8 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss in 2025, Vet Recommended

Our panel of Chewy veterinary experts agree that Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food is the best all-around option for pet parents.  

This diet comes from a highly reputable brand that employs board certified veterinary nutritionists, conducts research to balance and formulate their diets, and performs feeding tests to ensure that this is a diet that keeps your pet healthy.

It is high in protein to support lean muscle mass; is enriched with amino acids (L-carnitine) to support a healthy metabolism; is high in fiber for satiety; and contains omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed) to combat inflammation, which might be higher in overweight dogs. 

More than 70% of pets consuming this weight-loss dog food lose weight within 10 weeks, according to Hill’s.

This diet also comes in small breed and large breed options, which makes it suitable for a wide range of dog breeds, you can also feed it long-term, even once your dog reaches their ideal weight.  

“This is important for many pet parents as they work to have their pet lose weight, but then immediately see weight gain once they alter the diet. This diet works great for both,” says panelist Tiffany Tupler, DVM. 

Royal Canin is another pet food brand that our veterinary experts love, as it is backed by extensive research and science. Although this food is formulated and balanced to help limit weight gain, it has also been shown to be effective for dogs who need to lose weight. 

Dr. Higgs points out that, according to Royal Canin, 80% of slightly overweight dogs fed this Royal Canin Weight Care diet, which is specially formulated for medium breeds, lost weight in two months. It’s also available in small breed and large breed formulas. 

It’s high in fiber, which helps dogs feel fuller for longer, and low in calories, which makes restricting calories easier without significantly limiting your dog’s diet.

Royal Canin Canine Weight Care Adult dog food is also high in protein to support muscle mass and is enriched with the amino acid L-carnitine to support healthy metabolism.

Plus, dogs love the taste. 

“Royal Canin is also known for its palatability guarantee,” says registered veterinary technician Stacie Schroeder, RVT. “Royal Canin does a lot of research into making their foods tasty and appealing for pets, which makes it a good consideration for those picky eaters.” 

If your dog prefers to eat a wet food diet, our veterinary panel recommends Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight wet food.  

“Some pets prefer wet food from a palatability standpoint, or may have dental or oral health concerns that make wet food more comfortable for them to consume,” says licensed veterinary technician Katherine Kast, LVT. 

Dr. Tupler recommends this formula because it is “formulated and balanced to ensure proper weight loss and the ability to maintain ideal weight. You don’t have to change the food after achieving weight loss, it has different flavors, and a dry diet can help supplement it to make it more affordable.” 

As with the dry formula, more than 70% of dogs saw weight loss within 10 weeks when fed as directed, according to Hill’s. It contains high-quality protein for building lean muscle and has extra fiber and high water content to help dogs feel satisfied.  

“Additionally, wet food increases the amount of moisture a pet takes in, so wet food diets can be helpful in those pets who may need that extra fluid and hydration support,” says Kast. 

Our panel likes that Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight wet dog food has a lower caloric density than most regular wet dog foods without sacrificing balanced nutrition. It also contains L-carnitine to improve metabolism. 

Although it is possible to combine wet and dry weight-loss dog food, you should consult with your vet on the right amounts to avoid giving your dog too many calories.  

Small dog breeds can be particularly susceptible to weight gain if you don’t manage their diet carefully.  

“Small dogs need more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs, have a smaller stomach to accommodate their food, and require high digestibility. Small-breed foods are often made with these attributes in mind but can lead to obesity if [dogs are] overfed even a little,” says panelist Tara Hansen, DVM. “Often, pet parents don’t realize they are offering more food and more treats than their small dog needs to sustain a healthy weight.” 

Purina Pro Plan Weight Management small-breed dog food is specially formulated with a smaller dog’s dietary needs in mind. It has “fewer calories, high-quality proteins, and lower fat content to promote lean muscle mass during weight loss,” says Schroeder.  

Other beneficial ingredients include prebiotic fiber to support digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and other minerals for strong bones and teeth.  

