Overweight dogs need special care and nutrition.
For some breeds, it’s easy to gain weight if they overeat and aren’t active enough, such as the Labrador Retriever. Uncontrolled weight gain comes with many problems and can even result in obesity! Obesity reduces your dog’s quality of life and brings with it specific other health issues, which may even have fatal consequences.
So, you need to put your overweight dog on a diet that provides adequate nutrition and keeps him satisfied while bringing his weight back into the healthy range. It will be a long road, but it’ll help your dog live a happy and healthy life.
In this blog post, I will go through the top 10 dog food brands for overweight dogs and share tips on how you can help your furry friend shed those few extra pounds.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Is your Furry Friend Overweight?
For some breeds, an increase in weight—even by a pound or two, isn’t hard to miss. However, for some species, it’s not that apparent at all. You can determine whether or not your furry friend has gained a few extra pounds by feeling his ribs and spine. You should be able to locate them both quickly, as only a thin layer of fat and skin covers the bone. However, if you can’t feel your dog’s rib cage, it’s time to put him on a diet.
Talk to your vet about the ideal weight for your dog—it depends from dog to dog. Then, it would be best to determine whether your furry friend is overweight or obese.
- If your dog weighs 0-15% more than his ideal body weight, he is overweight.
- If your dog weighs more than 15% of his ideal body weight, he is in the obese category.
A study conducted in 2011 found that 53% of dogs were either obese or overweight.
How to Weigh Your Dog: Some Helpful Tips
Ideally, It would be best to track your dog’s weight consistently (bi-weekly or monthly). Vets have a unique scale for dogs and are usually happy to weigh your furry friend for you. However, if you wish to consider him at home, you can try the following things:
- Train him to ‘sit’ on the scale every day and give him a treat when he sits still
- If you have an uncooperative dog, you should weigh yourself first, then pick up your dog and step on the scale again. Subtract the difference between the two, and that’s it!
It is important to note that you should weigh your dog on the same scale consistently. Different scales have different errors so you may see an inconsistency in your dog’s weight, and the measurements will not be accurate.
Some Dog Breeds Prone to Obesity
Some breeds indeed have higher chances of gaining a lot of fat as adults. This usually is because of their genetic makeup and environmental factors.
Let’s take a look:
Small breeds:
- Dachshunds
- Cairn Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Scottish Terriers
Medium breeds:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Beagles
- Basset Hounds
Large breeds:
- Labradors
- Rottweilers
- Golden Retrievers
Giant breeds:
- Newfoundlands
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Saint Bernards
If you’re a proud owner of any breeds mentioned above, you should try to feed your dog right and ensure that all the activity needs are met.
Environmental Factors and Weight Gain
Do you consider your dog to be spoiled? One of the biggest non-genetic reasons for a dog gaining weight is that the owners or other family members indulge the dog.
If you have kids or other people at home who like to feed the dog their dinner under the table or liberally give treats away, you should try and stop them. Tell the kids how they harm the dog’s health and make strict rules about feeding it. Usually, dogs have the right amount of kibble they require and loads of treats that eventually contribute to weight gain.
Helping Your Dog Shed Those Pounds!
First and foremost, you should know the right serving size of food for your dog. For that, you need to know his ideal daily caloric intake and the deficit you need to create for him to lose weight. Weight loss works the same for dogs and humans. You make your dog eat less, exercise more consistently, and help him reach his ideal body weight.
Putting Your Dog on a Diet
Once you consult your vet on your dog’s weight situation, it is essential to determine the right amount of nutrition your dog needs. Your vet will help you figure that out. Usually, overweight dogs are put on a high-protein, moderate-carb, and low-fat diet. But diet isn’t everything.
It would be best to create a ‘doggy workout’ schedule. It would be best if you ideally started to take your dog out for a walk once a day, slowly increasing the walk time. Try to play some games, or even introduce an evening walk. The time it takes your dog to shed the extra pounds he’s been carrying depends on how much weight he has to lose. Obese dogs lose weight at a faster rate in the initial period. Dogs that are moderately overweight lose less.
If you have kids who like to feed the dog under the table, there’s no way a no-treat policy will work. In this case, go for healthier and low-calorie treats. There are a lot of options available on the market.
Begging and Whining: What to Do?
It is only natural that your chubby furry buddy will while and ask for more food. However, it would be best to hold tight as those eyes pleaded. You’re restricting your dog’s calories for his good, and he doesn’t understand that. Dogs whine when they know they can guilt you into giving them more food or treats. However, you can’t let your furry buddy win in this case.
Best Dog Food Brands for Overweight Dogs
In this section, I’ll give you an overview of the top 10 dog food brands for overweight dogs and the macro nutritional breakdown for each. I’ll cover each dog’s food in detail in the following section and review them.
