Victor Brown Rice and Beef Meal Reviews

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This (updated) guide lists all of the best dog foods for weight loss.

Finding a good dog food for your dog is vital for weight loss and control.

And you probably already know that…Overweight dogs are prone to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart diseases which play a huge role in lowering the lifespan of your buddy. To help you avoid that, our team got together to find the absolute Best Dog Foods For Weight Loss on the market to help your overweight dog lose weight.

We use a 40-point inspection checklist and consider factors such as ingredient analysis, customer reviews, and more…

Let's dive in.

The Best Dog Foods For Weight Loss

Top Picks	Rating	Top Ingredients
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight (Editor's Choice)	4.9	Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice…
2. CANIDAE PURE Healthy Weight LID Dog Food	4.4	Chicken, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes
3. VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food	4.8	Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet…
4. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food	4.4	Pork Meal, Dehulled Barley, Ground Brown Rice
5. Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken	4.8	Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice…

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

1. Blue Buffalo — Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Barley, 5. Pea Fiber

Blue Buffalo is an absolute gem for dog parents that are weight conscious when it comes to their pooches.

This dog food is free from wheat, corn, and soy and contains L-carnitine which helps in the development of the muscular system. Not only that, but the Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in this weight control dry dog food are great for developing and maintaining a lush coat.

2. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Healthy Weight Limited Ingredient Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Garbanzo Beans, 5. Chicken Fat

Canidae Pure's Healthy Weight LID Dog Food offers an excellent weight-loss solution for dogs that are sensitive or allergic to certain foods. That's why most of the recipe is made from 9 wholesome, non-allergenic, and easily digestible ingredients. Any and all grains, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives are eliminated, so your dog only receives the nutrients they need.

But even with such limited ingredients, the food is high in protein, carbs, and micronutrients. Protein is sourced from real chicken meat, while carbs are derived from sweet potatoes. Probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids are also present in healthy quantities, most of which are derived from real vegetables and animal fats.

3. VICTOR — Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef Meal, 2. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 3. Whole Grain Millet, 4. Grain Sorghum, 5. Chicken Fat

If your dog is already logging more couch time than you think he should, and you're starting to worry about how active he will be with his golden years approaching, then this food from Victor is a great choice.

It includes high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin for the development of joints. It also contains nutrients like L-carnitine which convert excess fats into healthy muscle mass.

4. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Pork Meal, 2. Dehulled Barley, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Turkey Meal, 5. Chicken Fat

Want your dog to lose weight in a healthy style? Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food can make that happen with their protein-rich low-fat formula. The recipe's calorie content is cut down significantly without compromising on nutritional value, which helps your dog become stronger, healthier, and more active as they lose extra weight.

Most of its protein content comes from chicken and fish, while carbs are sourced from wholesome grains like barley and oatmeal. Omega fatty acids are also plentiful in the dog food so that your dog's coat and skin remain nourished and in top condition. Since the recipe is free from corn, wheat, and artificial additives, you can confidently feed it to your sensitive pup.

5. Hill's Science Diet — Adult Perfect Weight Chicken

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Pea Fiber, 5. Corn Gluten Meal

When reading a label, nothing's more satisfying than seeing named natural protein sources. Thankfully, Hill's Science Diet uses real chicken as the number 1 protein source in this formula.

This weight loss dog food helps dogs improve their nervous system with Vitamins C and E. Fewer calories and high-quality ingredients are what's needed for weight loss over time.

6. Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Peas, 3. Menhaden Fish Meal, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Freeze Dried Chicken

Like their standard Raw Boost formula, Instinct's Healthy Weight Dog Food features the same high protein content and wholesome ingredients. However, it has almost 25% fewer calories and 15% less fat, so your pup can shed extra weight. It features both kibbles and freeze-dried meat bites that offer your dog higher doses of protein and a mouth-watering meal.

Plus, the formula is enriched with L-carnitine so your dog can build more muscle and lose any extra fat on their body. The recipe is full of fibers and ensures that your dog stays fulfilled after every meal. It's also free from grains, corn, wheat, potatoes, soy, and artificial additives that might irritate sensitive or allergic dogs.

7. Purina Beneful — Healthy Weight With Real Chicken

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Whole Grain Corn, 4. Soybean Hulls, 5. Barley

Like the previous product, this one also uses chicken as its primary ingredient. The manufacturer prides itself on including 23 essential nutrients in this product, including vitamins and minerals.

This weight loss dog food recipe is proudly prepared in the US under all state and ethical guidelines.

8. Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Cod, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Chicken Fat

Shedding some extra pounds can be difficult for allergic dogs, which is why Nulo Freestyle has come up with this amazing Grain-Free Cod & Lentils Dog Food. It switches the standard grains for lentils, which contain just as many carbs and are also non-allergenic. More so, the food uses premium deboned cod and around 74% animal-based proteins to promote muscle growth.

Because the formula is rich in fiber and has probiotics, it can greatly improve your dog's digestive health and nutrient absorption. A highlight feature of this dog food is it contains L-carnitine, an amino acid that makes the body uses fat for energy while maintaining muscle mass. This can help your dog develop a leaner physique while losing fat.

9. Wellness — Core Grain-Free Reduced-Fat

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Potatoes, 5. Peas

This is the best dog food for weight loss in the gluten and grain-free category.

But here's the kicker:

This formula contains 25% lesser fat as compared to the regular formula by Wellness. Wellness uses no by-product or artificial ingredients in this formulation which speaks volumes for its quality.

10. Earthborn Holistic — Weight Control Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Peas, 3. Tapioca, 4. Pea Fiber, 5. Tomato Pomace

This gluten and grain-free formula from Earthborn contains fewer calories and fats which is ideal for weight loss in dogs. It also contains a natural blend of fibers from fruits and veggies.

But it gets better:

This formula contains high-quality L-carnitine to help convert excess fats into lean muscle mass.

Analysis:Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 7%, Fiber (max.) 9%, Moisture (max.) 10%

11. Dr. Tim's — Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients:Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Oat Groats, Dried Field Peas, Powdered Cellulose

Fun fact: One of the owners of Dr. Tim's is a canine nutritionist while the other is a vet.

So, it's safe to say that with this weight loss formula, you're in good hands. It contains L-carnitine which helps burn fat into useful calories. Not just that, but it also contains BC30 probiotic which improves digestion.

Analysis:Protein (min.) 30%, Fat (min.) 10%, Fiber (max.) 8%, Moisture (max.) 10%

12. Brothers Complete — Goat Meal & Egg Formula Advanced Allergy Care

Top 5 Ingredients:Goat Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Turkey Meal, Cassava/Tapioca, Peas

For dogs that struggle with skin allergies, this weight loss dog food by Brothers Complete is an excellent choice.

What I love about this formula is that it not only focuses on adding the right amount of protein, it also ensures that the protein sources are species-appropriate. 100% bioavailable protein sources of goat, eggs, and turkey are used. Also, it contains no processed or high-glycemic ingredients, making it easy on the tummy.

13. Eukanuba — Fit Body Weight Control Chicken Formula

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Wheat, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Corn, 5. Barley

With only 9% fat and 26% protein, this formula is easy on the tummy. The first ingredient in this formula is real chicken. It also includes 150% more chondroitin and glucosamine than their adult formula.

Analysis:Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 9%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

FAQs

We've already covered some of the best dog foods for weight loss in this article and have many more options at the end of this article. However, we've specially incorporated this section to answer some of your frequently asked questions about these special diets for overweight dogs.

How to know if your dog obese?

Canine obesity doesn't always present itself in the most obvious way. It might take some inspection and monitoring to identify whether your pup is overweight. Here are some of the easiest and most accurate methods of finding whether your dog is obese or not:

1. Check their weight: Probably the easiest method to check your dog for obesity is to weigh them. See whether their weight falls in the 'healthy' range as per their breed and height.

2. Examine their body profile: Observing your dog's body profile from the side and above is a quick way to test them for obesity. You will notice that their abdomen is slightly tucked inside, and their body has a faint hourglass shape from above if they're at a healthy weight.

3. Feel your dog's ribs: Hold your dog's torso from the sides and gently press in with both hands. If your dog isn't overweight, you'll be able to feel its ribs without much pressure. But if they are obese, the layer of fat covering their body will make it difficult to make out the ribcage.

How to help your dog lose weight quickly?

Although a low-calorie diet can certainly help your dog lose extra pounds, implementing the following tips can further boost this process. Here are some of the best tips to accelerate your dog's weight loss journey:

1. Get your dog more exercise: Like humans, dogs can also benefit from increased exercise when losing weight. Start off by gradually increasing your dog's exercise duration and intensity till they're getting at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity daily. This will help them burn fat quicker and increase both their stamina and endurance.

