The 15 Best Low Fat Dog Foods for 2023

As a dog owner, getting your pet to lose those extra pounds is not always the easiest thing. However, buying it the best low-fat dog food is a perfect starting point.

But besides helping dogs shed some weight, low-fat dog foods can also help deal with various health issues such as pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and liver disease.

Low-fat dog food is any food that will contain less than 10% of fat content. But as you peruse through any dog food store or an online listing, you will notice there are countless low-fat dog food options.

In this piece, we review some top options and provide a buying guide to help make it easier to choose a good brand for your dog.

Editors' Picks: Top Low Fat Dog Foods

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  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Gastrointestinal LF Low Fat - 6.6lb
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Eagle Pack Natural Dry Reduced Fat Dog Food, Pork & Chicken, 30-Pound Bag
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Solid Gold - Fit & Fabulous with Natural Chicken, Sweet Potato & Green Bean Recipe -...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Earthborn Holistic Weight Control Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Healthy Weight Recipe - 25 lb. Bag
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food,...
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula Dry Dog Food, (Chicken & Duck), 5-lb Bag
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Formula,...
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Reduced Fat, 12-Pound Bag
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• Bestseller No. 10
  
  VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Senior Healthy Weight – Gluten Free Weight...
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• Bestseller No. 11
  
  Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs...
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• Bestseller No. 12
  
  Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food for All Breeds, All Ages and All Sizes,...
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• Bestseller No. 13
  
  Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice Recipe, 40...
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• Bestseller No. 14
  
  IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food with Real...
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• Bestseller No. 15
  
  Primal Canine Venison Freeze Dried, 14 Oz
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7 Best Low Fat Dog Foods - Review

1. Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Chicken & brown rice | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Deboned chicken, brown rice, blueberries, peas, carrots, flaxseed, cranberries, sweet potatoes
• Min. Fat Content: 9.0%
• Protein: 20.0% (min) | Fiber: 10.0% (max) | Moisture: 10.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken/poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy artificial preservatives or flavors

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula takes our top overall spot because, besides the lower fat calorie content that makes it perfect for weight management, it is a healthy, complete, and balanced dog food that uses the finest natural ingredients.

Like many other Blue Buffalo dog foods, it also has the Lifesource bits. This precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins will support not only the health of the immune system but also life stage requirements and ensures healthy oxidative balance.

This dog food uses real chicken meat for the protein source, which, together with the L-Carnitine, will help the dogs build and maintain lean muscles. There is also glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility.

As this dog food will have an optimal balance of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, it will also give the dog healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Like with many other dog foods, the packaging could do with some improvement, but for most dog owners, this is hardly a significant issue.

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2. Best Budget: Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Beef | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, animal fat…
• Min. Fat Content: 10.0%
• Protein: 21.0% (min) | Fiber: 4.0% (max) | Moisture: 12.0% (max)
• Not Contain: High fructose corn syrup, artificial flavor, added sugar

For dog owners shopping for the best low-fat dog food on a budget, the Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food is perfect as it is our cheapest option. But despite being more affordable, it is s still a complete dog food with everything a dog needs and is also well-balanced.

This Pedigrees dog food has a delicious grilled steak flavor that you can be sure your pet will love. The dog will also not have any issues with digestion as it uses whole grains and has a perfect blend of fiber to support the digestive system. What's more, this food has optimal levels of omega-6s fatty acids to nourish dog skin and keep the coat healthy.

The packaging for this dog food also seems low quality, and hence the bag can easily tear, but for its price, this is something you can overlook.

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3. Best High-Protein: Purina One Weight Management, Natural Dry Dog Food

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Turkey | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Turkey, rice flour, soybean meal, corn, corn gluten meal, oatmeal, whole grain wheat…
• Min. Fat Content: 8.0%
• Protein: 27.0% (min) | Fiber: 5.5% (max) | Moisture: 12.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Fillers

With up to 27% of high-quality turkey protein, the Purina One Weight Management dog food has the highest protein content on our list. This protein supports heart health and also helps build lean muscles. Better yet, the protein and fiber will help with weight management by promoting fullness.

