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The best low fat dog foods can be beneficial for pets suffering from certain health conditions like:
- Pancreatitis
- Obesity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Yet finding a quality low fat dog food can be difficult.
That’s because to reduce fat, pet food companies are inclined to create dog foods that contain less meat.
Which means…
Most low fat dog foods also tend to be low in protein or high in carbs.
Low Fat Dog Food… by the Numbers
The average dry matter fat content and median low fat limit of all dog foods stored in The Dog Food Advisor’s product database are included in the following table:
The low fat dog foods below have been selected by our research team because they each meet the following 3 guidelines:
- Well below-average fat content
- Reasonable protein levels
- Rated 4 stars or higher
To meet these requirements, it’s common for low fat dog foods to contain less meat and more plant-based protein.
Best Low Fat Dog Foods December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best low fat dog food brands for December 2024
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1. Best Dry Low Fat Dog Food: Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat Formula
Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat Formula is a grain-free dog food that contains high-quality ingredients with just 8% fat, 33% protein and 51% estimated carbs, which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 23%.
This recipe’s main protein source is chicken meal, a meat concentrate that contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. It also includes added L-carnitine, an amino acid which helps promote a healthy weight while keeping your dog’s mind sharp.
Annamaet is a moderately priced dog food brand and this Lean formula is ideal for pups that need a low-calorie diet. It’s also safe for dogs with GI issues and is formulated for breeds of all sizes.
Read our review of the full Annamaet Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Only 8% fat
- L-carnitine to promote a healthy weight
- Good for weight loss
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has GI issues (inflammatory bowel type stuff) and was on expensive prescription dog foods for many years until I discovered this food. He has had no more active GI issues for a few years now and tolerates this food perfectly. We also had weight issues and this food helped make him a healthy weight again along with exercise! He loves it. Highly recommend."
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2. Best Wet Low Fat Dog Food: PetPlate Lean & Mean Venison Entrée
PetPlate Lean & Mean Venison Entrée received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 5 stars.
This formula is one of six recipes in our review of the range. It derives the bulk of its protein from venison. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28.6% protein, 10.7% fat and 52.7% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of around 38%.
This PetPlate Entrée recipe is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients, including meat, fruit, vegetables, and pasta. It includes no meat meals, fillers, or byproducts, can be used as a main meal or as a topper, and of course we love the fact it features low levels of fat.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Low fat level of 10.7%
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- Cooked in small batches to preserve nutrients
Main Ingredients Ground venison, pasta, potatoes, venison liver, apples, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, red bell peppers Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate.com"We have fed our German Shepherd/ Rottweiler the venison food for almost 2 years. He is almost 6 years old and still runs and plays like a puppy. He is allergic to so many different types of foods and ingredients that it took us a while to actually find one he would thrive on! We are forever grateful to Pet Plate for providing nutrition that not only makes his tummy happy, but will ultimately extend his life! We highly recommend this food Especially if you have a dog who is struggling to find some thing that works for just them."
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3. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Large Dogs: Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food is a protein-rich, grain-free formula, also ideal for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and an estimated 44% carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 30%. The primary protein sources are turkey and chicken meal.
This is a premium product containing an unusually generous amount of protein to keep even the hungriest large breed dogs fuller for longer. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein
- Grain-free
- Keeps dogs full
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our dog is very active; however, she still has put on a few extra pounds. We purchased the Wellness Core reduced fat dog food to mix with her Wellness Core large breed dog food. Little by little she is loosing a little bit of weight, while still getting the benefits of the large breed variety."
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4. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Small Dogs: Nulo Freestyle Trim Cod & Lentils Recipe
Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dog Food is well-suited for small breeds that need to lose weight, thanks to its unique formulation and nutrient profile, which focuses on calorie control without sacrificing essential nutrients.
This top-rated, grain-free dog food is made up of only 8% fat with 33.3% protein, 51% estimated carbs and a fat-to-protein ratio of 23%. It’s a great choice for dogs with allergies or a sensitive stomach, as the main proteins include cod, turkey meal and salmon meal. Pure probiotics help aid in digestion while L-carnitine promotes your dog’s metabolism.
Although Nulo is on the higher-priced side of our low-fat dog food options, the high-quality ingredients and animal-based proteins make it a top choice, especially for smaller breeds.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Only 8% fat
- A great choice for small breeds
- Probiotics to improve digestion
Main Ingredients Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only (including small breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I ordered this food because I have been using Nulo which is a quality food. My boys like this. I have small dogs so I like that they are small bits easy for them to chew. Yes I would order this again."
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5. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Senior Dogs: Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Weight Management Formula
Dr. Tim’s Metabolite combines a lower calorie count with high-quality protein, fiber, and joint support, making it a balanced choice for senior dogs needing weight management and extra support for their aging bodies.
Our dry matter analysis reveal this recipe is made up of 11% fat, 33% protein and 48% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 33%.
