What are low fat foods for dogs
Best Low Fat Dog Foods
Annamaet Lean Reduced Fat is a grain-free dog food that contains high-quality ingredients with just 8% fat and 30% protein. This formulas main protein source is chicken meal, and it also includes added L-carnitine which helps promote a healthy weight while keeping your dogs mind sharp.
Annamaet is a moderately priced grain-free dog food for pups on a low-calorie diet. Its 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
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% 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."
Eagle Packs Reduced Fat Dog Food contains just 7% fat while still consisting of 24% protein. The primary ingredient is pork meal, a protein-rich meat product. Eagle Pack is not grain-free, but contains gluten-free grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. One of the biggest draws of Eagle Pack is its relatively low price compared to other high-quality lean foods.
Eagle Pack is a great choice for picky eaters and dog parents on a budget. At four stars, its a well-made lean dog food that is moderately priced.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Formula (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Pork meal, de-hulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 24% 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."
Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Dog Food is top-rated, grain-free and low-fat dog food made up of only 8% fat with 30% protein. Its a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, as the main proteins include cod, turkey meal and salmon meal. Pure probiotics help aid in digestion while L-carnitine promotes your pups metabolism.
Though 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 choiceone thats well worth the price tag.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog was recently diagnosed with diabetes and after checking through Chewy I was so happy to find this food. My dog has a sensitive stomach, a chicken allergy, and needs a low fat food due to pancreatitis, so finding the right food seemed impossible. Thankfully my dog loves this food and it has really helped fo regulate her diabetes."
Purina Pro Plan Weight Management is specially designed to promote controlled weight loss. Its low fat content makes it a healthy option for dogs predisposed to pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal disorders.
The classic, grain-inclusive recipe gets the largest part of its meat protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 10% fat and 51% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 33%.
Pro Plan Weight Management offers a highly digestible formula containing no artificial flavors or coloring agents. A nutrient-rich, balanced recipe flush with potent antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
Pro Plan Weight Management is a superior option that helps promote healthy weight in dogs of all ages. Its also easy on the budget and appealing to picky eaters.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, corn germ meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have 2 chihuahuas around 1.5 years old and a jack russell mix around 11 years old. I was feeding them the Pro Plan EN Vet formula due to some health issues last year with my old guy. I switched to this formula recently. I was impressed with the large chunks of chicken which is the first item in the ingredients. As far as the taste test, all three of my dogs love this brand. They eat it with no hesitation, so this was a good choice."
Merrick Healthy Weight is a grain-free, low-calorie dog food with 11% fat and 36% protein. 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 pets with skin allergies.
Made without gluten or artificial flavors, Merrick Healthy Weight is an ideal choice for anyone hunting for a grain-free and low-calorie dog food from a trusted brand.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My 12 y o 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!"
Royal Canin Low Fat Dog Food is a professionally prescribed gastrointestinal dog food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. The recipe is not rated on this website due to its intentional therapeutic design.
RC Low Fat derives its protein from chicken by-product and is intended to help pups easily digest fat. It contains just 5% fat and 20% protein, and includes grains like brewers rice and wheat.
Royal Canin is a prescription solution for dogs with sensitive stomachs who could stand to drop a few pounds or could benefit from eating a pro-grade, low fat recipe. Its a smart solution for dogs who suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley, natural flavors Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 20% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs love this food and I can see a difference. My dog has been very sick from pancreatitis and since they started eating this food, within two weeks they have been so much better. No more throwing up and upset belly."
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food is a protein-rich, low-fat dry food thats both grain-free and optimal for sensitive stomachs. With 36% protein and 11% fat, this food will keep even the hungriest pups full until the next mealtime. The primary protein sources are turkey and chicken meal.
A premium quality product containing an unusually generous amount of protein. Consider Wellness Core for any dog with a big appetite and would also benefit from a premium-grade, low-fat recipe. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our shih tzu has pancreatitis and we struggled with finding a food that will help her. As soon as we made the switch we noticed immediate improvement in her energy level. Wellness has now become our favorite brand and the dogs love it!"
Dr. Tims Metabolite is a tasty dry food that focuses on lean proteins, such as chicken meal, to fuel your pup while cutting calories. Its made up of 11% fat and 30% protein, and contains grains like brown rice and oats. Its a low-calorie dog food that doesnt sacrifice protein or carbs.