Besides being our best high protein low-fat dog food, this product has a perfect antioxidant blend to support the immune system and glucosamine for supporting joint health. Because it has omega-6s fatty acids, it will be beneficial for keeping skin and coat healthy.

Since this product will contain common dog food allergens like corn and soy, it will not be ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. But, if your dog does not have any sensitivity issues, it is perfect.

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4. Best Grain-Free: Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food

• Lifestage: Puppy | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Beef | Form: Wet
• Ingredients: Beef, chicken broth, peas, chicken, carrots, chicken liver, tapioca starch, dried egg product…
• Min. Fat Content: 3.5%
• Protein: 8.0% (min) | Fiber: 1.5% (max) | Moisture: 82.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken by-product meal, wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food is our best low-fat grain-free dog food. It will be the perfect choice for those that have puppies allergic to grains or have intolerance and sensitivity issues.

This dog food uses non-GMO ingredients, which makes it safer for your dog, and you can be sure that the pup will love it as the beef flavor is very delicious. In addition to this, it has the perfect balance of proteins and fats for complete nutrition that will help your puppy grow fast and healthy.

When compared to others on our list, this Nutro dog food is a little expensive given there is not much of it in the container, but the quality is worth it. Also, the quality of the can is wanting, but this is a minor issue.

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5. Best Wet: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Fish & sweet potato dinner | Form: Wet
• Ingredients: Whitefish, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, turkey, fish broth, chicken liver, brown rice…
• Min. Fat Content: 4.5%
• Protein: 8.0% (min) | Fiber: 1.3% (max) | Moisture: 78.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Chicken/poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives

If you prefer to give your dog wet food, the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is our best low-fat canned dog food. Besides containing just 4.5% fat, this canned dog food provides more serving options because, besides giving it as a complete meal, you can mix with dry dog food or give as a tasty treat.

The high-quality whitefish used as the number 1 ingredient provides high-quality protein to help your dog build lean muscles. You can be sure of the quality of the food and its nutritional value as it uses natural and wholesome ingredients that include nutrient-rich fruits veggies.

The 1.3% maximum fiber content is relatively low when you compare it to what you get with other dog foods on our list. However, for canned dog food, it is acceptable, and you can always complement it by adding extra fruits and vegetables to the dog food.

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6. Best for Weight Management: Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Chicken | Form: Dry
• Ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, whole grain corn, corn germ meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal…
• Min. Fat Content: 8.0%
• Protein: 26.0% (min) | Fiber: 5.5% (max) | Moisture: 12.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Fillers, artificial flavors or colors

With a unique formulation to help dogs shed and maintain optimal weight, the Purina Pro Plan Weight Management dog food is a perfect buy if you have a pet that is struggling with weight issues.

This dog food provides 26% protein and 5.5% fiber, which are a perfect combination that will help with weight loss. Also, with enriched minerals and vitamins, it is a 100% complete and balanced dog food that will give your pet everything it needs.

Digestive health will also be taken care of by the guaranteed live prebiotics. With the mixture of hard kibbles and tender meaty morsels, dogs will love the texture of the food.

The cost of this dog food is the only turn off for most dog owners, but a few extra bucks is a small price to pay to keep your pet in good shape.

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7. Best for Sensitive Dogs: Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog Food

• Lifestage: Adult | Breed Size: All breed sizes
• Flavor: Chicken, rice & barley | Form: Wet
• Ingredients: Chicken, soybean meal, chicken liver, canola oil, brewer's rice, potatoes, barley, carrots…
• Min. Fat Content: 4.0% (min)
• Protein: 8.0% (min) | Fiber: 1.0% (max) | Moisture: 76.0% (max)
• Not Contain: Wheat, corn, beef, artificial preservatives

Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog Food is your best bet if you have a dog that has food sensitivity issues. This dog food will not include ingredients that are often associated with sensitivities like beef, corn, or wheat.

