Performance Dog Raw Food
Though performance kibbles are few and far between, many high-quality raw dog foods work well as performance diets because they are naturally high in protein and moderately high in fat.
The type of diet does matter. Look for diets where 80% or more of the protein comes from animal ingredients. This will ensure a protein and fat-rich feast that will support your dogs muscle maintenance and energy requirements.
Check out some of the top raw dog food brands to find a performance diet for your dog:
Carnivora
This raw brand hails from our neighbours in Saskatchewan. Using locally sourced ingredients, Carnivora offers whole prey raw diets in a large variety of proteins allowing you to customize your dogs diet to suit their dietary needs.
Big Country Raw
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients sourced from local Canadian farmers and ranchers, Big Country Raw offers an extensive line of complete raw meals, customizable diets, and natural supplements to support the health of canines.
What Should Weight Management Dog Foods Contain
What exactly counts as a weight management dog food varies. Different brands use different metrics to determine what counts as a weight-loss food and what doesnt. There is not an overarching policy that any of these brands must follow. Therefore, any brand can technically name any dog food weight management food.
For this reason, it is vital that you check before purchasing food.
Generally, diet dog food contains above-average protein to help your dog stay full for longer. Usually, below-average fat and below-average calories are also included. These metrics help ensure that your dog receives the nutrients they need, while also going into a calorie deficit.
Should I Mix Wet And Dry Dog Food
Mixing wet and dry dog food or wet and dry cat food is fine as long as both options are of high quality and meet your pets nutritional and other health needs. Quality wet and dry foods are formulated to provide your pet with all the protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need to thrive.
You May Like: Who Sells Taste Of The Wild Dog Food
Natures Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dry Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Millet, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Pumpkin Seed, 5. Yeast Culture
Chicken meal can pack more proteins than chicken meat. That is why I recommend chicken meal based recipes like Nature Logics Chicken Meal Feast for dogs who are underweight for any reason. This protein-packed recipe is free of gluten and common allergens.
Your friend will get a healthy dose of probiotic bacteria to help with digestion. Whats More: Each kibble is coated with digestive enzymes to make it perfectly suitable for sensitive stomachs.
What Causes Excessive Weight Gain In Dogs
There are several reasons why your dog might be carrying around extra weight. It could be due to genetics, a lack of exercise, or simply because theyre eating too much. Regardless of the cause, being overweight can have serious health consequences for your dog.
Some of the most serious health consequences of being overweight include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Overweight dogs are also at a higher risk of getting cancer. All of these conditions can be expensive and difficult to treat, so its important to do whatever you can to help your dog lose weight.
One easy way to help your dog lose weight is to switch to the best dog foods for weight loss. These foods are typically lower in calories and fat than standard dog foods, and they often contain more fiber, which can help your dog feel full.
Read Also: What Is The Best Healthy Weight Dog Food
Best Overall Dog Food
First ingredients are salmon, barley, and rice | Large breed | Dry food
According to the experts we spoke to, owners of large and giant-breed dogs should avoid foods that contain legumes as a protein source. Nicole Goudey-Rigger, the owner and CEO of doggy-day-care service Pets a Go Go, told us she took her two purebred Akitas and two medium-size mixed breeds off their low-grain diets after the potential connection between DCM and grain-free food was identified. Instead, she now feeds her four big dogs Purina Pro Plan Salmon Sensitive Stomach, which contains brewers rice and barley . She and three other experts we spoke with like Purina Pro Plan foods because, as Gstrein points out, the recipes meet AAFCO standards and are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Goudey-Rigger adds that the Purina Pro Plan line features a wide variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, salmon, duck, lamb, pork, and even quail. Looking for a variety of proteins in a brands line is important, she says, because not all proteins agree with all dogs. Ochoas dog also likes Purina Pro Plan and gets a small portion of the brands shredded-chicken food as a complement to Hills Science Diet.
Wet Food Or Dry Which Is Better For Your Dog
In many ways, canned food can be superior to kibble. In fact, wet foods typically contain more meat protein than dry recipes.
Whats more, wet foods add natural moisture to a dogs diet. And because theyre pasteurized and sold in a sealed can, they contain no preservatives.
Theyre easier to chew a welcome advantage for older pets.
And wet dog foods taste better, too.
Unfortunately, theres a downside. Wet dog foods can be more expensive than dry kibbles which can make them less affordable when feeding larger dogs.
Heres a feature-by-feature comparison between wet and dry foods.
You May Like: What Percentage Of Protein Should Be In Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina dog food is another trusted manufacturer of a variety of formulas for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Their Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is made for all adult canines that need to lose weight, no matter their breed or size.
