Published on: 03/13/2020, updated on: 10/12/2021

The 7 Best Dog Foods for Pancreatitis

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Dogs are prone to a wide range of health issues, with some more common than others. While many dog owners are familiar with some health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, and dysplasia, only a few of them are familiar with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis affects the operation of your dog’s pancreas.

Like humans, dogs also experience damaged pancreas. Pancreatitis can affect your dog’s digestive system and its ability to absorb nutrients from food. If your dog is having this issue, the digestibility and quality of your dog’s diet play very important roles in their recovery.

In this guide, we will review some of the best dog food for pancreatitis. We will also provide you with a buying guide to help streamline your decision-making process.

Our top pick is the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Dry Dog Food. This dog food is formulated with ingredients that help dogs with pancreatitis to heal fast. It is affordable and free of gluten, grain, and other common dog allergens. It is rich in protein with an adequate level of fat to support the recovery process of your dog.

The Best Dog Foods for Pancreatitis Are:

1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original — Best Dry Dog Food for Pancreatitis

Wellness CORE Grain Free Original

This grain-free dry dog food from Wellness is one of the best dog food for dogs with pancreatitis. The food is formulated to cater to dogs with pancreatitis, as it contains only a little amount of crude oil. This food contains vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lactobacillus, which helps the digestive system of your dog, hence supporting your pet’s recovery from pancreatitis.

The top ingredients of this food include deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, dried ground potatoes, chicken fat, and potatoes.

It also contains salmon oil and flaxseed, which are great sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support the skin and coat health of your dog. Other protein sources in the food are salmon and lean chicken, to provide your dog with more protein than fats.

It also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints. The formula is completely grain-free and it will provide your pup with the wholesome, real nutrition it needs. It also features probiotic-coated kibble to enhance the digestive health of your dog.

This food is also free of gluten corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 34 percent while the fat content is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude protein of 4 percent with a calorie content of 421 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Dry Food
  • Adult
  • All breed sizes
  • Grain-free, gluten-free, no corn, wheat, or soy

Pros

  • Protein-rich
  • Packed with beta-carotene, lactobacillus, and vitamin E
  • Inexpensive
  • Grain-free, gluten-free

Cons

  • The protein content might be too much for some dogs
Wellness Core Food Dog | Chewy

2. Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food — Best Low Fat Dog Food for Pancreatitis

Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for the best food for pancreatitis with low fat, then you should consider the Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult Dry Dog Food. The formulation of this food may be able to help avoid the unwanted symptoms associated with pancreatitis. The fat content of this food is just 6 percent, making it an excellent option for dogs with this condition.

Despite the less fat, this food contains plenty of vitamins and protein. The top ingredients of this food include pork meal, dehulled ground brown rice, peas, oatmeal, chicken meal, turkey meal, chicken fat, and flaxseed. Chicken meal and pork meal are the major protein sources of this food. All the ingredients used to make this food are natural. The protein helps support healthy muscle tone.

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It does not contain unnecessary fillers, by-product meals, artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. It also contains chondroitin and glucosamine to support healthy hips, bones, and joints.

It contains a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to boost the immune health of your dog. It is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The minimum protein content of this food is 24 percent while the maximum crude fiber content is 4 percent. The caloric content of this food is 342 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Dry Food
  • Adult
  • All breed sizes
  • Weight control

Pros

  • Supports healthy bones and joints
  • Adequate for weight management
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • No additives

Cons

  • It includes grains

3. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Canned Dog Food

If you are looking for the best canned dog food for pancreatitis, then the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Canned Dog Food is one of the best options to consider.

One major advantage of canned dog foods is that they do not need fillers such as rice or grains to complement the food. However, in this case, the added oaths and whole-grain would come in handy to help with better digestion and bowel movement.

In addition to being ideal for dogs with pancreatitis, this dog food is suitable for overweight dogs that need a little extra energy without adding more weight. This food is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and poultry by-product meals, making it a safe option for dogs recovering from pancreatitis.

The top ingredients of this food include chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, brown rice, flaxseed and more. It also contains plenty of fruits and veggies to ensure that your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs.

The minimum protein content of this food is 8.5 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 5.5 percent. The caloric content is 451 kilocalories per cup with a maximum crude fiber of 1.5 percent.

Specs

  • Wet Food
  • Adult
  • All breed sizes
  • No wheat, corn, or soy

Pros

  • Free of additives
  • Ideal for weight management
  • A powerful blend of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins
  • Less fat content

Cons

  • It is not an economical option for large dogs

4. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

This dehydrated dog food from Honest Kitchen is one of the best dog food for pancreatitis in the market because of its unique formula. While Honest Kitchen is not one of the most popular dog food brands in the market, the company is known for making high-quality and stomach-friendly dog foods.

Some of the ingredients used to make this food include dehydrated chicken, organic flaxseed, dehydrated potatoes, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dried apples, and more.

It is enriched with plenty of vitamins and minerals to boost the overall health of your dog and help it recover quickly. This formula is completely grain-free and it is packed with lots of healthy fruits and vegetables.

This food features a human-grade recipe and it is manufactured in a human-grade facility. It is also perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.

This food is also ideal for dogs that want to lose a few pounds, as it is considerably low in fat. It is free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, by-product meals, antibiotics, hormones, and GMO ingredients.

It is suitable for all breed sizes. The protein content of this food is 24 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 6.5 percent with a caloric content of 446 kilocalories per cup.

Pros

  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Protein-rich
  • Rich in fiber
  • Low-fat content for weight management
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Some fussy dogs may not like it
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food | Chewy

5. Primal Venison Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food — Best Dry Dog Food for Pancreatitis

Primal Venison Nuggets Grain Free Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food

The Primal Venison Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food is another great dry dog food for dogs with pancreatitis. This dog food comes in the form of nuggets.

