Best diet dog food for a healthy pooch

Written and reviewed by Dr Jill McMaster BVM&S MBA MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and in-house expert at BorrowMyDoggy

Are you looking for the best diet dog food in the UK? If so, you've come to the right place! Let’s take a look at some of the best weight loss food options out there, so that you can make sure your furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need, while still gradually losing the pounds.

Summary

Hollie the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever licking her bowl clean in the garden — Hollie the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The best weight loss food for your pup is the one that fits their individual needs

There are so many options for foods that can help your pooch lose weight, so it can be challenging to choose the one that’s right for them. But, the best weight loss diet for your pup is one that fits their individual needs - because every dog is unique and can have different nutritional requirements.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right diet food for your dog

With so many diets, with different nutrition labels and health claims on the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed picking the best food for your overweight dog.

Thankfully, with a little bit of help from our vet, we can make that journey a bit easier for both you and your furry friend.

Trying to get some weight off your portly pooch is a great idea, and it can really benefit their health but how do you choose one that works for your dog?

Age

Firstly, make sure to get the right food for the age of your dog, as there are often different types of foods available for senior and younger or middle-aged doggos. These foods are nutritionally slightly different, so your dog gets exactly what they need. Some brands even go as far as doing breed specific foods as well as age ranges.

Allergies

It’s also important to think about any allergies or intolerances your dog might have to an ingredient. For example, some dogs can get itchy skin with some foods, and others might get an upset stomach. In those cases check ingredient lists to make sure what doesn’t agree with your pup isn’t in there.

Preferences

Also make sure it’s a flavour your dog likes. If your dog says no thanks to anything fishy, maybe stick to the meat option. And if your dog only eats wet or dry, be sure to go for the option that they will eat.

Health

Is your dog neutered? Or do they need to be on a special diet for health issues? If the answer to either of these are yes, this can affect your choice of food as well.

Price

Is it the right price? We all love our dogs hugely, but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with cost-effective dog food that can help your pooch lose weight without a big price tag. So check what the cost of the food will be longer term, after any introductory offers or sales have finished, and see if it will be something you will be able to buy again.

Availability

You want to make sure you can get the food easily too. Whether you go for a subscription, buy online or in-store, make sure the food you go for is something you can settle your dog on for a good length of time.

Bonnie the Labrador Retriever sat next to an open fridge — Bonnie the Labrador Retriever

Some low-fat food options

Here are some low-fat foods that can help get your pooch in shape. (Prices are based on a 20kg dog)

James Wellbeloved Light Recipe Adult Turkey and Rice

https://shop.wellbeloved.com/products/light-adult-turkey-and-rice-dry-dog-food

Price - £1.18 per day (for 20kg dog)*

What we love -

Handy chart helps you feed the right amount depending on your dog’s activity level
Packaging is recyclable
87% of UK vets recommend James Wellbeloved

Best for -

Sensitive dogs, as it is low in allergens
Adult dogs, 1 year +

Lily’s Kitchen Lean Machine Wet Food

https://www.lilyskitchen.co.uk/for-dogs/wet-food/lean-machine-400g-DLM.html

Price - £6.75 per day (for 20kg dog)*

What we love -

Contains sources of vitamins and minerals
A natural, tasty way to reduce your doggo’s calorie intake

Best for -

Pooches that love wet food
Dogs that enjoy the taste of turkey
Suitable from 4 months old

Vet’s Kitchen Healthy Weight Dry Food Chicken and Brown Rice

https://vetskitchen.co.uk/products/healthy-weight-chicken

Price - £1.17 per day (for 20kg dog)*

What we love -

High in fibre, to help satisfy hunger
Natural ingredients
100% recyclable packaging

Best for -

Dogs that are intolerant to wheat, beef or dairy
Pooches who love the taste of real chicken

Butcher’s Lean and Tasty Low Fat Dog Food Tins

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Butchers-Lean-Tasty-Low-Fat-Dog-Food-Tins/c125308/

Price - £2.81 per day (for 20kg dog) *

What we love -

Contains L-carnitine which can help turn fat into energy
Wholegrain rice to help your pooch feel fuller for longer

Best for -

Adult dogs
Doggos that like wet food
Pooches that get easily bored, with a selection of flavours available

Penfold the Springador munching his food from a red bowl — Penfold the Springador

Remember to always consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet

Our four-legged friends rely on us for all sorts of things, from going on walks and providing belly rubs, to supplying the proper nutrition for their well-being. But no matter how much we think we know about our doggy's dietary needs, it is always best practice to consult with a vet before making any adjustments.

If you want to try a new dog food, be sure it suits your individual dog, and gradually change your dog over from their old food. And if you’re trying to shed some pounds off your pooch, make sure to weigh the amount of food their getting, and cut out those treats and leftovers.

Now that you know everything there is to know about finding the best diet food for your pup, it's time to get their dinner ready!

*Prices may vary. This article is for information only, and should never replace any advice, diagnosis or treatment from your veterinary surgeon. Always contact your local vet or out of hours vet without delay if you have any concerns about your dog.