I want to talk about the benefits of high protein dog food and low fat. But I don’t want to just jump into it. If I did that, how would you know this is worth your time? Instead, let’s start with a general overview of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient for both dogs and humans . That means protein is required for survival. As you can see below, protein contains nitrogen. Nitrogen makes up about 80 percent of your dog’s body . When you feed your dog high-protein foods, some of that nitrogen is converted into amino acids. Amino acids are important because they help synthesize proteins and enzymes in your dog’s body.
WHAT ARE THE BEST HIGH PROTEIN LOW CARB DOG FOODS?
High protein low carb dog food is essential for your canine athlete. From hunting dogs to dogs on the police force, any dog that works hard on a regular basis must be fed accordingly. Dog foods filled with cheap carbohydrates only serve to make dogs fat. Plus, dogs cannot transfer carbohydrates into energy as efficiently as they can fats, thus resulting in faster burn out.
Did you know wolves don’t eat any carbs in the wild? Despite what nature tells is right for dogs, dog food brands continue to stuff their “premium” foods with carbohydrate fillers.
SO, WHAT MAKES A GOOD QUALITY DOG FOOD?
Only 15% of foods in the US are considered high protein low-carb dog foods. This is concerning considering how important this type of diet is for dogs, especially hunting and sporting dogs. Luckily, there are a lot of high-quality dog foods out there you simply need to know what to look for. Here are 5 of the most important factors to consider when assessing high protein low carb dog foods.
1. Quality of protein source
The Nutrition Facts are important but the ingredients are often more telling. A dog food may contain high protein levels, but you must read the ingredients to identify where the protein really comes from. Not all protein sources digest the same way for your dog. For instance, high levels of meat by-products (beaks, bones, feathers, etc.) may technically measure as protein, but they don’t provide a suitable protein source for your dog.
Keep in mind, there is such thing as too much protein. Some dogs don’t need as much protein as others and too much protein can lead to upset stomach and digestive issues.
2. First and last ingredients
The first ingredients are the most prominently packed inside a dog food, aka the majority of whatever your dog eats. Any dog foods that list meat by-products as the first ingredient are rap with a C, if you know what I mean. While the last ingredients are in much smaller quantities they are still important. Here’s where you’re likely to find a list of unnatural fillers and preservatives. If an ingredient sounds funky, look it up and see what it is.
What about chicken meal vs. real chicken? Chicken meal is made up of dry chicken flesh and skin, and may also include ground up bones. Bones, beaks and other byproducts of animals are technically considered protein, but they are not the most digestible or reliable source of protein for your dog.
Even some of the highly-recommended dog foods on this list contain fish meal, chicken meal, and so forth. That’s because real chicken (and other meat) is hard to handle and more expensive. Some argue real chicken offers less protein than chicken meal because it contains more moisture and you can’t pack as much into each kibble. Chicken meal may vary in nutritional content based on how it’s produced. For instance, if it is dried out too heavily it’ll lose its amino acids.
Real chicken can cost as much as 50% more than chicken meal, yet another reason it is such a common ingredient in dog food. When reading the ingredients take into consideration how much turkey meal vs. real turkey is packed inside, and what other ingredients are included as well.
3. Limited carbs
Dogs don’t load up on carbs in the wild. Starchy and sugary carbohydrates make dogs as fat and lazy as humans who eat too much of the same. Unfortunately, carbs offer a cheap filler and are added to just about every dog food. All dog foods, even the best of the best grain-free options, include some carbohydrates. The important thing is that your dog consumes fewer carbs than fats and proteins combined.
Additionally, certain studies have shown that you can virtually “starve” cancer cells by depriving them of the sugar—or fuel—they need to grow and thrive. That means it’s possible that dogs fed high-carb diets are at a greater risk of developing cancer.
4. Weighing the Costs
Price matters because even with the stock market on a rip, most of us still adhere to a budget. You’ll find low carb high protein dog foods at all price points on our list. Purina offers one of the most affordable options that contains quality ingredients and packs a lot of protein.
5. Country of Origin
Pet food manufacturing plants in the USA are held to higher standards than plants in many other countries, albeit manufacturing in these locations is usually much cheaper. Companies that source production in cheaper countries are looking to cut corners and save a buck, which might be completely harmless. Or, it may carry over into other practices and impact the quality of dog food. There are so many great dog foods made right here in the USA, some featured on this list.
