Are you on the hunt for low-fat dog food without chicken? You have come to the right place as I wrote this article with your needs in mind. Chicken is one of the most commonly used sources of protein in many dog food brands out there. Other than being fairly cheap, chicken is nutrient-rich as it contains vitamin B12, iron, zand inc, and is also low in fat content. In addition, chicken is easy to digest, tasty, and a superb choice for weight loss and health issues like pancreatitis and IBD.
Despite having all these health benefits, which makes it a common ingredient in most dog foods, chicken has also become one of the most common food allergens in pooches. And talking about dog food allergies, they do not just occur, no! They result from your dog being exposed to this ingredient for a long. The most appropriate way to treat chicken allergies in dogs, for instance, is through the diet elimination method or feeding dog food without chicken in it. Add that to low fat and you will have the healthiest and happiest dog ever.
Today, I will be looking at dog foods without chicken and low in fat. I spent more than 72 hours searching for low-fat dog foods and separating those with chicken from those without. From beef to whitefish, salmon, duck, rabbit, buffalo, lamb, and kangaroo, these are all healthy alternatives to chicken protein. They are also low in fat and packed with essential nutrients that are ideal for your puppy, adult, and senior canine friend whether they are small, medium, or large breeds.
But before that…
Table of Contents
Why low fat?
Low-fat dog foods are remarkable diet options if you want to help your canine companion to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it is the most recommended diet for pooches with some health conditions such as pancreatitis, sensitive tums, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That is because a diet that is low in fat content is easier for your canine to digest and absorb all nutrients.
Your dogs need fat to thrive as it provides the energy that helps them remain active and bouncy. However, fat can be harmful to your dog’s health, especially when fed in high amounts, whether as food or treats. As stated by the Institute of Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8% of pooches in the US are considered obese. Feeding your dog food with high-fat content is one of the culprits of weight gain or obesity cases, which, in turn, reduces your dog’s lifespan significantly.
Obesity in dogs is known to cause kidney disease, heart disease, and hypertension, or high blood pressure. But do not worry, thanks to low-fat dog foods and sufficient daily exercise to help reduce weight, your dog can remain healthy and live longer. So, which are these foods that are low in fat and with no chicken?
Review of the best low-fat dog foods without chicken
Here are the 7 best low-fat dog foods without chicken in the market today. In my review, I have included the pros and cons of each for comprehensive understanding.
Best Overall: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Recipe
At the top of my list is this Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula from Purina Pro Plan which used to be marketed under Purina Pro Plan Focus. This low-fat dog food features protein from salmon with other digestible ingredients like rice and oatmeal without corn, soy, or wheat. Salmon is rich in protein (26%) and nutrients like omega-6 fatty acids that help keep your dog’s skin and coat shiny. This formula is chicken-free and has no egg protein just like your dog likes it.
This dog food recipe contains 16% crude fat which is ideal for any pup. Why I love about this low-fat dog food is that it is enhanced with live probiotics and prebiotics that help boosts your Fido’s digestive and immune health. It also includes omega-3 fatty acids that promote joint health and mobility. If you need a recipe that is prepared to help with weight control and nurture your dog’s sensitive tummy and skin, this is it.
Brand Name | Where to buy: |
---|---|
CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Amazon | Check price on Amazon, rated 4.7/5 by 16,500+ |
Wellness CORE CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Chewy | on Chewy, rated 4.8/7 |
What I like:
- Recommended fix for chicken allergies
- Dogs love the taste
- Highly nutritious with digestible ingredients
Drawbacks:
- Brand linked to heart issues
- Some picky dogs don’t eat
Runner’s Up: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Cod & Lentils Adult Trim Dry Dog Food Recipe
If you are looking for low-fat dog food to help your adult canine buddy keep fit, you will love this dry dog food recipe from Nulo. This grain-free recipe contains cod, a high-premium fish that is low in fat and nutritious providing all the amino acids your canine needs to thrive. I love the L-carnitine in this formula that helps support fat metabolism. It has no chicken or egg proteins.

Nulo Adult Trim Grain Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food on Amazon or use this link to check price on Chewy
Even best, this low-fat dog food is fortified with pure probiotic strains to help with appropriate digestion. In addition, it contains phosphorous and calcium to keep your dog’s bones strong as well as wholesome fruits and veggies to help improve his immune health. This recipe is recommended for all breeds and sizes.
What I like:
- Helps with weight management
- Delicious for most finicky eaters
- Recommended for pancreatitis & digestive issues
Drawbacks:
- Some dog parents complain about stinking pooches
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Best Wet: Wellness CORE 95% Turkey Grain-Free with Spinach Canned Dog Food
Does your dog prefer canned low-fat dog food without chicken? This Grain-Free Canned Dog Food from Wellness is a terrific choice. This formula features high-quality protein from real turkey which makes up 95% of the diet. To make the food tastier and easy to digest, it includes spinach and does not contain artificial fillers, wheat, corn, or soy.