2. Avoid treats and free-feeding:Treats and table scraps can mess with your dog's caloric intake and curb their progress. Stick with a certain feeding routine, and do not give in to your dog's puppy eyes if they ask for any extra food.

3. Keep track of their progress: During a weight-loss regime, it's crucial to track your dog's progress and tweak their diet accordingly. We highly recommend staying in touch with your vet during the process and taking your dog for a checkup every week so you can be confident that they're on the right track.

Will grain-free dog food help my dog lose weight?

Not necessarily. Grains are not specifically harmful to dogs unless they have allergies (which is less than 1% of the time.) Being grain-free ensures that there is reduced carbohydrate content in the food which does not have a direct impact on weight-loss.

What is the best low-fat dry dog food?

If I had to choose a weight loss dog food specifically for low-fat content, then I'd go with Purina Beneful's Healthy Weight Formula. With only 8% fat, this one's a great low-fat diet.

How many calories should a dog eat to lose weight?

It's recommended that you discuss your particular scenario with your vet. However, to give you a ballpark figure, you should calculate the current number of daily calories you're feeding your dog and reduce it by 250 calories per day until you reach your vet's recommended daily calorie intake for your pooch.

How many calories should a 10 lb dog eat?

Generally, smaller dogs that are more active require a greater number of calories as compared to larger breeds. For every pound of your dog's weight, you need to feed it about 30 calories. So, a 10 lb dog would do fine with somewhere around 300-400 calories per day, depending on its activity levels.

Is it okay to feed a dog once a day?

I'd advise you against feeding your dog only once a day. Adult dogs require 2 meals a day while puppies might even need 3 or 4. Feeding your dog only once in the day would lead to malnutrition and starvation which is not at all recommended, even if you're aiming for weight loss.

What is the best time of day to feed your dog

Ideally, the 2 feedings for your adult dog should be spaced at least 6-4 hours apart, allowing your dog's digestive system to digest the meals properly. In that case, you can feed one meal early in the morning before you leave for work and one in the evening once you return.

Should I leave food out for my dog all day?

Certainly not! Leaving food out all day for your dog allows it to eat as much as it wants, whenever it wants. This often leads to overeating which leads to an obese dog.

What brand of dog food is most recommended by vets?

When it comes to dog diets recommended by vets, Hills Science and Royal Canin are always at the top of the list. Even though they're more expensive than regular dog foods, they're certainly worth the investment.

What foods should dogs avoid?

There are hundreds of foods that aren't at all safe for dogs. Some of them include candy, chocolate, apple seeds, caffeine, garlic, milk, and dairy products.

Should I leave water out for my dog all day?

Yes, you should. Dogs need at least an ounce of water per pound of their body weight. The only exception to this rule is when you're still housebreaking your dog. According to the American Kennel Club, you should remove your puppy's bowl during the night to avoid having it accidentally pee.

Are dogs ever full?

This depends on the dog. However, most dogs would realize when they're full and would stop eating. Keep an eye on your dog and notice if it keeps eating food until the bowl is removed or knows when to stop.

Can dogs eat laying down?

This is quite normal and isn't a reason to worry. In fact, dogs in the wild catch their prey and often eat lying on their sides. Just make sure your dog isn't sick and that its overall health is fine.

Why do dogs sleep after eating?

Resting or sleeping after a meal allows your dog to digest its food properly. If your dog is active after its meal, there's a chance it could face problems like gastric bloat. In that case, you should provide a calm atmosphere after meals.

Is it bad to feed a dog late at night?

Feeding your dog late at night will increase the chances of it having to poop in the night. Bear in mind that every dog has a different rate of digestion. However, most dogs would digest their meal in around 4-8 hours.

How long should you leave dry dog food out?

Always ensure that you read the expiration date on your dog food's packaging before purchase. Once you've opened the packaging, you can usually use the food for up to 6 months without any signs of spoiling. Ideally, if you take some kibble out in a bowl, it should be consumed within a day.

Should you hand feed your dog?

Hand-feeding your dog isn't a compulsion, neither does it have an overwhelming positive effect. However, hand-feeding can certainly help create a stronger bond between you and your dog, especially if the latter is a bit shy.

Can new dog food make a dog sick?

Yes, it can. If you switch to a new dog food brand, it might upset your dog's tummy, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. In that case, we'd advise slowly transitioning to your new dog food by mixing it with your old one, then slowly increasing its concentration in the mixture.

Why does my dog bury his food?

It is a dog's natural instinct to bury his leftover food. This is what hunting dogs do in the wild to preserve their food. Also, it helps calm them during times of distress and save food for when they're comfortable to eat again.

