The 5 Best Low Fat Canned Dog Foods

Reviews

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food – Overall Best Choice

We like that the first three components are completely meat-based, as opposed to water or by-products of meat.

Due to its variety and reasonable pricing, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entree Canned Dog Food is the finest overall low-fat canned dog food.

It is the ideal option for any dog that requires a low-fat diet, since it is accessible on Chewy at a lower price than prescription diets. This formula is simpler to get since it does not need a prescription, but you should still check your veterinarian before modifying your dog’s food.

Even though it has 0.5% more fat than what is called a low-fat wet dog food, we believe it fulfills the description because of its better quality components and cheaper pricing. We are missing the prebiotic fibre provided in veterinary diets to aid with digestion.

Pros

• Devoid of by-products
• Available without a prescription on Chewy
• Vitamin E with Omega-3 fatty acids

Cons

• Contains somewhat more fat than low-fat diets on prescription.
• No prebiotics

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Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food – Best Value

Merrick Grain-free Wet Dog Food Cowboy Cookout is the finest low-fat canned dog food for the money, featuring high-quality ingredients for the lowest price, as determined by our survey of low-fat meals.

There is no need for a prescription, so you may simply add a case to your next Chewy purchase without a vet’s note. However, we encourage working with your veterinarian to choose the best suitable food for your pet.

We like that deboned beef is listed as the first ingredient, rather than water or a meat by-product. This is one of our favorite recipes since it has no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or by-products.

Although technically wet food must have a fat percentage of less than 2.5% to qualify as a low-fat choice, this recipe comes near with a fat content of 3%, which is still much less than the average 5-6% fat content found in most wet food cans. We would prefer that this diet have somewhat less fat and some healthful whole grains as opposed to being grain-free.

A 2019 FDA investigation reveals that grain-free diets may be associated with heart disease in dogs, although it remains unclear whether this is due to the pea proteins that are abundant in grain-free diets or the taurine shortage that might follow from the absence of grain.

Pros

• Boneless beef is the primary component
• Absent of synthetic flavors, colors, preservatives, and by-products.
• Available on Chewy without a prescription
• Most reasonable option

Cons

• Contains somewhat more fat than low-fat alternatives.
• Grain-free

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Premium Choice Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dog Food

Our premium option has less than 1% fat, which is dangerously close to being fat-free. This Digestive Care Wet Dog Food is more costly and needs a prescription from a veterinarian than the other items on our list.

The prebiotic fibers support good digestion by aiding in the creation of probiotics, which results in a healthy digestive tract. Probiotics nourish the gut-brain link that is so important to consider at all ages, but particularly as your pet matures and may lose cognitive function.

However, some of the substances mentioned in a premium prescription diet are surprising. This meal contains sugar, which is unhealthy for dogs. It is also loaded with preservatives, which is typical of inexpensive canned food, but we anticipated better from a prescription diet.

Inexplicably, pulverized pecan shells are added as a source of fiber, despite the fact that nuts are considered harmful to dogs. We would like to substitute the pecan shells with wholesome oats or brown rice, which might offer as a healthy source of fiber.

Pros

• Prebiotic fibers aid your dog’s digestive health.
• Very low in fat
• Produced with easily digested protein

Cons

• Contains sugar and synthetic preservatives
• For fiber, ground pecan shells are added

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Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care Wet Dog Food, Original Flavor

This prescription formula is very identical to our premium option, however it is somewhat less expensive and has a distinct taste.

Your dog will enjoy the pork and turkey taste without the added fat found in most canned dog meals. It has just 1.7% fat, which is low but not the lowest of the items we evaluated.

We love the combination of vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics since they give a well-balanced diet to promote your dog’s general health.

However, we dislike the pork by-products and pulverized pecan shells. Although a by-product with an identified meat source is preferable than a generic “meat by-product,” we do not favor any by-products in our dog’s meal since they are unfit for human eating animal parts.

Pecans are considered harmful to dogs, however the shells are occasionally used as a source of fiber in dog food. We would have preferred more healthy brown rice or oats in their place.

Pros

• Delicious pork and turkey taste delighted dogs
• Only 1.7% fat
• Contains an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics.

Cons

• Contains pork derivatives
• Ground pecan shells are an inexpensive (and sometimes dangerous) fiber source.

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Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner Canned Dog Food

Are you seeking for the most affordable low-fat dog food? Check out Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner if this is the case. This is the second item on our list and the second kind of canned wet food.

However, unlike our top selection, this item is not a pet food. Therefore, prescription is not required. It is also totally vegetarian, offering dogs with digestive difficulties with a low-protein choice.

Many finicky eaters prefer to appreciate the paté-style canned dog chow from Evanger’s. It is produced entirely from farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and roots to deliver the highest level of nutrients while avoiding maize, wheat, and soy. Although there are no animal items in Evanger’s mix, the minimum crude fat concentration is 2%.

Overall, it’s a rather decent choice. It is cheaper than many other food alternatives with more nutrients, and it may be purchased without a prescription.

Pros

• Free of corn, wheat, and soy
• Paté form
• Not constrained by a prescription
• Low protein content (if needed)
• Less expensive

Cons

• Low protein content for dogs without dietary requirements.

