Lite Kibble?

[Lizmo]

What makes a kibble a 'lite' kibble?

Would this be a good Lite Kibble?

Lamb meal, ground rice, cracked pearled barley, oatmeal, peas, millet, powdered fiber, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, natural flavor, fish meal, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, L-carnitine, vitamin E supplement, chondroitin sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

Crude Protein 18.0% Minimum
Crude Fat 6.0% Minimum
Crude Fiber 9.0% Maximum
Moisture 10.0% Maximum
Zinc 150 mg/kg Minimum
Selenium 0.4 mg/kg Minimum
Vitamin E 150 IU/kg Minimum
L-Carnitine * 30 mg/kg Minimum
Omega-6 Fatty Acids * 1.25% Minimum
Omega-3 Fatty Acids * 0.25% Minimum
Glucosamine Hydrochloride * 750 mg/kg Minimum
Chondroitin Sulfate * 250 mg/kg Minimum

[colliewog]

The problem with the 'lite' foods is they lower the fat and increase the grain content (to increase the fiber), and often you can run into dry skin and other issues. You're better off feeding a normal adult dog food and just cutting back the portions. The high fiber/low fat concept is a human concept ... it's not as successful in dogs.

Edit - just read analysis closer. WoW! 9% fiber is A LOT!!!!! Average dog foods are around 3-4%.

You want a good protein level to maintain lean muscle, so the protein % is okay for an inactive dog, but honestly, I don't like anything with less than 10-12% fat for most dogs.

[BabyDane]

Are you trying to get your dog to lose weight?

If so, just feed less of whatever you are giving them. I don't think that a "lite" food is the way to go, because the dog food companies sacrifice protein content (which is calorie dense) for carbohydrate content (less calorie dense). Basically "lite" diets are even more full of fillers. For that reason I would stay away from them. Instead, just start feeding less of their normal diet...ie instead of 2 cups a day, feed 1.5 cups a day and see what he body condition is like. Go lower if the dog doesn't start to lose weight. This is no way starving the dog...he is getting the extra nutrition from his fat stores. When an ideal weight is reached...adjust the amount you feed to keep your dog at that weight.

[Lizmo]

Yes, we have a dog that needs to shed a few pounds. Just checking out options.

[Dekka]

Just feed a little less. The feeling of full is better with protein and fat than empty carbs. I have succesfully got dogs to look trim and fit feeding orijen and evo. (even some that were on the 'lite' foods.. they were still 'squishy')

[ihartgonzo]

Lite kibble is allll baaaddd... I had Gonzo on lite kibble for years, and he was still too padded for my taste. Like, he didn't lose ANY weight, if anything he gained weight and he was a 2 year-old Border Collie!

He got really lean on a grain free kibble, right away. Substituting a portion of the kibble with raw meaty bones, meats, and fresh foods is ideal. Providing several short, intense exercise sessions every day to keep the metabolism active is also very helpful.

[Laurelin]

I've also heard to add green beans to fill in for the missing kibble. I'm not sure how well that works but I've heard it a lot.

[PoodleMommy]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

I've also heard to add green beans to fill in for the missing kibble. I'm not sure how well that works but I've heard it a lot.

Yes, this is what I was going to say.

Feed less of the food and add low calorie fillers like green beans if the dog appears hungry. I think this works better then lite food... although we have only done it when the dog needs to lose a small amount of weight, I dont know how much the dog in question needs to lose. Good Luck though, taking weight off is certainly WAY harder then putting it on.

[dogsarebetter]

just to add.
my dogs ADORE green beans