Here are some of the best low carb, high protein dog foods out there.
TASTE OF THE WILD HIGH PRAIRIE GRAIN-FREE HIGH PROTEIN
Protein Content – 32.0%
Taste of the Wild Pet foods is a committed family owned USA run company that’s main focus in on providing quality products with rich whole foods. Inside the bag, you’ll find ingredients like buffalo meat, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas and numerous other whole foods and nutrients.
All ingredients are hand selected and trusted by Taste of the Wild to ensure that they are coming from sustainable sources around the world. Made with no grain, corn, wheat, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Taste of the Wild high protein dog food is one of the leading brands.
- 30 lb. Bag
- Real Roasted Bison Meat #1 Ingredient
- Made in the USA
CRAVE GRAIN FREE HIGH PROTEIN DRY DOG FOOD
Protein Content – 34.0%
Inspired by a dog’s natural diet, CRAVE introduces a rich high protein dog food that’s first ingredient is Salmon. Packed with 34% protein CRAVE adult high protein dog food is designed to provide your dog with rich nutrients and taste. Specifically, formulated with absolutely no soy, grains, corn, or wheat fillers.
With such a rich high protein dog food it will lead to giving your dog a lean, healthy body with energy to exercise and hunt. You won’t find any preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, just like the Taste of the Wild high protein dog food.
- 22 lb. Bag
- High-quality Salmon Protein
- Quality Ingredients With No Additives
DIAMOND NATURALS REAL MEAT LOW CARB DOG FOOD
Protein Content – 25.0%
Meticulously manufactured in the USA, Diamond Naturals dog food is specifically formulated in the top facilities under extreme quality control measures. With beef protein as the first rich protein ingredient. Diamond makes sure that only the best superfoods and rich nutrients are in their dog food to ensure that they provide energy and muscle building blocks for your dog.
Diamond is a natural dog food that has whole foods like fruits and vegetables that are designed to be highly digestible allowing your dog to absorb the quality nutrients to help provide health muscles and energy levels.
- 40 lb. Bag
- Rich Beef Protein
- Trusted Family Owned Company
PURINA PRO PLAN SPORT HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD
Protein Content – 30.0%
Purina is one of the largest if not the largest pet food and animal nutrition companies in the world. With access to some of the top animal nutritionists and chemists, you can have the confidence in knowing Purina Pro Plan is formulated to help your dog perform.
Purina Pro Plan is specifically formulated to contain 30% protein and 20% fat, which is a balanced performance diet for all life states. Designed to fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle.
- 37.5 lb. Bag
- #1 Protein is Chicken
- Dependable Brand
NATURE’S VARIETY INSTINCT HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD
Protein Content – 47.0%
Nature’s Instinct is the number one high protein dog food if you are looking at the percentage of protein along. Packed with 47% protein, made of cage-free chicken. This dog food is one of the only ones that is packed with real pure meat in every bite. It does come at a higher price point, however, if a high protein diet is what you are seeking in your dog’s food, this is your top choice.
Compared to other brands Instinct is some of the most digestible high protein dog food on the market. Made entirely with no grain, potato, wheat, soy, corn, or any by-products, flavors, or preservatives. Instinct is one of the best dog foods if you are looking for optimal nutrient absorption for your dog.
- 20 lb. Bag
- #1 Protein is Cage-Free Chicken
- Grain Free
BROTHERS COMPLETE LOW CARB DOG FOOD
PROTEIN CONTENT – 36.00%
Brothers dog food obtains its cassava/tapioca from the roots of cassava plants, a low glycemic carbohydrate. This eliminates the presence of milk and sugars and more closely resembles your dog’s natural diet. According to the manufacturer:
“Additionally some studies have shown that up to 50% of the tapioca starch survives the digestive process and, instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream as a starch, gets to the colon where it feeds the beneficial bacteria that are essential for the health and functioning of the colon, the immune system, and the body as a whole. In effect, this diversion of starch to feed the beneficial bacteria makes brothers an even more concentrated source of protein and nutrients than the assured analysis reveals.”
- 25 lb. Bag
- Advanced allergy care
- Ingredients offer a more concentrated form of proteins and nutrients
BLUE WILDERNESS ROCKY HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD
PROTEIN CONTENT – 30.00%
BLUE Wilderness food always starts with protein-rich Beef. No chicken by-products or fillers. No corn, soy, or wheat is added to the food to increase calorie count. Along with no artificial flavors or preservatives are added to the quality rich dog food. Instead, Blue Wilderness focuses on high protein grain-free mix that helps to build muscle and promote lean figure for your dogs.
