Low-Calorie Dog Foods

Many dog owners show their pets affection by giving them special treats, which is fine when done in moderation. However, when dogs become overweight because of their diet or lack of exercise, they may experience health problems such as heart disease and damage to bones and ligaments. If weight becomes an issue, many vets may recommend low-calorie dog foods, which provide proper nutrition without added fat or carbohydrates.

  1. High-Protein Food

    • Much like humans, dogs that follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may benefit from weight loss. The body stores excess carbohydrates as fat. A common misconception is that high-protein foods are also higher in fat. Dogs can maintain a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet through dog foods made from leaner cuts of meat. High-protein dog foods are available through your veterinarian and online. You can also make high-protein dog food at home by using mixtures of ground chicken breasts and lean cuts of beef. Certain dog breeds---such as Labrador retrievers, basset hounds, dachshunds and beagles---are more prone to weight gain and you will need to watch their diet closely.

    Low-Fat Foods

    • A diet that is high in fat is often equally as high in calories. Dogs who exceed their healthy weight are commonly prescribed low-fat dog food to help lower the risk of diseases such as pancreatitis and help to improve and maintain the health of their muscles and skeletal system. Specially blended low-fat dog foods are available through your veterinarian. Pet owners can also make lower fat meals for pets by replacing fattier cuts of meat with leaner selections of skinless chicken breasts or cooked cuts of lean beef mixed with low-fat gravy.

    Organic Dog Foods

    • Another common issue that leads to weight-related illnesses in dogs is too much sodium in many store-bought foods. Sodium is an important element in a diet and salt is often added to dog food to increase flavor. The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends that all dog foods contain a minimum of 0.3 percent of sodium. Excess sodium levels can lead to problems such as high blood pressure, and kidney and liver disease. An effective way to monitor your dog's sodium intake is through organic foods. Alternative meals can be just as tasty and satisfying by replacing processed foods with more nutritious choices such as cooked organic meats mixed with cooked carrots and peas. Many veterinarian offices also carry specially formulated organic dog foods, which can be prescribed for your dog based on age, weight and dietary requirements.