A few extra pounds might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but for a dog, even a little weight gain can have a big impact. The signs are often subtle. Your dog may tire more quickly, seem less eager to play, or pant more on walks. Before long, they may consistently weigh more than is healthy, and that can affect their energy levels, overall health, and quality of life.
Weight gain in dogs is more common than you might think. It often happens gradually, without owners even noticing. A couple of extra treats, a little less exercise, a slightly overfilled food bowl. It all adds up. Unfortunately, carrying excess weight can increase the risk of serious health problems, including joint pain, heart issues, diabetes, and a weaker immune system. The hardest part is knowing that your dog relies completely on you to help them stay healthy.
The positive news is that you can absolutely help. One of the most important steps is switching to the right food. Dog food designed for weight loss helps your dog feel full and satisfied while lowering their calorie intake. With the right combination of quality proteins, fibre and essential nutrients, your dog can lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way without feeling deprived.
But with so many options on the shelves, how do you choose the right one? To make it easier, we’ve done the research for you. We reviewed the top-rated dog foods for weight loss, focusing on nutritional value, ingredient quality, real-world results, and owner feedback.
Below, you’ll find our top five picks for the best dog food for overweight dogs. Each option is designed to help your dog shed those extra pounds and get back to feeling fit, energetic and happy again.
If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, Butternut Box is the number one choice for weight loss in the UK. Combining scientific precision with fresh, top-quality ingredients, Butternut Box offers an exceptional solution for tackling canine obesity.
What truly sets Butternut Box apart is its personalised approach. Using an advanced nutritional calculator, they tailor each meal plan based on your dog’s breed, age, body shape and activity level. This method, grounded in the latest veterinary research, ensures your dog gets exactly what they need—no more, no less.
Butternut Box put their philosophy to the test with a 16-week trial involving overweight dogs. Eleven out of twelve participants successfully lost weight without any changes to exercise or treats. This real-world success proves that well-formulated meals alone can make a real difference.
The brand offers specially crafted low-fat recipes, including chicken and turkey dishes with less than 5% fat, making it easier to shed pounds without sacrificing flavour. Their venison and vegetable options are also designed to be light yet satisfying. Dogs prone to weight gain are advised to stick to these lower-fat choices rather than richer recipes like beef, lamb or salmon blends.
Each meal is prepared with 60% fresh, human-grade meat for high-quality protein. Rather than using grains, Butternut Box relies on lentils and legumes for complex carbohydrates, providing essential fibre that slows digestion and helps dogs feel full for longer.
Another key feature is their perfect portioning. Meals are individually packed according to your dog’s exact calorie needs, calculated within a margin of 50 calories. This eliminates the risk of overfeeding and keeps weight management stress-free for owners. It also removes the guesswork that often leads to slow or ineffective results.
Butternut Box offers the convenience of home delivery on a subscription basis, with easy storage in the freezer. Transitioning to their food is straightforward, even for dogs who are used to kibble or canned diets.
For owners serious about helping their dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight, Butternut Box delivers a smart, vet-approved solution that dogs genuinely enjoy eating.
Burns Weight Control is a thoughtful option for dog owners seeking a well-balanced and practical solution to support healthy weight loss. Created by veterinary surgeon John Burns, this formula is built on over 30 years of nutritional research and real-life results. What makes this food stand out is not just what’s in it—but also what’s left out.
At its core, Burns Weight Control relies on a high-fibre, low-fat formula to promote satiety without excessive calories. With 55% oats and 18% brown rice, this food delivers slow-releasing energy that helps stabilise blood sugar levels and reduces hunger between meals. A rough fibre content of 7.5% means dogs often feel fuller for longer—studies suggest up to 40 minutes longer compared to many other light diets.
The calorie content is also intentionally modest—322 kcal per 100g—making it easier to manage daily intake. Only 7.5% fat is used, supported by high-quality chicken meal to help maintain lean muscle during weight loss. Unlike many mainstream brands, Burns avoids common allergens like wheat, soy, and dairy. That makes it a smart pick for dogs with sensitive stomachs or mild food intolerances.
Although it’s fifth in the rankings, its lower price per kilogram compared to premium competitors makes it a great-value entry point for owners on a budget. It’s especially suited for dogs needing moderate weight management or for owners seeking a more natural route before turning to clinical diets.
