Dec 01, 2020 May 13, 2022

Weight loss dog food can be part of your dog's fitness journey. These specially-formulated foods can help your dogs get the nutrition they need for overall health while limiting their caloric intake.

Some weight loss dog foods are only available with authorization from your vet. You'll have to enter some information about your dog and your veterinarian at check-out, and the store will complete your order after contacting your vet to ensure your purchase has been approved. 

Which weight loss dog food is best? This simple guide will make it easier for you to select the right one for your dog.

Dry Weight Loss Dog Food

Dry food is easy to store. It also usually comes in a variety of sizes, so you can purchase according to your budget or dog's feeding needs. Our top suggestions include:

Best Overall
Our Score 9.8 Out of 10
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Best Mid Range
Our Score 9.6 Out of 10
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Cheaper Choice
Our Score 9.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 9.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 9.2 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.9 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.7 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.4 Out of 10
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Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Dog Food

Our Score 9.8 out of 10
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight & Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Weight & Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food chewy.com Check price

Nutritionists & veterinarians developed Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine clinical nutrition specially to help manage your dog's weight and joint health. In fact, Metabolic + Mobility C...

This food, available with your vet's authorization, has been clinically proven to reduce your dog's weight by 13 percent in as little as two months. It also improves mobility and joint health with Omega-3, glucosamine, and chondroitin. 

Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Dog Food

Our Score 9.6 out of 10
Purina ONE Weight Management, Natural Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Healthy Weight Formula - 31.1 lb. Bag
Purina ONE Weight Management, Natural Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Healthy Weight Formula - 31.1 lb. Bag amazon.com Check price

31.1 Lb. Bag - Purina One Smartblend Natural Healthy Weight Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Real Turkey Is The #1 Ingredient
Contains 25% Less Fat, 15% Fewer Calories Than Purina One Smartblend Lamb & R...

Turkey is the first ingredient, and this choice boasts 25 percent less fat and 15 percent fewer calories than Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Rice. It has glucosamine for joint health and antioxidants for a strong immune system.

Royal Canin Large Weight Care Dog Food

Our Score 9.4 out of 10
Royal Canin Large Weight Care Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag
Royal Canin Large Weight Care Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag amazon.com Check price

Large Weight Care dry dog food (formerly Maxi Weight Care) is formulated for large dogs 15 months and older weighing 56-100 lbs. and prone to weight gain
Helps dogs feel full with an optimal combin...

This is formulated for adult dogs weighing 56-100 pounds that have a tendency to pack on extra pounds. It has 31 percent less fat than Royal Canin Large Adult dog food and plenty of fiber to help your dog feel full. With this food, nearly nine in 10 slightly overweight dogs lost weight in about two months. 

Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe

Our Score 9.4 out of 10
Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food chewy.com Check price

Help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight with Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Healthy Weight Recipe. This recipe is made with 55% protein and healthy fat, with deboned beef as the very firs...

The first ingredient is deboned beef; it's got glucosamine and Omega-6 and -3, too. It's ideal for adult dogs of all breeds who need to lose weight while avoiding grains. 

Feeding Your Dog Dry Weight Loss Food

Weight loss dog foods should be as nutritionally complete as any other formula so that you don't have to supplement your dog's diet. The weight management food won't help if your dog is getting extra calories from treats and table scraps. 

How to Choose a Dry Dog Food

As with any dog food, you want a weight loss formula with a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient. Healthy weight recipes are typically lower in fat and calories, and they may be higher in fiber to promote digestion and feelings of fullness. From there, it's largely about your dog's needs and preferences.

Transitioning to a New Food

Most packages often give recommendations on gradually introducing the new food by feeding it in combination with the old food, adding a little more of the new one each day over the course of a week or two. This gradual introduction can reduce the odds of an upset stomach. 

Even though large bags typically offer better value, buy a small bag the first time to make sure your dog likes the food and doesn't have any physical reactions to it. 

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dry food has less moisture than wet food. But as long as your dog has plenty of fresh water available, you don't need to add any water to the meal.

Wet Weight Loss Dog Food

If your dog loves canned food, you can choose a wet weight loss recipe from our top choices below:

Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Wet Dog Food

Our Score 9.2 out of 10
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Chicken Flavor Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Chicken Flavor Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12 chewy.com Check price

Just like the human epidemic, almost 50% of the pet population is overweight. Even a little extra weight can impact the pet's quality of life and relationship with family because that extra weight ...

