- Weight loss dog food helps control calories, maintain lean muscles, and keep dogs fuller with high-fiber, nutrient-rich recipes.
- Portion control and consistent feeding schedules are just as important as choosing the right formula for safe, steady weight loss.
- Low-calorie treats and regular exercise complement diet changes, making weight management both effective and sustainable.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight? That’s not just a “good pet parent” move. It’s essential if you want your buddy to stick around for the long haul. Chubby pups might look cute, but the extra pounds mess with their body, which is not cool. The good news? You don’t need to become a dog nutritionist. Just get your paws on the right weight loss dog food, stop eyeballing portions, and don’t go overboard with the treats. Your furry sidekick will be zooming around again in no time.
This guide brings you 15 vet-guided picks for the best weight loss dog food so you can feed your dog smartly.
Why Dogs Need Weight Loss Food
Not all dog chow is made the same. Weight loss dog food is specially designed to:
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Reduce calories without reducing nutrients.
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Add fiber to keep dogs full between meals.
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Include lean proteins to maintain muscle mass.
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Support metabolism with vitamins and minerals.
- Make portion control easier for pet parents.
Portion Plans: Feeding Smart for Weight Loss
Every dog has different calorie needs based on size, breed, and activity. Here’s a quick portion plan chart you can follow (always consult your vet first).
| Dog Size | Weight Range | Calories Needed Per Day | Example Portion (Low-Calorie Food) |
| Small | 10–20 lbs | 200–400 calories | 1 – 1.5 cups dry food |
| Medium | 20–50 lbs | 500–900 calories | 2 – 3 cups dry food |
| Large | 50–100 lbs | 1,000–1,600 calories | 3 – 4.5 cups dry food |
| Extra-Large | 100+ lbs | 1,700–2,400 calories | 5 – 6 cups dry food |
Tip: Always measure meals with a cup, and split into 2–3 smaller feedings to avoid overeating.
Vet-Guided Picks: 15 Best Weight Loss Dog Foods
Let’s dive into our carefully curated list. Each pick includes description, flavors, best for, things to consider, and benefits so you can choose what’s right for your dog.
1. IAMS Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken
For those who have this question in mind: Is IAMS a good dog food? The answer is a big yes. Made with real chicken and wholesome grains, this low calorie dog food is designed to maintain firm muscles while helping overweight dogs shed pounds.
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Flavors: Chicken
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Best For: Medium to large breeds needing calorie control.
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Things to Consider: Best dog food with no artificial preservatives or flavors, supports whole body health with essential nutrients and antioxidants.
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Benefits:
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L-carnitine to support metabolism.
- Helps in healthy weight management.
IAMS Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 7-lb
2. Fruitables Crispy Bacon & Apple Crunchy Baked Dog Treats
These low-calorie, crunchy dog treats blend the savory taste of bacon with the natural sweetness of apples. Packed with fiber and made with wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for dogs on a weight management plan.
- Flavors: Crispy Bacon & Apple
- Best For: Dogs who crave meaty flavors but need fewer calories.
- Things to Consider: Crunchy texture may not suit older dogs with dental issues.
- Benefits:
- Only 8 calories per treat
- A combination of crunchy and crispy textures that dogs love
- Baked with natural ingredients for a healthy snack
Fruitables Crispy Bacon & Apple Crunchy Baked Dog Treats 7-oz
3. CANIDAE PURE Petite Goodness for Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken
Made with real chicken, this formula has fewer calories per cup, perfect for smaller dogs needing low-calorie dog food.
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Flavors: Chicken
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Best For: Small breeds with sensitive stomachs.
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Things to Consider: Price is slightly higher due to freeze-dried coating.
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Benefits:
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Grain-free formula
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Coated with raw nutrition for palatability
- Gentle on digestion
CANIDAE PURE Petite Goodness for Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 4-lb
4. Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried Raw Adult Dog Food
This premium freeze-dried raw formula combines high-quality meats, vegetables, seeds, and fruits to mimic what dogs would eat in nature. It’s nutrient-rich, low in fillers, and easy to digest.
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Flavors: Turkey, Beef, Salmon, Duck
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Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs and pet parents seeking a natural, raw-inspired diet.
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Things to Consider: This Dr. Marty dog food contains no artificial vitamins or preservatives.
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Benefits:
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Keeps healthy teeth and skin
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Supports digestion
- Youthful energy and lifespan
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Freeze-Dried Raw Adult Dog Food 16-oz
5. Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats Beef Liver
A simple, nutrient-packed single-ingredient treat made with beef liver. These superfood bites are perfect for rewarding your dog without adding unnecessary calories.
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Flavors: Beef Liver
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Best For: Training and portion-controlled snacking.
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Things to Consider: Rich in flavor, so feed in moderation.
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Benefits:
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Pure, natural protein source
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Natural supply of vital minerals and vitamins
- Maintains healthy muscles and body weight
Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats Beef Liver 4-oz
6. AvoDerm Natural Advanced Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Made with avocados and nutrient-rich ingredients, this formula provides balanced nutrition while supporting weight control and skin health.
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Flavors: Chicken & Brown Rice
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Best For: Dogs with dull coats or skin issues needing a weight-loss plan.
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Things to Consider: Avocado may not suit every dog; introduce slowly.
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Benefits:
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Omega-rich avocados for coat shine
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Contains L-carnitine to help burn body fat
- Ideal for adult dogs needing weight control
AvoDerm Natural Advanced Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food 4-lb
7. Greenies Weight Management Dog Dental Treats
A treat that does double duty—oral care and weight management. These chews clean teeth while featuring metabolism-boosting L-carnitine to help overweight or less active dogs.
