Introduction
Is your dog gaining weight, moving slower, or struggling to stay active? Obesity in dogs leads to joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan.
Meet Daisy, a 7-year-old Labrador. She loved food, but her extra weight made it hard for her to run and play. Her owner switched her to a weight-loss dog food and within months, Daisy lost 10 pounds, became more active, and lived healthier.
If your dog needs to shed extra pounds, this guide covers the best dog food for weight loss, feeding tips, and expert recommendations.
How to Know If Your Dog Needs to Lose Weight
✔ Ribs are hard to feel under fat
✔ Round belly with no waist definition
✔ Gets tired easily after short walks
✔ Struggles to jump on the couch or climb stairs
🐾 Fact: Over 55% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
🚨 Tip: Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) to check if your dog is overweight.
What to Look for in Dog Food for Weight Loss
✔ High-Protein (25-35%) – Helps burn fat while keeping muscles strong
✔ Low-Fat (Less than 12%) – Reduces excess calorie intake
✔ Fiber-Rich Ingredients – Keeps your dog full longer
✔ Low-Calorie Formula – Helps create a calorie deficit
✔ No Fillers or Artificial Additives – Avoids empty calories
🚨 Avoid: Foods high in corn, soy, wheat, and artificial preservatives.
🐾 Tip: Portion control + the right food = successful weight loss.
Best Dog Food for Weight Loss (Top 10 Brands)
1. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight 🏆 (Best Overall for Weight Loss)
✔ Clinically proven for weight loss
✔ Supports lean muscle while burning fat
✔ Recommended by veterinarians
🔹 Calories: 291 kcal per cup
🔹 Protein: 28% | Fat: 11% | Fiber: 13%
🔹 Best For: Overweight dogs needing steady weight loss
🚨 Fact: Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks on this food!
2. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight 🍗 (Best Natural Weight Loss Food)
✔ No artificial fillers or by-products
✔ Includes L-Carnitine to help burn fat
✔ Added antioxidants for immune support
🔹 Calories: 326 kcal per cup
🔹 Protein: 27% | Fat: 10% | Fiber: 10%
🔹 Best For: Dogs needing natural weight control
🐾 Tip: The LifeSource Bits add extra vitamins & minerals.
3. Wellness CORE Reduced Fat 🥩 (Best High-Protein, Low-Fat Option)
✔ 42% less fat than regular dog food
✔ Grain-free, high-protein formula
✔ Glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health
🔹 Calories: 360 kcal per cup
🔹 Protein: 33% | Fat: 10% | Fiber: 12%
🔹 Best For: Active dogs needing lean muscle & weight control
🚨 Fact: High protein helps burn fat while preserving muscle.
4. Purina Pro Plan Weight Management 🥕 (Best Budget Weight Loss Food)
✔ Affordable & effective
✔ Supports metabolism with L-Carnitine
✔ Real chicken as the first ingredient
🔹 Calories: 320 kcal per cup
🔹 Protein: 27% | Fat: 9% | Fiber: 12%
🔹 Best For: Budget-conscious dog owners
🐾 Tip: Lower calories without sacrificing protein.
5. Nutro Ultra Weight Management 🥑 (Best Superfood-Infused Dog Food)
✔ Superfoods like coconut, blueberries & chia seeds
✔ High-fiber for digestion & fullness
✔ Supports metabolism & heart health
🔹 Calories: 335 kcal per cup
🔹 Protein: 26% | Fat: 10% | Fiber: 11%
🔹 Best For: Dogs needing nutrient-rich, weight-control food
🐾 Fact: Omega-3s help maintain skin & coat health while losing weight.
Homemade Weight Loss Dog Food Recipe
Want full control over ingredients? Try homemade meals!
Ingredients:
✔ 1 lb lean ground turkey
✔ 1½ cups brown rice
✔ ½ cup carrots (chopped)
✔ ½ cup green beans
✔ 1 tbsp fish oil (for omega-3s)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook ground turkey until fully browned. Drain fat.
2️⃣ Cook brown rice separately.
3️⃣ Steam carrots & green beans until soft.
4️⃣ Mix everything together & add fish oil.
5️⃣ Let cool before serving.
🐾 Tip: Portion properly & consult a vet before switching to homemade food.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog for Weight Loss?
📌 Reduce daily calories by 10-20% for safe weight loss.
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Daily Calories (Weight Loss Plan) | Food Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 200 – 250 kcal | ½ – ¾ cup |
| 20 lbs | 325 – 400 kcal | 1 – 1¼ cups |
| 40 lbs | 550 – 650 kcal | 1¾ – 2¼ cups |
| 60 lbs | 750 – 850 kcal | 2½ – 3 cups |
| 80 lbs | 900 – 1,100 kcal | 3 – 3½ cups |
| 100 lbs | 1,100 – 1,300 kcal | 3½ – 4½ cups |
🐾 Tip: Feed 2 smaller meals daily instead of 1 large meal to prevent overeating.
Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
✔ Measure portions correctly – No overfeeding!
✔ Limit treats (10% of daily calories max)
✔ Increase exercise (extra 10-20 min walks daily)
✔ Use slow-feed bowls to prevent fast eating
✔ Monitor weight every 2 weeks & adjust food intake
🚨 Warning: Avoid crash diets—safe weight loss is 1-2% of body weight per week.
Conclusion
Daisy’s owner switched her to a weight-loss dog food, controlled portions, and added daily walks. She lost weight, gained energy, and lived a healthier life.
✔ Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight – Best for steady weight loss
✔ Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight – Best natural formula
✔ Wellness CORE Reduced Fat – Best high-protein, low-fat option
🐶 A healthy diet + proper portions = a fit, happy dog!
FAQs
1. What is the best dog food for weight loss?
Hill’s Science Diet, Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight, and Wellness CORE Reduced Fat.
2. How many calories should my dog eat to lose weight?
Reduce intake by 10-20% from normal calorie needs.
3. Can I give treats to a dog on a weight loss diet?
Yes, but treats should be under 10% of daily calories.
4. How fast should a dog lose weight?
Safe weight loss is 1-2% of body weight per week.
5. What human foods help dogs lose weight?
Carrots, green beans, pumpkin, lean meats, and blueberries.