Overall, this is an easy-to-digest food that will include highly digestible wholesome grains like rice and barley. And to make it even better for a sensitive stomach, the protein used is also gentle on the stomach.

This food offers complete and balanced nutrition with everything and the right amount of what the dog needs. There are also clear feeding instructions to ensure you know how much of it to give your dog.

The 8% protein and 1% fiber content are the lowest on our list, but for canned dog food, both are still within the acceptable parameters. Better yet, the quality of the protein should make up for the lower quantity.

Other Good Recommendations

8. Dry Dog Treats | All Life Stages | All Breed Sizes | Greenies Pill Pockets

Greenies Pill Pockets are some low-fat dog treats that make a nice and healthy snack for dogs. But, what makes them even more impressive is that they also act as pill pockets to make it easier to give your dog medicine.

These dog treats are made with all-natural ingredients and with trace nutrients to give the dog some extra nutrition. And you can be sure that your canine friend will love them as they have a fantastic chicken flavor.

Key Features

• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Traces of nutrients for extra nutrition
• Irresistible chicken flavor
• Pill pocket treats make it easy to give medicines

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9. Dry Dog Food | All Life Stages | All Breed Sizes | Kibbles 'N Bits Original

Kibbles 'N Bits Original is excellent dog food for all life stages and any breed sizes. It is antioxidant-rich to support the dog's immune system and comes in complete and balanced nutrition with everything the dig needs.

This low-fat dog food contains just 8% fat and has 23 essential minerals and vitamins for the overall well-being of the dog. You can be sure that your dog will love and enjoy the food because, besides the delicious chicken and beef flavors, the food comes in crunchy and meaty kibbles.

Key Features

• Antioxidant-rich to support the immune system
• 100% complete and balanced
• Packed with 23 essential mineral and vitamins
• Delicious beef and chicken flavors
• Crunchy and meaty kibbles

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10. Wet Dog Food | Adult| All Breed Sizes | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet is for the health and well-being of your dog, and it will use real salmon and chicken to provide high-quality protein for your pet. Besides giving it a complete meal, this canned dog food is also perfect for giving as a treat and for mixing with dry kibbles.

This dog food is grain-free, which makes it perfect dogs with food sensitivities and also does not have other typical dog food allergens like wheat. The ingredients used are wholesome and all-natural, and this food has adequate minerals and vitamins.

Key Features

• Three feed ways for increased convenience
• Grain-free for food-sensitive dogs
• Made with wholesome and natural ingredients
• Enhanced with minerals and vitamins
• Real salmon and chicken provide high-quality protein

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11. Wet Dog Food | Adult | All Breed Sizes | Purina Pro Plan Wet

Purina Pro Plan Wet uses a unique formula to help with dog weight management. It uses real turkey to ensure your dog gets optimal protein that will allow it to shed the extra fat without burning through the muscles.

With just 2% fat content, this dog food has the lowest fat in our list, which makes it one of the best low-fat dog food for pancreatitis as this lower dietary fat will be easily digestible. There are also 23 essential vitamins and minerals to make the food complete. Every ingredient has a specific purpose as there are no fillers in this food, and it also does not use any artificial flavors.

Key Features

• Optimal protein level helps dog lose fat and preserve muscles
• Super low-fat content of just 2%
• Includes 23 essential minerals and vitamins
• Made with no artificial flavors
• Does not contain any fillers

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12. Dry Dog Food | Adult | All Breed Sizes | Natural Balance Fat Dogs

If you are trying to get your dog to lose some weight, the Natural Balance Fat Dogs will be excellent dog food for you. Its low-calorie content of just 300 kcal/cup is perfect for overweight dogs. The food also has a higher fiber content of up to 10.5% to keep the dog full for long.

