Low Fat Dog Food

Low Fat Dog Food

What is low-fat dog food & how it helps with managing dog obesity?

Low fat dog food is a type of food that contains less fat than traditional dog food. It may be made with leaner cuts of meat, and may have fewer calories overall. Low fat dog food can be beneficial for dogs who are overweight or obese, as it can help them lose weight.

It is also commonly known as diet dog food or weight management dog food. This dog food is beneficial for tackling obesity through weight control and weight loss so that your dog can achieve a healthy weight. Studies have shown that obese dogs could lose as much as eighteen months of life while going through the pain and potential medical treatments that they have to endure for other conditions related to obesity.

Low fat dog food with lower fat is also used to prevent pancreatitis in dogs.

Top 10 Best Low Fat Dog Food

Dangers of Dog Obesity

Dog obesity can have detrimental effects on a dog’s health and longevity as noted below:

  • Reduced Quality of Life due to poor mobility and decreased energy
  • Poor Immune system, making the body more prone to infections
  • Diabetes and the need for insulin injections for life
  • Inflammed pancreas
  • Painful joints and arthritis problems such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic lameness
  • Heart problems
  • Breathing problems
  • Heatstroke due to increased insulation that prevents cooling
  • Cancer especially urinary
  • Reduced mobility, decreased energy and quality of life
  • Reduced lifespan

Ailments as mentioned above will put your dog at risk for premature death.

Is your dog overweight?

The best way to tell if you are feeding the right amount is to look at your dog. If he has a nice tuck below his ribs indicating waistline, then he is probably in good shape. If that waist tuck is so extreme as to appear emaciated, he may not be getting enough food.  If he has no visible waistline and appears sausage-shaped, he is most likely overweight.

 
Dog Body Condition System BCS
Fat Dog

The body condition system (BCS) is used to determine the proper size for your dog. It ranks your dog’s body based on the amount of fat that covers his ribs, back, and base of the tail.

You can put your dog in one of the number categories shown in the above chart to identify his BCS score.

A BCS score of 1 indicates severely underweight whereas a score of 9 indicates severely overweight. A BCS score of 5 is considered the ideal weight for your dog.

Overweight dogs can develop many health issues including joint and mobility problems. Therefore low fat dog food will be good for preventing and treating obesity and other health conditions like pancreatitis, and also inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

 

Saturated & Polyunsaturated Fats for Dogs

Fat is either saturated or polyunsaturated and your dog needs both. Fats supply the essential fatty acids necessary to maintain your dog’s good health. Saturated fats come from animal sources and is used for energy. Not enough animal fat in your dog’s diet can cause:

  • Lack of energy
  • Heart problems
  • Growth deficits
  • Dry skin

For dogs who does not get much exercise, too much animal fat in their diet creates:

  • Obesity
  • Some kinds of cancer

Polyunsaturated fats comes from vegetable sources. Your dog needs polyunsaturated fat for healthy skin and coat.  Linoleic acid is one of the three essential fatty acids found in polyunsaturated that is good for dogs.

FAQ of low fat dog food

1. What is low fat dog food?

Low fat dog food is a type of food that has been specifically designed to reduce the amount of fat in a dog’s diet. This can be beneficial for dogs who are overweight or obese, as it can help them to lose weight and improve their overall health.

2. What are the benefits of low fat dog food?

There are several health conditions that can be prevented or improved through a diet that is lower in fats. One such condition is diabetes, which affects millions of dogs worldwide. A diet with less fat can help prevent obesity and weight gain, as well as many related health issues like heart disease. Low fat dog foods also tend to have better quality ingredients and higher protein content than regular dog foods, making them a good choice for your pet’s health overall.

3. Are there any drawbacks to feeding my dog low fat food?

For most dogs, a low-fat diet won’t pose any problems. However, some dogs may experience reduced energy levels while on this type of diet. Additionally, dogs that are used to certain treats or table scraps may be less inclined to enjoy low-fat foods in their place, so you may need to switch your furry friend over gradually.