This Purina Pro Plan dog food for weight loss is formulated to offer 100 percent balanced nutrition. It is meant to support your pups overall health and well-being. The first ingredient is chicken, so it offers up a healthy dose of protein. It also contains easily digestible wheat bran and brewers rice to provide your pup with the energy he needs. Natural sources of glucosamine will help to strengthen your pets joints and can potentially stave off issues like arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia. This formula also contains 25 percent less fat than other Purina Pro Plan dog food options for adult dogs, which further ensures that it will help your pup lose weight. Most pet parents say that they are very happy with the results and that their furry family members love the taste.
What We Like About It
- Contains less fat than other Purina Pro Plan formulas
- Features real chicken as the first ingredient
- Made with glucosamine to improve joint health
- Infused with essential vitamins and minerals
- Most pet parents say that they have noticed positive weight loss results after feeding their overweight dogs this formula.
Reasons to Complain
Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food
Grain-inclusive, pork-based healthy weight recipe
A reduced-fat recipe with pork meal as the primary source of protein, plus eight probiotic strains which are not found in most other dog foods.
About: Eagle Packs Reduced Fat Recipe is a weight-loss formula, which reduces its caloric content by limiting the amount of fat in the food. But despite having less fat than typical dog foods, Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Recipe still provides all of the nutrition your dog needs to remain healthy while losing weight.
Features: Pork meal is the primary protein in Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Recipe, but the chicken meal and turkey meal are also included too. Dehulled barley, ground brown rice and oatmeal supply the bulk of the foods carbohydrates.
In some ways, Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Recipe is a no-frills dog food, as it lacks the fruits and vegetables that are included in many other foods. However, by contrast, it contains more supplemental ingredients than most of its competitors.
For example, in addition to the standard vitamin and mineral supplements used in many foods, this recipe includes eight probiotic strains several of which are not found in many other foods. This reduced-fat recipe also includes glucosamine, which is an important cartilage-supporting compound that can help dogs with hip dysplasia and other joint ailments.
Note that this food has a large kibble size, which may present problems for small and toy breeds.
PROS
CONS
Calories per Cup: 343
You May Like: How Long To Feed Dog Puppy Food
The Best Value For Money
This wet food for sterilised dogs, who tend to be overweight, has a reduced fat content. It also has a high protein content, which helps maintain muscle mass while eliminating fat cells. This well-balanced dog food contributes to healthy bones and cartilage, as well as skin and coat. It also has an anti-stress effect. This dog food is suitable for all breeds from one year. It exudes a very appetising aroma.
How Much Weight Loss Food Should I Feed My Dog
Since its impossible to predict the exact serving size thats perfect for each overweight dog or for each brand.
So, start with the feeding instructions printed on the package or the amount suggested by our dog food calculator.
Then, over time
Adjust that serving size up or down to reach and maintain your dogs ideal weight.
Also Check: Is Canned Dog Food Better Than Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dog Food Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
-
Kibble size manageable for all breed sizes
-
Often recommended by vets
-
Popular formula so sometimes sold out
Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Formula contains 15% less fat than the brands other similar adult formulas. The protein-to-fat ratio helps to maintain muscle mass as your pet drops weight, while fiber helps your dog feel fuller. The complete nutrition includes omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A, which benefits your dog’s coat. The formula also includes probiotics, which aids in digestion.
The first ingredient in the Purina Pro Plan weight management formula is chicken, and it contains no artificial colors or flavors. While there is a variety with uniform kibble, we recommend the “Shredded Blend,” which incorporates both crunchy kibble and tender, chewy pieces of chicken for a little variety.
Other ingredients include rice, whole grain corn, and fish meal, in addition to a full spectrum of supplemental vitamins. The full ingredient list is available online. There’s also simple feeding instructions, with serving size determined by your dog’s weight, and separate guidance offered for weight maintenance or 25 percent calorie reduction.
Purina Pro Plan’s weight management formula is suitable for all life stages but is also available in small and large breed formulas. It is sold in 6, 18, and 34 pound bags.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dog Food Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe
Amazon
-
Suited for both food allergies and weight management
-
Bag size too large for small breeds to finish before it becomes stale
-
Kibble size is large for small dogs
Food allergies in dogs are uncommon, and theres no need for most dogs to be on a grain free diet. However, if your pooch has been diagnosed with food allergies by your vetand needs to drop a few pounds, tooBlue Freedom Grain-Free Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe may be the right option for your dog.
This food contains no corn, wheat or soy and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Its suitable all breed sizes, but its also available in a small breeds formula with smaller nuggets.
Life Stage: Adult | Available Flavors: Chicken | Sizes: 4 or 24-pound bags | Primary Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, pea starch, tapioca starch, pea fiber, potato starch, natural flavor, dried tomato pomace, flaxseed, chicken fat, pea protein, powdered cellulose
Our top pick is Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Rice Shredded Blendbecause its approved for all breed sizes and is reasonably priced. If your dog prefers wet food or is a finicky eater, Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Chicken Stew Canned Dog Foodcombines broth and chunks for an enticing texture in a weight management food.
