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  4. 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More 1
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More 2
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More 3
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More 4
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More 5

10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss UK 2024 | Purina, Iams, and More

Every owner wants to show their pet lots of love and it can sometimes be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, but being overweight can have long-term effects on your canine pal's health. From respiratory troubles and sore joints to diabetes and heart disease, letting your dog overeat is linked to multiple health issues. In order to help your dog reach a suitable weight and live waggly ever after, a healthy, nourishing diet is key!


We understand that selecting dog food for weight loss can be tricky as there is such a huge range of options, so our buying guide makes your decision much simpler. Our top 10 ranking includes products for every breed from Amazon, all rated according to their health benefits, quality, and price. Whether your pooch prefers their food wet or dry, or you're considering grain-free options that won't exacerbate allergies, we have the low-down!

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Dog Food for Weight Loss in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Decide On Either Wet Food or Dry Food
  2. Consider Food Made Without Grains Like Wheat or Oat
  3. Look for High Protein Content and Low-Fat Formulas
  4. Make Sure to Check if It's Suitable for Your Dog's Age
  5. Pick an Appetising Flavour
1

Choose Wet Food to Help Your Dog Feel Full and Satisfied Quickly, or Dry Food to Allow for Better Portion Control

Choose Wet Food to Help Your Dog Feel Full and Satisfied Quickly, or Dry Food to Allow for Better Portion Control

The moisture content of wet food bulks up the volume, meaning your dog can eat more while consuming fewer calories. This will help your pooch feel full and satisfied, without unnecessary carbs or fats. Wet food also has an appealing aroma that will let your dog know for sure that it's dinner time, helping them to follow a more regimented meal schedule. 


However, many vets recommend dry food for weight loss. With dry food, you have the option of hand-feeding - a popular technique that allows for portion control, behavioural training, and a great bonding experience. Furthermore, large volumes of dry food are cheaper overall and can be stored for long periods of time.


Why not consider a raised dog bowl to help improve digestion?

2

Consider Food Made Without Grains Like Wheat or Oat if Your Dog Has Allergies

Consider Food Made Without Grains Like Wheat or Oat if Your Dog Has Allergies

Grain-free dog food, which is prepared without any cereals like wheat, barley, oats, rice, or millet, is gaining popularity in the UK. Certain cereals may cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of dogs, so giving your pet a grain-free diet can help to avoid the risk of stomach upsets and vomiting.


If your overweight pet has never shown any signs of being allergic to grains, a grain-free product is probably not necessary. In fact, dog foods without grains are usually bulked up with other carbohydrates that can actually lead to weight gain, especially in older dogs.

3

Look for High Protein Content of at Least 20% and Low Fat Formulas No More Than 12%

Look for High Protein Content of at Least 20% and Low Fat Formulas No More Than 12%

What you should be looking for in a diet dog food is high protein content combined with a relatively low percentage of fat. Protein encourages muscle growth and the glucose in fat helps your pooch produce energy, but the latter needs to be kept nice and low so that they can burn off their existing fat stores. The best way to do this is with plenty of movement - meaning more than just a casual amble around the park!


An effective portion of dog food for weight loss should have a protein content of at least 20%, with 25-30% being even better for larger breeds. The fat content should be no more than 12%, but for older or weaker pooches who struggle to do lots of weight-shedding workouts, we'd recommend a product with less than 10% fat - this will enable them to drop pounds without too much effort.


If you're spending more time at the park to help your pup lose weight, pick up a travel dog bowl for when you're out and about!

4

Make Sure to Check if It's Suitable for Your Dog's Age, Especially if You Have an Older Dog

Make Sure to Check if It's Suitable for Your Dog's Age, Especially if You Have an Older Dog

Make sure you keep your pet's size in mind when shopping for food - larger dogs will naturally need more energy, while smaller canines can struggle with moving around if they're overweight. Diet dog foods will usually specify which breed they're aimed at, although many are suitable for all shapes and sizes.


Owners of mature pets should consider the age of their pooch too. Diet foods that specifically say "senior" on the packaging will take into account the slower rate of calorie-burning in older dogs, so they will be more effective for weight loss than a regular diet formula.

5

If You Want Your Dog to Enjoy Losing Weight, Pick an Appetising Flavour Like Chicken

If You Want Your Dog to Enjoy Losing Weight, Pick an Appetising Flavour Like Chicken

For most dogs, dinner time is all about the flavours they get to experience. Just because your pooch is on a diet, that doesn't mean they don't deserve something delicious! So, why not treat them to a healthy feast that's tasty too?


From sachets of succulent salmon and chunky chicken bites to moreish mixed meat meals, doggy diet foods come in all kinds of appetising flavours that mutts won't be able to resist! You could even buy a bag of each type if you want to provide your pup with some variety throughout the week.

