What’s the best dog food for pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a dangerous condition which can be life threatening for dogs. Yet, the symptoms aren’t always severe and can often be mistaken for something less serious.

There are two types of pancreatitis — acute and chronic — which can both be mild or severe. They are both painful and are caused by enzymes which support digestion activating in the pancreas and damaging/inflaming surrounding tissue and organs.

Although there are multiple causes of pancreatitis, one of the main causes is a high-fat diet. This could be in the form of dog food but most commonly, dogs who suffer from pancreatitis are being fed human food or fatty scraps such as lamb or buttery treats.

If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, you should visit your veterinarian immediately who can diagnose and treat your dog’s condition. This will include pain management and monitoring for further complications.

To support the treatment prescribed by your vet, you should change your dog’s diet and consider a dog food which is:

• Low fat – less than 10% DM
• High quality
• Easily digestible

Here are our top recommendations for the best dog food for dogs with pancreatitis and learn answers to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about dogs with pancreatitis.

Best Dog Food for pancreatitis April 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for pancreatitis for April 2024.

Annamaet

Rating:

Lean Low Fat Formula is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Annamaet Grain-Free product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, field peas, lentils, potato, tapioca
• Type: Grain-Free
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for: Dogs

Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 7.8% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 23%.

Sample buyer review… “If you own a very picky dog with health issues that demand low fat dog food this it the food for you.”

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Eagle Pack

Rating:

Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Pork meal, dehulled barley, peas, ground brown rice, oatmeal
• Type: Grain-Free
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for: Dogs

Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Adult derives the bulk of its meat protein from pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.7% protein, 6.7% fat and 58.7% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 25%.

Sample buyer review… “About 5 years ago, my then 9 year old dachshund got very ill and was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. This food is low in fat enough to keep him from having anymore episodes. I also add it to my two older dogs’ kibble to keep their weight down, since they are seniors and less active.”

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Nulo

Rating:

Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim is one of 9 dry recipes including in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned cod, turkey meal, salmon meal, lentils, yellow peas
• Type: Grain-Free
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for: Dogs

Nulo Freestyle Cod & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Adult Trim derives the bulk of its protein from cod. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 7.8% fat and 50.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 23%.

Sample buyer review… “Nulo FreeStyle Adult Trim Dog Cod and Lentils is a hit in my home! My dogs absolutely love it but most of all I love it. I love that it is healthy for them and not filled with by products and grains and fillers. One of my pups can’t have those ingredients due to seizures so this food is something he can eat without getting sick. We all love the high meat diet of this dog food! I highly recommend! I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.”

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Natural Balance

Rating:

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Chicken & Salmon Formula Low Calorie is one recipes in our review the product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, dried peas, oat groats
• Type: Grain-Inclusive
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for: Dogs

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Chicken & Salmon Formula Low Calorie derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 8.3% fat and 54.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 29%.

Sample buyer review… “My dog almost died from pancreatitis and a month after doctor visits, treatments, and getting her stable I spent soo much money trying specialty foods but my dog kept having flare ups so we would have to go back to home-cooked chicken and water to get her stable again. However, after 6 months of this craziness I found this dog food. My dog loved it immediately and this has been the only food to keep my dog healthy and happy. My dog loves the food so much I can even use it as a treat from time to time as well, and the best part is she has been flare up free for 1.5 years now.”

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JustFood For Dogs

Rating:

Venison & Squash is one of 6 fresh recipes included in our review of the JustFood For Dogs product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Ground venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, , cranberries
• Type: Grain-Free
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for: Dogs

JustFoodforDogs Venison & Squash derives the bulk of its meat protein from venison. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 11.1% fat and 30.9% estimated carbs… resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 22%.

Sample buyer review… “Since I started feeding my pets this food they refuse to eat anything else (and that’s sayin something). They have more energy and, not to be gross, but their poops are healthier too! I have a big dog with an expected life span of 8 years, and I’m hoping that feeding him a healthier and more balanced diet will give him a longer and happy life. WelRead more about review stating My Dogs Was at It Up!!l worth the cost!!”

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