To make it more healthful, complete, and balanced, this low-fat dog food has been enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

I also like the antioxidant-rich superfoods that help improve your dog’s immune health. You can either serve this dog food mixed with dry dog food or as a meal by itself. Either way, it will be perfect for your paw partner.
Brand Name | Where to buy: |
---|---|
CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Amazon | Check price on Amazon, rated 4.7/5 by 16,500+ |
Wellness CORE CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Chewy | on Chewy, rated 4.8/7 |
What I like:
- Features a nice consistency & taste
- Ideal for chicken allergies
- Topnotch & healthy ingredients
Drawbacks:
- Great ingredients but unsuitable for dogs that love dry formulas
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Best for Small Breed: CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble
Are you looking for small breed low-fat dog food without chicken? This Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish dry kibble from CESAR is a fantastic pick. The first ingredient in this dog food recipe is beef which is high-protein (26%) with amino acids your doggie needs to flourish. This kibble comes in a great texture and shape that helps maintain your pooch’s dental health and is available in a number of varieties.

Brand Name | Where to buy: |
---|---|
CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Amazon | Check price on Amazon, rated 4.7/5 by 16,500+ |
Wellness CORE CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Veggie Garnish Dog Kibble on Chewy | on Chewy, rated 4.8/7 |
The fat content in this dry dog food’s guaranteed analysis is 12.5% which is low enough for your doggie’s system to digest. To help maintain the meaty tender chunks fresh and tasty, this dog food is packed in a re-sealable zipper bag. It has been specifically formulated for your small dog breed with 26 nutrients. Your dog will love the savory filet mignon flavor with a garnish of spring veggies for a great taste and enticing look.
What I like:
- Mouthwatering for the pickiest dogs
- The good texture even for dogs with tooth extractions
- Specially formulated for small dogs
Drawbacks:
- Some buyers complain about other bags being half empty
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Best for Large Breed: Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
If you are interested in large breed low-fat dog food without chicken, I would recommend this Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food Recipe from Merrick. This formula features deboned beef as the first ingredient and source of premium protein and healthy fats. It provides the essential amino acids your canine companion needs to stay nourished. Your dog will also love the highly digestible and nutritious sweet potato that promotes healthy poops.
I admire the healthy omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in this recipe that helps support healthy skin and lustrous coat as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health. It is also enriched with fiber, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health. Healthy fats come in handy in helping your dog maintain optimal weight to prevent obesity. Many dog parents say that their doggies love the puppy version of the recipe as it is formulated to promote growth.
What I like:
- Pooches love the rich taste
- Puppy version available
- Good value for money
Drawbacks:
- Some dogs refuse to eat it
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Best for Senior: Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe
If you need low-fat dog food without chicken for senior dogs, this Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe from Now Fresh is a fabulous choice. With deboned turkey as the first ingredient, this formula contains 11% crude fat which is low enough for your pooch to digest. I love the multiprotein from deboned turkey, salmon, and duck for a nutritious meal. Your senior canine companion will surely enjoy this scrumptious dish.
The fresh ingredients used to formulate this dog food is cooked once through low temperatures to preserve nutritional value and flavor. I love L-carnitine that helps promote heart health and green mussels from New Zealand which are natural sources of chondroitin to support joint and hip health. This recipe is crafted using more than 20 natural superfoods including blueberries and pomegranate which are rich in antioxidants that promote immune health.
What I like:
- Helps with weight control & management
- Multiple sources of protein for a great taste
- High-quality ingredients
Drawbacks:
- Contains whole eggs which some dog parents may not like
- High price tag
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Best Raw: Instinct Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Original Raw Coated Real Rabbit Natural High Protein Dog Food
The Original Raw Coated Real Rabbit Natural High Protein Dog Food from Instinct is a noble choice for dogs that love freeze-dried dry dog food. It is the best raw low-fat dog food without chicken on my list today. This recipe features animal-based protein from farm-raised rabbits as the primary ingredient to promote strong, lean muscles. Your dog will enjoy the nutritious oils, wholesome veggies, and fruits.
I love the surefire levels of live, natural probiotics that support digestive health, natural omegas for skin health and lustrous, as well as antioxidants to help boost immune health. This dog food contains 20.5% crude fat content which might be a little high but freeze-dried food is digestible. It is available in 4 lb. and 20 lb. resealable bags.
What I like:
- Great weight management
- Rich taste for fussy eaters
- Good for food allergies
Drawbacks:
- Some dog parents are worried about the class-action lawsuit against the brand
- Complaints about inconsistency in batch quality
You can check this product’s availability, sale, price on Amazon here or Chewy here.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com