This kibble is not only low in fat, its also low in calories. So, if your dog has a lot of weight to lose or is suffering from a digestive condition requiring a special diet, an appetizing and protein-rich food like Dr. Tims is a great way to keep her feeling full.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tims Dog Food (Dry) range here
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 30% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"5 months of feeding my dog Dr. Tims Weight Management Metabolite Dry Dog Food & cutting her food in half, shes lost 30 pounds! She went from weighing 88 pounds & being tired/lazy to weighing 58 pounds & being active/back to her original self before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The vet is really proud of her & shes back at being the perfect weight she should be."
Natural Balance Fat Dogs gets the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 29% protein, 8% fat and 55% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 29%.
An affordable, fully-balanced grain-inclusive, option containing just 8% fat with no recalls and a solid safety reputation. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Fat Dogs (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, dried peas, oat groats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken is made with lean chicken to give your dog a healthy source of protein without added fat. Each serving contains 11% fat and 33% protein. It also contains added L-carnitine to boost your pets metabolism and help jumpstart weight loss.
Blue Wilderness Healthy Weight is ideal for picky eaters who need to shed a few pounds or dogs that could otherwise benefit from a low-fat diet. Though low in calories and low in fat, its also fairly high in protein so your pup wont go hungry.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33% Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have always loved the Blue Buffalo food for our Rhodesian Ridgeback. We recently switched him to the healthy weight version, and he loves it. Our vet saw him recently and commented on how great his weight and health is for a dog who is nearly 9 years old. Great product!"
8 Best Dog Foods For Pancreatitis: Non-Prescription, Low-Fat, Wet, Dry & More
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, feeding her the ideal diet is crucial to manage this condition and keep her as healthy as possible for years to come. Your veterinarian may have suggested a prescription dog food, but is that your only option? While a handful of prescription diets are effective in managing pancreatitis, theyre pricey and may not work out if your pup has food intolerance or allergies to certain ingredients.
Fortunately, you have several non-prescription options, which may be less expensive and super healthy alternatives. Weve done our research and have determined that Ollies fresh chicken recipe, Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim formula, SquarePet VFS low-fat formula, and several others are among the best dog food for pancreatitis.
At A Glance: Best Dog Food For Pancreatitis (Non-Prescription)
What Is Pancreatitis?
A vital organ in the abdomen, the pancreas produces many of the enzymes dogs need to properly digest their food. Pancreatitis is fairly common in dogs and occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, causing pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis can either be mild or severe and acute or chronic.
I have diagnosed many cases of pancreatitis in dogs over the years, says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, a companion animal veterinarian in Gloucester, United Kingdom. The cases of pancreatitis that I tend to see need initial supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication, and pain relief after we have diagnosed their condition. Theres no specific cure for pancreatitis, but we can make dogs much more comfortable and help to manage their condition through a long-term diet change. One dog I treated lived until the ripe old age of 16 years when carefully controlled on a prescription low-fat diet.
Did You Know?
Pet insurancemay cover testing, treatment, medications, and even prescription dog food for pancreatitis as long as no signs or symptoms appear until after your policy enrollment and waiting periods have passed. Even if you missed the window for pet insurance to cover your pups pancreatitis, securing a policy can still be worth it. Why? Your furry friend could develop future covered health problems that require costly treatment.
What To Feed A Dog With Pancreatitis
In some dogs, pancreatitis can be triggered by consuming high-fat meals or fatty treats/table scraps, explains Dr. MacMillan. Therefore, these dogs do best when managed on a highly digestible, low-fat diet. The diets your vet will usually recommend are prescription or veterinary-approved dog foods, as many pet shop ones still contain levels of fat that are too high.
Some affected dogs need to be fed a diet that contains less than 10% fat on a dry matter basis, though other patients can be managed on diets up to 15%. Some of these diets also contain additional ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids to help with inflammation, antioxidants, and prebiotic fibers [e.g., flaxseed, beet pulp, chicory root], which help to keep gut bacteria healthy.
