Sadly, many domestic dogs today are obese. In fact, nearly 50% of all domestic dogs in North America between 5 and 11 years of age weigh more than they should. Obesity can be extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. Most importantly, though, it can put dogs at risk for a range of diseases.
The first line of defense against obesity is diet food. You cannot simply feed your canine less of their usual food, as this may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, switching to a new food for weight loss is vital.
Wet food often works well for this purpose, as it contains more water. This water helps your dog stay full for longer.
We’ve reviewed 10 of the best wet dog foods for weight loss. These foods should help your dog lose weight while also ensuring proper hydration.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie
Lots of meat ingredients
High in omega fatty acids
Chicken broth for added moisture
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Best Value
Purina One SmartBlend Beef & Brown Rice Entrée
Inexpensive
Lots of meat included
Added omega fatty acids
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Premium Choice
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Weight Management
High in protein
Contains lots of meat
Broth added
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Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Chicken & Rice Wet Dog Food
High in protein
Designed for puppies
Real chicken as the first ingredient
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Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Chicken Flavor Wet Dog Food
High in quality meats
Grain-inclusive
Added nutrients
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The 10 Best Wet Dog Foods for Weight Loss:
Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie is easily the best overall wet dog food for weight loss. It includes tons of meat ingredients, including chicken and salmon very high on the ingredient list. Duck is included as well, as the flavor suggests, but it doesn’t appear until further down the list.
Main Ingredients Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Brown Rice
Protein Content 8%
Fat Content 5%
Calories 405 kcal/can
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Instead of water, this formula utilizes chicken broth for added moisture. This ingredient provides extra nutrients and flavor to the food, which is often very needed for weight loss formulas.
As the name suggests, this formula is specifically made to help dogs lose weight. It includes reduced calories and a higher nutritional content, which ensures that your dog gets everything they need even when they eat less. We also loved the high number of omega-fatty acids this food contains, largely because of the included salmon. For this reason, this food also supports your dog’s coat and skin health.
Pros
Lots of meat ingredients
High in omega fatty acids
Chicken broth for added moisture
Low-calorie formula
Grain-inclusive
Cons
Poor texture
Technically, the Purina One SmartBlend Beef & Brown Rice Entrée isn’t specifically designed for weight loss. However, it does have fewer calories than other formulas and has a decently high protein amount. Therefore, it may work well for losing weight for dogs with minor problems.
Lots of meat ingredients
High in omega fatty acids
Chicken broth for added moisture
Low-calorie formula
Grain-inclusive
- Lots of meat ingredients
- High in omega fatty acids
- Chicken broth for added moisture
- Low-calorie formula
- Grain-inclusive
Poor texture
- Poor texture
Main Ingredients Beef, Chicken, Beef Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs
Protein Content 8%
Fat Content 7%
Calories 416 kcal/cup
Plus, it is much less expensive than other options out there. For this reason, we highly recommend it as the best wet dog food for weight loss for the money.
The first few ingredients are nothing but meat sources, including some organ meats. Beef broth is utilized to increase the moisture content of this food. This broth also adds extra nutrients to the food and makes it a bit tastier.
This food includes added omega fatty acids, which may help improve your dog’s skin and coat. It is grain-inclusive, as it contains brown rice and oatmeal further down the list.
Pros
Inexpensive
Lots of meat included
Added omega fatty acids
High in protein
Cons
Not explicitly for weight loss
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Weight Management is designed explicitly to promote lean muscle mass while helping your dog lose weight. It is much higher in protein than other formulas on this list, while it is also extremely low in fat.
Inexpensive
Lots of meat included
Added omega fatty acids
High in protein
- Inexpensive
- Lots of meat included
- Added omega fatty acids
- High in protein
Not explicitly for weight loss
- Not explicitly for weight loss
Main Ingredients Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pork Liver, Whitefish
Protein Content 11%
Fat Content 3.50%
Calories 319 kcal/can
Therefore, this formula works well if you’re planning on implementing an exercise routine. It works best for dogs that are somewhat active. Otherwise, the added protein may go to waste.
This formula contains tons of different meat products. For instance, chicken is the first ingredient. There are also several types of organ meats and fish included, which add omega fatty acids to this dog food.