This kibble contains grains such as brown rice and oats. It is not only low in fat, it’s also low in calories, so, is ideal if your older dog has a lot of weight to lose or is suffering from a digestive condition that requires a specialized diet.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Low calorie
- Lean protein, including chicken meal
- Keeps your dog feeling full
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oat groats) Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs (including senior dogs) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our 14 year old doodle has been eating Tim’s since he was about 10. His weight is well controlled and he still has plenty of energy. He gobbles his meals up quickly"
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6. Best Low Fat Puppy Food: Ollie Fresh Chicken Dish with Carrots
Ollie’s Fresh Chicken Dish With Carrots is made with human-grade ingredients, making it ideal for puppies as their stomachs grow used to different types of food.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe has a low fat percentage of 10.8%, high protein of 30.8% and estimated carbs of 49.7%, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%. This, combined with the healthy ingredients including fresh chicken, carrots, rice, spinach and peas, makes it a good low-fat food for puppies.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Low fat percentage
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients
- Good for puppies' sensitive stomachs
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, rice, spinach, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Celine my French Bulldog puppy has been eating Ollie since she’s a little older than 5 months. She is a year now and still shows the same excitement for her food every time it’s meal time. Thanks Ollie! "
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7. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs: SquarePet VFS Digestive Support Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
SquarePet VFS Digestive Support Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food is one of 10 recipes reviewed in the SquarePet range.
SquarePet VFS Digestive Support Low Fat Formula Dry derives its protein from whitefish. It contains just 6.7% fat and 27.8% protein, with 57.6% estimated carbs and a fat-to-protein ratio of 24%.
A low-fat dog food designed for dogs with digestive issues, this is highly digestible and made with real ocean whitefish as the first ingredient. It’s a smart solution for dogs that suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues and is fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA.
Read our review of the full SquarePet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Just 6.7% fat
- For dogs with gastro issues
- Can help with weight loss
Main Ingredients Ocean whitefish meal, ocean whitefish, white rice, tapioca, quinoa, brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have an English Bulldog who was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy, most likely due to IBD. After months of having to home- cook her meals to control the fat and protein ratio, I saw this food mentioned in a forum and decided to slowly introduce it into her diet. I am doing 3/4 kibble with 1/4 home-cooked and her bloodwork is looking really good. No signs of IBD or PLE (although she's still on meds too). The vet suggested trying her on an RX hydrolyzed kibble that was $30 more/bag and she did not do so well on that. Also want to add that I met with a pet nutritionist who was impressed by all the info that SquarePet puts on the labels. I have been so impressed that I also put our Frenchie on the digestive/allergy formula. Great stuff!"
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8. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Picky Eaters: Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight recipe is made with lean chicken to give your dog a healthy source of protein without added fat. Each serving contains 11% fat, 28% protein and 48% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 33%. It also contains added L-carnitine to boost your pet’s metabolism and help jumpstart weight loss.
With its real meat, flavor-enhancing ingredients, and high-protein formula, Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight provides an appetizing and nutritious meal that will appeal to even the fussiest eaters.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High protein to keep your dog full
- L-carnitine to boost metabolism
- Will appeal to most dogs
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I was nervous to give it to my two pugs. If you know pugs, they’re a whole personality with very specific tastes and will refuse meals if they don’t like it. When the food arrived, I started out giving it to them as little treats when they complete a trick. Started adding it mixed with their old dry food and fresh wet food and eventually replaced the dry food completely with the Blue Buffalo and they’re loving it now."
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9. Best Affordable Low Fat Dog Food: Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Eagle Pack’s Reduced Fat formula contains just 7% fat while still comprising 26.7% protein and 58% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 25%. The primary ingredient is pork meal, a protein-rich meat product.
Eagle Pack contains gluten-free grains such as brown rice and oatmeal and is relatively low in price, when compared to other high-quality lean foods.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Formula (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Very low fat
- Low price
- Good for picky eaters
Main Ingredients Pork meal, de-hulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs seem to really love this... my 8 year old yellow Lab was recently diagnosed with pancreatic disease and was told to put her on a low fat diet... she seems to really love this food, plus it's not that expensive."
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10. Best Low Fat Dog Food For Dogs With Allergies: Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
Merrick Healthy Weight is a grain-free, low-calorie dog food with 11% fat, 34% protein and 45% estimated carbs, which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 31%. Its main sources of protein are beef and chicken meal, but it also contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to help promote a healthy coat, especially for dog with skin allergies.
Made without gluten or artificial flavors, Merrick Healthy Weight uses alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes and peas, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Grain-free
- Low-calorie
- Includes omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My 12 year old lab mix has struggled with skin problems for years...including a $118 monthly prescription. I changed to Merrick for other reasons but incredibly his skin problems resolved within a month of changing to this food and have remained resolved for months!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Final word
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