On the flip side, some dogs may need a slightly longer adjustment period. The transition can take around a week, during which mild digestive changes may occur. That said, once settled, many owners report brighter coats, better digestion and improved energy levels.
Burns Weight Control isn’t the flashiest option on the list—but it quietly gets the job done. If you value sustainability, simplicity and solid results without the designer price tag, this could be the diet your dog thrives on.
For dog owners looking for a scientifically sound solution to help their pet lose weight without sacrificing vitality or muscle mass, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management is one of the most trusted choices on the UK market. Ranking third in our list, this food stands out due to over a decade of clinical research and its commitment to long-term health benefits rather than just short-term results.
What makes this diet especially effective is its formulation based on Purina’s landmark 14-year study, which showed that dogs at an ideal weight live on average 1.8 years longer. The research also linked healthy weight to delayed onset of chronic conditions like arthritis. These findings form the backbone of Purina’s approach to weight control.
The formula is high in protein (around 29%) to support lean muscle retention and includes L-carnitine to boost fat metabolism. Prebiotic fibres help promote a sense of fullness by slowing gastric emptying, which can help reduce begging behaviour. This is particularly helpful for owners trying to limit calorie intake without causing discomfort for their pet.
One of the major strengths of this food lies in its proven impact on metabolic health. In recent trials, Purina’s OM Obesity Management diet led to nearly 15% bodyweight reduction in just eight weeks and significantly improved insulin sensitivity. While the veterinary version is prescription-only, the consumer version remains highly effective for general weight management and doesn’t require a vet’s approval.
Owners also report improved coat condition, thanks to omega-6 fatty acids, and higher activity levels in their dogs. That said, some dogs may need a short adjustment period due to the change in fibre content, and the vet-exclusive formula can be a bit pricey.
Overall, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management offers an evidence-based and practical solution for dog owners who value clinical validation and consistent results. It may not be the most personalised option on the list, but it delivers dependable outcomes grounded in science.
Pooch & Mutt Slim & Slender earns its place as number four on our list of the best dog food for weight loss in the UK for good reason. With a smart blend of lean protein, targeted supplements and fibre-rich ingredients, this dry food is carefully designed to help dogs shed excess weight without compromising on health or taste.
The recipe is built around 45% fresh chicken, a high-quality protein source that’s rich in L-carnitine, which supports fat metabolism and helps dogs burn more energy throughout the day. Combined with just 2% chicken fat, it delivers a low-calorie formula that still feels satisfying. Sweet potato and psyllium husk increase satiety, helping dogs feel fuller for longer — a real win for pups prone to begging or snacking.
Unlike many weight loss diets, Slim & Slender doesn’t stop at calories. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin, both known for their role in maintaining joint health. For overweight dogs, especially older ones, this is an essential detail that shouldn’t be overlooked.
One standout feature is their Nutra-Bionic complex. This unique blend of probiotics, cranberry and yucca schidigera supports digestive health, reduces stool odour and even contributes to urinary tract wellbeing. For dogs sensitive to grain or prone to stomach issues, this grain-free recipe can be a solid choice.
While many owners report noticeable improvements — from healthier coats to significant weight reduction over several weeks — some have noted mild digestive upset during the first few days. Slow transitioning and strict portion control are recommended to get the most from this food.
What sets Pooch & Mutt apart is its transparent ingredient list, combined with an approach that focuses on natural, functional nutrition. Though not as customised as other top contenders, its value lies in its blend of evidence-based formulation and real-world results. For dog owners seeking a straightforward, natural solution to moderate weight gain, this is a strong option that doesn’t break the bank.
Hill’s Science Diet stands out as a trusted option for dog owners who prioritise evidence-based nutrition over trendy ingredients. Backed by over four decades of scientific research and more than 40 peer-reviewed studies, this brand delivers a precise, structured approach to weight management that’s hard to match in the commercial pet food market.
What really sets Hill’s apart is the depth of its clinical results. Its Prescription Diet Metabolic range, used under veterinary supervision, has shown that 96% of dogs lost weight within two months – without altering their activity routines. Even the over-the-counter Perfect Weight line demonstrates strong outcomes, thanks to a formulation that includes L-carnitine and coconut oil to encourage fat burning while maintaining lean muscle mass.
