What’s The Best Low Carb Dog Food? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
Did you know that low carb dog foods reduce cancer cells from growing? Did you know that your dog has the potential to live longer if you provide them with food that has low carb content?
Dogs can process basic carbs with ease, but complex carbs are harder to process. They usually store up as fats along with other unhealthy ingredients and contribute towards increasing your dog’s weight.
Dogs are carnivores that require substantial protein content in their dog food. High protein and healthy fats can make the perfect low carb diet for dogs. In fact, carb free dog food promotes greater usage and management of energy within your dog’s body.
Contents
- Our 7 Best Low Carb Dog Food
- 1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- 2. Dr. Harvey's Paradigm, A Green Superfood Pre-Mix
- 3. Pet Plate, Tail Waggin’ Turkey Recipe
- 4. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets, Lamb Formula
- 5. Merrick Grain-Free, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
- 6. Orijen Small Breed Biologically Appropriate Dog Food
- 7. Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
- What Are Carbohydrates?
- 5 Benefits of a Low Carb Dog Food Diet
- Important Features to Consider
- How To Calculate Carbs In Dog Food?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best low carb food for dogs, here are our top choices.
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Supports teeth and gum cleanliness
- Beef dominance makes it an exceptional dry dog food
- No added salt, antibiotics, or artificial components
- Minimal diversity in composition makes it a safe choice
- Easier alternative food choice for digestion issues
- Nutrient-rich foods can be prepared within a few minutes of adding hot water
- Mixture of 6 essential dehydrated veggies
- Free of wheat, con, preservatives, soy, saturated sugar, salt, etc.
- Calcium is provided due to the presence of crushed eggshells
- Improves your dog's digestive system and leads to a less unpleasant dog stool smell
- Real turkey and turkey organs nourish your dog's muscles
- High protein and low carb dry dog food for all breeds
- Amino acids from ingredients ensure maximizing the usage of stored protein
- Every ingredient contributes to the purpose of a low carb diet
- Salmon oil enriches the diet with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
Our 7 Best Low Carb Dog Food
1. TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
The number of beef ingredient variations will leave any dog’s body strengthened for the immediate and near future. Puppies also will receive greater growth without having to rely on diverse ingredient diets that can take some trial and error to find the ideal recipe.
Nutrition imparted by the beef ingredients infuses the muscles with quality protein to make them more firm, while also making the bones stronger. The high energy will be complemented by an attractive appearance due to the rise of glossy and eye-catching skin and hair coats. This makes the TruDog Feed Me one a top-tier low carb dog food.
So what if the recipe has no veggies and fruits? Feel free to them as per your dog’s convenience and taste-preferences.
PROS
- Raw meat diet suits natural canine digestibility cycles
- Ingredients from farm to packaging inside 72 hours
- Prevents food sensitivities from worsening
- Plays the role of a dental health improver
CONS
- May be unsuitable for already obese dogs
2. Dr. Harvey's Paradigm, A Green Superfood Pre-Mix
Are you looking to increase the skin quality of your canine companion? Do you want a low carb dog food with the best natural dog food protein source? Paradigm is curated using 6 dehydrated vegetables to stabilize the absence of nutritious grains.
The quality whole foods suit a canine diet and equip the immune system with dog food that fends of illnesses. Even better, this pet food has been mixed with vitamin and mineral supplements for greater immunity.
Chickpeas, Bell Peppers, Ginger, Dandelion, Bone Broth – you name it and it is present. You will find very few keto diets like this that also boast the presence of turmeric, thus reducing inflammation. You can even top the high protein dog food diet with coconut oil or fish oil to benefit the dog’s health compared to other low carb foods for your dog.
PROS
- Majority of vets will agree that Dr.Harvey's Paradigm mix is a good choice
- Consists of dehydrated whole foods such as celery, red clover, broccoli, beans
- Free of fillers, preservatives, complex carbohydrates, and dyes
- Reduces itchiness and increases skin wellness
CONS
- May not be suitable for dogs who enjoy raw meat
3. Pet Plate, Tail Waggin’ Turkey Recipe
Always remember, the dog food brands that bother to add healthy oils along with protein-packed meats are the ones who genuinely make an effort to satisfy their customers. Similarly, the presence of turkey meat and salmon oil will induce a greater amount of physical, emotional, and mental confidence within your pet. These ingredients contain amino acids which helps in maximizing the usage of the stored protein.
When it comes to a low carb dog food, lesser calories, lesser carbs, more protein, and a desirable amount of added nutrients makes this a fantastic choice within your budget. Veterinarians have tried and tested this recipe and observed positive results over the entire health spectrum of the subjects.
Your dog can enjoy a nutrition-loaded bowl of carrots, brown rice, apples, pumpkin, and meat protein! It is only fair to notice a sudden resurgence of desired energy levels and more obedient pooping habits.