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Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss

Here are the best Dog Foods for Weight Loss, ranked according to the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 16-01-2023). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Purina

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management 1

£27.74

Mid

A Low-Calorie Option That Curbs Your Dog's Weight

2

Royal Canin

Satiety Support

Royal Canin Satiety Support 1

£59.64

High Mid

Contains Plenty of Protein to Keep Pups Full

3

Hills Prescription Diet

Metabolic Dog Food

Hills Prescription Diet Metabolic Dog Food 1

£67.95

High Mid

Recommended by Vets and Suitable for Diabetic Dogs

4

Wellness Core

Small Breed Adult Low-Fat Food

Wellness Core Small Breed Adult Low-Fat Food 1

£10.49

Low Mid

Ideal for Small, Sensitive Breeds

5

Pooch & Mutt

Slim & Slender Complete Dry Food

Pooch & Mutt Slim & Slender Complete Dry Food 1

£11.00

Low Mid

Grain-Free Food Made With Pea Protein

6

Eukanaba

Dry Weight Control Dog Food

Eukanaba Dry Weight Control Dog Food 1

£37.49

Mid

Tasty Weight-Loss Munch for Bigger Breeds

7

Barking Heads

Fat Dog Slim

Barking Heads Fat Dog Slim 1

£53.99

High Mid

Natural, Organic Meals With Added Seaweed

8

Burns

Weight Control Dry Dog Food

Burns Weight Control Dry Dog Food 1

£9.42

Low Mid

High-Fibre Dry Food That's Suitable for Older Hounds

9

Bob and Lush

Light & Tasty Slow Cooked Salmon Without Gravy

Bob and Lush Light & Tasty Slow Cooked Salmon Without Gravy 1

£25.99

Mid

Perfect for Pets With Delicate Tums

10

Iams

Light in Fat Adult Dog Food

Iams Light in Fat Adult Dog Food 1

£26.49

Mid

A Great Value, Low-Fat Food With Added Vitamins

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

PurinaPro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£27.74
Mid
Reference price
£27.74
Mid

A Low-Calorie Option That Curbs Your Dog's Weight

Topping our list is Purina's Pro Plan Obesity Management dog food. It's highly rated by online consumers who say that their pets are able to eat hearty portions and adapt quickly to a more regulated diet, begging less often between meals. The high protein content (29%) allows dogs to drop fat while becoming leaner and more muscular.


This food is light on calories, has a low glycaemic index, and is suitable for medium to large breeds - from poodles to pinschers! It's packed with meaty flavour as well as iron and vitamin E. Being a dry formula, it's long-lasting, convenient to store, and can even be incorporated into a hand-feeding routine if you're considering trying that for portion control. The perfect pick for any pooch!

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No.2

Royal CaninSatiety Support

Satiety Support 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.64
High Mid
Reference price
£59.64
High Mid

Contains Plenty of Protein to Keep Pups Full

Number two on our list is the Satiety Support weight management food from Royal Canin. It has lots of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin E, iodine, iron, and copper, plus omega 3 from added fish oil. This nutritional goodness aims to keep dogs satisfied between feeding times. Moreover, the protein content of 30% allows pets to maintain muscle as they drop fat.


Not only does this dog food help your hound to reduce their weight properly, but it also prevents them from putting the pounds back on. As your pet becomes used to stricter meal times and more satisfying meals, they will begin to beg less and be happier eating a healthier amount at allotted times.

No.3

Hills Prescription DietMetabolic Dog Food

Metabolic Dog Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£67.95
High Mid
Reference price
£67.95
High Mid

Recommended by Vets and Suitable for Diabetic Dogs

Now we come to our top three products! This one has been ranked highly because of its ultra-high protein and low-fat content. Hills Prescription Diet is a brand that's regularly recommended by vets to owners of overweight pooches because it encourages metabolism and is full of important vitamins too.


This food is clinically proven to result in a loss of 28% body fat in two months in conjunction with healthy exercise. It's satisfyingly high in fibre, controlling the appetite of hungry pups and keeping their gastrointestinal system balanced. It can also help to maintain blood sugar levels, making it a fantastic choice for dogs with diabetes. 

No.4

Wellness CoreSmall Breed Adult Low-Fat Food

Small Breed Adult Low-Fat Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.49
Low Mid
Reference price
£10.49
Low Mid

Ideal for Small, Sensitive Breeds

This yummy pet food is entirely grain-free, low in fat, and contains a whopping 33% protein - the highest out of all our top 10 product choices! It's aimed at small breeds, whose organs and joints suffer particularly badly when they're overweight. 


The dry, kibble-style formula will coax even the fussiest eaters over to their food bowl, and your pet will enjoy tucking in thanks to the tantalising turkey flavour. What's more, this highly effective weight loss food also contains zinc, vitamin A, D and E, as well as calcium and iron. Nutritious and delicious!

