Best Low Carb Dog Food - Latest Reviews & Buyer's Guide
- Author: Caroline Stowe
- Updated on: November 15, 2023
Low carb dog food is becoming an increasingly popular option for dog owners who want to ensure their furry companions are receiving healthy, nutritious meals that are appropriate for their individual needs. A low-carb diet can be a suitable option for some dogs but not for all. Generally, dogs that are overweight, have diabetes, or are prone to dental problems could potentially benefit from this diet.
Choosing the right low carb dog food can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. We’ve done all the legwork to help you make an informed buying decision and keep your furry BFF healthy and happy. Whether you’ve got a picky pup or an eat-anything doggo, our top picks for low carb dog foods are sure to satisfy even the most discerning canine.
Read on to discover our top choices for “Best Low-Carb Dry Dog Food” and “Best Low-Carb Wet Dog Food” based on your dog’s dietary requirements. Check out our list and give your four-legged friend the nutrition they deserve. Your pup will thank you for it! 🐾 🦴
Table of Contents
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10 Best Low-Carb Dry Dog Foods
Highlights:
- Visionary Pet – Keto Dog Food, Low Carb Natural Chicken Flavor, Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Low in carb – has less than 1g net carbohydrate per cup.
- 100% real chicken – no digestible carbohydrates or fillers added so you can rest assured that your furry friend is eating the best!
- Relief for allergies, digestion, and skin issues
- All life stages – this chicken recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for ALL life stages.
- 22 lb bag.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Egg, Miscanthus Grass
Highlights:
- Ketogenic Pet Foods – Keto Kibble High Protein, Low Carb, Starch Free, Grain Free Dog Food
- Protein & fat based – 60 plus % protein with fat and micronutrient rich meal designed to encourage proper metabolic balance.
- Starch free & Grain Free – free of inflammatory starch fillers which can spike insulin, disrupt metabolism and affect your dog’s wellbeing
- Complete meal or supplement – can be used as an add-on supplement and protein booster to your dog’s current food, or used as a main meal.
- 18 lb bag.
Key Ingredients:
Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Beet Fiber, Apple Fiber, Flaxseeds, Coconut Oil
Highlights:
- High protein grain-free keto low carb dry dog food, beef flavour.
- Low in carb – has less than 1g net carbohydrate per cup.
- 100% real beef – no added digestible carbohydrates or fillers of any kind.
- Relief for allergies, digestion, and skin issues – with this dog food.
- For all life stages and is suitable for large dog food or small dog.
- 22 lb bag
Key Ingredients:
Beef, Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Pork Fat, Whole Egg, Egg White, Miscanthus Grass
Highlights:
- Nulo Adult Trim Weight Management Dry Dog Food. Low Carb Kibble Diet Helps Promote Healthy Weight
- Grain-Free – contains no corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, tapioca
- Low Carb High Protein formula – has 74% animal-based protein, more amino acids and better flavor. Nulo uses fewer carbs & low glycemic ingredients
- Probiotic – supports healthy gut flora to aid digestion.
- Help reduce food sensitivities or allergies.
- No artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives.
- Suitable for All Life Stages
- 26 lb bag
Key Ingredients:
Turkey Meal, Deboned Turkey, Deboned Cod, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Lentils, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas
Highlights:
- SOLID GOLD holistic natural grain-free and gluten-free high protein dry dog food recipe – for dogs of all breeds sizes and life stages including puppy and senior.
- High Protein, Low Carbohydrate Recipe – has 41% crude protein for fueling active dogs and ensuring their unique nutritional needs are met.
- High Quality Real Meat – using USA sourced beef providing essential amino acids that are vital for lean muscle development and a healthy active metabolism.
- Superfoods and Probiotics – helps your dog to have optimal digestive, gut health and immunity support.
- 24 lb bag.
Key Ingredients:
Beef, Dried Eggs, Peas, Ocean Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Carrots
Highlights:
- Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete – Real Meat Recipe High Protein Dry Dog Food
- High-Quality Protein – with cage free chicken providing an optimal amino acid profile for lean, strong muscles.
- Nutrients Rich – added vitamins & minerals.
- Superfoods – and highly digestible with fruits and vegetables
- Omega Fatty Acid – blend for healthy skin and coat
- Probiotics – to thrive in the GI tract for a healthy gut.
- No corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavor, color, or preservative were added.
- 40 lbs bag.