Take a peek at the top 10 dog food brands for medium dogs:
| Food Name | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Our Rating | Prices |
| Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
|
36 | 39 | 25 | 5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Nutro Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food | 21 | 33 | 46 | 4.6 Stars | Check Prices |
| Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food | 33 | 17 | 42 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula | 44 | 17 | 31 | 4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
| Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food: Large Breed | 38 | 13 | 41 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | 33 | 18 | 41 | 4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
| Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dog Food | 28 | 12 | 52 | 4.4 Stars | Check now |
| Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
|
30 | 19 | 43 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Orijen Original Dry Dog Food | 43 | 21 | 28 | 4.3 Stars | Check Prices |
| Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe | 41 | 22 | 29 | 4.3 Stars | Check Prices |
Let’s take a detailed look at these dog foods and figure out which is the best for your furry friend.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Let’s begin.
Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The Grain-Free Dog Food from Merrick is an excellent pick for overweight dogs because it is a rich source of protein. This kibble has naturally deboned beef, making this grain-free formula a perfect choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This dog food helps in improving your dog’s gastrointestinal health, and it also is easily digestible. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids promote the health of your dog’s skin and fur and provide your furry friend with loads of energy. The grain-free dog food doesn’t contain wheat, soy, or corn.
This kibble comes out to be an above-average dog food product when assessed regarding the ingredients used to make it.
We should take a look at the content of macros.
The dog food contains:
- 39% of protein, which is near-average
- 17% of fat, which is near-average
- 36%of carbohydrates, which is below-average
Thod dog food also contains a lot of meat, which is always a plus point for large dogs.
Now, it’s time to weigh the pros against the cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Helps improve your dog’s gastrointestinal health
● Contains natural deboned beef ● A Significant amount of meat ● A good choice for pets who have grain sensitivities ● Doesn’t contain wheat, soy, or corn |
● Can cause bloating and gas |
On to the next one…
Nutro Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
This Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food from Nutro is an excellent choice for dogs who need to shed a few extra pounds. The dog food is made of pasture-fed lamb and also contains rice. The food is easily digestible and is rich in nutrients.
Nutro partners with farmers and suppliers for high-quality ingredients and ensures that all components meet a certain standard. The kibble doesn’t contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, etc.
When you judge this kibble by its ingredients’ quality, it is an average dry dog food.
Let’s take a look at the macros.
This dog food contains:
- 21% of protein, which is near-average
- 33% of fat, which is near-average
- 46% of carbohydrates, which is above-average
This dry dog food also has a moderate amount of meat in it.
Let’s finally weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made of high-quality and premium ingredients
● Contains a moderate amount of meat ● Doesn’t contain additives, artificial colors, flavors, etc. |
● The dog may find it to be tasteless
● Can cause an upset stomach during the initial period
|
Moving on…
Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Dog Food contains significant meat and is a grain-free formula. The dog food has added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your overweight furry friend happy and healthy.
This dog food is an excellent choice for dogs that need to shed a few extra pounds. It contains premium ingredients such as bison, lamb, deboned beef, etc., and neither chicken nor poultry.
This dog food comes out to be an above-average kibble compared to others regarding the quality of ingredients used to make it.
Let us take a look at the macronutrients!
This dog food contains:
- 33% of protein, which is above average
- 17% of fat, which is near-average
- 42% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This kibble also contains a notable content of meat in it, which is a good thing—especially for dogs that are fussy eaters.
Now, let’s finally look at the pros and cons of this kibble so that you’re aware of what you’re getting into.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● This dog food contains a notable amount of meat in it
● Contains added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ● Made from premium ingredients |
● Can cause stomach upset and bloat
● May cause heartburn ● Contains chicken meal |
Moving on…
Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
Taste of Wild Canine Formula is one of the best food for overweight dogs. The kibble made from roasted bison has an optimal amino acid profile and is rich in protein, which helps build lean and healthy muscles.
The natural dog food also contains added vitamins and minerals. Free of grains, this kibble is easily digestible and sprinkled with probiotics that help maintain gut health.
This kibble comes out to be above average regarding the quality of ingredients used to make it.
Let’s take a peek at the macros…
So, this dog food contains:
- 44% of protein, which is above average
- 17% of fat, which is below average
- 31%of carbohydrates, which is near-average
This kibble also contains a significant amount of meat, which is fantastic for highly active dogs, fussy eaters, and those who need a protein-rich diet.
Now, let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
● Easily digestible ● Contains added vitamins and minerals ● Contains probiotics |
● Can cause stomach upsets
● Allergic reactions such as redness, itching, sores, etc. ● Has a short shelf life |
Moving on to the next one…
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This dog food from Wellness is one of the best options to help reduce your dog’s weight. This grain-free dog food provides balanced and complete nutrition for your dog. The dog food uses all-natural ingredients and doesn’t contain soy, corn, etc.
The kibble also contains premium protein sources, including herring, whitefish, and salmon. It also has added vitamins and nutrients.
When we assess the kibble by the quality of ingredients used to make it, it appears to be an above-average kibble.
Let’s have a look at the macro nutritional breakdown.
This dog food contains the following:
- 38% of protein, which is above average
- 13% of fat, which is near-average
- 41% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This kibble also has a significant amount of meat, which is great for highly active dogs.
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Free from corn, soy, rice, etc.