No.5

Pooch & MuttSlim & Slender Complete Dry Food

Slim & Slender Complete Dry Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£11.00
Low Mid

Grain-Free Food Made With Pea Protein

This is another option for pets who display bad digestive reactions to cereals and grains, from a small, award-winning, and ethically accredited dog food company. Pooch & Mutt's slimming formula features 25% lean chicken and just 12% fat


Pea protein is believed to curb hunger in dogs, so you should hopefully be able to avoid those tragic puppy dog eyes that will beg for food throughout the day. This dry mix is also enriched with minerals and vitamins, including zinc, copper, iodine, and vitamins A, D, and E! 

No.6

EukanabaDry Weight Control Dog Food

Dry Weight Control Dog Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£37.49
Mid
Reference price
£37.49
Mid

Tasty Weight-Loss Munch for Bigger Breeds

This product is ideal if you have a large pooch such as a German shepherd, Rottweiler, golden retriever, or Labrador. It's a dry formula, so you can carefully control portions and may even want to consider hand-feeding in order to make mealtimes more regulated and deepen your bond with your dog. 


The fat content is nice and low at just 9%, while the 21% protein makes muscle growth a priority. Plus, it has added Omega 3 and 6, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also contains yucca leaf, which is believed to improve the smell of your dog's poop... worth a shot, surely? 

No.7

Barking HeadsFat Dog Slim

Fat Dog Slim 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fat Dog Slim 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fat Dog Slim 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fat Dog Slim 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£53.99
High Mid
Reference price
£53.99
High Mid

Natural, Organic Meals With Added Seaweed

Barking Heads is a popular brand with dog parents everywhere who like to know exactly what goes into their pet's food. This bulky wet dog food will keep hungry pooches feeling fuller for longer, as it's packed with chicken, trout, brown rice, veg, and added seaweed for vital minerals


This particular product has been created with weight loss as its number one priority, so it has 9% fat and 20% protein. This means that your favourite four-legged friend can enjoy a decent-sized bowl, no matter their breed size, and will - with the help of regular games of fetch - gradually get back into shape. A slightly costly option, but reviews suggest that dogs love it!

No.8

BurnsWeight Control Dry Dog Food

Weight Control Dry Dog Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.42
Low Mid
Reference price
£9.42
Low Mid

High-Fibre Dry Food That's Suitable for Older Hounds

Here's another product that's bursting with vitamins - A, D, and E are all in there, along with copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, and zinc, sourced from fibre-rich oats and superfood seaweed. The fat content comes in at under 10% and the amount of protein is 18.5% - this is decent for the price but it could be higher!


Based on chicken meal and chicken oil, this low-fat dog food is nourishing without piling on needless calories. Plus, the blend of ingredients is aimed to regulate dogs' blood sugar levels, making it ideal for chunky older hounds needing to slim down safely.

No.9

Bob and LushLight & Tasty Slow Cooked Salmon Without Gravy

Light & Tasty Slow Cooked Salmon Without Gravy 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£25.99
Mid
Reference price
£25.99
Mid

Perfect for Pets With Delicate Tums

If you know that your pet has an allergy to certain grains and tends to have tummy troubles every time you feed them, try this grain-free option from Bob and Lush that's designed especially for sensitive stomachs


Delicious salmon, nutritious lentils, and fibre-packed sweet potato will really appeal to your pet - just make sure you pair these meals with daily exercise to ensure that all of that carb-based energy is being burned! This product is fairly low on our list, due to the protein content being only 7% per bag, but it's a brilliant buy for pups with allergies.

No.10

IamsLight in Fat Adult Dog Food

Light in Fat Adult Dog Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£26.49
Mid
Reference price
£26.49
Mid

A Great Value, Low-Fat Food With Added Vitamins

Iams is a pet food brand with decades of experience, so you're in good hands if you pick this dry formula. It's enriched with Vitamins A, D, and E - all of which have superb canine health benefits such as supporting the immune system, improving calcium retention, and encouraging growth. 


Other nutritious additions to this low-fat dry food include potassium, iron, and zinc, which support muscle growth and repair, promote a healthy circulatory system, and balance hormones. While the protein in this pack is a little lower than most of the other products on our list, the overall nutrient content is excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wet Dog Food Better Than Dry for Weight Loss?

Wet food can indeed be a better option for weight loss than dry food, but this is dependent on the reasons why your dog is overweight. If it is because of a large appetite and overeating, wet food designed for weight loss can help curb that overeating by filling up your dog quicker.

Do Green Beans Help Dogs Lose Weight?

Replacing a portion of your dog's diet with green beans is a great way of bulking up an overweight pup's meal with a low calorie, high fibre ingredient. Just be aware of the fact that green beans do not contain the required nutrition for a dog on their own so only use it in conjunction with other foods.

Top 5 Dog Foods for Weight Loss

No. 1: PurinaPro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management

No. 2: Royal CaninSatiety Support

No. 3: Hills Prescription DietMetabolic Dog Food

No. 4: Wellness CoreSmall Breed Adult Low-Fat Food

No. 5: Pooch & MuttSlim & Slender Complete Dry Food

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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