VFS Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 3, 2026
This is a low-fat dry dog food designed for adult dogs that need easier-to-digest nutrition, using ocean whitefish meal and ocean whitefish as the main protein sources. It relies on rice, tapioca, and quinoa for carbohydrates and includes added omega-3s, antioxidants, taurine, and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) to support overall digestive health. The moderate protein level with controlled fat makes it suitable for many dogs that do better on a reduced-fat diet.
Overall, this is a thoughtfully formulated, low-fat adult dog food that focuses on highly digestible, fish-based protein and gentle carbohydrate sources. The protein level is solid for a low-fat formula, and the added omega-3s, vitamins, minerals, taurine, and probiotic are all positives from a nutritional standpoint. It’s a good option to discuss with your veterinarian if your adult dog needs a lower-fat diet and tolerates fish well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Ocean whitefish meal and ocean whitefish are the first ingredients, providing identifiable, high-quality animal protein in a low-fat format.
- Fat is tightly controlled (6–8% as-fed) while protein remains moderate (25%), which is helpful for dogs that need fat restriction without sacrificing protein too much.
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids (with guaranteed EPA), taurine, vitamin E, vitamin C, and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans), all of which can support overall health and digestive function.
- Uses rice and quinoa as primary grains, which are generally well tolerated and provide digestible energy rather than relying on large amounts of legumes.
Considerations
- Fish is a common food allergen for some dogs, so this formula would not be appropriate if your dog has known fish sensitivities.
- Because this is an adult maintenance formula, it is not suitable as the sole diet for growing puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
- At 420 kcal per cup, portions will need to be carefully measured for dogs with lower calorie needs, especially those on strict weight or fat intake management.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Ocean White Fish
Ocean white fish is a lean, highly digestible animal protein commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide essential amino acids, improve palatability, and contribute some omega‑3 fatty acids and B vitamins. It can be a good low‑fat option for weight- or renal‑management diets, but may be an allergen for some pets and can carry environmental contaminants (e.g., mercury) depending on species and sourcing, so quality and source transparency are important.
02
Ocean White Fish
Ocean white fish is a lean, highly digestible animal protein commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide essential amino acids, improve palatability, and contribute some omega‑3 fatty acids and B vitamins. It can be a good low‑fat option for weight- or renal‑management diets, but may be an allergen for some pets and can carry environmental contaminants (e.g., mercury) depending on species and sourcing, so quality and source transparency are important.
03
White Rice
White rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as an energy source, binder or filler and is often included in bland diets to help manage gastrointestinal upset. It supplies readily available calories but contains little protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients (so complete diets must be balanced), and should be used judiciously in overweight or diabetic pets due to its high glycemic index; prolonged exclusive feeding is not recommended.
04
Tapioca
Tapioca is a processed starch from the cassava root commonly used in pet foods and treats as a gluten-free carbohydrate, binder and thickening agent, providing easily digestible calories but very little protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. While useful in hypoallergenic or grain-free formulations, it has limited nutritional value and a high glycemic index, so it should be used in moderation—especially for overweight or diabetic dogs and cats—and only in properly processed form to avoid cassava-related toxins.
05
Quinoa
Quinoa is used in pet foods as a cooked pseudo‑grain providing digestible carbohydrates, fiber and a relatively high‑quality plant protein with a broad amino acid profile. It supplies B vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium) and can be a useful energy and fiber source for dogs, but should be cooked and rinsed to remove bitter saponins, offered in moderation due to calorie density and potential digestive upset, and it should not replace essential animal‑derived nutrients (such as taurine) required by cats.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
SquarePet is a premium pet food brand offering veterinarian-formulated diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on functional nutrition with high-protein formulas, limited-ingredient diets, and solutions-based recipes, such as those for gastrointestinal and skin sensitivities. Their formulas often use cage-free meats and responsibly sourced animal proteins.
Visit SquarePetManufacturer
SquarePet partners with U.S.-based manufacturers that meet stringent food safety and quality control standards, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO regulations. The company ensures that ingredient sourcing and production processes are closely monitored for safety and nutritional integrity.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
SquarePet VFS Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has SquarePet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for SquarePet. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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