Designed with a mixture of calcium, essential vitamins, and phosphorus, the Rocky Mountain High Protein dog food is designed to promote strong bones and healthy teeth.
- 22 lb. Bag
- Grain-Free & High Protein Dog Food
- Promotes Healthy Weight
PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND LOW CARB DOG FOOD
PROTEIN CONTENT – 30.00%
Purina ONE SmartBlend is a formulation that is unique and different from Purina Pro Plan Sport. Instead of chicken, ONE SmartBlend uses real Turkey as the number one ingredient, as well as venison. The ingredients have no poultry by-product meals, only whole real foods.
The food and formulation are inspired by a dog’s natural diet. Therefore, the choice of food is nutrient-dense found in nature. As a result, you get a food that is packed full of wholesome nutrients providing a 100% balanced diet that helps support body health for active adult dogs.
- 27.5 lb. Bag
- Highly Digestible Nutrients
- Turkey & Venison Protein
BLUE WILDERNESS HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD
PROTEIN CONTENT – 32.00%
Blue Wilderness has not only been able to formulate one of the leading all natural dog foods. But they have started to formulate specific blends with select ingredients. For example, their leading high protein dog food is rich in protein with a robust 32%, mostly derived from deboned Salmon.
Specially formulated with no chicken by-product meal, corn soy, or wheat. The High protein dog food from Blue Wilderness is sure to help promote overall body health in adult dog breeds.
- 24 lb. Bag
- #1 Ingredient is Salmon
- Zero Grain & High Protein Dog Food
NUTRO LITE AND WEIGHT LOW CARB DOG FOOD
PROTEIN CONTENT – 23.00%
Nutro Lite and Weight is a wholesome recipe that helps to promote healthy weight in adult dog breeds. With protein derived from farm-raised chicken, the food has a natural sustainable source of protein for your dog. However, that’s not the only whole food Nutro selected for their food. Sweet potatoes and lentils help to provide this dog food with a rich nutrient packed blend filled with natural flavors your dog will enjoy.
Nutro has a history of partnering with sustainable farms that are trusted and dependable. As a result, your dog is sure to get a low carb dog food that is packed with the same nutrient-rich contents year after year. No artificial flavors, preservatives or grains are used to fill this food. Instead, only the finest products are chosen for this dog food.
- 30 lb. Bag
- #1 Ingredient is Chicken
- Zero Grain & High Protein Dog Food
DOES YOUR DOG NEED MORE THAN JUST A LOW CARB HIGH PROTEIN FOOD?
High protein low carb dog foods offer the best source of nutrition for all dogs, especially athletic dogs. You can’t forget fats either! Fats are vital to your dog’s health in so many ways. While many of the dog foods on this list contain quality fats, adding a supplement that contains healthy fats, like omega 3 fatty acids, is a great way to ensure your dog is getting the nutrients necessary to repair joint damage and maintain a healthy heart and coat.
Vitality is the first omega-3 supplement made especially for hunting and sporting dogs. Each bottle packs 15,000 mg of krill oil, sustainably sourced from krill living in Alaska’s pure waters. Vitality offers natural protection and support for your dog’s heart, joints, skin and coat.
11 Best Dog Foods With Low Fats
To cut your browsing time, here is a list of the top 11 best low-fat dog foods for overweight and obese dogs.
1. BLUE Buffalo Healthy Weight
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
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Made in the United States, BLUE Buffalo Healthy Weight range is the best low-fat dog food from a well-respected pet food brand. This low-fat formula is produced without any extra calories from fats and will help any dog reach better control over its weight.
Satiety is a big problem with dogs… Dogs are big eaters and reducing quantities as a reflex to fight obesity is often detrimental to your dog’s mental health: a hungry dog is an unhappy dog. In order to assure satiety for your pet, BLUE Buffalo Healthy Weight is making sure fibers are present in high amounts thanks to the use of quality vegetables. Brown rice is a healthy grain providing a sustainable source of energy for a dog.