Furthermore, this formula doesn’t include any by-products, wheat, or soy.
Pros
High in protein
Contains lots of meat
Broth added
Extra omega fatty acids
Cons
Expensive
Generally, you shouldn’t need to put your puppy on a weight control formula. While some puppies may gain weight faster than you’d guess, putting them on a strict diet can potentially impact their growth. If you’ve spoken to your vet and decided that it is best to put your puppy on a weight-management diet, we suggest something like Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Chicken & Rice Wet Dog Food.
High in protein
Contains lots of meat
Broth added
Extra omega fatty acids
- High in protein
- Contains lots of meat
- Broth added
- Extra omega fatty acids
Expensive
- Expensive
Main Ingredients Chicken, Liver, Meat By-Products, Water, Rice
Protein Content 10%
Fat Content 7.50%
Calories 441 kcal/can
This formula isn’t necessarily designed for weight loss. However, it is very high in protein, which may help your puppy control their weight a bit more. Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing lots of extra protein and amino acids.
However, not all the ingredients in this formula are great. For instance, it includes meat by-product meal, which is basically mystery meat. There is no way to tell what this meat is or where it comes from. Unnamed liver is also added, but we don’t know where that liver comes from, either.
Pros
High in protein
Designed for puppies
Real chicken as the first ingredient
Antioxidants added
Cons
Some poor ingredients included
Not explicitly designed for weight loss
If your dog seriously needs to lose weight, you may want to invest in Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Chicken Flavor Wet Dog Food. This wet dog food works great for dogs that are obese and need to lose weight to prevent health problems.
High in protein
Designed for puppies
Real chicken as the first ingredient
Antioxidants added
- High in protein
- Designed for puppies
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- Antioxidants added
Some poor ingredients included
Not explicitly designed for weight loss
- Some poor ingredients included
- Not explicitly designed for weight loss
Main Ingredients Water, Pork Liver, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken, Powdered Cellulose
Protein Content 6%
Fat Content 2.50%
Calories 319 kcal/can
This formula includes a decent amount of quality meats, such as pork liver and chicken. Furthermore, it is also grain inclusive and includes whole ground corn. Surprisingly, dogs are quite good at digesting corn. Therefore, this formula works very well for most dogs.
It includes tons of added nutrients, including taurine. Plus, it includes a unique fiber plant that helps optimize your pet’s weight. You should see serious results in as little as 2 months. For this reason, vets recommend it highly for dogs that are seriously obese.
Pros
High in quality meats
Grain-inclusive
Added nutrients
High in fiber
Cons
Expensive
Requires a prescription
For those who have the money to spend, you may want to look into Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control. This formula is crafted using high-quality ingredients, such as chicken and ocean whitefish. It includes high amounts of protein, which can help maintain your dog’s muscles while they are losing weight.
High in quality meats
Grain-inclusive
Added nutrients
High in fiber
- High in quality meats
- Grain-inclusive
- Added nutrients
- High in fiber
Expensive
Requires a prescription
- Expensive
- Requires a prescription
Main Ingredients Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Ocean Whitefish, Sweet Potatoes
Protein Content 7.50%
Fat Content 3.50%
Calories 355 kcal/cup
The whitefish included in this formula raises the omega fatty acid content. This helps support your dog’s coat and skin. It also includes a range of veggies, including sweet potatoes and green beans. These help add fiber to the formula, as it doesn’t include any grains.
Like most weight loss formulas, this one is rather low in fat. Therefore, it works best for dogs that aren’t terribly active and really need to lose weight.
Pros
Fish included
High in protein
Low in fat
Cons
Grain-free
Expensive
Blue Buffalo is a well-known dog food brand that is best remembered for its grain-free foods. They also create a weight loss formula called Blue Buffalo Fit & Healthy Weight Control Formula Wet Dog Food. This formula is designed with lower amounts of fat and calories to help your dog lose weight.
