which is great for those muscular dogs who need to maintain their muscle mass.

• This recipe has salmon and flaxseed oil which is great. for his skin and his cloak. 

• It has added vitamins and minerals that help promote a healthy immune system, which will keep it fit.

• Reviewers online commented that this recipe was delicious enough for their fussy dogs, so if you have a fussy dog ​​as well, this may be for you. 

• It is also grain-free which is important for owners who wish to feed their dogs a grain-free diet.

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6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food 

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,269 kcal/kg, 353 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-Protein, Weight Control, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• Blue buffaloes almost always make a part of our food recommendations list simply because they are a tried and tested premium brand around the world, always performing well over other competing brands. 

• This healthy-weight recipe is high in fiber like peas, sweet potatoes, and dried chicory root, which keeps pooches fuller longer without the extra calories from fatty ingredients. 

• It also lists L-Carnitine which increases its metabolism and fat-burning potential.

• In addition to the crunchy kibble, they also include their unique LifeSource Bits, which are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that provide it with all the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain a healthy oxidative balance, as well as add a structural difference to maintain your dog is interested.

•  Many reviewers have commented that this recipe offers the same great taste with far less fat and calories than their standard recipe, and their dog hasn’t noticed the change.

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7. Victor Senior Healthy Weight

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients:  Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols)
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 11.50% Crude Fat, 4.50% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3385 kcal/kg, 360 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Weight Control, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• This recipe is designed with senior dogs in mind and offers the perfect blend of lifelong nutrients they need for their aging body and a less energetic lifestyle with less fat and calories than another senior kibble. 

• This gluten-free recipe is made with beef, fish, chicken, pork, and blood meal, which are not only full of protein but are all a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is one of the most important ingredients for older dogs with aging joints, particularly if they carry a lot of extra weight. 

• List L-Carnitine to help your dog burn some more fat given his lazy lifestyle.

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Why Do Dogs Gain Weight

Before doing anything it is important to understand why your dog has become overweight. There are many reasons for this, some are obvious and some are not, but below are some of the more common reasons why your dog may pile on pounds.

Too Much Food

While this might seem like an obvious contributing factor, many owners don’t understand their dog’s nutritional needs. However, it is quite simple, if your dog eats more calories than he burns, he will gain weight.

The amount of food you give your dog will depend on many factors, such as age, breed, and energy levels, so there is no one-size-fits-all rule here. In general, dogs need around 30 calories per pound of weight each day, but you can calculate how much food they should eat with this calorie calculator.

All of our high-quality kibble tips below offer feeding instructions on the package, but if you are unsure how much to feed it, speak to your vet who will be more than happy to advise 

Not Enough Exercise

Exercise is crucial to a healthy body and will help both lose excess weight and maintain it when it has reached its weight goals. Again, all dogs are different, as some need a little exercise, like a King Charles Spaniel, and others, like the Australian Cattle Dog, need it.

Most dogs need between 20 and 60 minutes of exercise each day, with some breeds needing a lot more and some needing less, but if they don’t get the exercise they need, they will become overweight and unhealthy.

As dogs get older, or even if they have temporarily injured themselves and need to recover with rest, they naturally become more sedentary and as such will need less food, so you may find that your vet will recommend food for you. for dogs nutritionally designed for senior dogs accordingly.

Breed Type

Some dog breeds are more prone to piling on pounds than others. For example, the Pug is known to gain weight easily, and many Pugs are fed lower-calorie dog food throughout their adult life. The Labrador is also known to get to hog as he has a missing gene that tells him when he is full so he is always hungry and consumes his dog food constantly.

Some breeds, such as the Greyhound, are super thin, and Siberian Huskies can eat their dog food without worrying about their super-fast metabolism and eat very little while being one of the more energetic dog breeds. 

Illness

If you’re still unsure why your dog might be building pounds, it’s time to take him to his vet, as there may be an underlying cause of his weight gain. Just like us humans, significant weight loss or weight gain could be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.

Although most of these conditions can be managed and are not life-threatening, if left untreated they can cause further problems, so it’s best to look into this again and manage those conditions before they get worse.

Buyer Guide

Hopefully, you now have an idea of ​​why your dog may have gained extra weight, and now is the time to focus on his nutrition. In addition to high-quality all-natural kibble, below are the extra things to look out for in a weight control recipe:

High Fiber Content

Fiber comes from plants and is a form of complex carbohydrate that will satiate your dog longer without a lot of calories. 

While it has little value in terms of nutrients, it is very important as it keeps the digestive system functioning well and removes waste from your dog’s body that could otherwise be harmful, which aids in healthy weight management.

Most weight control kibble will have a high fiber content for these reasons, and high fiber content is anywhere between 6% and 12%. However, not all dogs are comfortable with higher fiber content, so we’ve also included some kibble with a lower fiber content on this list. 

Some of the best high-fiber ingredients in dog food include green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, oats, legumes, apples, and peaches.

Low In Calories And Low In Fat

Most weight control kibble will be low in calories and fat, because quite simply if your dog doesn’t burn what he eats, he will gain weight. If you want your dog to lose weight, then he must eat low-fat, low-calorie kibble.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is a vitamin-like amino acid that aids healthy metabolism and has been scientifically proven to aid weight loss in cats and dogs. Many weight control kibbles will list L-carnitine in their ingredients, so this is another key weight loss ingredient to watch out for.

Other Tips For Losing Weight

While the above kibble is the best around for weight loss, it’s not a miracle cure and your weight loss journey needs more than just the right nutrition, so be sure to implement the following tips.

Exercise: Dr. Ochoa of the American Kennel Club recommends that you create an exercise plan, which you need to stick with too. If your dog is particularly overweight, be sure to start slowly and start the day with a 10-15 minute walk.

Weekly Weight Tracking: Just as you would your weight, be sure to track your weight weekly and keep a journal. Depending on your dog’s size, a few extra pounds may not be visible, but by tracking his weight you can make sure you know you’re feeding him fewer treats and exercising a little more the following week

Patience: Be patient with your dog and remember that crash dieting is just as bad for him as it is for us humans. If you are concerned that he is not losing weight as he should speak to your vet, who will be able to advise you accordingly.

Frequent Questions

Final Thoughts

There will come a time in almost any dog’s life when he’ll put on a little too much weight, but after reading our complete guide you are now equipped with everything you need to know to get him to shed those unwanted pounds.

In order for your dog to lose weight, he must either burn more energy than he eats or eats less than he burns. By finding and eating the best dog foods for weight loss that your dog can digest easily and pairing them with an exercise routine, your pup should lose weight in good time.

After a check to make sure that the weight gain is not the result of something more serious, all of the advice found here should be implemented along with your veterinarian’s advice.