Dog food for weight loss UK: 6 weight-control foods compared on cost per day

How portions drive weight loss

A weight-control food helps only if the daily amount is right. UK Pet Food advises weighing food in grams rather than using a scoop, feeding to your dog's ideal body condition, keeping treats to no more than 10% of daily calories, and treating any feeding guide as a starting point (UK Pet Food, checked 21 October 2026).

A worked example for a 20 kg target weight

Our dog food portion calculator puts a 20 kg dog's resting energy at about 662 kcal a day (70 × weight^0.75) and uses a factor of 1.0 for weight loss. Burns' 200 g at 313 kcal per 100 g gives about 626 kcal. Royal Canin's 237 g (low activity) at 3,004 kcal per kg gives about 712 kcal, and its normal-activity 282 g about 847kcal. That is why the same "light" bag can still keep weight on if you feed the normal-activity amount.

Treats and begging

In the PDSA's 2026 survey, of owners whose dogs needed to lose weight, 16% said weight loss was hard because they liked feeding treats, and 14% said they gave in when their dog begged for food. (PDSA PAW Report 2026). Take treats out of the daily allowance rather than adding them on top.

Is my dog overweight?

Owners often think not. In UK Pet Food's 2024 report, almost 70% of owners thought their pet was exactly the right size and only 8% said it needed to lose some weight, while 74% of vets believe pet obesity is increasing (UK Pet Food). Use the WSAVA body condition score chart: on its 9-point scale, 4 and 5 are ideal, and 6 to 9 are over ideal.

The PDSA links obesity in dogs with arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, cruciate ligament problems, heatstroke and a shorter life, and says weight loss works better with regular weigh-ins; many practices have scales you can use (PDSA). Some breeds gain weight easily: see our Labrador guide. For joint problems linked to weight, our guide to whether joint supplements work covers what a vet may suggest first.

Vet weight-loss diets

Vets also sell weight-loss diets that are made to be fed under veterinary supervision. The PDSA says a vet may recommend a special weight-reduction food with the right levels of fat, protein and nutrients. We list none of these here and give them no buy buttons: if your dog has a lot of weight to lose, or another health condition, ask your vet which food and amount to use. A sudden change in weight, thirst or coat can have a medical cause, so if you are worried, contact your vet.

Weight loss food without chicken

Only one of the six foods lists no chicken: James Wellbeloved Adult Light uses turkey as its single animal protein, though it also contains poultry fat. Royal Canin lists poultry protein and Hill's lists chicken and turkey meal. If your dog reacts to a particular protein, our sensitive stomach food comparison lists other single-protein foods.

For everyday adult foods compared the same way, see our dog food comparison; for older dogs, senior dog food; and for what feeding costs over a month, our dog food cost guide.