Best Dog Food For Pancreatitis
Keeping in mind that low-fat (under 10%) or moderate-fat diets (up to 15%) are best for dogs with pancreatitis, weve chosen our top picks based on fat content, other healthy ingredients to help with this condition, customer feedback, pricing, and other factors. However, every dog with pancreatitis has different dietary needs. Therefore, its crucial to consult with your veterinarian about any dog food you plan on feeding your special-needs pup.
Nutritional Notes
All of the dog foods weve included in our reviews are all-natural and meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials(
AAFCO) nutritional guidelines (unless otherwise noted). They contain no fillers, by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Several of the dog foods we often recommend are grain-free. While the FDA has not found a significant
link between grain-free dog food and heart health, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet. You might also consider using a fresh, grain-inclusive food as a topper on grain-free kibble or mixing in rice to add more nutrients.
Best Wet Dog Food For Pancreatitis: Ollie Chicken Recipe Review
Visit Website
We believe that fresh dog food is one of your healthiest options to feed dogs with many needs. Fortunately, Ollies chicken recipe may satisfy requirements for dogs who dont require a strict low-fat diet. This grain-inclusive formula has 11.54% (min.) fat content on a dry matter basis and contains such easy-to-digest, whole-food ingredients as rice, carrots, peas, potatoes, spinach, and cranberries.
Whats more, all of Ollies meals are all-natural, human-grade, and personalized for your pups age, breed, current and ideal weight, activity level, and more. And theyre formulated by specialized veterinarians. This chicken recipe also includes salmon oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omegas are particularly beneficial for pancreatitis because they can help reduce inflammation of the pancreas. While Ollie requires a subscription, you can cancel at any time.
Price
Our readers can get50% off their first box.Usethis linkto take advantage of this offer(no discount code needed).
Full Review Of Ollie
Best Dry Dog Food For Pancreatitis: Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
With a crude fat maximum of 9%, prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and omega fatty acids, the Nulo Freestyle Adult Trim formula is a fantastic option for dogs with pancreatitis. This gluten and grain-free dog food is made from 74% animal-based proteins (cod, turkey, and salmon meal), low-glycemic carbs, and real fruits and veggies, including tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, and apples.
With plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this formula supports your pups immune and whole-body health. Another plus is the addition of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivative that helps the body metabolize fats more efficiently. Many owners of pups with pancreatitis say this diet works well for their dogs dietary needs.
Price
Full Nulo Review
Best Low-Fat Dog Food For Pancreatitis: SquarePet VFS Low Fat Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Vet-formulated specifically for dogs with digestive problems, this SquarePet formula is an excellent alternative to prescription dog food for pancreatitis (particularly for those allergic to chicken). It only contains 8% (max.) crude fat, making it a fantastic choice for dogs needing a strict low-fat diet. And at 384 kcal/cup, its excellent for pups who can benefit from higher calories than weight control dog food.
Featuring cod, ocean whitefish meal, and no chicken products, this grain-inclusive recipe is crafted with dietary fiber sources, prebiotics, and probiotics for overall healthy digestion. To top it all off, this limited-ingredient formula also includes antioxidants and omega fatty acids for immune health and to reduce pancreas inflammation as well as L-carnitine for optimal fat metabolism.
Price
Best Moderate-Fat Dog Food For Pancreatitis: JustFoodForDogs Venison Recipe Review
Visit Website
Another excellent human-grade, fresh dog food option with a moderate fat level is JustFoodForDogs venison and squash recipe. Formulated by veterinarians and pet nutritionists, this gluten, grain, and chicken-free recipe contains 11.11% (min.) fat content on a dry matter basis. Its limited ingredients include ground venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberries, and anti-inflammatory Icelandic premium fish oil, all fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
While JFFD doesnt personalize your pups food for her life stage or other factors, you can figure out how much food to buy and how much to feed your dog each day based on her age, weight, and activity level. If you want a personalized diet for your pooch, you can have the companys nutrition team formulate a custom dietbased on your dogs medical records (requires a one-time $250 fee).
Price
Get35% off your first order at JustFoodForDogs. Just usethis linkto get started.
Full Review Of JustFoodForDogs
What About Annamaet, Solid Gold & More?