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Flavors: Original
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Best For: Dogs needing dental care and calorie control.
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Things to Consider: Still a treat, so portion monitoring is needed.
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Benefits:
- Reduces tartar by up to 60%
- Cuts plaque buildup by 37%
- Low fat & easy to digest
Greenies Weight Management Dog Dental Treats Petite 45 Count 27-oz
8. Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Brown Rice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula uses lamb as the primary protein, paired with wholesome brown rice for long-lasting energy and healthy digestion.
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Flavors: Lamb & Brown Rice
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Best For: Dogs that require healthy weight loss
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Things to Consider: Contains grains; avoid for grain-free diets.
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Benefits:
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Supports healthy weight loss with protein and fiber
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Controlled calorie levels
- Boosts immunity, digestion with fiber, and antioxidants
Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Brown Rice Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food 30-lb
9. Pup-Peroni Lean Beef Dog Treats
A lighter version of the classic Pup-Peroni, offering the same taste dogs love but with less fat and fewer calories.
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Flavors: Lean Beef
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Best For: Training rewards during weight-loss programs.
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Things to Consider: Still treat-based, so portion size matters.
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Benefits:
- Made with real beef for an irresistible taste
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Slow-cooked for a tender, chewy texture
- Budget-friendly training treat option
Pup-Peroni Lean Beef Dog Treats 22.5-oz
10. Fruitables Pumpkin & Blueberry Crunchy Baked Dog Treats
A crunchy, low-calorie treat made with real pumpkin and blueberries. These bites are fiber-packed and perfect for dogs on weight management diets.
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Flavors: Pumpkin & Blueberry
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Best For: Dogs needing snacks for weight control.
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Things to Consider: Crunchy texture may not suit older dogs with weak teeth.
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Benefits:
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Only 8 calories per treat
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Crunchy baked fruitables treats
- Natural antioxidants from blueberries
Fruitables Pumpkin & Blueberry Crunchy Baked Dog Treats 7-oz
11. Finley's Soft Chew Training Bites Dog Treats Duck Recipe
These soft, limited-ingredient training bites are gentle on sensitive stomachs and great for senior dogs.
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Flavors: Duck
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Best For: Senior dogs or those with food sensitivities.
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Things to Consider: Softer texture may crumble if stored improperly.
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Benefits:
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Low-calorie, training-friendly bites
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Limited ingredients reduce allergy risks
- Soft chew makes it easy for older dogs
Finley's Soft Chew Training Bites Dog Treats Duck Recipe 16-oz
12. Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food Chicken, Duck & Herring
Designed specifically for overweight dogs, this grain-free formula combines chicken, duck, and herring for a protein-rich yet low-fat diet.
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Flavors: Chicken, Duck & Herring
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Best For: Dogs with significant weight issues or joint stress.
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Things to Consider: Prebiotics and probiotics are added to help support your BFF’s gut health.
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Benefits:
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High protein, low fat for safe weight loss
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Omega-3s support joint and coat health
- DHA helps support brain health to keep your furry friend sharp, while L-carnitine helps maintain lean muscle mass.
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food Chicken, Duck & Herring 12-lb
13. Natural Balance Pet Foods Original Ultra Fat Dogs Canned Dog Food Chicken & Salmon
A wet weight loss dog food with high fiber content to keep dogs fuller for longer. The salmon and chicken blend makes it extra tasty.
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Flavors: Chicken & Salmon
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Best For: Dogs who prefer wet food and don’t want to compromise on flavor.
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Things to Consider: Shorter shelf-life once opened.
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Benefits:
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Fortified with added taurine to promote a strong, healthy heart.
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Contains a special fiber blend helps reduce hunger.
- Rich in protein for muscle maintenance.
Natural Balance Pet Foods Original Ultra Fat Dogs Canned Dog Food Chicken & Salmon 13-oz
14. Fruitables Skinny Minis Watermelon Soft Dog Treats
These bite-sized, fruity treats are perfect for training and snacking, with just 3 calories per piece.
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Flavors: Watermelon
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Best For: Dogs needing ultra-low-calorie treats.
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Things to Consider: Unique flavor may not appeal to every dog.
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Benefits:
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Super low in calories
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Fun, soft treat option
- Perfect for frequent training rewards
Fruitables Skinny Minis Watermelon Soft Dog Treats 5-oz
15. Ziwi Peak Air Dried Dog Food Tripe & Lamb Recipe
This fancy air-dried food for dogs is all about tripe and lamb—super digestible, packs a nutritional punch, and honestly, smells like something your dog would mug you for.
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Flavors: Tripe & Lamb
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Best For: Dogs who need concentrated nutrition with smaller portions.
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Things to Consider: Price is on the higher end.
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Benefits:
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96% meat, organs, seafood with NZ lamb & mussels.
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Grain-free and filler-free.
- Supports digestion and weight management.
Ziwi Peak Original Series Air-Dried Dog Food Tripe & Lamb Recipe 16-oz
Key Tips for Success
✔ Weigh the portions, don’t just guess. (Seriously, eyeballing gets you nowhere.)
✔ Ditch the high-calorie treats, maybe toss a little of low-calorie dog food toppers instead.
✔ Sneak in some carrots or other veggies—dogs barely notice, but it fills ‘em up.
✔ Get that pup moving. Walks, fetch, whatever keeps their tail wagging.
✔ Check their weight once a month. It’s not rocket science, but it works.
Conclusion
Choosing the right weight loss dog food is about more than cutting calories. It’s about:
- Nutritional balance
- Portion control
- Smarter treats
Whether you go for prescription weight loss dog food, natural weight loss dog food, or budget weight loss dog food, consistency is key.
