Unfortunately, dogs can occasionally develop pancreatitis, which may necessitate a change in their diet. This can be especially tricky for owners, as there is a lot to think about when making this kind of switch.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help. Below, we’ll explain what acute and chronic pancreatitis is, outline some of the causes of the condition, and share some of the best dog foods for pancreatitis on the market.
Quick Picks: Best Dog Food For Pancreatitis
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Best Overall Dog Food for Pancreatitis
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Best Premium Dry Dog Food for Pancreatitis
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Most Affordable Dog Food for Pancreatitis
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Description: Fresh, human-grade dog food that's customized to your pet's needs. |
Description: A super tasty, low-calorie dog food that is great for dogs with pancreatitis. |
Description: Blue Buffalo offers fiber-rich, low-fat dog food that won’t break the bank. |
Fresh, human-grade dog food that's customized to your pet's needs.
A super tasty, low-calorie dog food that is great for dogs with pancreatitis.
Blue Buffalo offers fiber-rich, low-fat dog food that won’t break the bank.
What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas is a key organ located next to the stomach that’s responsible for producing enzymes for food digestion along with hormones like insulin. Pancreatitis is a painful condition that occurs when a dog’s pancreas becomes inflamed.
Just note that dogs can experience acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis.
With acute pancreatitis, the illness is sudden and can trigger symptoms ranging from mild swelling to severe internal bleeding. Acute pancreatitis is more common than the chronic form, and it often follows the consumption of an unusually high amount of fat.
Chronic pancreatitis is typically more subtle, and it can trigger symptoms like anorexia (food refusal), stomach upset, a swollen abdomen, and a “hunched” appearance. Chronic pancreatitis is usually a lifelong condition that must be managed with the help of your veterinarian.
Some breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis, though it can afflict any dog.
The 11 Best Dog Foods for Pancreatitis
If your dog suffers from pancreatitis, discuss switching to one of the following diets with the your veterinarian:
1. Ollie
About: Ollie’s human-grade dog foods are easy to digest and come in low-fat recipes like turkey, which may work very well for pups with pancreatitis. These veterinarian-formulated recipes are shipped directly to your doorstep, in fresh-frozen fashion.
Most pups absolutely love the taste of Ollie, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
Features:
- Human-grade, fresh dog food
- Comes with a leftover container and custom serving scoop
- Includes fiber-rich veggies like carrots and vegetables
- Low-fat, minimally processed protein
- Ollie gives a portion of the proceeds to rescues and shelters
Ingredients List
Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver, oats...,
blueberries, pumpkin, tricalcium phosphate, chia seeds, sunflower oil, salt, salmon oil, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin e supplement, manganese amino acid chelate, choline bitartrate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin (vitamin b2), Vitamin d3, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), potassium iodide
Pros
- These minimally processed recipes are easy for dogs to digest
- Ollie’s foods are customized for your canine
- Dogs absolutely love the taste
Cons
- Premium food comes at a premium price
- Ollie’s food requires a subscription
2. Wellness Complete Health
Grain-inclusive dry food made with fiber-rich vegetables and lean, whole chicken.
About: Finding dog food that’s grain-inclusive and geared towards weight management can prove to be a difficult task. Fortunately, Wellness Complete Health checks all the right boxes, along with providing fiber-rich vegetables and vitamins, making it a sound pick for many pancreatitis-afflicted pooches.
Wellness Complete Health is made in a USA facility and formulated without any by-products, fillers, or preservatives to give your furry friend a high-quality meal.
Features:
- Whole chicken is the first ingredient
- Flaxseed provides natural source of omega-3s
- Made in the USA with globally-sourced ingredients
- No by-products, fillers, or preservatives
- Good source of vitamins C and E
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice...,
Ground Barley, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Rice, Ground Flaxseed, Tomatoes, Chicken Fat, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Garlic Powder, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract. This is a naturally preserved product
Pros
- This is one of the few good foods for pancreatitis that includes grain
- Pet parents loved the food’s low fat content
- Great source of vitamins, omega-3s, and lean protein
Cons
- The kibbles may be too large for extra small pups
- Some dogs didn’t like the taste of this food
3. Wellness CORE Reduced Fat
Grain-free kibble that packs plenty of fiber, beta carotene, and a lean protein, in the form of turkey.