The following non-prescription, low-fat dog chow didnt make our top picks. But if you havent found the best option for your pups dietary needs, you may want to consider these formulas. Weve included grain-free, grain-inclusive, and beef and chicken-free options for a variety of dietary needs. Theyre also worth considering if you cant afford prescription food or our other top picks (as long as your vet gives you the green light).
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
Made with chicken meal, duck meal, and herring meal* as the primary protein sources, this grain-free, high-protein formula features a maximum of 9% fat content and 350 kcal/cup. Its fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and chelated minerals to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
This recipe also contains cranberries and blueberries as natural antioxidant sources, L-carnitine to boost fat metabolism, and taurine for heart health. Many owners of dogs with chronic pancreatitis say this formula is a fantastic alternative to prescription food for their pups.
*A note about meat meal:Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the meat is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meal doesnt include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.
Price
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Walmart
If your pup doesnt require a strict low-fat diet and youre looking for an affordable option, Blue Buffalos Healthy Weight formula could be a good fit. Featuring a crude fat content of 9% min and 12% max, this chicken recipe is also a great option if your pup could benefit from fewer calories (324 kcal/cup) or youre wary of grain-free food. It contains such easy-to-digest grains as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal and is fortified with prebiotic fiber and probiotics for enhanced digestion.
The inclusion of flaxseed gives your pup the omega-3 fatty acids she needs to help with pancreas inflammation. It also contains antioxidant and fiber-rich blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes, andL-carnitine to aid with fat metabolism. Finally, it features Blue Buffalos patented LifeSource Bits, a blend of vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for immune and whole-body health.
Price
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Another grain-inclusive, low-fat (9% max) kibble that many owners find effective in managing their dogs with pancreatitis, Eagle Packs Reduced Fat formula features pork meal and chicken meal as primary animal protein sources. This limited-ingredient recipe includes barley, oat groats, and brown rice as easily digestible grain sources, dried beet pulp and chicory root for prebiotic fiber, and probiotics. Its also fortified with flaxseed, an excellent source of omega fatty acids to help with inflammation.
Price
Solid Gold Fit And Fabulous Weight Control Review
View on Chewy
Solid Golds Weight Control formulas are available in grain-free chicken or grain-inclusive Alaskan Pollock, both containing a maximum of 9.5% crude fat. Theyre also high in dietary fiber (10% max) and fortified with pumpkin, prebiotics, and probiotics to support healthy digestion. Natural antioxidants include carrots, blueberries, and cranberries, and they both also contain anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids. Customers say its a fantastic diet for pancreatitis, sensitive tummies, and weight loss.
Price
Prescription Food For Dogs With Pancreatitis
What are the best prescription dog foods for pancreatitis? Hills Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets are the top vet-prescribed brands for dogs with pancreatitis. Each comes in dry or canned formulas. Heres a quick table to help you briefly compare these prescription dry formulas to the non-prescription formulas we review above. All contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics.
| Top Prescription Dog Foods For Pancreatitis | Fat Content | Grain-Free | Wheat-Free | Corn-Free | Chicken-Free | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hills Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food | 9.0% max |  | | | | $52.99 (8.5lb bag) |
| Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food | 8.5% max | | | | | $43.99 (6.6lb bag) |
| Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Dry Dog Food | 10.5% min | | | | | $39.99 (6lb bag) |
What Treats Can I Give My Dog With Pancreatitis?
For dogs with pancreatitis, its crucial to avoid fatty treats and table scraps as they can cause flare-ups. Fortunately, you have many healthy snack options for your furry friend. Some fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, and watermelon can make excellent low-fat and low-calorie treats. Its best to steer clear of citrus fruits as they may upset your pups tummy. You can also safely give your pup carrots for a crunchy, healthy treat.
Be sure to read the labels of any store-bought treats. Again, low-fat treats are necessary, and you may also want to look for low-calorie treats to avoid weight gain. A few of our favorite commercial treats that are suitable for dogs with pancreatitis include:
Should I Consider A Daily Dog Probiotic?
Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can certainly benefit from a daily probiotic supplement, as long as you get the green light from your veterinarian. Probiotics introduce billions of beneficial living bacteria into your dogs gut to restore her tummy health, which can get out of whack with pancreatitis flare-ups. Probiotics also help to strengthen your dogs immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties, which are both beneficial for this condition.
Our Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Tagged With: Comparison, Food Delivery