Buyer's Guide

Low fat canned dog food must have 2.5% fat or less to be termed low fat. The average fat content of wet dog food is 5-6%, however this does not imply it has less fat than dry food, which normally ranges between 15-20%.

In fact, moist foods often contain more fat than dry foods. This is because the fat content of moist vs dry foods is assessed differently. A dry kibble is still called low fat if it contains up to 10% fat or if fat accounts for no more than 17% of calories.

Chewy has all of our top recommendations, but depending on the formula you choose, you may need a veterinarian’s prescription to buy.

Before altering your dog’s food, you should always check your veterinarian to ensure that they are still getting the nutrients they need to flourish.

FAQs

1. How can I determine whether my dog need low-fat dog food?

Diarrhea and loose stools may signal a problem with your dog’s digestive system, which may be food-related and need a low-fat diet change. If your dog is exhibiting unfavorable symptoms, such as excessive shedding, drooling, or scratching, there may be a component in their food that they are reacting negatively to.

Determining the identity of this component might take time. It is advisable to begin with bland food and maybe transition to a diet with few ingredients. Consistent concerns should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian, and testing may be required to determine the condition.

Examining a dog’s profile and seeing the form of its abdomen is usually sufficient to determine whether it is overweight. The rib cage and fatty deposits may be felt by the owner. If their ribs are difficult to feel while applying light pressure, they may be obese with excessive fat covered.

2. Should I give my dog low-fat, grain-free food?

In recent years, the idea that grains are toxic to dogs has contributed to the surge in popularity of grain-free dog food recipes. As a result of the fact that many people avoid wheat and gluten, it is possible that dogs may also be negatively impacted.

To date, however, there is no solid proof that grains are hazardous to dogs, and many veterinarians advise against grain-free formulas, especially given the rising association between such formulas and heart disease.

Although it is typical for dogs to have sensitivities or allergies to maize or gluten, many recipes using rice, buckwheat, and flax are nutritious and beneficial.

3. How can I filter my search for dog food with reduced fat content?

Some formulae may be designed for a particular size or age, which is the first step in narrowing a search. Others may accommodate all ages and ways of life.

In any case, it is essential that the formula provide a “complete and balanced diet,” a term defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Your veterinarian may prescribe a particular brand of low-fat dog food based on your dog’s needs. If not, look for products created by renowned, trustworthy manufacturers that mention excellent components.

4. What proportion of dog food is considered low in fat?

Low-fat dog food is defined by veterinarians as containing less than 10% fat on a dry matter basis. This represents around 17% of calories from fat. Diets comprising 10% to 15% fat (about 17% to 23% of calories from fat) are classified as moderate-fat diets, and those having above 20% fat are classified as high-fat diets.

To determine the fat content of a canned or moist food, you must convert the percentage to dry matter basis using the product’s moisture content. Search online for a dry matter calculator.

5. What is the optimal diet for a dog suffering from pancreatitis?

The best commercial dog food for pancreatitis is one created with natural components of the highest grade. The recipe must include animal protein and be highly digestible overall.

Look for whole-food components, preferably a single source of new animal protein (if food allergies are a concern) with minimal carbohydrate, fat, and fiber levels.

However, the product must still be nutritionally full and balanced, so search for the AAFCO declaration of nutritional adequacy.

6. Can a dog with pancreatitis recover?

The prognosis for pancreatitis in dogs is dependent on the disease’s severity at the time of first diagnosis. In severe instances of pancreatitis, your dog may not react as well to treatment as dogs with lesser forms of the condition.

Despite this, it is crucial to get treatment, since failing to do so might result in catastrophic consequences. Your dog may recover from pancreatitis with quick treatment and a balanced diet, but there are no guarantees.

7. How long does it take for pancreatitis to heal?

This issue cannot be answered simply since it relies on the severity of the ailment at the beginning of therapy. If you fail to treat your dog’s pancreatitis, the illness may quickly worsen and might be deadly.

With appropriate treatment, minor instances of pancreatitis may cure in a matter of weeks, although serious cases may require months.

Even if your dog recovers from pancreatitis, his risk of recurrence is likely to be significant, therefore dietary modifications may be necessary for long-term treatment.

8. Can pancreatitis in dogs be cured?

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, hence it is often a symptom rather than a disease. Whether or if the illness is curable relies on the underlying health issue causing it.

With quick treatment and a balanced diet, many dogs recover from pancreatitis without lasting harm, although they may be at risk for recurrence for the rest of their lives.

Conclusion

Typically, you will need a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase “low-fat food.”

But the best overall choice on BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) list of the best low fat canned dog foods is close enough to the eligibility level that it can be used without a prescription and without costing as much as veterinary diets.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entree Canned Dog Food is our top pick because it is a high-quality, low-fat dog food suitable for any dog.

Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Cowboy Cookout delivers a delicious bowl of deboned beef and veggies that does not include any artificial colors, flavors, by-products, or preservatives while also being the most affordable option.

If you’re willing to pay a little extra money and get a prescription from your veterinarian, Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care is a good option. Low-fat rice, vegetable, and chicken stew Wet dog food is the choice with the least amount of fat.

In order to provide the greatest care for your canine friend, it is always advisable to get the opinion of your veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet, regardless of whether the new food needs a prescription.