About: Wellness CORE Reduced Fat Food is formulated in a way that makes it very helpful for pups with things like gastrointestinal issues or pancreatitis. This food has plenty of fiber and vitamins, and it is low in fat to help prevent pancreatitis flare-ups.
Features:
- Lean whole turkey is the first ingredient
- Good source of fiber
- Grain-free dog food
- Natural source of beta carotene from carrots
- Antioxidant-rich recipe
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine)...,
Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Pros
- A few pet parents reported that this food helped ease their dog’s pancreatitis
- Most dogs loved the taste of this kibble
- Pet parents loved the value this food provides
Cons
- Hard kibble pieces may be difficult for senior dogs to consume
- A few owners noted that this kibble has a strong smell
4. Fromm Gold Weight Management
A premium, weight-management kibble with lean protein and tons of omega-3s.
About: For ultra-tasty grain-inclusive dry food, check out Fromm Gold Weight Management Kibble. Most dogs go crazy for this premium kibble that offers a good source of methionine (an important amino acid) and pea fiber – something that may help prevent pancreatitis flare ups. This food is one of the more expensive kibbles on the list, but it’s a great choice for picky pooches.
Features:
- Minimal ingredients for easy digestion
- Made with omega-3 rich ingredients like salmon oil
- Whole grains and lean protein
- Fortified with probiotics
- Designed for weight management
Ingredients List
Turkey Liver, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal...,
Dried Tomato Pomace, Duck, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Millet, Chicken, Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Dried Whole Egg, Salmon Oil, Chicken Fat, Lamb, Cheese, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Chicken Cartilage, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Chicory Root Extract, Calcium Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, DL-Methionine, L-Tryptophan, Sodium Selenite, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics
Pros
- Most dogs loved the taste
- It’s full of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids
- Most dogs had no trouble adjusting to this dry food
Cons
- This is one of the priciest foods of our list
- Some owners noted that this kibble is somewhat stinky
5. Blue Buffalo Weight Management Kibble
Affordable grain-inclusive dry food with vitamins and omega-3s.
About: Need a low-fat food for your floof that won’t break the bank? Consider the Blue Buffalo Weight Management Food. This grain-inclusive kibble comes at a great price and includes plenty of fiber, omega-3s, or whole protein sources. This dry food also features Blue Buffalo’s patented “LifeSource Bits,” which are full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Features:
- Reduced fat recipe
- Made with antioxidant-packed “Lifesource bits”
- Good source of fiber
- No by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
- Whole lean chicken is the top ingredient
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley...,
Pea Fiber, Oatmeal, Pea Starch, Peas, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids), Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Choline Chloride, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Salt, DL-Methionine, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary
Pros
- One of the most affordable low-fat kibbles
- Helps keep pups full thanks to the fiber content
- Good source of omega-3s, lean protein, and vitamins to ease pancreatitis
Cons
- While this food is at only 9% fat, it’s still a little higher than some of the other foods on this list
- Some dogs tend to pick around the LifeSource Bits
6. Nutro Ultra Small Breed
Low-fat, vitamin- and mineral-packed kibble that’s made with chicken and designed for small breeds.
About: Nutro Ultra offers a small-breed food that might be the perfect choice for diminutive doggos with pancreatitis. This food features plenty of fiber, vitamins, and whole grains to keep your pooch full, and it all comes in a bite-sized package for small dogs. This kibble is also made without corn, wheat, and soy and comes packed with natural antioxidants.
Features:
- Designed specially for small breeds
- Good source of fiber
- Whole chicken is the first ingredient
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Carrots provide a good source of beta carotene
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)...,
Whole Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Whole Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Dried Kale, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- Bite-sized kibble is perfect for small breeds
- The fiber-rich whole grains help pups feel full
- Most small pups loved the taste of this food
Cons
- Small breed kibble won’t work for multi pet households
- It’s a multi-protein food, making it a poor choice for dogs with food allergies
7. Nutro Natural Choice
Fiber-rich food that’s formulated with joint supporting compounds for large-breed furry friends.
