Best Dog Food for Weight Loss: Dry, Wet, and Fresh Options for Healthier Meals

If you have a dog that needs to shed more than their winter coat, there are pet foods specifically designed for weight loss. Extra weight can be a potential health hazard for your dog, possibly leading to a shorter life span, so it’s important to notice if your beloved pet has packed on some extra pounds and take action.

Although it’s recommended to add exercise to your pet’s daily routine and be more thoughtful about when you dole out treats, there are also dog foods specially formulated for weight loss.

The best dog foods for weight loss

How to choose the best dog food for weight loss

My family has a 2-year-old lab mix, and when she started gaining weight, we went straight to my local vet—the best thing to do before you take any actionable steps to reduce your pet’s weight. “You should always check with your vet when your pet is gaining weight to make sure there isn’t an underlying metabolic issue,” says Dr. Mike Greenberg, a veterinarian based in New Orleans and a GoDog Veterinary Advisor.

“A vet will likely perform a body condition score ranking, also called BCS (similar to a BMI for humans) assessment on your dog. Essentially, we will look at the shape of the dog, if you can feel their ribs and things like that. The BCS charts will show how much the dog needs to lose,” Greenberg explains. “We start with that score and work from there.”

If your vet decides it's time for specialized dog food, the most important factor for a weight-loss option is that it’s specifically formulated for the task.

After talking to your vet, visit the Association of American Food Controls Officials (AAFCO) to further research the dog food you’re interested in feeding your furry friend—which is best practice whether they have a weight issue or not.

It’s important to consider the following factors before feeding your dog a new brand of food:

Age

The best dog food for puppies may not be the same as the best senior dog food. If you are buying an option for weight loss, make sure to read the labels carefully and pick food that’s appropriate to your pet’s age. My 2-year-old lab, for example, eats adult food, but check with your vet for the correct amount according to your pet’s age and stage of life.

Breed

A toy poodle is going to need different food than a large labrador. If you’re going to purchase weight-loss dog food, make sure you’re feeding the recommended amounts and types of food specific to your pet’s size. Some dogs are also more likely to gain weight or become obese simply based on breed; these include labradors, beagles, and basset hounds, to name a few.

Food labels

Look for foods labeled “weight management” or “weight control,” says Greenberg. These options have fewer calories than your dog’s regular maintenance food. “They have greater fiber content, which makes the dog feel more full. It’s a lot like a person eating a salad instead of a piece of pizza,” he adds. And according to veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals, weight-loss foods are specifically designed to make sure your pet gets the nutrition it needs, so don’t simply feed your dog less of its normal food if you want your pup to drop pounds.

It’s important to note that some dogs may require prescription weight-loss foods, says Greenberg. He shares that these foods are specifically formulated for weight loss and are only available with a veterinary prescription.

How we selected the best dog food for weight loss

I asked Dr. Greenberg for his advice and researched weight-loss dog food, referring to other recommendations by the Pet Food Institute and the Association of American Feed Control Officials. In addition, I spoke to pet owners and combed through customer reviews of dozens of brands. Plus, my dog (whose vet recommended she lose a few pounds) also had the pleasure of trying out several different brands.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do vets recommend food that’s grain-free?

No. According to Greenberg, most vets don’t. “Vets don’t typically recommend grain-free diets. There’s no real evidence that they benefit dogs—for weight loss or anything else. In addition, there have been reports of grain-free diets being associated with heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) in some dogs.” So, talk to your vet if you want to implement a grain-free diet before you serve it to your pet. If you are also concerned about suspected allergies, it’s best to first get a definitive answer from your vet, and then follow their recommendations for the best dog food for allergies.

Does rice help dogs lose weight?

Rice is a carbohydrate found in some dog foods, including those designed for helping them lose weight, but it isn’t specifically a weight-loss tool. “Rice is sometimes used as a carbohydrate source in weight-management dog foods, but it does not specifically help with weight loss in dogs by itself,” shares Greenberg.

Is wet or dry dog food better for weight loss?

The most important factor for a weight-loss food is that the meal is specifically formulated

with weight control or loss in mind, such as offering a lower caloric content and a higher fiber content in the ingredients. However, according to Greenberg and other vets, wet versus dry dog food doesn’t make a specific difference, although your pet may prefer one over the other, so you may want to go with your dog’s taste preference.

How many times a day should a dog eat?

It’s typically recommended that dogs eat twice per day, and that their daily food requirements be divided between these two feedings. However, you should always speak to your vet and consider your dog. “I’ve seen dogs who do well with three feedings per day (for example, dogs who benefit from small, frequent meals), and some who seem to like eating only once per day,” says Greenberg.

“The important thing is that no matter how many times they’re fed, they should always get the same total amount of food over the course of the day,” he adds. And don’t forget, anytime you reward your dog with a treat, unless it’s a carrot or other low-calorie vegetable, that counts toward its daily calories.

How long does it take for a dog to lose weight?

Just like for humans, losing weight takes time and hard work, and it depends on the dog. “This varies a lot from dog to dog and is very influenced by how much exercise the dog gets

and underlying health conditions (like hypothyroidism, for example),” says Greenberg. “But if I had to put a number on it, I’d say that when I see dogs go on a weight-control food and get regular exercise, I’ll typically see noticeable weight loss within eight to 10 weeks.”

So thankfully for pet owners, dogs can respond fairly quickly to an uptick in exercise and a low-calorie or specialized weight-loss diet.

Bottom Line

If your dog is overweight, it can potentially lead to serious health issues. Visit your vet to rule out any metabolic or other medical causes before starting a weight-loss diet. Also read the labels of any new food carefully to make sure you feed your pet the correct portion for optimal nutrition and weight loss.