There are a lot of added benefits to this low-fat dog food such as:
- L-carnitine enhances bone mass, brain function, and muscle protection
- Amino Acids help the dog’s body to gain muscle mass and lose body fat
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 are fatty acids that ensure healthy skin and coat
- Fruits increase the amount of fiber and vitamins in your dog’s diet
Sure, it’s not perfect and some people will dislike the fact that it’s not grain-free but for the price, it’s a no-brainer and we all love it! Overall a great low-fat dog food at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- No extra calories
- Contains a moderate amount of fiber
- Rich in essential amino and fatty acids
- Has L-carnitine to help burn fats
Cons
- Change in quality
- Can cause an upset stomach in some dogs
2. Wellness CORE Low Fat Dog Food
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Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Reduced Fat, 26-Pound Bag
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As a high-quality natural formula, this Wellness CORE dry dog food is full of quality proteins and premium ingredients — it uses real chicken, turkey, and salmon oil while totally removing soy, corn, wheat, and meat by-products.
Made in the USA, this protein-focused low-fat dry dog food is packed with micronutrients such as antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and probiotics. This reduced fat formula also has some trace elements, vitamins and minerals added to make it complete.
There are low-fat dog foods, grain-free dog foods, and natural dog foods, and there is Wellness CORE encompassing these three diets altogether. Priced very decently, this dog food is ranking high in most bestselling lists because it offers both weight control and a lot of health benefits. When transitioning to this new low-fat diet, do it gradually otherwise you may have to cope with some dog farts for a few days or weeks.
Pros
- Contains probiotics for a healthier digestion
- Packed with micronutrients
- Made with the finest ingredients and quality proteins
Cons
- Some dogs can get gassy
- Inconsistent quality
3. Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie
Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low Calorie Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas & Oatmeal, 28 Pounds (Packaging May Vary)
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This low-fat recipe is specially designed for overweight, senior, and less active dogs who find it hard to maintain a healthy weight, and body fat level. Even with reduced calories, this low-fat dog food is complete and balanced thanks to the use of brown rice, chicken, potato fiber, barley, and salmon meal.
Natural Balance is a respected brand in the dog food industry; they put each batch of dry dog food and treats through 9 safety tests. Microbiologists and chemists are used to making sure this dog food is up to the most demanding standards out there.
This formula is made using quality ingredients and meats including:
- Carrots for their high levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene
- Brown rice for complex carbohydrates and fibers
- Lamb and Chicken for quality proteins from different sources
- Oatmeal for thiamine and vitamin E
A great cheap low-fat dog food that will do just fine for weight control with most dogs; however, it is neither all-natural nor grain-free.
Pros
- Suitable for overweight, less active, and senior dogs
- Rich in vitamin E, A, and beta-carotene
- Contains high-quality proteins
Cons
- Not for dogs with a grain allergy
- Can take long to be effective
4. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free
Castor and Pollux ORGANIX Grain Free Dog Food, Chicken and Sweet Potato Organic Dog Food Recipe – 18 lb. Bag
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Fully made in the United States without any ingredients from China, the Castor & Pollux Organix range offers low-fat dry dog foods that have a complete and balanced nutrition profile. There are no “bad ingredients” such as corn, wheat, or soy. With organic chicken as the first ingredient and organic peas and brown rice, this low fat dog food will fill up any hungry dog’s appetite while keeping the calorie count low.
Here are the best benefits of using this delicious Castor & Pollux Organix range:
- loaded with healthy fats to promote a shiny coat
- organic vegetables for better digestion and satiety
- absence of antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides
- organically certified kitchen without added growth hormones
- tested before, during and after production to ensure high quality
Obviously, this isn’t priced as low as dog owners would like but the quality is always paired with a higher price tag. At roughly $20 for the 5lbs, you can feed your dog with a weight control low-fat dog food of the highest quality.
Pros
- Free from fillers
- Made from organic and high-quality chicken
- Also contains organic veggies for better digestion
Cons
- Inconsistent kibble color
- Some dogs didn’t like the formula change
5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe, 26 Pounds
$70.94
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This Rachael Ray formula is a natural and grain-free recipe and unlike the other low-fat dog foods reviewed, it is not labeled as low fat. Yet, it has its place here because of the brand’s very high quality of meats and ingredients used:
- gluten-free and grain-free for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies
- only farm-raised poultry is used and it’s the first ingredient on the list
- just natural ingredients without artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
- absence of any kind of fillers which boosts the overall nutrition
Most fancy dog food brands, even vet-recommended, cannot afford to produce and sell such a premium dog food with added vitamins and chelated minerals. The cost is simply too high and the margins not appealing to investors. Fibers and lean turkey are used to make sure the satiety level is high while the fat content is kept as low as possible.
