The 6 Best Low Fat Dog Foods Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 4th January 2024
Looking for low fat dog food? If you want the best for your dog, the key is finding food that is not just low in fat, but also offers a wholesome meal for your canine companion.
So how do you know which is best for your canine bestie? No worries; we teamed up with a panel of independent experts that included veterinarians and canine nutritionists to test out some of the top low fat dog foods out there. After months of research and several dozen varieties, we finally agreed on this comprehensive list. Today, we discuss the best low fat dog food Australia offers for dog’s that need to cut down on their weight.
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Petzyo Chicken & Turkey With Superfood Extras
- Named protein first
- Superfood additions
- Rich in fibre
- Made and sourced in Australia
- Good value for money
Runner Up -
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe for Dog
- All the meat and seafood ingredients are locally sourced in New Zealand
- Only top quality ingredients
- No growth hormones used in source cattle
- Low heat air dry preservation to boost natural nutrients
- No unnecessary fillers
- Extremely nutrient-dense
Third Choice -
Ivory Coat Grain-Free Dog Food Turkey Reduced Fat
- Balanced low fat formula
- Grain-free
- No added preservatives and fillers
- Single protein recipe
- Superfood additions
Australia's Best Low Fat Dog Foods Reviewed
#1: Best Overall: Petzyo Chicken & Turkey With Superfood Extras
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 25% |
Fat | 11% |
Fibre | 5% |
Petzyo Chicken & Turkey With Superfood Extras - 5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken & Turkey, Peas, Lentils, Sweet Potato, Chicken Offal, Sunflower Oil, Tomato, Basil, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley, Flaxseed Oil, Kelp, Turmeric, Blueberries, Chicory, Hemp Seed Oil, Fish Oil, Yucca Extract, Green Tea
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Kangaroo, Sweet Potato & Superfood Extras or Salmon, Ocean Fish & Green Lipped Mussels or Chicken, Turkey & Superfood Extras or Petzyo Raw Food Range.
- Suitable For: Petzyo's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Dr Kathryn Rosalie Dench - M.A VetMB MRCVS.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"Petzyo is a great choice. Their Petzyo Chicken & Turkey option has a an 11% fat percentage making it a great choice for dogs that need to reduce their fat intake whilst also maintaining a healthy overall diet."
If you are looking for high-quality kibble that happens to be low fat, Petzyo is the right choice. Petzyo is our favourite Australian dog food brand, and it’s specifically relevant today as all of their formulas have only 11% fat. While this number is not extremely low (like some prescription diets), it is definitely in the lower range.
Petzyo Dog Food being tested by our independent expert team
The most important part of a dog food recipe is not the source of fat - but the source of protein. In this case, every member of our independent expert panel were happy to see a wholesome source of protein (chicken & turkey) in the first place on the ingredient list. The makes it similar to our second choice by Ziwi Peak.
Related: The Petzyo Dog Food Review.
The kibble also contains a range of healthy veggies and superfood additions. All of these helped ensure my dog felt full and nourished while also avoiding too much fat!
Pros | Cons |
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#2: Runner-Up: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe for Dog
What sets this product apart from the rest?
Ziwi Peak - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfaphe, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Salt, Parsley, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain-Free
- Recipe Range: Lamb, Mackerel & Lamb, Beef, Venison, Tripe & Lamb, Free Range Chicken
- Suitable For: Dogs of all breeds and life stages
- Cost: $$$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned).
Nutritional Analysis (Mackerel & Lamb Formula) | |
|---|---|
Protein | 43% |
Fat | 25% |
Fibre | 2% |
Let’s address the tricky question first: one thing you might have noticed about this option from Ziwi Peak is that the fat content is 25% which is significantly higher than some other diet options. However, you can also see that the protein content is extremely high. So what’s the trick? Due to the quality of ingredients and the gentle air-drying process, all Ziwi formulas are extremely nutrient-dense.