You will never have to worry about the pet losing the muscles as it sheds the extra weight as the protein blend will ensure this does not happen. This dog food only uses premium quality ingredients, and it will not contain any artificial flavors or colors.

Key Features

• Low-calorie content makes it perfect for overweight dogs
• High fiber content helps keep dog full
• Made with premium quality ingredients
• Protein blend helps preserve dog muscles
• Contains no artificial flavors or colors

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13. Wet Dog Food | All Life Stages | All Breed Sizes | Whole Earth Farms Wet

For the pet owners with food-sensitive dogs, the Whole Earth Farms Wet is another fantastic option as it is completely grain-free. And to make it even more ideal for food-sensitive dogs, it will not include other common allergens like wheat and corn.

All the ingredients used in the food are natural, and there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors added on. Many dog owners will love that this food is ideal for all breed sizes and life stages and that it has added minerals and vitamins to make it complete.

Key Features

• Grain-free for sensitive dogs
• Made with all-natural ingredients
• Added vitamins and minerals make it complete
• Suitable for all breed sizes and life stages

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14. Dry Dog Food | All Life Stages | All Breed Sizes | Solid Gold Weight Control

Solid Gold Weight Control is gluten and grain-free dog food that will be fantastic for food-sensitive dogs. This dog food has a formula that supports gut health and the dog's immune system as it has live probiotics and fiber-rich prebiotics.

The formulation includes some nutrient-packed superfoods that will provide antioxidants and poly nutrients to help your dog thrive. Because there are also adequate levels of omega 3 & 6, this food will help keep the skin and coat healthy.

Key Features

• Adequate levels of omega 3 & 6 for skin and coat health
• Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health
• Contains nutrient-packed superfoods
• Grain and gluten-free

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15. Dry Dog Food | Adult | All Breed Sizes | Wellness Core Grain Free

With up to 33% protein, the Wellness Core Grain Free not only has more protein than many others on our list but also high-quality one from real turkey. This concentrated protein will help dogs build a leaner body mass and muscle tone.

Digestive health is also guaranteed as the dog food includes both prebiotics and probiotics. Because it is a complete and balanced meal, it provides the dog with all the nutrients it needs. What's more, there is also glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health and omega fatty acids to promote skin/coat health.

Key Features

• High concentration of protein from real turkey
• Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint and hip health
• Prebiotics and probiotics promote digestive health
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat care
• Complete and balanced meal with no fillers

How to Buy the Best Low Fat Dog Foods

1. Types of Dog and Age

Dietary needs will vary from one dog breed to the other and also from one life stage to the other. Hence, whether you are buying low fat or any other food type, the type and age of the dog should always be one of the first factors to consider.

For puppies, you cannot afford to keep the fat content very low because they tend to need more calories than adult dogs, and fats will provide a huge chunk of them.

Read More: The Best Puppy Food

Also, smaller dog breeds have a higher metabolism than large breeds, and so will require relatively more energy. And this means their low-fat food still needs to have a little more fat than that meant for the large breeds.

2. Activity Level

The more active the dog is, the higher the calories it will burn and also the more calories that it will require. What this means is that if you have a super active dog, you should not give it a very low-fat diet as it might not get the energy it requires to support its very active lifestyle.

For more passive or less active dogs, on the other hand, you will need to be even more careful with the fat content as you will want to give it fewer calories. If the dog is not active, giving it more fat means it will end up with lots of it stored by the body, which leads to weight gain.

Hence, as you try to choose the best low-fat diet for dogs, you should always keep their activity levels and lifestyle in mind.

3. Fat Source

Fat quality in dog food is as important as the quantity. When shopping for low-fat dog food, you need to check the source to ensure that besides giving the dog less fat, you also give it high-quality and healthy fat.

Sticking with fat sources from plants such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and safflower is always a great idea as these are healthier than animal fat sources.

Fish oil, like what is in the Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food,is also a healthy fat source, and it also provides other essential compounds like fatty acids.