About: If you have a large canine companion suffering from pancreatitis, you may want to consider Nutro Natural Choice. The food features plenty of fiber and lean protein to keep your dog full without tacking on extra fat. The made-in-USA food is made with joint-supporting supplements, along with methionine and other antioxidants to help ease pancreatitis flare-ups.
Features:
- Great source of fiber with pumpkin and spinach
- Lean, whole chicken is the first ingredient
- Made in USA facilities with global ingredients
- No meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
- Designed for large breeds with joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)...,
Whole Grain Sorghum, Rice Bran, Split Peas, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Powdered Cellulose, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Whole Flaxseed, Brewers Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract
Pros
- This food helped many pups lose weight
- Contains joint supporting supplements that are great for big dogs
- Fiber-rich food helps keep pups full
Cons
- Some owners reported extra gas after switching to this food
- It’d be nice if this food contained some probiotics
8. Blue Buffalo High Protein
High-protein, low-fat food ideal for keeping your dog full while still helping avoid pancreatitis-triggering fats.
About: Do you have a dog who needs plenty of protein yet still suffers from pancreatitis? This high-protein, low-fat kibble from Blue Buffalo might be the perfect compromise. A grain-free dry food, this recipe provides a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber to leave your dog feeling full without stressing his system.
Features:
- Good source of methionine and vitamin C
- Lean, whole chicken is the first ingredient
- High-protein, grain-free formula
- No corn, wheat, soy, or protein byproducts
- “LifeSource Bits” provide a good source of antioxidants
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)...,
Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Tomato Pomace, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Potatoes, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary
Pros
- High protein food is a great choice for some dogs with pancreatitis
- This low fat food still brings in plenty of flavor for pups
- Great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Cons
- Some dogs may eat around the nutrient-rich “LifeSource Bits”
- Some owner like to steer clear of grain-free foods thanks to the possible link to DCM
9. Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Dog Food
Fish-based food with whole grains, vitamins and plenty of fiber.
About: Solid Gold offers this fish-based kibble that’s great for any pancreatitis-afflicted pooch who may be sensitive to other forms of protein. This whole-grain kibble packs on the fiber, omega-3s, and vitamins to give your dog a nutritious yet delicious meal. And because it contains relatively little fat and pretty few calories, this recipe may make a good pick for dogs with mild pancreatitis.
Features:
- Made with lean fish (pollock) protein
- Good source of vitamin C
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Good source of omega-3s
- Fiber packed with barley and peas
Ingredients List
Pollock, Pollock Meal, Pea Fiber, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice...,
Peas, Oatmeal, Ocean Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Dried Eggs, Carrots, Salt, Pumpkin, Ground Flaxseed, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Pros
- Novel protein are helpful for pups with allergies
- Several pooch parents reported that this food worked well for dogs with pancreatitis
- It’s a whole-grain kibble that’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants
Cons
- Smaller kibble size might not be a good pick for large pups
- We wish it contained probiotics
10. Nutro Ultra Weight Management
Multi-protein kibble with methionine, vitamins, and fibrous pumpkin and spinach.
About: Seeking a pancreatitis-friendly kibble made with multiple proteins? Consider this multi-protein kibble from Nutro. This food incorporates a blend of lean proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon creating a tasty, low-fat food. This kibble is also a great source of fiber and antioxidants, with ingredients like whole flaxseed, pumpkin, spinach, and blueberries.
Features:
- Made with low-fat proteins chicken, lamb, and salmon
- Packed with natural antioxidants like flaxseed and blueberries
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Great source of fiber with pumpkin and spinach
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)...,
Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Whole Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Whole Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Dried Kale, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- Most dogs loved the taste of this kibble
- Medium kibble size is easy for all dogs to consume
- It helped many dogs lose weight
Cons
- Some dogs suffered digestive upset after eating this food
- This kibble is more expensive than some owners are used to
11. Wellness Weight Management Canned Food
About: Oftentimes, the most difficult part of offering low-fat food is dealing with the loss of flavor (generally speaking, fat tastes good). If you have a picky eater who also happens to have pancreatitis, you might want to consider the Wellness Weight Management Wet Food. This grain-free option is made in the USA and suiitable pups of all ages.