This meant that, in general, I had to give smaller portions to my dog than with other commercial dog foods. Therefore, the fat content per portion is still on the lower side. Plus, this feed is great as a combination with a raw diet. For the same reason, this feed comes out quite expensive per pound - but keep in mind that you’ll feed lower quantities, which brings down the price per serving considerably. Despite this, it's still more expensive than our number one choice by Petzyo.
The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe for Dog being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review.
Other than that, our independent team of experts consider this food the cream of the crop. Ziwi names each ingredient they use, and makes sure these ingredients are top notch. The first ingredient in this feed is mackerel which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (the good kind of fat). The second ingredient is ethically and locally sourced grass-fed lamb. The formula is also etched with superfoods like New Zealand Green Mussel.
Ziwi Peak is also completely grain-free and also tops our list of the best grain free dog foods available in Australia.
If you want only the best for your dog, Ziwi is the way to go.
Pros | Cons |
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#3: Runner Up: Ivory Coat Grain-Free Dog Food Turkey Reduced Fat
Ivory Coat - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Turkey, Pea Fibre, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, salmon oil, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, spinach, parsley, apples, blueberries, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D3, E, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Natural Prebiotic, Rosemary Extract & Green Tea Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
- Named Protein First: No, but meal is OK
- Dog Food Type: Grain-free
- Recipe Range: Chicken with Coconut Oil, Lamb & Kangaroo, Lamb & Sardine, Lamb with Coconut Oil, Ocean Fish & Salmon, Turkey & Duck
- Suitable For: Adult and senior dogs
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 32% |
Fat | 10% |
This formula from Ivory Coat is another great option for dogs who need to cut down on fat. The recipe was designed for senior dogs, but the well-balanced ingredient list is suitable for dogs of all ages too (except puppies).
Related: What Is A Limited Ingredient Dog Food Diet?
Our independent experts also agreed that this food is reasonably priced and features a great mix of ingredients, especially for this price range. The ingredients are not over the top, like our number two choice by Ziwi Peak for example, but definitely enough to fulfill all the needs of a dog.
The Ivory Coat Grain-Free Dog Food Turkey Reduced Fat being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Ivory Coat Dog Food Review.
The first ingredient is turkey meal which is a good source of protein that’s also low in fat. Other than that, this feed contains some nutritious fruits and veggies like carrots, blueberries, and spinach. I especially loved seeing ground flaxseed and salmon oil added into the mix to increase the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential for healthy skin and coat.
Pros | Cons |
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#4: Best Dog Food For Pancreatitis: Canidae Pure Healthy Weight Real Chicken & Pea Grain-Free Dog Food
Canidae - 3 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, potatoes, sun cured alfalfa, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavour, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulphate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid + More.
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain-Free
- Recipe Range: Lamb & Pea, Salmon & Sweet Potato, Duck & Sweet Potato, Bison & Lentil & Carrot, Wild Boar, Multiprotein
- Suitable For: Puppies, adult and senior dogs, depending on the recipe
- Cost: $$$$
- Australian Owned: No
Nutritional Analysis: | |
|---|---|
Protein | 28% |
Fat | 9% |
Fibre | 5% |
Canidae is a favourite among pet owners whose dogs have special dietary needs. Their Chicken & Pea formula was designed specifically for weight management - without compromising on nutrition.
The main ingredient in this formula is chicken, followed by chicken meal and turkey meal - all of which are good sources of protein. Besides the meat, this feed does not contain any grains or useless fillers that don’t provide nutrition like corn or soy. Instead, it contains nutritious veggies and legumes like peas and sweet potatoes, similar to our number one choice by Petzyo. The formula is enriched with probiotic cultures for better digestibility and added vitamins for an overall healthy profile.
Related: Canidae Dog Food Review.
What makes this food especially suitable for dogs recovering from pancreatitis and overweight dogs is the low fat content - only 9%. At the same time, our research team noted that this food is rich in protein and has a moderately high fibre content which makes the feed filling but also easy to digest.
Pros | Cons |
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#5: Best for Weight Management: Holistic Select Weight Management Chicken Meal & Peas Recipe
Holistic - 3 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Lentils, Dried Molasses Beet Pulp, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Papayas, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, L-Carnitine, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulphate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulphate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride + More.