PROS
- Made in the USA by AAFCO approved standards
- Brown rice brings the positives of healthy grains
- Appealing aroma and taste
- Desirable preparation in comparison to other branded dog food items
CONS
- End product may seem too grounded up
4. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets, Lamb Formula
Primal is unique from other dog food brands due to its focus on purely raw food diet for dogs. The lamb source used is free of antibiotics and has been nurtured without being infused with growth hormones making it a choice low carb dog food.
These formulas contain Squash rich in vitamin A and C along with pumpkin and sunflower seeds rich in vitamin E, zinc, and manganese. One can also find plenty of cranberries and blueberries to cleanse the urinary tract and promote better health.
All the ingredients are organic and also go through quality-checks by the USDA. When you are given a promise of no gluten, steroids, wheat, soy, then you can be sure of a consistent healthy activity level of your dog. Primal’s lamb recipe can be fed to breeds through any life stage. What matters is the reliable protein source of this low carb dog food.
PROS
- Certified supplements, vegetables, and fruits are added - that too organic!
- Freeze-dried pieces are a sure-shot route to set the base for muscle growth
- These raw food diets can be rehydrated with water and served
- Positive biological activity is promoted due to the addition of naturally-occurring enzymes
CONS
- Nuggets are large in size and may be an issue to break
- Freeze-dried pet foods will lead to thirst
5. Merrick Grain-Free, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Omega fatty acids and chondroitin in this product is the prime reason for imparting a shiny coating. Glucosamine, on the other hand, strengthens the joints of dogs. The reduction of intake in carb is taken care of due to the main two ingredients of this product – sweet potatoes and chicken.
Most importantly, when turkey meal, peas, and sweet potatoes are added to dog food, energy, and protein levels both are incremented. This Merrick low carb dog food has a reputation for creating grain-free pet foods with a dog-friendly taste and focus on building muscle mass.
PROS
- Smell is surprisingly not at all unpleasant to humans
- 30 to 45 days of consumption will lead to an evident increase in muscle mass
- Boasts of greater average protein content than regular dog food
- Product contains over 3% of crude fiber
- Contains sweet potatoes and chicken
CONS
- Reports of long-term consumption causing a negative influence on digestion
- No symptoms of improvement in dog skin
6. Orijen Small Breed Biologically Appropriate Dog Food
This product consists of protein sources such as the animal liver and lutein-enriched eggs. The generous amount of these nutrients not only helps your dog lose weight but also improves eyesight.
Low carb, high protein dog food can be the reason your dog ages in a healthy manner. Omega 3 fatty acids will lead to ideal blood flow and this will affect blood sugar levels, eventually generating a glowing coat. Low carb dog food by Orijen consists of regional ingredients from the sought-after farms of Kentucky.
Every ingredient in this product, be it plant or animal-related, has been nurtured using natural means and are thus great contributors to healthy energy levels. Dog food companies like Orijen deal in whole-prey ratios and are thus advocates low carb and high protein dog food.
PROS
- Transparency in ingredient composition has gained them widespread popularity
- Diverse constituents make it better than any fruit and vegetable diet
- Combats issues related to blood-shot eyes, itchy patches, and bloody rashes
CONS
- Disasterous fish-like smell is imparted
7. Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
Low carb dog foods must contain a hoard of ingredients and raw foods that can balance out the required nutrition your dog needs. Spinach, apples, carrots, and peas are combined to create a formula that replenishes the organs of your pet.
The bloodstream is provided with essential nutrients to reduce negative reactions in the body and save doggo lives. Even better, this low carb dog food has L-carnitine present. This is the crucial nutrient that converts body fat into reusable energy.
High protein dog foods as such are a catalyst to bring about holistic nutrition in dogs. So what if your pet is of the lazy type? The least you can do is handle the laziness factor by feeding him/her healthy dog food.
PROS
- Human grade veggies are mixed with the finest fruits for best effects
- Probiotics are added for added crude protein and crude fiber
- Each ingredient is tested in several laboratories for identifying nutritional quality
CONS
- Legumes are used and they are linked to heart issues
What Are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are biomolecules that mainly comprise of fiber, starch, and sugar. They are present in the majority of fruits and vegetables. Even dairy products to an extent. Carbs are tasked to transfer energy to other body parts. There are simple and complex carbohydrates, both of which are processed as glucose in a dog’s body.
Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates?
Dogs do not need an abundance of carbohydrates for a healthy lifestyle. Low carb dog food is sufficient due to their relation to the canine family. Healthy fats and protein are much easier for a dog’s body to process as compared to carbohydrate consumption. Dog foods higher in carbohydrate content will lead to poor metabolism cycles and inflammation in the digestive tract of a dog.
Why Are Carbohydrates Used In Dog’s Food?
Carbohydrates are used in all commercial dog foods as they provide energy for a dog to lead an active life. Low carbohydrate content is enough as the carbs will collect and follow a slow-releasing cycle.
