The 5 Best Low-Carb Dog Foods For Keeping A Healthy Weight
While many dog foods contain excessive amounts of carbs, these delicious and nutritious options from Amazon offer a low-carb, healthy alternative.
While carbohydrates aren’t necessarily bad for dogs, many dog foods pack in far too many carbs into their formulas. As with humans, excessive canine consumption of carbs can lead to obesity, sluggishness, and even diabetes. A low-carb diet can be a great way to help your canine maintain a healthy weight. Many low-carb dog foods exist that offer a balanced cocktail of minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, and enough sugars to keep your pup feeling peppy. Some options are entirely gluten-free (check out our reviews of the best gluten-free dog foods), while others include wholesome grains in moderate quantities. To help you find the best, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite low-carb dog foods on Amazon.
Best Low Carb Dog Foods to Consider
Since every dog is different, choosing the right low-carb dog food product depends on several factors. For diabetic dogs, it’s essential to look for options with a lot of protein and low carbohydrate content. There are several excellent low-carb options out there that indicate their appropriateness for diabetics right on the label.
For non-diabetic dogs, carbohydrates can still be consumed in moderation. With that in mind, you’ll still want to make sure such carbs come from healthy sources. For example, sugars from corn syrup should be avoided, while limited sugars from fruits and whole grains can provide essential nutrients.
The biggest question in the realm of low-carb dog foods is protein. We recommend choosing options that deliver most of their protein from meats, like beef, fish, and lamb, instead of protein from refined grains. Of course, premium meat products often come at a premium price, so we’ve also considered the cost value of these low-carb dog foods in our reviews. Now, let’s dive in.
Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
What makes this dog food from Ketona our top pick isn’t just the low-carb content. Instead, it’s the whole formula, right down to the last ingredient. With ethically-sourced chicken and natural ingredients, it’s a dream come true for health-conscious dog owners. Better yet, the non-GMO chicken gives this dry food a 46% protein content, so your canine can enjoy wholesome energy and tissue repair without the post-carb sluggishness.
The carbohydrate content is between 5% and 10%, and the grain-free recipe means minimal-to-zero gluten. We also appreciate the balanced levels of minerals and vitamins, which are added to help supplement the lack of sugary fruits. If you need to watch your canine’s weight, this is a great place to start.
Pros:
- Appropriate for diabetic dogs
- Small-sized kibbles are easier to digest
- Reputable company based in the USA
- Well-balanced vitamin content
Cons:
- It’s geared toward adult dogs, so it’s not for puppies
- Feeding this to large breeds can get expensive
Visionary Pet Foods Low Carb Dry Dog Food
Starch is one of the biggest sources of carbs, and it’s no wonder why. Starch is abundant in inexpensive ingredients, and it’s often used as a “filler” in generic dog foods. That’s why we love this low-carb option from Visionary Pet Foods, which has zero starch. In fact, it’s devoid of a lot of unnecessary stuff. Check the short ingredients list, and you’ll see a total absence of fruits, corn, potatoes, carrots, peas, or pumpkins.
What it does have is plenty of wholesome protein from real chicken meat. It also contains a slew of high-quality minerals and vitamins, including B vitamins to boost energy, immune system health, and tissue growth. This well-balanced cocktail can provide just about all the nutrients a dog could need, and the chicken flavor hits the spot.
Pros:
- Entirely grain-free
- Each cup only has a single gram of carbs
- Free of many common ingredients that could trigger allergies, such as fruits and soy
- With such a dense protein content, one bag can last a long time
Cons:
- Although recommended for all life stages, these kibbles are fairly large in size and might be difficult to chew for smaller dogs
Hill’s Prescription Diet Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food from Hill’s Prescription Diet provides a “veterinary diet” that’s carefully formulated to help dogs with digestive, weight, glucose, and urinary issues. This rich kibble is available in an 8.5-pound bag, and the main ingredient is high-quality chicken. It also has several other premium ingredients to support your dog’s overall health.
We love how easily digestible it is for dogs of different ages, and it can help maintain a healthy weight by promoting fat burning. Most importantly, it can also help manage glucose levels in diabetic dogs. Indeed, this is an acceptable daily food for diabetic dogs, though you should still consult with your veterinarian when making such important dietary decisions.
Pros:
- Also a great choice for dogs with urinary issues
- More affordable compared to most prescription diets
- Many dog owners have noted benefits within just a few days
- Dogs love the flavor
Cons:
- Due to the premium ingredients and carefully designed formula, it’s pretty pricey
Victor Super Premium Purpose Weight Management Dry Dog Food
This premium pick from Victor is a gluten-free option designed specifically for senior dogs. It can effectively help senior dogs maintain a healthy weight while supporting joint health, thanks to the added glucosamine and chondroitin. Better yet, the 40-pound bag provides a long-lasting supply of food for your furry friend.
Even those with middle-aged dogs may see fast results, especially in the realm of energy levels, coat health, and overall well-being. And senior dogs can even regain some lost mobility within a few days and weeks of eating Victor’s carefully designed formula.
Overall, we recommend this option for both weight management and senior dogs. Its high-quality ingredients and reputable company make it a reliable choice for pet owners looking for a gluten-free weight management option.
Pros:
- Excellent option for preventing and treating joint issues
- With prebiotics and probiotics, it’s easy on the stomach
- The grains are gluten-free
- Amazing value for the price
Cons:
- While the carb content is relatively low at 44.8% (compared to high-carb foods, which can reach over 70%), it’s still not low enough to be an acceptable option for diabetic dogs.
ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ORIJEN’s original recipe is a high-protein dry dog food that’s entirely free of grains. The result is a product made with fresh ingredients, including free-range chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish. The limited carb content makes this dog food a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or certain allergies.
We were impressed by the energy this dog food can provide, especially considering the total lack of grains. This high-protein diet can immediately produce a positive impact on a dog’s health. You may notice improved energy levels, better digestion, and shinier coats. Of course, such a premium product is far from cheap, but for those willing to invest in their dog’s nutrition, ORIJEN’s original recipe is a top-notch choice.
Pros:
- Smaller, chewier kibbles for easy eating
- Most dogs love the taste and smell
- Dense in nutrients and protein, so smaller quantities can be filling
Cons:
- Pretty expensive, especially for those with big dogs with big appetites
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a low-carb diet for dogs?
A low-carb diet for dogs is one that contains a reduced amount of carbohydrates compared to traditional dog foods. Carbohydrates in dog food are typically sourced from grains like corn, wheat, and rice. However, low-carb dog foods are formulated to contain less or no grains and more protein and fat.
Why should I consider feeding my dog a low-carb diet?
Low-carb diets for dogs may provide several benefits, such as weight loss, increased energy, and improved digestion. Some dogs also have allergies or sensitivities to grains, making a low-carb diet a better option for them. Additionally, low-carb dog foods are typically higher in protein, which can help maintain lean muscle mass and support overall health.
Are low-carb dog foods suitable for all dogs?
Low-carb dog foods are generally suitable for many dogs, but it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes. Some dogs may have unique nutritional needs or underlying health conditions that require a specific type of diet. Also, puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs require different levels of certain nutrients, which may not be present in low-carb dog foods.
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