Key Ingredients:
Cage-Free Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Flaxseed, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground Miscanthus Grass
Highlights:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dog Food – with Chicken
- Healthy Muscle Development – from deboned chicken providing high protein to help build strong muscles.
- Healthy Carbohydrates – including sweet potatoes and peas to help fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle;
- Healthy Skin and Coat – with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- LifeSource Bits – a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health
- Joint Health – with glucosamine to support joint function and mobility.
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- 24 lb bag
Key Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed
KETONA High Protein Low Carb Grain Free Dog Food, Chicken Recipe
Highlights:
- A scientifically formulated dog food designed to have a very low carbohydrate content.
- Only contains 5% digestible carbohydrate content, 0.5% sugars, and 46% protein – making it a great option for dogs with diabetes.
- Chicken is non-GMO, antibiotic-free – raised by American ranchers, listed as the first ingredient
- A specially designed ketogenic dog food made with premium, all-natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals
- Formulated without corn, soy, wheat, or potatoes
- Made 100% in the USA.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Digest, Pea Protein, Ground Green Peas, Flaxseed Meal, Oat Hulls
PURINA BENEFUL High Protein Dog Food
Highlights
- Purina Beneful natural, high protein dry dog Food – with a blend of chicken & Beef
- Real Chicken – as number 1 ingredient to support strong muscles
- High Protein – with 26 percent protein to help support your dog’s strong muscles,
- Antioxidants – to support immune system
- Vitamins and Minerals – to promote overall health and wellness.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- 26 lbs bag.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, beef, beef fat, canola meal, oat meal, dried sweet potatoes, dried spinach
IAMS Proactive Health
Highlights:
- IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food – with Real Chicken and Turkey
- Real chicken – is the first ingredient in this delicious dog food to promote healthy energy and strong, firm muscles
- Essential Minerals – supports strong bones and joint health.
- Optimal Weight Control – 18% fat to help dogs maintain their ideal weight
- Healthy Metabolism – with L-Caritine to maintain healthy fat metabolism
- Healthy Heart – has nutrients for supporting heart health and function in active dogs
- 22 lbs bag.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Turkey, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Carrots
6 Best Low-Carb Wet/Canned Dog Foods
Highlights:
- A nutritious, high-protein low in carb food for your growing puppy
- Made with real meat, featuring grilled pieces of turkey and chicken, this delicious wet food is packed with fruits and veggies to provide all the nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals your little furry one needs to thrive
- Enhanced with DHA, it supports brain, eye and cognitive development
- Loaded with protein to help your little pup grows big and strong.
- Grain-free and made without any by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy, it’s perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs.
- It’s perfect for mixing in with dry kibble, feeding as an entree, or serving as a special treat, your pup will love it!
- 12-pack of 12.5-ounce cans
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Fish Oil
Highlights:
- BLUE BUFFALO Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food – Beef & Chicken Grill
- Two Protein Rich Meats – with real beef and chicken as first ingredients to supply the energy while promoting healthy muscle growth.
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- No corn, wheat or soy
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- 12 cans, each can is 12. 5 oz.
Key Ingredients:
Beef, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Flaxseed, Potatoes, Carrageenan
Highlights:
- This grain-free nutrient-rich superfood is specially formulated by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers
- Designed to contain a very low carbohydrate content, packed with premium protein to encourage lean body mass and muscle tone while promoting complete and balanced nutrition for whole-body health
- Made with an assortment of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables
- No meat by-products, soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- 12 cans, each can is 12. 5 oz.
Key Ingredients:
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Parsley, Blueberries, Broccoli, Kale
Highlights:
- WERUVA Paw Licking Canned Dog Food – Chicken in Gravy
- Formulated with high quality protein and minimal carbs for a nutritious meal for your dog.
- Gourmet Dog Food – featuring tender, boneless, skinless chicken breast in a tasty gravy
- Grain Free – and Gluten Free so is ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies or allergies
- Added Vitamins and Minerals – make this a complete and balanced diet
- 12 cans, each can is 14 oz.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken (Boneless, Skinless, White Breast), Sunflower Seed Oil
Highlights:
- This high animal protein, grain-free recipe contains plenty of protein but very few carbohydrates, making it a great option for diabetic dogs
- Cage-free chicken is the 1st ingredient in this savory recipe to promote strong, lean muscles, and includes natural omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.
- Crafted with 95% real chicken, turkey and chicken liver; 5% fruits, vegetables and 0% grain.