● Contains premium ingredients such as herring, whitefish, and salmon ● Contains added vitamins and minerals ● Has a significant amount of meat |
● May cause an upset stomach
● Can cause allergic reactions like rashes |
Moving on to the next one…
Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Nulo Adult Grain-free Dry Dog Food is made with natural ingredients and helps provide a balanced meal for overweight dogs. The kibble doesn’t contain allergens, is an excellent source of protein, and contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
The kibble helps promote the growth of lean muscles and helps maintain the dog’s skin and coat. The dog food is free of artificial colors, flavors, etc.
When judging this kibble by the ingredients’ quality, it comes out to be above average.
Let’s take a look at the macronutrients this kibble contains.
So, this food contains:
- 33% protein, which is above average
- 18% fat, which is near-average
- 41% carbohydrates, which is below average
This dry dog food contains a notable amount of meat, making it one of the best foods for medium dogs that are highly active or those that need a protein-rich diet.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● It is made with premium ingredients
● Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids help keep the dog’s skin and coat shiny ● Contains added vitamins and minerals ● Contains a smaller amount of fat ● Made in the USA |
● May not be suitable for particular breeds |
On to the next one…
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Healthy Weight Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Natural Healthy Weight Dog Food is one of the best dog foods for dogs that need to shed extra pounds quickly. This kibble provides a complete and balanced meal and is made with high-quality ingredients.
The healthy weight formula is an excellent choice for overweight and less active dogs. The all-natural dog food contains only premium ingredients and is free of meat by-products, wheat, soy, and corn.
This is an above-average dog food if you judge it by the quality of ingredients used to make it.
Let’s take a look at the macronutrients.
Wellness Complete Health Dog food contains:
- 28% protein, which is near-average
- 12% fat, which is near-average
- 52% carbohydrates, which is near-average
This kibble also has moderate meat, suitable for older, less active dogs.
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made from all-natural ingredients
● Promotes weight loss ● Contains high-quality ingredients ● Free of corn, chicken by-products, wheat, and soy ● Provides the dog with energy |
● May cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset
● Needs to be introduced slowly |
Moving on to the next one on the list…
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient diet is made from simple ingredients, ensuring the dog doesn’t develop any allergies to the ingredients used. This kibble contains one animal protein and one vegetable protein.
Common allergens such as fish, chicken, grain, beef, dairy, eggs, fish, potato, sweet potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, coloring, etc., are strictly avoided.
The kibble contains cage-free turkey—a source of protein that provides amino acids, is healthy and is easily digestible.
If you judge this dry dog food by the quality of ingredients used to make it, it comes out to be above average.
The following are the macros:
- 30% of protein, which is above average
- 19% of fat, which is above-average
- 43% of carbs, which is below-average
This kibble contains a notable amount of meat when canceling out the protein-boosting effects of plant-based ingredients such as peas.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made of cage-free turkey
● Doesn’t use known allergens ● Made in the USA ● Has a notable amount of meat in it |
● May be too rich for the dog to handle and cause loose stools
● Not suitable for puppies |
Moving on…
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
The Orijen Original Dry Dog Food doesn’t contain any grains, making it a good pick for overweight canines. The kibble is made of limited ingredients and has a single source of protein.
The dry dog food keeps your dog strong, happy, and healthy.
The kibble is freeze-dried to lock in all the nutrients and flavor and maintain the freshness of the food. The kibble provides your dog with all the benefits of a raw diet.
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food is an above-average dry dog food if we judge it by the quality of ingredients used to make it.
Let’s take a look at the macros.
- 43% Protein, which is above average
- 21% Fat, which is above average
- 28% Carbohydrates, which is below average
This dry dog food contains an abundant amount of meat in it, which is a good thing.
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made from limited ingredients
● Has a single source of protein ● The kibble is freeze-dried to lock nutrients and flavor in and maintain freshness ● Abundant amount of meat |
● May cause constipation initially
● Needs to be slowly introduced |
Moving on…
Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe
This kibble is an excellent source of protein and is made from all essential nutrients to ensure your dog’s health. Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Grain Free Dog Food is made from natural ingredients and promotes your furry friend’s health.
The dog food has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote skin and coat health and help build your dog’s immune system.
This dog food is an above-average kibble regarding the quality of ingredients used.
Let us go over the macronutrients.
- 41% Protein, which is above average
- 22% Fat, which is above average
- 29% Carbohydrates, which is below average
This kibble has an abundant amount of meat in it, which is fantastic and much-needed for active dogs.
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Good source of Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids
● Promotes and boosts the immune system ● Contains an abundant amount of protein ● Made of natural ingredients |
● Known to be inconsistent regarding consistency
● May cause a gas bloat |
What are the Top 10 Dog Food Brands For Overweight Dogs?
Helping your dog shed those extra pounds can prove to be a lifesaver.
Obesity brings a bundle of other diseases that can even be life-threatening. So, it would be best to act immediately so your furry friend loses the extra weight he’s been carrying before becoming obese.
Weight loss in dogs works similarly as it does in humans.
You must put your furry friend on a ‘cut’ and restrict his calories while consistently exercising. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight; you must commit to a healthier diet and lifestyle for your dog.
I hope you found the right food for your furry friend. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or concerns.