Fish included
High in protein
Low in fat
- Fish included
- High in protein
- Low in fat
Grain-free
Expensive
- Grain-free
- Expensive
Main Ingredients Chicken, Chicken Broth, Whitefish, Potatoes, Chicken Liver
Protein Content 7.50%
Fat Content 4%
Calories 336 kcal/cup
Chicken is the first ingredient, which is high in protein and amino acids. Most dogs do very well on chicken, especially since it is lean. Whitefish and various organ meats are also added, as these add extra nutrients to the dog food. Chicken broth is used instead of water, which helps increase the overall nutritional content.
However, this formula does include a lot of potatoes and peas. These are not necessarily recommended for dogs, as they are connected to heart conditions in dogs.
Pros
High in lean meat
Fish added for extra omega fatty acids
Utilizes chicken broth
Cons
Includes high amounts of peas
Only available in pate
- Side by Side Warming Complete & Balanced Chicken & Lamb Stew
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Main Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Necks, Lamb Hearts, Chicken Liver
Protein Content 9%
Fat Content 4%
Calories 914 kcal/patty
Compared to other formulas on this list, the Side by Side Warming Complete & Balanced Chicken & Lamb Stew is a bit different. It includes tons of different meat ingredients, including a variety of organ meats. These provide extra nutrition that your dog will likely benefit from.
High in lean meat
Fish added for extra omega fatty acids
Utilizes chicken broth
- High in lean meat
- Fish added for extra omega fatty acids
- Utilizes chicken broth
Includes high amounts of peas
Only available in pate
- Includes high amounts of peas
- Only available in pate
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Main Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Necks, Lamb Hearts, Chicken Liver
Protein Content 9%
Fat Content 4%
Calories 914 kcal/patty
Chicken Broth, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Necks, Lamb Hearts, Chicken Liver
Chicken Broth, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Necks, Lamb Hearts, Chicken Liver
While this formula isn’t specifically designed for weight loss, it does include a lower amount of fat than usual. Therefore, it may work well for dogs with minor weight gain problems.
Many customers love that this company sources its ingredients ethically. The chicken is farm-raised and hormone-free, for instance.
With that said, many dogs don’t seem like they like this formula. There are many reports of dogs refusing to eat it—even those that aren’t exactly picky. Plus, this recipe is much more expensive than other options out there.
Pros
Ethically sourced products
Lots of meat-based ingredients
Low in fat
Cons
Expensive
Not ideal for picky pooches
Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula Canned Dog Food contains mostly chicken and a lower level of protein and fat than other formulas. In fact, this formula is specifically designed for dogs that are much less active than others. Therefore, it works particularly well for lazier dogs that can’t—or won’t —exercise.
Ethically sourced products
Lots of meat-based ingredients
Low in fat
- Ethically sourced products
- Lots of meat-based ingredients
- Low in fat
Expensive
Not ideal for picky pooches
- Expensive
- Not ideal for picky pooches
Main Ingredients Chicken, Chicken Broth, Brown Rice, Chicken Liver, Lamb
Protein Content 6%
Fat Content 4.50%
Calories 429 kcal/can
The main ingredients in this food are meat-based. For instance, it includes chicken and chicken liver, as well as lamb further down the list. All of these add to the protein content and provided much-needed amino acids.
Because only lean meats are used, there is fairly little fat in this food.
This formula does work for all breeds and all ages. It works great in homes with multiple dogs, as it works for practically all overweight or obese dogs.
Pros
Works for all breeds and ages
Meat-based ingredients
Low in fat and protein
Cons
Expensive
Not as tasty as other options
Natural Balance Fat Dogs Targeted Nutrition Wet Dog Food is another Natural Balance recipe for overweight and obese dogs. This formula contains very little fat and slightly lower protein than average. It is also quite low in calories while having a high moisture content. Therefore, your dog will fill up on the included chicken broth, lowering their appetite.
Works for all breeds and ages
Meat-based ingredients
Low in fat and protein
- Works for all breeds and ages
- Meat-based ingredients
- Low in fat and protein
Expensive
Not as tasty as other options
- Expensive
- Not as tasty as other options
Main Ingredients Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Salmon
Protein Content 6%
Fat Content 3.50%
Calories 315 kcal/can
For the most part, this food contains only meat-based ingredients. For instance, chicken, chicken liver, and salmon all appear high on the ingredient list. The added salmon increases the omega-fatty acid content of this food, which may help improve your dog’s coat and skin health.