4. How can I determine if my dog needs a low fat diet?

One way to check for health issues related to weight gain is to consult your vet regarding the ideal body condition and weight for your particular dog. If you notice that your pet seems overweight, has an enlarged belly, or is having difficulty breathing or exercising, then it’s a good idea to consider switching his or her food over to a lower-fat option. Your veterinarian can also help you determine whether there are any other factors affecting your dog’s weight, such as a thyroid condition or other health issues.

5. What are some good low fat dog food brands?

There are many different brands of low fat dog food on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find one that is best for your pet. Some factors you may want to consider include the protein and fat content, as well as the ingredients list. Additionally, it’s a good idea to read online reviews from other pet owners to get an idea of which foods are most popular and highly rated. 

6. Should I feed my dog a low-fat diet for the rest of their life?

The answer to this question will depend on several factors, including your dog’s individual health needs and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to weight problems. In most cases, however, feeding your dog a low-fat diet for an extended period of time is a good idea. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the best feeding plan for your dog’s unique needs.

 

Now that you know more about low fat dog food, you can make an informed decision on feeding your dog with this type of food.

 

Top 10 Best Low Fat Dog Food

We have evaluated top rated low fat dog food brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Purina, Wellness, Annamaet, IAMS, Natural Balance, Blue Buffalo, Merrick. Here is our review and recommendation for your consideration.

Ingredients:

Brewers Rice, Corn Starch, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Flaxseed, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Pork Flavor, Lactic Acid, Ginger, Soybean Oil, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

Ingredients:

Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Biotin, Folic Acid, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Peas, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salmon Hydrolysate, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Canola Oil, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Taurine, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO True Solutions Fit & Healthy Dog Food
  • Healthy Weight Control –  Has 20% less Fat for healthy weight management.
  • Has Enriched Fiber – to help your dog feel fuller longer
  • Wholesome Ingredients – including fruits and vegetables to help manage your adult dog’s weight control
  • No corn, wheat, soy
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • 11 lbs bag.

Ingredients:

Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Apples, Blueberries, Minerals, Taurine, Vitamins

Highlights:

  • MERRICK Grain Free Dry Dog Food Healthy Weight Recipe
  • Real Deboned Beef is the first ingredient
  • Optimal Protein and Fiber – has 55% protein and healthy fat ingredients, and 45% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients
  • Combination of Protein, Fiber and Healthy Fats – to help a dog maintain optimal weight and increased energy.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin –  included to help maintain healthy hips and joints
  • Omega Fatty Acids – support healthy skin and shiny coat for your dog.
  • 22 lbs bag.

PURINA One SmartBlend Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ingredients:

Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Germ Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Germ Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Potassium Chloride, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Field Peas, Lentils, Potato, Tapioca, Duck Meal, Herring Meal, Sun Cured Ground Miscanthus Grass, Dried Apples, Menhaden Oil, Dried Chicory Root, Lecithin, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Salt, Folic Acid, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

IAMS Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Grits, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Fish Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Caramel Color, Carrots, Flaxseed, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • IAMS Healthy Weight Dog Food with Real Chicken
  • Real Chicken – providing quality protein for strong muscles.
  • Healthy Metabolism with L-Carnitine
  • Healthy Weight Management and Control Formulation.
  • Wholesome Fiber and Natural Prebiotics – blend for healthy digestion.
  • 29.1 lbs bag.

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Barley, Oat Groats, Dried Beet Pulp, Pea Fiber, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Oat Hulls, Pea Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Parsley, Dried Spinach, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • NATURAL BALANCE Fat Dogs low fat dog food.
  • Low Fat Formulation – with L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.
  • Fiber and protein blend – to help your dog feel full and satisfied
  • Wholesome Grains – with fiber to help support healthy digestion
  • Vitamin E, C and zinc – to help support immune health
  • Complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs

Ingredients:

Chicken Broth, Pork Liver, Carrots, Green Peas, Powdered Cellulose, Rice Starch, Chicken, Rice, Spinach, Wheat Gluten, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Chicken Liver Flavor, Coconut Oil, Potassium Alginate, Calcium Chloride, Fish Oil, Egg Flavor, Guar Gum, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

Ingredients:

Lamb And Chicken Broth, Liver, Lamb, Wheat Gluten, Pork Lungs, Brown Rice, Chicken, Soy Flour, Carrots, Spinach, Egg Product, Essential Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

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