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain-Free
- Recipe Range: Salmon Anchovy & Sardine, Duck, Chicken, Deboned Turkey & Lentils, Rabbit & Lamb for adults and Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken for puppies
- Suitable For: There’s a recipe for dogs of all ages and levels of physical activity
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: No
Nutritional Analysis: | |
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Protein | 26% |
Fat | 8% |
Fibre | 2% |
If you are looking for low fat grain-free dog food to help a dog who has trouble staying lean, this feed from Holistic Select might be a great option. I was at first worried to feed it to my dog since this formula is extremely low in fat, even more so than our number four option by Canidae at only 8%. However, he seemed to love the taste, and the food still manages to offer a balanced nutritional profile for all dogs.
As we mentioned before, when a dog’s diet is too low in fat, they might be left feeling hungry even after eating enough food. Well, this formula offers a solution that our team of experts loved: it is also high in dietary fibre, which contributes to the feeling of fullness. All these fibres can be difficult to digest, but Holistic Select balances that out by adding prebiotics and probiotics such as yoghurt cultures to this formula to enhance digestibility.
The first ingredient in this formula is chicken meal. While not as good as pure meat, this is generally an ok option and one that is easily digestible.
Pros | Cons |
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#6: Best Low Fat Wet Dog Food: Ziwi Peak Wet Venison Recipe
Ziwi - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Venison, Venison Broth, Venison Heart, Venison Lung, Venison Liver, Venison Kidney, Venison Tripe, Chick Peas, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B1 Supplement, Vitamin B5 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain free.
- Recipe Range: Venison or Beef or Lamb or Tripe & Lamb or Mackerel & Lamb or Chicken plus more
- Suitable For: Ziwi Peaks recipe range can be suitable for puppies, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned).
This option from Ziwi is the perfect wet food for dogs that need a special diet. The Venison formula is basically just venison stew with the addition of a small amount of chickpeas and New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel. Our team of independent experts chose the venison formula because it’s lower in fat than some other options. I also like that Ziwi offers other single protein wet food recipes, so I was able to find several that fit my dog’s needs perfectly.
There is not too much to say about this food. It’s almost entirely made of pure meat and organs, with the addition of New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels which are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin (especially important for older dogs).
The meat is free-range venison ethically raised without the use of antibiotics or growth promotants. The only downside is the high price as it's the most expensive on this list, but it’s justified by the quality of ingredients.
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How To Choose The Right Diet Dog Food
Sometimes dogs need to go on a special diet. No matter if it’s because of a specific condition or simply because they are overweight, there are some general rules you can follow to ensure you’re choosing the best food for your dog’s needs. Our experts offer some tips to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best option for your pup:
Related: What is AAFCO? The Association of American Feed Control Officials
Related: What Is the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA)?
Related: AAFCO vs PFIAA: Dog Food Standards Comparison Australia
Fat content is not the only important factor. Finding a wholesome, well-balanced formula that provides proper nutrition is more important. In addition, dogs still need some fat in their diet. That is why it is recommended for a 'low fat diet' not a 'no fat diet'. If they don’t get any fat, there is a high chance dogs will remain hungry all the time (1) and that’s not really what you want to achieve.
High-quality protein is still important. Protein is the basis of a dog’s natural diet, so choosing food based on high-quality protein is still important even if your dog is overweight. The best option is choosing food with named protein as the first ingredient, but meals are also ok (like chicken meal, for example). Try to avoid foods that list meat by-products in the ingredient list as that generally points to low-quality food.
Related: The Best Meat for Dogs.
Related: Real Meat vs Meat Meal in Dog Food.
As always, avoid artificial additives. Wholesome food is always healthier and more easily digestible. Artificial flavours and preservatives, or basically any ingredient on the list you can’t recognise, are best avoided.
Which Dogs Need a Low Fat Diet?