- Contains zero corn, grain, potato, soy, wheat, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
- 6 cans, each can is 13.2-oz
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Ground Flaxseed, Egg Product, Peas, Carrots,
PEDIGREE High Protein Low Carb Canned Dog Food
Highlights:
- PEDIGREE High Protein Canned Wet Dog Food – Beef & Lamb Flavor in Gravy
- High Protein – made with real beef and lamb in an irresistible texture dogs love
- 100% Complete and Balanced – nutritious soft wet food for dogs
- Adult dog food for dogs of all size
- 12 cans, each can is 13.2 oz
What are the benefits of low carb diet for dogs?
Have you ever considered what our canine pals ate in the days of their ancestors? Low-carb diets can imitate that food, contributing to improved health, energy levels, and physical appearance for your pup!
Low-carb diets are the perfect fuel for puppies! With high protein and fat, and low-carb components, these are the perfect recipes to reduce the chance of digestive issues, keeping their tummies happy and healthy. The high fat content provides all the energy they need to stay active, while proteins keep them feeling full and satisfied, warding off the risk of overeating. 🐶🍗
A diet with low carbs can assist in managing our furry friend’s weight by lowering calorie intake. It may also aid in sidestepping diabetes and certain types of cancer, as well as lowering risks of heart and kidney diseases when accompanied by a lower glycemic index.
Low-carbohydrate foods can also help improve dogs’ digestion, leading to reduced chances of vomiting and diarrhea. This is beneficial for dogs that have sensitive stomachs or other digestive issues.
In addition, low-carb diets also help prevent dental disease in dogs by reducing plaque buildup on the teeth. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your dog’s health and well-being, consider a low-carb diet and see the difference it can make!
What to look for when choosing a low-carb dog food?
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Protein Content: Dogs are natural carnivores, so a diet rich in protein is essential. Look for dog foods with high-quality protein sources like turkey, chicken, fish, and beef.
- Carbohydrate Content: Many commercial dog foods are packed with high amounts of carbohydrates, which can cause weight gain and health problems in dogs. Look for low-carbohydrate options that contain healthy sources of carbs like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, vegetables, and fruits.
- Nutritional Balance: You want to make sure your dog’s food provides a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals that meet their daily nutritional requirements. Look for low-carb dog food that contains a balance of healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Make sure the food meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs by reading nutrition labels carefully.
- Brand Reputation: Choose a brand that has a reputation for providing high-quality dog food products. Look for reputable brands that have positive customer reviews and high ratings.
- Cost: Low-carb dog food can be more expensive than regular dog food, but it’s worth the investment for the health and well-being of your furry friend. Look for good deals and coupons, and compare prices to find the best value for your money.
By doing your research and taking these important factors into consideration, you’ll be able to find a high-quality low-carbohydrate dog food that will keep your furry friend healthy, happy and satisfied! Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog!
FAQs
Are carbs bad for dogs?
Carbs are not necessarily bad for dogs, as they are an important source of energy and many vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to feed your dog a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats like omega-3s and protein sources like lean meats.
Do dogs need carbohydrates?
Dogs need carbohydrates as a source of energy, but they should not be the primary source. Dogs do best on diets that are high in protein and healthy fats like omega-3s, with carbohydrates making up no more than 10% of their daily intake.
How much carbohydrates does a dog need per day?
The ideal amount of carbohydrates for a dog is between 10-25% of their daily caloric intake. However, this can depend on the age, size and activity level of your dog so it is best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal amount of carbs for your pup.
Physical activity plays a role in how much carbohydrates should be consumed by your pet. If your pup is getting plenty of exercise, they may require more carbs to help fuel their activity. On the other hand, if your pup is less active then they may need fewer carbohydrates in their diet. In order to ensure that your pup is getting the right amount of carbs for their lifestyle, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for them.
Can too many carbs make my dog gain weight?
Yes – consuming too much carbs can lead to your pup gaining weight. If you notice that your puppy has started to put on a few extra pounds, it may be time to adjust their diet and reduce the amount of carbohydrates they’re eating. Again, consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to determine if this is necessary and how much of a reduction is needed.
Conclusion
Low carb dog food can be a wise and healthy choice for pet owners who care about their dog’s well-being and want to provide them with optimal nutrition. It promotes weight loss, helps manage chronic diseases like diabetes, and keeps dogs energized throughout the day.
However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before beginning any new dietary regimen for your pup in order to ensure their well-being. Your vet can provide advice on the right ingredients and amounts that are suitable for your specific dog’s needs. With the right diet, your pup can look and feel its best!