With your vet's authorization, your dog can enjoy this wet food in three flavors. It's formulated to work naturally with your dog's metabolism to help him or her avoid regaining lost weight. 

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Wet Dog Food

Our Score 8.9 out of 10
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management, Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew Recipe, 12.5 oz Cans, 12-pack
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management, Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew Recipe, 12.5 oz Cans, 12-pack amazon.com Check price

Breakthrough weight management dog food clinically proven for adult canines
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks
Give your grown dog long-lasting weight support
A good source of protein to ...

Made with natural ingredients in two hearty flavors, this canned food has been shown to help 70 percent of dogs lose weight in 10 weeks. It's brought to you by the same trusted nutritionists that offer prescription formulas, but you don't need your vet's approval to buy it.

Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Adult Wet Dog Food

Our Score 8.7 out of 10
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Turkey & Rice Entree Morsels in Gravy Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Turkey & Rice Entree Morsels in Gravy Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12 chewy.com Check price

Description
Hey, we love 'em no matter how they look, but helping them lose the extra weight means we get to love our pet pals longer! Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Turkey & Rice En...

With 23 essential vitamins and minerals, this wet food is formulated with an ideal protein content to ensure muscle maintenance while promoting fat loss. After water, turkey is the first ingredient, and it has 25 percent less fat than Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Adult Chicken & Rice Entree Classic.

BLUE Wilderness Healthy Weight High Protein Wet Dog Food

Our Score 8.4 out of 10
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dog Wet Food, Turkey & Chicken Grill 12.5-oz cans (Pack of 12)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dog Wet Food, Turkey & Chicken Grill 12.5-oz cans (Pack of 12) amazon.com Check price

PACKED WITH REAL TURKEY AND CHICKEN: This grain free dog food contains more of the real turkey and chicken dogs love
FEED THREE WAYS: High protein BLUE Wilderness adult dog food makes a delicious t...

Turkey and chicken are the first two ingredients in this grain-free formula. The reduced calorie count helps your dog lose weight while maintaining muscle.

Feeding Your Dog Wet Weight Loss Food

If your dog likes a specific brand of canned food, you may want to choose the weight management formula from the same brand. 

How Much Canned Food Does My Dog Need?

It depends upon her size. The brand will offer a feeding guide based upon your dog's size or desired weight. Unused canned food can typically be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator until the next feeding.

What Flavor Is Best?

Ask your dog! Then check the ingredients. You can probably find a weight loss formula with his favorite meats and vegetables.

Can I Switch My Dog From Dry to Wet Food?

Many dogs love wet food, so the transition may seem like a great idea to her! However, any abrupt change in diet can cause some digestive distress. Transition your dog slowly over a week or two.

Is Wet Food or Dry Food Better for Weight Loss?

Both are good! Whether you choose wet or dry, check the label for high-quality ingredients, and talk to your vet about your dog's weight loss needs. 

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

If your dog needs to lose weight, here's how you can help:

  1. Visit your vet for guidance.
  2. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise. 
  3. Check food portions. 
  4. Consider a weight loss dog food. 

Do You Really Need Weight Loss Dog Food?

If your dog is overweight, a special formulation may be more appropriate than simply reducing portions. Many weight loss formulas contain glucosamine to promote joint health. If your dog is experiencing joint pain, she may be less likely to exercise, which will make weight loss more difficult. 

How to Choose a Food

Compare the food you're using to the new food to ensure you're making a positive change. Here's what to look for:

  • High-quality protein 
  • Reduced calories as compared to the current food
  • Ingredients your dog enjoys
  • Fillers and known allergens

Making the Switch

Even if you're staying within the same brand or ingredients list, changing foods should always be a gradual process. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may require more time to make the change.

Is This Really Enough Food?

It may not look like much compared to what you used to offer, but as long as you're following the guidelines on the package, you're probably on the right track. Talk to your vet if your dog continues to gain weight, seems unwell, or acts hungry between meals. 

Weight Loss Dog Food for Your Dog

An ideal weight will help your dog lead a long, healthy life. Weight loss dog food may be a key part in helping your pet regain their sleek, healthy physique. 

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