The number one protein source of this food is pure venison, which is a great protein for your dog. Other notable ingredients in this food include venison hearts, venison livers, ground venison bones, organic green beans, organic sunflower seeds, and more.

It also contains organic coconut oil and vitamin E supplement to support the overall skin and coat health of your dog. This food does not contain added preservatives, artificial colorings, or flavorings, making it safe for dogs with pancreatitis. It only contains simple, easily digestible ingredients that are easy on the digestive system.

It contains essential fatty acids, adequate amounts of amino acids, and vital minerals and vitamins to supply the building blocks for healthy biological functions. It is a completely grain-free, gluten-free formula with no trace of corn, soy, or wheat.

The protein content of this food is a whopping 59 percent while the crude fat content is 28 percent. It has a crude fiber content of 4 percent and a caloric content of 150 kcal/oz.

Specs

  • Dry Food
  • Adult
  • All breed sizes
  • Gluten-free, grain-free, no corn, no soy, pea-free, no wheat

Pros

  • It contains lots of protein
  • Human-grade quality
  • Simple and highly digestible ingredients
  • No added additives

Cons

  • It is on the higher end of the price spectrum

6. Halo Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Halo Holistic Wild Salmon Whitefish Grain Free Dry Dog Food

If you have a small breed dog with pancreatitis, then this is one of the best dog food for it. This food is made with all-natural ingredients and it is free from common dog allergens. It is formulated to help you manage your dog’s pancreatitis issue as well as a healthy weight. It contains very little ingredients that are easy for dogs to digest.

The top ingredients of this food are salmon, whitefish, dried egg product, chickpeas, dried lentils, pea protein, flaxseed, and more. It also contains complex carb sources such as sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible. This food contains plenty of veggies and fruits to provide your dog with all the essential nutrients it needs.

It is formulated for small breeds, and it comes with a smaller kibble size that is ideal for small jaws, higher metabolisms, and short digestive tracts. It also contains cranberries, carrots, and blueberries, which are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

The protein content of this food is 27 percent with a minimum crude fat of 12 percent. The maximum crude fiber content is 5 percent while the caloric content is 383 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Dry Food
  • Adult
  • Small, extra small, and toy breeds
  • Grain-free, weight control

Pros

  • High-quality protein sources
  • Free of GMO ingredients
  • Supports healthy skin and coat
  • Lots of veggies and fruits

Cons

  • Formulated for only small breeds

7. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

Hills Prescription Diet id Low Fat Digestive Care Chicken

This is one of the best low-fat dog food for pancreatitis. This food helps to minimize the stimulation of the pancreas as well as reduce the chances of relapsing pancreatitis. This diet is only available with the prescription of a vet and it has been clinically proven to help enhance the digestive system of your dog.

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The first five ingredients of this food are whole grain wheat, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, corn starch, and chicken by-product meal. It also contains flaxseed and soybean oil to provide your pup with sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

A little amount of corn in the diet of your dog is not as bad as competitors make it out to be. Corn is not unhealthy, but an excess of it in a dog’s food is not good.

This dog food contains adequate levels of corn and whole grains. This low-fat formula is very helpful for dog owners that want to control the weight of their dog. It promotes efficient and healthy digestion while providing your pet with the energy it needs.

It also supports a healthy immune system, minimizes the chances of urinary stone formation, and promotes beneficial microflora. The protein content of this food is 20% while the minimum and maximum fat contents are 6% and 9% respectively. The maximum crude fiber is 5 percent and the caloric content is 333 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Dry Food
  • Adult
  • All breed sizes
  • Sensitive digestion, veterinary diet, weight control, pea-free

Pros

  • Low-fat content
  • Reduces the chances of relapsing pancreatitis
  • Minimizes stimulation of the pancreas
  • Supports a healthy immune system, skin, and coat

Cons

  • It contains grains and corn
Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dog Food | Chewy

Dog Food for Pancreatitis Buying Guide

Low-Fat Content

Dietary fat is one of the major stimuli that makes the pancreas to create digestive enzymes prematurely. While fat is very important in a dog’s diet, you need to find a dog food with low-fat content if your pup is having pancreatitis.

The fat content of the food should be around 9 percent for dry dog foods and about 4 percent for canned dog foods. The lower the fat content, the better.

This has made dog food formulated for weight management the number one choice of many owners of dogs suffering from pancreatitis. Weight loss dog foods have fewer fat content than standard dog foods. A low-fat diet will enhance the healing process of your dog by reducing the stress on the pancreas.

Protein

There is a misconception that dogs suffering from pancreatitis need less protein. However, deficiency of protein can cause more harm than good.

When it comes to a dog’s diet, protein is one of the most important nutrients, if not the most important, and every dog needs it for healthy muscle development and overall well-being. As such, you need to make sure the diet of your dog contains an adequate amount of protein.

Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

This health issue causes damage to the digestive tract of a dog, and it would need some time to heal and start working normally.

To speed up the recovery process, make sure your dog’s food contains probiotics and digestive enzymes. They will also help to reduce the stress on the pancreas.

Final Thoughts

Choose the best dog food for dogs with pancreatitis to help your pet recover from the ailment quickly. You can pick any of our recommended options above that suits your budget and needs.

The clear winner for the best dog food for pancreatitis is the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Dry Dog Food, as it contains ingredients that will help your dog recover pretty fast. It is free of grains, gluten, and other common allergens. It is also inexpensive, and it supports a healthy digestive system.

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