Our panel also likes that this weight management food for small dogs is highly palatable, since small dogs can be fussy eaters. It provides a unique option that has both crunchy kibble and soft shredded pieces. 

Just like small dog breeds, large dog breeds also have specific nutritional needs.  

“Large-breed dogs tend to be less physically active and often experience joint and arthritis concerns,” says Kast. “This food not only cares for the GI microbiome through live probiotics and prebiotic fibers but also contains glucosamine and EPA for joint health support.” 

With a highly palatable chicken and rice formula, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management dog food has an optimal protein-to-fat ratio that helps maintain muscle mass while encouraging gradual weight loss. 

Our panel of veterinary experts also likes that this weight-loss food for dogs contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat support, as well as natural prebiotic fiber and live probiotics for digestive health. 

“It is developed by Purina, who uses the most cutting-edge scientific principles, clinical studies, and feeding trials to develop their foods and prove their label claims,” Dr. Hansen says.  

Senior dogs can have a variety of weight-related health issues, whether they are underweight or overweight. When a senior dog is overweight, this can be especially hard on their joints, leading to health problems such as arthritis.  

This Purina Pro Plan chicken and rice formula is specifically designed with the nutritional needs of senior dogs in mind.  

“This senior dog food prioritizes a higher lean protein amount to help seniors maintain muscle mass during weight loss,” says Kast.  

In addition to being high in protein, it’s high in fiber and low in fat, catering to the slower metabolism that most senior dogs will develop over time.  

Panelist Barri Morrison, DVM, adds, “It’s fortified with live probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome. [It has] natural prebiotic fiber from wheat bran to help promote digestive health. This diet also contains glucosamine and EPA for joint health support, and vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat.” 

A unique feature of this senior dry food is its blend of kibble and soft shredded pieces, making it easier to chew for older dogs who have dental issues. The highly palatable chicken and rice formula is another plus for senior dogs who are picky eaters. 

For dogs who have already tried an over-the-counter food without much success or who need to lose large amounts of weight safely, a therapeutic weight-loss food (sometimes referred to as a veterinary diet) might be more effective than a commercial weight-management food. That’s because in some dogs, it’s impossible to calorie-restrict them enough to get them to lose weight without jeopardizing their overall nutrition. 

“Veterinary weight-loss foods are specially formulated to restrict caloric density but still provide the appropriate amount of micronutrients and protein that dogs eat in a serving, and do a better job of keeping them satiated,” says Dr. Hansen. 

Our panel of veterinary experts recommends Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic, which is designed to stimulate your dog’s metabolism, encouraging fat burning for healthy, accelerated weight loss. 

Backed by scientific research, it has a blend of high protein, low fat, and high fiber. 

“Hill’s does research studies to support the claim that 96% of dogs lost weight at home in two months when fed this diet as directed,” says Dr. Higgs.  

Our experts also appreciate that this food is appropriate for dogs with previous urinary issues, such as bladder stones, and contains prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria. 

This weight-management dry food is another top choice when it comes to therapeutic weight-loss diets, which require veterinary authorization. The main benefit of this Royal Canin formula is that it improves satiety with a high-protein and high-fiber formula.  

“At 214 calories per cup but with 28% protein, this diet is a fantastic option for weight loss,” says Stephanie Howe, DVM.  

Additionally, it’s low in fat, contains L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism and prebiotics for digestive health, and provides joint health and immune system support.  

“It is also great for pets who have issues with high-fat meals causing digestive upset,” Dr. Howe says. 

The kibble itself is specifically shaped to increase meal duration.  

“When you take longer to eat, you feel full more quickly,” Dr. Howe explains.  

As with the other Royal Canin foods on this list, our panel appreciates the science and research that go into the brand’s formulas. 

“It is an effective weight-loss diet, leading to weight loss in 97% of patients in three months,” says Dr. Hansen, adding that it’s proven to decrease begging behavior in 83% of dogs.