4. Protein

A good low-fat dog food still needs to have a healthy protein content to ensure the dog gets the energy that it needs.

Remember that reducing the amount of fat in the food reduces the calories the dog gets, and so a healthy dose of protein becomes even more important to give the dog the calories it needs.

Dog foods with real meats such as chicken, beef, and salmon as the first ingredient will give the dog a good source of protein to help build and maintain lean muscles.

5. Digestible Ingredients

Digestibility of the ingredients in the dog food is even more important than keeping the fat content low, and this is more so if it has pancreatitis.

Dog foods that will have low carbohydrates content besides being low fat are the easiest to digest for dogs. Also, wholesome ingredients will give dogs an easier time when it comes to digestion than by-products.

Q&A

Why Do Some Dogs Need a Low-Fat Diet?

A: Some dogs will need a low-fat diet to help with weight loss since these foods are less calorie-dense and will hence make it easy to control the dog's calorie intake. Others will need low-fat diets to help manage health issues like pancreatitis and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Is Low Fat Dog Food Good for Dogs?

A: Low-fat dog food is safe and healthy for your dog. But, this is only so if it still includes a good protein source and adequate amounts of other essential elements like vitamins and minerals to ensure it is complete and balanced for the overall well-being of the dog.

What Food Is Good for Dogs with Pancreatitis?

A: The best dog food for dogs with gastrointestinal issues like pancreatic are those that veterinarians will recommend specifically for your dog. However, low-fat dog food is generally recommended for pancreatitis as these dogs often have difficulties digesting dietary fats.

Can Obesity Be Prevented for Dogs?

A: Yes, obesity in dogs is preventable, and one of the best ways to do this is by keeping it in a healthy diet that is complete and balanced and with low-fat content. Also, keeping your dog active can help prevent obesity.

Buy on Etsy

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food, - Walmart Link

Iams Adult Dry Dog Food for Healthy Weight, Chicken - Walmart Link

NUTRO ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown - Walmart Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management, Chicken - Walmart Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Light, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe - Walmart Link

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula - Walmart Link

the Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link

the Purina One Weight Management - Walmart Link

Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food - Walmart Link

the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe - Walmart Link

the Purina Pro Plan Weight Management - Walmart Link

Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog Food - Walmart Link

Kibbles 'N Bits Original - Walmart Link

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet - Walmart Link

Purina Pro Plan Wet - Walmart Link

the Natural Balance Fat Dogs - Walmart Link

the Whole Earth Farms Wet - Walmart Link

Solid Gold Weight Control - Walmart Link

the Wellness Core Grain Free - Walmart Link

the Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food - Walmart Link

the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link

the more affordable Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food, - eBay Link

Iams Adult Dry Dog Food for Healthy Weight, Chicken - eBay Link

NUTRO ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - eBay Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown - eBay Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management, Chicken - eBay Link

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Light, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe - eBay Link

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula - eBay Link

the Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food - eBay Link

the Purina One Weight Management - eBay Link

Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food - eBay Link

the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe - eBay Link

the Purina Pro Plan Weight Management - eBay Link

Nature's Recipe Easy to Digest Wet Dog Food - eBay Link

Kibbles 'N Bits Original - eBay Link

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet - eBay Link

Purina Pro Plan Wet - eBay Link

the Natural Balance Fat Dogs - eBay Link

the Whole Earth Farms Wet - eBay Link

Solid Gold Weight Control - eBay Link

the Wellness Core Grain Free - eBay Link

the Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food - eBay Link

the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food - eBay Link

the more affordable Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak - eBay Link

Conclusion

Low-fat dog foods will not only help with weight management but can also be ideal for dealing with various health issues like liver disease and pancreatitis. If you are on the lookout for the best low-fat dog food, there is something for your pet on our list.

But, to make your pick an easier one, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food takes our top overall spot as it is a complete and balanced dog food with the finest natural ingredients.

For the dog owners that want premium-quality dog food but are on a tight budget, the more affordable Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak will give you great value for money.