I used to think all dog food was the same. But then my dog started scratching all the time and seemed tired after meals. That’s when I looked into low carb dog food, and it made a big difference. He had more energy, fewer stomach issues, and his coat looked great. In this article, I’ll share what I learned, why I switched, and the best low carb dog food brands we found. If you’re curious about high protein and low carb dog food, this guide is for you.
What Is Low Carb Dog Food?
Low carb dog food has fewer carbs and more protein and fat. It skips common fillers like corn, wheat, rice, and potatoes. Instead, it uses real meat and veggies that are easier for dogs to digest.
Most dry dog foods are packed with carbs—often between 45% and 70%. That’s a lot, especially since dogs don’t actually need carbs to stay healthy. Their bodies run better on protein and fat, just like wild dogs and wolves.
Low carb dog food usually has less than 20% carbs. Some of the best low carb dog food brands keep it under 6%. A few, like Raised Right, go as low as 2% by avoiding grains and starchy veggies.
When I learned this, it all clicked. My dog wasn’t doing great on his old kibble, and now I know why. Understanding what’s in your dog’s food can make a big difference.
Why I Switched to a Low Carb Dog Food
It started with little things. My dog was scratching a lot, licking his paws, and just seemed tired after every meal. At first, I thought it was normal—maybe even seasonal allergies. But then he had a few bouts of loose stools and kept losing interest in his food.
I tried changing brands. I even went “grain-free” thinking that was the fix. But the same problems kept coming back. That’s when I realized I didn’t just need a different bag of kibble—I needed a different approach to feeding him.
The more I read, the more it made sense. Traditional dog food is loaded with carbs—some of it over 50%—mostly from cheap fillers. My dog didn’t need all that starch. He needed more real food: meat, healthy fat, and fewer carbs.
I felt frustrated at first. I had trusted those colorful bags and clever slogans for years. But once I learned about low carb dog food, it felt like I finally cracked the code. It wasn’t just about avoiding grains—it was about feeding him what his body was truly built for.
What Happened After I Switched – The Health Benefits I Saw
The change wasn’t instant, but it didn’t take long either. Within the first couple of weeks, I noticed my dog had more steady energy. He didn’t crash after meals or seem sluggish in the evenings. Instead, he was alert, playful, and even asked for more walks. That was new—and honestly, so heartwarming.
The constant itching? It calmed down a lot. He stopped licking his paws all the time. His ears weren’t red anymore, and I didn’t have to wipe his eyes as much. I later learned that too many carbs can trigger inflammation in some dogs, just like in people. That really clicked for me. It wasn’t just about food—it was about his immune system getting a break.
His digestion got better, too. No more soft stool surprises in the yard. His poops became more regular and firm (any dog parent knows how important that is!). It was like his gut was finally at peace. I read that a high-carb diet can mess with a dog’s blood sugar and cause insulin spikes—things that can mess with digestion, too.
One of my favorite changes? His coat. It got shiny again. The dry patches on his belly faded, and his fur felt softer when I scratched behind his ears. Even our vet noticed during a check-up and said, “Whatever you’re doing—keep doing it.” That felt like real validation.
Looking back, switching to low carb dog food was one of the best choices I’ve made for his health. It wasn’t just about feeding him better—it was about helping him feel better. And once I saw the difference, I knew I couldn’t go back.
Best Low Carb Dog Food Brands to Try (Based on My Research)
Not all low carb dog food is the same. Some are full of fillers. Others are made with real meat and clean ingredients. After lots of digging and label-reading, I found a few great low carb dog food brands. These are the ones I trust—and a couple I’ve used myself.
1. Raised Right
Carbs: Under 2%
Type: Fresh, human-grade
Why I Like It:
Raised Right is real food. You can see the turkey, carrots, and blueberries. No weird powders. No fake stuff. It’s gently cooked and kept in the fridge. My dog loved it. His energy came back fast, and his coat got soft and shiny.
What to Know:
It costs more than dry food. You’ll need fridge space, too. But if you want real, clean food—this is worth it.
👉 Raised Right is one of the lowest carb dog foods, with fresh ingredients and no junk.
2. Ketona
Carbs: Around 5%
Type: Dry kibble
Why I Like It:
Ketona looks like regular kibble, but it’s way better. It’s high in protein—more than 46%—and skips corn, wheat, and rice. It’s easy to use, but cleaner than most dry food.
What to Know:
It’s not raw or fresh, but it’s simple and smart. A great choice if you want low carb without a full diet change.