Why does my dog keep pushing his food away?

There could be a number of reasons for this behavior, most common of which is having an illness. If your dog pushes its food away consistently, you should see a vet as soon as possible. This behavior might also occur if you change your dog food brand or flavor.

How do I get my dog on a feeding schedule?

The best way to get your dog on a feeding schedule is to keep it at 2 meals a day. Only allow your dog to eat during your specified time. Put the food bowl down for 5 minutes at "mealtime" and pick it up after that even if your dog hasn't fed. Then, place the bowl down at the next feeding time and let your dog eat for 5-10 minutes. Remember that some dogs can be picky eaters. Also, if you suspect that your dog is sick, contact your veterinarian.

Should I feed my dog before or after a walk?

Walking your dog right after or before feeding is an unhealthy choice which may lead to stomach problems. It's generally advised to walk your dog at least half an hour before mealtimes. If you wish to schedule meals before a walk, then space both activities at least an hour apart.

Health Risks for Overweight Dogs

You might look at your fluffy pooch and think how the extra pounds add to its cuteness. As a result, many keep feeding fatty food and treats to their dogs in the name of love. While understandable, this ends up being detrimental to your dog's health. Being overweight poses a number of health risks for dogs, many of which can prove to be fatal. By feeding dog foods designed for weight loss , you can help your dog lose weight and avoid such a misfortune.

Here's a list of the most common diseases in overweight dogs.

1. High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (or hypertension) isn't directly caused by fatty food. However, being obese increases the chance of hypertension in dogs.

2. Diabetes

Obese dogs are at a high risk of diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia) in which there's an increased amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Obese dogs can get pancreatitis which destroys the cells that create insulin. Without insulin, blood glucose does not get utilized for energy in cells which leads to diabetes.

3. Heart Diseases

Obese dogs are far more prone to catching heart diseases than ideal weight dogs. The structure of the heart can potentially change leading to a change in function.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is more common in middle-aged to old overweight dogs. In this disease, the bones rub against cartilage due to extra weight, eventually eroding it. This can lead to a painful condition where bones in the joints rub directly against each other. Fortunately, losing weight can help improve the situation.

Dog Foods For Weight Loss: Buyer's Guide

Not every "weight loss formula" is worth your money. Whenever buying one, make sure you do your research and check if it qualifies to be the best dog food for fat loss. Here are some factors that you should look at:

1. Fewer Calories

The basic formula for weight loss is simple: eat fewer calories than you burn. When your dog does that, excess fat is utilized as energy by the body. Usually, dog foods have about 400 kcal/cup. So, anything under that should work well.

2. Low-Fat Content

If you're looking to reduce fat in your dog's body, then you should limit its intake as well. Normally, dog foods have a fat content of about 12%. However, good weight loss foods for dogs would lie in the range of 9-10%.

3. High Protein Diet

Your dog needs something to fulfill its energy requirements, and with a cap on its fat intake, protein needs to be bumped up. Ideally, you're looking at over 30% for dry dog foods.

4. Optimal Nutrients

Don't get too involved in the math! Reducing weight for dogs is not just about how many calories they consume or what percentage of fat they're getting in their diet. You should also make sure your dog is getting enough fiber, healthy fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 as well as a balanced proportion of water.

5. Quick Digestion

Like other dog foods, weight control formulas should be easy on the tummy. By adding healthy fiber, the best dog foods for weight loss ensure that the digestive tract remains clear of obstructions and helps nurture the bacterial flora in it.

6. No Artificial Flavor

Artificial flavors can be detrimental to your dog's health. Whenever purchasing a dog food, read its ingredients list and look for artificial flavors and colors that might be added. If you find one, immediately cross the product off of your list of potential diets for your dog.

7. By-Product Meals

Poultry By-Product Meals (PBM) are often used in dog foods as meat concentrates. There's nothing wrong with having something like "chicken meal" or "lamb meal" in the ingredients list.

Conclusion

Maintaining the ideal weight for your dog will have a positive impact on not just its health but its overall mood and lifestyle. If your pooch seems to be putting on those extra pounds, resort to daily exercise and look for the best dog foods for weight loss.

Further Reading:

The BestRaw Dog Foods Guide & Reviews
The Best Dog Foods forSensitive Stomach Ultimate Guide
The Overall Bestselling Dog Foods

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Source: https://www.dogloversdigest.com/dog-food/best-dog-foods-for-weight-loss/