Overweight Dogs
Obesity in dogs is a much more common problem than one might suppose. In fact, it often happens that pet parents think their dog is too skinny when their weight is actually at a perfectly healthy level. While I often can’t resist those puppy eyes when my fur baby is asking for food, I try to keep in mind that obesity can lead to a variety of other health problems. And in fact, research suggests that leaner dogs live longer in general (2).
This, of course, doesn’t mean you should immediately start reducing your dog’s daily food intake. To determine the ideal weight, it’s best to consult your vet. However, if it’s obvious that your dog is overweight, a low fat diet might just be what they need.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs can be more prone to obesity and gaining weight in general:
“Senior dogs are often less active than their younger counterparts and have different caloric needs.” - Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, PetMD
For this reason, sometimes older dogs need a diet that’s lower in fat, but it’s still essential that it contains all the necessary nutrients. However, you should also keep in mind that that’s not always the case. Not all dogs get overweight as they age - sometimes exactly the opposite happens and they start losing weight. [4] The key is keeping a close eye on your dog and introducing diet dog food if needed.
Related: Best Senior Dog Food Australia.
Dogs With Pancreatitis
Another key group of dogs that benefit from a low-fat diet are dogs recovering from pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be caused by different factors, but one of them can be consuming too much fat.
“Most veterinarians recommend that dogs eat highly digestible, low-fat dog food as they are recovering from pancreatitis. Dietary fat is thought to be a major stimulus for the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes, which may worsen pancreatic inflammation.” - Jennifier Coates, DVM, PetMD
When recovering from the inflammation, what dogs need is to start eating again as soon as possible - and an appropriate low fat dog food formula can help with that. When it comes to low fat dog food brands for pancreatitis, you’ll find a variety of different options. Some are very low in fat but also contain low-quality ingredients, so our team of experts recommend that you read through the ingredient list and decide for yourself.
My Final Say
If you are looking for low fat dry dog food, our panel of experts unanimously voted for Petzyo. It has an incredibly balances ingredient list with a low fat content.
Our second choice is Ziwi Peak, which might come as a surprise as this feed does not have the lowest fat content, but this is because this feed is extremely nutrient-dense and smaller portions are needed. With the right dosage, it can work just right for dogs who need to lose weight for whatever reason. This feed is the best of the best, but also a bit pricey.
If you are looking for something more affordable (or just want to skip Ziwi for whatever reason), then we think that the Petzyo Chicken and Turkey Recipe is also a good choice.
Want to learn more about dog food in Australia? Check out our below guides:
FAQ
Dog foods that are marketed as “low fat” or “weight management” formulas usually have 10% or less fat. Foods with fat contents between 10% and 20% could be considered moderate in terms of fat levels. Keep in mind that fat is not all that matters and a good nutritional profile with a slightly higher fat content might actually be better for your dog if dosed right.
Good low fat dog food is one that, obviously, has low fat levels. However, the feed should also be made with high quality ingredients. The rules are the same as with any other type of food: look for feed with named protein first and ingredients you can recognise on the list.
It depends. While some seniors do fine with the same feed they’ve been eating most of their lives, often the dog’s dietary requirements can change as they age. Often, but not always, seniors need help keeping their weight down in the form of a formula that’s lower in fat.
References
- Straus, M. November 10, 2022. “Helping Your Dog Lose Weight”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved May 14, 2023. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/weight_control/helping-your-dog-lose-weight/
- Flaim, D. March 21, 2019. “Keeping Your Dog Thin is a Lifesaver”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved May 14, 2023. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/keeping-your-dog-thin-is-a-lifesaver/
- Vogelsang, J. October 28, 2013. "5 Senior Dog Diseases You Need to Know". PetMD. Retrieved May 14, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_dg_common-senior-dog-diseases
- Huston, L. August 24, 2012. "5 Tips to Keep your Senior Dog Healthy". PetMD. Retrieved May 14, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_multi_senior_pet_health_tips
- Coates, J. August 28, 2018. “What You Need to Know About Dog Food for Pancreatitis”. PetMD. Retrieved May 14, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/what-you-need-know-about-dog-food-pancreatitis-0