Features:
- Made with fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes
- Contains no corn, wheat, or soy
- Grain-free
- Contains no meat by-products
- Made in the USA
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Pork Liver, Whitefish...,
Chicken Meal, Turkey, Dried Ground Peas, Potato Protein, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Cassia Gum, Xantham Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Alfalfa Meal, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Pros
- This weight-management wet food is great for pups who need to cut down on the fat
- Wet food is easy for older dogs and those with dental issues to eat
- Several pups experienced fewer pancreatitis flare-ups on this food
Cons
- Wet foods usually cost more than dry foods
- This wet food didn’t agree with a few dog’s stomachs
Causes and Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
Typically, the digestive enzymes from the pancreas do not activate until they make their way into the small intestine. Pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes prematurely activate inside the pancreas, which causes them to digest the pancreas itself, leading to inflammation and pain.
Acute cases, on the other hand, are sometimes caused by dogs eating an unusually high-fat meal.
Other risk factors that may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis include obesity, endocrine diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, severe blunt trauma, and genetic predisposition.
Some medications like estrogen, vinca alkaloids, and calcium can also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
Some key symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Hunched back
Dogs often experience pancreatitis flare-ups around the holidays, when they might be exposed to more high-fat human foods and table scraps. Protect your pooch by keeping your holiday meals to yourself and politely informing guests accordingly.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pancreatitis: Considerations
Remember to discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian to make sure it’s a good fit for your furball. Here are a couple of considerations when picking out a food for your dog with pancreatitis:
- Low-fat: The most important factor in feeding a dog with pancreatitis is finding a low-fat recipe. You might want to avoid foods with fattier proteins like pork, for instance. You’ll often see that good foods for pancreatitis overlap with dog foods for weight loss or management.
- High fiber: Lots of fiber might help your pooch feel fuller quicker, reducing the load on the pancreas.
- Fish oil: Omega-3s may help reduce the inflammatory response associated with pancreatitis.
- Certain vitamins: Vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine may help with pancreatitis, whether they’re taken as supplements or as part of your dog’s regular diet.
How Is Pancreatitis Treated in Dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no clear treatment for pancreatitis. Instead, your veterinarian will work with you to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups in the future.
Possible methods your veterinarian may suggest include:
- Antiemetic medication to prevent vomiting and dehydration
- Specialized low-fat diet
- Frequent blood tests for amylase and lipase
- Fluid therapy
- Opting for smaller meals
Dog Food For Pancreatitis FAQ
Before settling on a specialized diet for your canine companion, check out these commonly asked questions and answers surrounding pooch pancreatitis.
Will one of the best dog foods for pancreatitis help my dog?
In most cases, yes– a specialized diet chosen in conjunction with your veterinarian will make it easier for your dog’s pancreas to digest and gain nutrients from food. However, every dog has different needs, so it’s key to seek veterinary advice.
Are there any home remedies for pancreatitis?
Not really. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend certain lifestyle changes for your dog, including switching to a specialized diet.
What are the long-term effects of pancreatitis in dogs?
Unfortunately, pancreatitis can cause liver damage, digestive issues, and can lead to diabetes in rare cases.
Is pancreatitis treatable in dogs?
Acute pancreatitis can be eased with the help of fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and potentially hospitalization. However, chronic flare-ups need ongoing care, which is why a specialized diet and treatment plan may be recommended by your veterinarian.
Will my dog die from pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can be deadly if left untreated. However, in most mild cases, chronic pancreatitis has a good prognosis with ongoing treatment.
What Foods Trigger Pancreatitis in Dogs?
In most cases, pancreatitis is triggered by high-fat foods. This could be table scraps, other human food like cheese, or food containing fatty proteins like pork. Too many treats and certain medications can also trigger pancreatitis in dogs.
Pancreatitis is a challenging chronic condition that some dogs will have to work with over the course of their lives. While it’s not a fully treatable condition, a specialized diet can help your fur baby manage his symptoms.
Has your dog tried any of these foods for his pancreatitis? What was his review? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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