L-carnitine is also added, which may help your dog lose weight.
On a more negative note, this food isn’t well-liked by picky dogs (or even un-picky dogs). Therefore, it is only recommended for dogs that will eat practically anything. There are also some quality control problems. For instance, many users reported that the food has a different consistency each time they order it.
Pros
L-carnitine added
High moisture content
High in meat ingredients
Cons
Not for picky dogs
Quality control problems
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Wet Dog Food For Weight Loss
There is a lot you need to consider when purchasing weight management food for your canine. These formulas differ widely. Some are low in protein. Others are high in protein. Some contain lots of meat, while others are carb-heavy.
L-carnitine added
High moisture content
High in meat ingredients
- L-carnitine added
- High moisture content
- High in meat ingredients
Not for picky dogs
Quality control problems
- Not for picky dogs
- Quality control problems
Therefore, you’ll need to consider all of these factors when determining which food is best for your dog.
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 doesn’t. 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.
Can’t I Just Feed a Normal Dog Food?
Often, dog owners are tempted to simply feed their dogs less of their existing food. After all, you know that they like their food and tolerate it. However, this is not recommended.
Dog foods are designed to provide your dog with the right amount of nutrients when fed as directed. If you start feeding them less than directed, your dog will consume fewer calories but also fewer nutrients. Diet dog foods are a bit more nutritionally dense to take this into account, but your average dog food is not.
Therefore, you need to feed your dog food that is designed for weight loss—not just feed them less of their usual food.
Fullness
Generally, when we start reducing our dog’s calories, they will feel hungrier. However, there are several things that can affect how full your dog feels besides calories. For instance, fiber can make your dog feel fuller, but it isn’t digestible. In the end, this means that it doesn’t actually add any extra calories. Therefore, many diet foods include fairly high levels of fiber.
There are several ways this fiber can be added. Concentrated fiber can be used, such as pea fiber. However, dog food can also utilize ingredients that are simply high in fiber, such as whole grains.
Moisture content can also be used to increase how long your dog stays full. Therefore, some vets may suggest wet food in particular, as it tends to have more moisture than dry food (hence the name). For these reasons, wet foods utilized mostly for weight management are usually wetter than other foods. Keep this in mind if your dog is picky about texture.
Taste
Fat is typically what gives food its taste. Therefore, when food is low in fat, it is usually low in taste, as well. For this reason, we highly recommend that you’re careful about the quality of the taste that the food contains. After all, food isn’t very helpful if your dog won’t eat it—even if it would help them lose a lot of weight.
However, you also don’t want your dog to consume artificial flavors. Not only are these often bad for them, but they can put off your dog to more natural flavors. Many dogs that start eating artificial flavors will not consume foods without them.
Therefore, you’ll need to rely on foods that increase their taste using natural flavors without adding extra fat. Often, yeast is utilized to do this, as it contains a strong umami flavor that many dogs like.
Diet Alone Often Isn’t Enough
Typically, you will need to exercise your dog and switch them to a weight management food. Most obese dogs simply don’t move around enough. Many people are surprised when their dogs fall into the obese category, as they don’t eat all that much. However, most of the time, it is because they don’t move very much—not because they eat a lot.
Therefore, to help your dog lose weight, you’ll often need to increase their exercise, as well. Physical activity is very good for dogs, in general. If possible, we recommend you increase their exercise to at least 30 minutes of brisk activity a day.
However, you should speak with your vet if your canine is injured or has any underlying conditions. If a dog physically cannot exercise, then their diet becomes even more important.
Conclusion
There are tons of weight management foods out there. We reviewed several options above that may work for your dog. These foods are also extremely high in moisture, which may help your dog stay full longer. When paired with exercise, these foods can seriously improve your dog’s weight.
Our favorite weight management food is Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced Calorie. This formula is extremely low in calories and is designed explicitly for overweight dogs. However, it is high in protein and full of meat.
If you’re on a budget, then Purina One SmartBlend Beef & Brown Rice Entrée may work well for dogs with minor weight problems. It isn’t exactly designed for weight loss, but it is lower in calories than most formulas out there.
Featured Image Credit: Jorge Zapata, Unsplash