Thus, hungry dogs naturally sense a reduction in appetite due to the increase in stamina caused by stored energy. A fairly low carbohydrate percentage also adds fiber to the diet, leading to positive effects on their digestive system.
5 Benefits of a Low Carb Dog Food Diet
The benefits of low carbohydrate dog food lie in the fact that you helping them adapt to a natural diet such as their original raw foods diet.
- Overweight dogs can lose their fats and get into a fitter condition
- Dogs who have diabetes or any cancer will become healthier due to the natural healing properties of a large number of crude proteins
- Dogs who have a malfunctioning digestive system along with inflammation in their bowels will experience a relief in such symptoms
- Low carb dog food is perfect for canines with allergies. The presence of low carbs means that very few or almost no allergic reactions can take place
- Heart deformities, muscle growth, kidney issues – all can be avoided by reducing your dog’s weight
Important Features to Consider
Dog lovers should know that not all carbohydrates are not good carbohydrates for dogs, which is why a low carb dog food diet can also be beneficial. Thus, if you don’t want to partake in the consumption then consider investing in carbohydrate free dog food. These fluctuations in carbohydrate content are leveled due to the infusion of additional vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in a low-carb diet.
Simple Carbs vs Complex Carbs
Simple carbohydrates are easy to process for dogs. They are broken down with the least energy usage and released in slow amounts when the dog is hungry. Low carb wet dog food would relieve the liver and kidney of unwanted stress.
On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are much harder for dogs to process. They consist of saturated sugars that dogs can’t digest. Even worse, they simply store up as fat deposits.
Animal Source of Protein
A dog owner should know that the best animal sources of protein in dog food would be beef and turkey liver. Wet low-carb dog foods would be rich in meat and protein content as compared to binding carbs. This imparts greater animal protein and feeds the dog with the most critical ingredient for good canine health.
Minerals, Vitamins & Fatty Acids
You want to purchase dog food that mainly consists of poultry for your dog’s health. But you have to ensure there is a healthy amount of supplementary omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Additional vitamins and minerals in dog’s food will provide them with the nutrients needed for the overall betterment of their well-being. This is the best way to add daily maintenance to your dog’s teeth, bones, fur, coat color, vision and hearing ability, etc.
How To Calculate Carbs In Dog Food?
Carbs in commercial dog foods can be calculated via the “Guaranteed Analysis” table of the dog food bag. These ratings state the minimum quantity of nutrients mentioned. The process to figure carbohydrate content is pretty simple.
All you need to do is amalgamate the total percentage of the moisture, ash, protein, and fiber, and subtract this amount by 100. And voila! You know the total carb content in your dog’s food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grain-free dog food low carb?
No, grain free dog foods are not necessarily low carb dog food. They may contain tapioca or other items that consist of carbs. The concept of grain free dog food has been brought about to deceive consumers. Low or no grains in dog food in no way means that carbohydrates are absent which is the case in high quality dog foods.
How many carbs should a dog have per day?
Although there is no hard and fast rule to how many carbs a dog should have per day in their pet food, it is important to take into factor that a dog does not generally need a lot of carbs to hit their minimum calorie intake to ensure there is never a shortage of energy.
A recommended balance of protein, fat, and carb intake should be around minimally 18 to 22% protein, at least 5% fat – but not too much to cause obesity and not more than 30% carb in their diet.
However, keeping in mind that the above is just a guideline – your dog’s diet should largely depend on their weight, health condition, age, and level of activity. After all, protein serves a much better source of energy as compared to carbohydrates.
But having no carbohydrate at all may not necessarily be a good thing for the reasons that carbs are more economically friendly to the pocket, and it does not harm dogs if they do not have a specific intolerance to them.
Do carbs make dogs fat?
No, not all carbs in pet food make dogs fat. The smaller ones that do not have an intricate structure can easily be broken down and used for energy storage purposes. They even promote good organ health.
The true carbs that make dogs fat are complex carbohydrates. They fail to digest and get converted to fat. This fat collects in the dog’s body and rots over time. Eventually leading to lethargic days and unhealthy stools.
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Conclusion
Low carb diets can be tricky, but hopefull after reading our reviews, you can choose on the best dog food for your pet. The bottom line is that high protein dog food beats dog food with a high carbohydrate content. Depending on your dog’s food preference you can modify their diet to include the best canned dog food or dry food for their body type.
Animal protein, healthy sources of fat, vitamins, minerals, supplementary fatty acids, flavors, and other nutritious additives will help in strengthening your dog’s internal and external health. And, TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef ticks all the boxes compared to all the other low carb foods for your dog.
Editor's Choice
TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood, Beef
- Supports teeth and gum cleanliness
- Beef dominance makes it an exceptional dry dog food
- No added salt, antibiotics, or artificial components
- Minimal diversity in composition makes it a safe choice
- Easier alternative food choice for digestion issues