But Hill’s doesn’t just rely on numbers. Its Science Plan Perfect Weight range is thoughtfully tailored to breed size and life stage. Large breed formulas, for instance, include glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health during weight loss, while the kibble size is adapted in mini versions to suit small dogs’ digestion.
While Butternut Box may take the top spot with hyper-personalised meals and fresh ingredients, Hill’s remains a powerful contender thanks to its clinical precision and wide availability. It’s particularly well suited for owners dealing with mild to moderate weight challenges in their dogs, especially if they value clear scientific guidance over boutique customisation.
There are a couple of caveats. Some dogs may initially experience hunger or mild digestive changes during the switch. And at around £70 for a 12kg bag, it isn’t the cheapest option on the shelf. But for owners seeking proven weight loss without guesswork, Hill’s Science Diet offers rare peace of mind.
If you’re thinking of picking out the food yourself after reading our comparison, it’s helpful to know what should (and shouldn’t) be in dog food for pups who need to shed a few pounds. So before you find yourself staring at an overwhelming shelf of options, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing weight management dog food.
High protein content
Protein is your dog’s best friend during weight loss. As they slim down, the goal is to lose fat, not muscle. Quality protein sources like chicken, turkey or fish help maintain lean muscle mass, keeping your dog strong and active.
Fibre
Fibre helps your dog feel full without loading on the calories. Look for ingredients like beet pulp, pea fibre or sweet potato. This keeps them satisfied longer, and hopefully less likely to beg under the dinner table.
Low fat
Fat is calorie-dense, so less is more when it comes to slimming down. That said, essential fats like omega-3s are still important for healthy skin, coat and joints. Choose a formula that keeps fat levels low but still includes the good stuff. Low-fat diets are not only beneficial for weight loss but also crucial for dogs suffering from conditions like pancreatitis. Discover the best dog food for dogs with pancreatitis here.
Low calorie density
In simple terms: big portions, fewer calories. Your dog still gets to enjoy a full bowl of food, but without exceeding their daily calorie needs.
Added sugars
Dogs don’t need sugar – full stop. It adds unnecessary calories and is terrible for their teeth. Check the label and steer clear of words like glucose, fructose, sucrose or syrup.
Unnecessary fillers
Ingredients like wheat gluten, maize meal and other low-cost fillers do little to nourish your dog. They just pad out the food with calories that don’t help keep your dog full – just rounder.
Too much low-quality fat
Not all fats are created equal. Animal by-product fats might bulk up the energy content without offering much nutritional value. Instead, go for dog food with healthy fat sources like fish oil or flaxseed.
With the right food and a bit of regular exercise, your dog will be well on their way back to a healthy weight. Pay close attention to ingredients, be realistic in your expectations, and remember – every little step forward is a win.
Short answer? Yes, wet dog food can definitely help your dog shed a few extra kilos – but it all depends on how you use it.
Wet dog food contains a high percentage of water – often between 75% and 85%. That means your dog gets a decent-sized meal with far fewer calories than dry kibble. The result? They feel full faster, without burning through their entire daily calorie allowance. Perfect if you’re watching their waistline.
Because wet food is more filling, you’re likely to get fewer guilt-inducing puppy eyes at the dinner table. Some weight management wet foods are specially designed to let your dog enjoy a satisfying portion and still lose weight. That means no begging, no pacing, and a much happier pup between meals.
Wet food typically has a lower energy density than dry kibble – in other words, there are fewer calories in every bite. So if your dog is used to bigger portions, they can still enjoy their meals without packing on the pounds. That’s what we call a win-win.
Many wet diet foods are packed with protein – great for maintaining lean muscle mass during weight loss – and lower in fat and carbohydrates (often the main culprits behind weight gain). That way, your dog loses fat, not muscle. And remember: the more muscle they have, the better their metabolism works – making it easier to keep the weight off for good.
If your dog could do with shedding a few pounds, Burns Weight Control Chicken & Oats is hands down one of the best dry dog food options in the UK for healthy weight loss.
Here’s why it works so well:
Many owners report their dogs losing 3–5kg over time, with improved energy and shinier coats to match. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and comes with clear feeding guidelines—great if you’re watching both calories and costs.