Don’t Miss: Puppy Food To Adult Food
Buyers Guide To The Best Dog Food For Weight Loss
When it comes to selecting food for your pet, you want to make sure that you are selecting a high quality product that will meet his nutritional needs to ensure that he maintains maximum health. If your pet has gained weight or if he is prone to weight gain , then you should consider feeding him a specially formulated dog food for weight loss.
In this portion of our buyers guide, well share some important insight about weight management dog food so that you can ensure you are choosing the very best option for your four-legged family members needs.
Tips For Helping Your Dog Lose Weight
Before you make any changes to your dogs diet, you should consult your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to confirm whether your dog needs to lose weight and, if so, how much. It is extremely important that you do not just cut your dogs daily food intake too severely because this could lead to a dangerous condition called hyperlipidemia or fatty liver disease. Instead, make small changes over time to reduce your dogs fat and lower calorie intake so he loses weight at a healthy pace.
Here are some simple tips for helping your dog lose weight:
Recommended Reading: Puppy Food For Small Breed
How To Help Increase Your Dogs Weight
After your veterinarian confirms your dogs low weight is not due to a medical problem, ask them how to safely help your dog gain weight. They may recommend adding more calories to their diet.
The best dog food to gain weight will be complete and balanced for their life stage, energy-dense, nutritionally balanced and include high levels of key nutrients, with plenty of calories and protein.
Also, look for a highly digestible dog food formula, which allows for easier absorption of nutrients. This can also help improve their overall health while supporting healthy weight gain.
Another way to help your dog gain weight may be giving them more opportunities to eat throughout the day. If you normally feed two large meals per day, try offering three or four smaller meals instead.
You can also try leaving the daily serving of dry food out all day, which allows your dog to eat whenever theyre hungry. This method works best with dogs with smaller appetites and in a single-dog household. Dogs who quickly gobble up their food could eat too much at once and experience digestive upset.
Nutro Lite And Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
First up on our list of the best dog food for weight loss is Nutro Lite and Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food. Made with premium quality ingredients that have been hand-selected for their nutritional quality and taste, your pup will be back to his appropriate weight in no time when you fill his dog bowl with this dry dog food.
This formula is crafted with a specific blend of protein and fiber to help support weight loss and control weight gain. Farm raised chicken is the first ingredient, which not only offers a fantastic taste that your pet will love, but also helps to improve the development of lean muscle mass, which is so important for dogs particularly breeds that are predisposed to joint issues, such as Great Danes, Dobermans, Dachshunds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
What We Like About It
- Specially formulated to support weight loss
- Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- Features a precise blend of fiber to improve weight loss and weight management
- Contains a bevy of wholesome fruits and vegetables
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- Fortified with vital nutrients and antioxidants
- Most pet owners say that their dogs love the flavor and report that it does aid in weight loss
Reasons to Complain
- While the ingredients are non-GMO, theres a chance that it could contain trace amounts of genetically modified materials
- Some owners arent keen on the chicken meal
Recommended Reading: Why Isn’t My Puppy Eating His Food
Best Medium Breed Pick
This kibble has been specially designed for medium breeds, providing them with all the nutrients they need for a balanced diet as well as being a highly digestible dog food. It contains a load of omega 3 fatty acids to improve their coats, giving it a great shine and silky touch.
Additionally, it contains 27% protein as well as 11% fat and 8% ash. The ingredients are gentle on their body, with significantly less fat to ease the pressure on their joints so that they can get outside and lead a more active lifestyle. Its also low in calories with plenty of protein for improved muscle mass.
- Key Ingredients: Poultry protein, maize, barley, rice, vegetable protein
- Suitable For: Weight loss, medium breeds
Should You Buy it?
Absolutely. Its a well-rounded and balanced meal that will provide your medium breed dog with all the support they need to thrive.
Sample Buyer Review
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
Does Your Dog Need High Protein Dog Food
High protein dog food is just one of many styles of dog food, but the benefits of high protein can work for just about any dog. Sure, its great for weight loss, but high protein is perfectly suitable for maintenance and puppies too.
Its important to keep in mind that these diets are higher in calories, so even though they are healthy, they can be fed improperly and lead to weight issues. Dogs that arent portion-controlled may overeat, gain weight, and experience digestive issues from eating such a nutrient-dense diet.
Diet alone can help but isn’t always enough on its own. No matter what diet type you choose, it needs to be balanced with good eating habits, and regular physical and mental activity.
Whether your goal is to help your pooch shed a few pounds or if you are just looking for the best diet to help them thrive, consider high-protein dog food.
Is your dog is ready to make the switch to a high protein diet? Share your story in the comments below!
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Performatrin Dog Food