The Rachael Ray Nutrish range is one of the best dog foods currently available and they need your support to keep going! There are beef and salmon versions also available.
Pros
- Gluten and grain-free
- Free from fillers
- Made with farm-raised poultry
- Contains fiber and essential vitamins
Cons
- Some dogs got gassier
- Lower quality content
6. Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
$76.94 $80.99
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251 Reviews
This low-fat formula that is made in the USA is high in protein from premium quality herring, chicken, and duck. Annamaet also contains DHA to support cognitive development. Moreover, it contains L-carnitine to help burn fats and maintain lean muscle mass.
Furthermore, it has probiotics and prebiotics that promote a healthy digestive system. It also contains taurine which supports healthy eyesight and heart. Plus, it is grain-free which saves your dog from allergic reactions.
Pros
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Manufactured and sourced in the US
- Slow-cooked to preserve nutrients
Cons
- Not for picky eaters
- Kibble size is big for small breeds
7. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
$104.49 $109.99
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1,779 Reviews
Royal Canin is known for producing quality, breed-specific dog foods. This veterinary dog food supports dogs’ digestive sensitivities. Moreover, it promotes digestive health and ideal stool quality with its premium quality protein and prebiotics.
This dog food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA that supports brain development. Furthermore, it is rich in soluble and insoluble fibers for a healthier digestive system. It provides sufficient daily calorie intake needed by your dog.
Pros
- Contains vitamins C and E for an improved immunity
- Supports your dog’s digestive system
- Rich in essential fatty acids
Cons
- Can cause vomiting in some dogs
- Can cause itchiness
8. Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
$62.68 $65.98
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660 Reviews
Another well-known brand when it comes to dog foods is the Purina Pro Plan. Its high quality-protein comes from real chicken as its first ingredient. Additionally, it has slowly cooked dry kibbles that will help your dog have cleaner teeth.
With its weight management system, Purina Pro Plan promotes the overall health and wellness of your dog. It also provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Additionally, it is fortified with natural prebiotic fibers and live probiotics to promote healthy digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
Pros
- Rich in prebiotic fiber
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- Effective in weight control and maintenance
Cons
- Inconsistent quantity
- Some bags have lots of crumbs
- It has grains
9. Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim Dry Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim Dry Dog Food
$74.65 $78.58
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125 Reviews
If your dog has a grain allergy, then you may want to go for Nulo Freestyle Adult Dry Dog Food. This low-fat formula is also free from chicken and egg proteins–another source of allergens. Nevertheless, it is still made with 74% animal-based proteins with low-glycemic ingredients.
Moreover, it contains L-carnitine which helps burn fats. It also supports proper digestion with its pure probiotic strains. It has enough levels of phosphorus and calcium that keep your dogs’ bones and joints healthy. Lastly, it contains wholesome fruits and vegetables that boost immunity.
Pros
- Ideal for all breeds and sizes
- Supports healthy metabolism
- High in protein
Cons
- Can make some dogs stinky
- Some dogs had diarrhea
10. Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
$66.48 $69.98
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420 Reviews
Merrick offers another grain-free dog food on the list. This dry dog food recipe helps maintain a healthy weight. It contains real deboned beef as the first ingredient. It has 55% protein, 45% produce, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other organic and natural ingredients.
80% of its protein content comes from animal sources. Additionally, it contains chondroitin and glucosamine for healthier joints and hips. It is also rich in omega fatty acids that support healthy skin and lustrous coats.
Pros
- Free from artificial preservatives and flavors
- Made with natural ingredients
- Filler-free
- Rich in essential fatty acids
Cons
- Some bags have clumped kibbles
- Some dogs didn’t like the flavor
11. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag
$56.85 $59.84
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121 Reviews
Last on the list is the Eagle Pack with reduced fat formula. With its special blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fewer calories, your dog will receive the proper nutrition it needs. It also supports healthy weight loss in adult dogs.
Additionally, it contains glucosamine which promotes healthy joints, omega fatty acids that supports healthy skin and coats, and antioxidants for stronger immunity. It contains fish, chicken, and pork as the main sources of protein. It is free from wheat, corn, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.