👉 Ketona is a high-protein, low carb kibble that works for busy dog parents.
3. Nulo Freestyle
Carbs: Usually under 30%
Type: Kibble, canned, freeze-dried
Why I Like It:
Nulo was the first brand I tried. It uses real meat, no corn or soy, and adds probiotics to help with digestion. It’s easier to find in stores than some of the others.
What to Know:
It has more carbs than other options, but it’s still better than most brands. A good step if you’re easing into low carb feeding.
👉 Nulo Freestyle is a balanced choice with fewer fillers and added gut support.
4. Visionary Pet
Carbs: Less than 1%
Type: Raw and freeze-dried
Why I Like It:
Visionary Pet is made for keto dogs. It’s high in protein, with almost no carbs. It’s freeze-dried, so you don’t need a freezer. Great for dogs with health issues like seizures or diabetes.
What to Know:
It’s a bit pricey, but powerful. If you’re doing keto for your dog, this is a top pick.
👉 Visionary Pet offers ultra low carb dog food, made for dogs who need a strict diet.
5. Zignature Limited Ingredient
Carbs: Moderate
Type: Kibble and canned
Why I Like It:
Zignature keeps things simple. No corn, wheat, or soy. It’s not the lowest in carbs, but it’s great for dogs with allergies. My dog did well on it during our switch.
What to Know:
This one is more about clean ingredients than low carbs. But it’s still better than regular kibble.
👉 Zignature is a smart choice for dogs with food allergies who need a clean diet.
Is Low Carb Dog Food Right for Every Dog?
Short answer: Not always. But for some dogs, it can be a game-changer.
When I first made the switch, I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing. I just knew my dog wasn’t thriving. But once I saw his health improve, I started reading more. And guess what? Low carb diets may help more than just allergies or tummy troubles.
It May Help Dogs with IBD, Arthritis, or Even Seizures
Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often struggle with digestion. Cutting carbs can give their gut a break. My vet explained it like this: fewer carbs = less food for bad gut bacteria.
Arthritis? That one surprised me. Some studies show that too many carbs can cause more inflammation in joints. After we switched, my dog seemed less stiff on chilly mornings. He even jumped back on the couch (something he hadn’t done in weeks).
Now here’s something wild—epilepsy. I found a 2020 study where dogs with seizures had fewer episodes on a keto-style diet (super low carb and high fat). It’s not a cure, but for some dogs, it helped a lot. That gave me chills. Food really can be medicine.
Quick answer: Low carb dog food may help dogs with IBD, joint pain, allergies, or seizures.
But Not Every Dog Needs Low Carb
Let’s be honest—not every dog has these issues. Some dogs do just fine on regular food. Puppies, for example, need more calories and may not do well on a super low carb plan. Same goes for underweight dogs or those with certain health conditions. More protein isn’t always better.
If you’re thinking about switching, talk to your vet first. I did, and it helped me make a smarter choice. Every dog is different, and their diet should fit their needs—not just trends.
Always check with your vet before making a major diet change, especially for puppies or senior dogs with health needs.
FAQs About Low Carb Dog Food
What is the best low carb dog food?
The best low carb dog food depends on your dog’s needs. But some top picks include Raised Right (under 2% carbs, fresh food), Ketona (around 5%, high-protein kibble), and Visionary Pet (less than 1%, great for keto diets). These brands use real ingredients and skip fillers like corn and rice.
Can dogs live without carbohydrates?
Yes, dogs can live without carbs. Unlike humans, dogs don’t need carbs to survive. Their bodies are built to use protein and fat for energy. That’s how their wild ancestors thrived. Still, some carbs from veggies can add fiber and nutrients—but they don’t need grains or starches to stay healthy.
Is high protein and low carb dog food good for older dogs?
For many older dogs, yes. A high protein, low carb diet can help maintain muscle and reduce inflammation. It may even help with joint pain and weight control. Just be sure to check with your vet, especially if your senior dog has kidney or liver issues.
What are common fillers in dog food to avoid?
Common fillers to skip include corn, wheat, soy, rice, and potatoes. These ingredients add bulk and carbs but little nutrition. They can also trigger allergies in some dogs. Look for dog food with real meat, healthy fats, and no artificial stuff.
How do I know if my dog needs a low carb diet?
Watch for signs like itchy skin, constant paw licking, low energy, soft stool, or frequent ear infections. These may point to food sensitivities or inflammation. If your dog improves on grain-free food but still has symptoms, low carb might help. A vet can help you decide.