When your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, it can feel worrying and overwhelming. It can be daunting to figure out how to pick the best food for dogs with pancreatitis. The right diet plays a big part in helping your pet recover and stay healthy. In this article, we’ve provided some clear and useful guidelines on what and how to feed a dog with this condition.  

What Does the Canine Pancreas Do?

The pancreas is a small but powerful organ located near your dog’s stomach and small intestine. It has two main jobs:

• Digestive support: It makes enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates in food so the body can absorb nutrients.
• Blood sugar control: It produces insulin and other hormones that help keep blood sugar levels steady. 

When the pancreas is inflamed or overworked, these jobs get disrupted, which can lead to serious health problems.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. Instead of releasing digestive enzymes into the small intestine, the pancreas activates them inside itself. These enzymes start “digesting” the pancreas and surrounding tissues, causing pain and swelling.

Dogs of any age or breed can develop pancreatitis, though it’s more common in older, overweight pets or those who’ve eaten a very fatty meal.

Several factors can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Sometimes it’s a single cause, and other times it’s a mix of risks. The most common include:

Eating a very fatty meal

A sudden feast of fatty foods like cooked fats, and greasy dinner leftovers are some of the top reasons dogs develop acute pancreatitis.

Obesity

Overweight dogs are more prone to inflammation of the pancreas because excess body fat can disrupt normal metabolism. 

Certain medications or toxins

Some drugs, such as steroids, certain antibiotics, or seizure medications, can raise the risk. Ingesting toxins like moldy food or some insecticides may also trigger it.

Hormone-related conditions

Diseases like Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism can interfere with fat metabolism, making pancreatitis more likely.

High blood fat levels (hyperlipidemia)

Some breeds (like Miniature Schnauzers) are genetically predisposed to high triglycerides, which strain the pancreas.

Abdominal trauma or surgery

An injury or a recent operation near the pancreas can set off inflammation.

Unknown causes

In many dogs, no specific trigger is found. Vets call these cases “idiopathic pancreatitis.”

Types of Pancreatitis

There are two main forms:

• Acute pancreatitis: This comes on suddenly. Symptoms may appear after a single high-fat meal or another trigger such as certain medications.
• Chronic pancreatitis: This is a long-term condition where the pancreas remains mildly inflamed. Dogs may have repeated flare-ups over time. 

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Common signs include:

• Vomiting Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain (your dog may hunch over or resist being touched)
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Lethargy or weakness

These symptoms can look like other illnesses, so always see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

What Can I Feed My Dog with Pancreatitis?

Diet is key to managing pancreatitis and helping your dog recover. A low-fat, easily digestible menu reduces the workload on the pancreas and helps prevent further inflammation.

Recommended fat content

Look for foods with less than 10% fat on a dry-matter basis. For dogs with severe or recurring pancreatitis, veterinarians may recommend going as low as 5–8% fat. “Dry-matter basis” means you calculate the fat percentage after removing water from the food, which gives a true comparison between dry and canned diets.

How to check fat content of commercial dog food

Pet food labels list fat as a “guaranteed analysis,” usually as “crude fat (min %).” This number is the minimum, not the exact amount. To compare foods:

1. Note the fat percentage on the label.
2. Check the moisture percentage. 
3. Use this formula: (Fat % ÷ (100 – Moisture %)) × 100 = Fat % on dry matter basis

For example, canned food with 4% fat and 75% moisture works out to about 16% fat dry matter, which is too high for most dogs with pancreatitis. 

Veterinary prescription diets

Many vets recommend prescription low-fat diets, available in both dry and canned forms. Brands like Hill’s i/d Low Fat or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat are formulated specifically for dogs with pancreatic issues. These diets meet all nutritional needs while keeping fat safely low.

Over-the-counter options

If a prescription food is not possible, some over-the-counter “weight management,” “low fat,” or “senior” dog foods can work, if the fat content fits the guideline and your vet approves. Here are some over-the-counter options and always transition slowly and monitor for any symptoms.

Homemade diets

Some owners cook for their dogs using lean proteins like skinless chicken breast, turkey, or white fish combined with plain rice or sweet potato. Only do this under a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist’s guidance to ensure balanced nutrition.

How Long Should a Dog Stay on a Low-Fat Diet?

Some dogs with chronic or recurring pancreatitis may need a low-fat diet for life. It is best to consult with your vet. Your vet will advise on how strict and long-term the fat restriction should be based on the severity of the disease and your dog’s overall health.

Often, for dogs with mild pancreatitis, a low-fat, over-the-counter dog food may be ok for them. Examples of such diets are:

• Dry dog food: Wellness CORE Grain Free Healthy Weight (Reduced Fat) Dry Dog Food (Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe). Suitable for all breeds, all stages.
• Dry dog food: Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food. Suitable for all breeds, all stages.
• Fresh cooked dog food: frashfresh Cooked Dog Food with NutriAbsorb™ (Low-Allergen KANGAROO). Suitable for all breeds, adults and seniors.
• Fresh raw dog food: Annie's Pantry LilPupTubs Raw Dog Food (That Boxer Roo). Suitable for all breeds, all stages.
• Freeze-dried dog food: Bailey+Co New Zealand Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food (Venison). Suitable for all breeds, all stages.
• Wet, canned dog food: Schesir Wet Dog Food (Chicken with Pumpkin). Suitable for all breeds, all stages.

How to Feed a Dog with Pancreatitis

Feeding style matters as much as the food itself:

• Small, frequent meals: Offer 3–4 small meals a day rather than one or two big meals. This keeps the pancreas from working too hard at once.
• Fresh water: Make sure clean water is always available.
• Limit treats: Limit treats that are high in fat. Choose only low-fat options like small pieces of plain cooked or freeze-dried lean meats. 

Always monitor your pup closely. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite and report changes to your vet right away.

Key Takeaways

• The pancreas helps with digestion and blood sugar control.
• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.
• Signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
• Feed a low-fat, highly digestible diet, ideally under 10% fat dry matter.
• Some dogs require a low-fat diet long-term or for life. Please consult with your vet.
• Small, frequent meals and careful monitoring help keep your dog comfortable and healthy.

Pancreatitis can be serious, but with the right veterinary care and a strict low-fat diet, most dogs recover well and enjoy a good quality of life. Work closely with your veterinarian to choose the best diet plan, monitor your dog’s progress, and make adjustments as needed. Your attention to detail and consistent care are the best ways to help your furry friend recover from pancreatitis.

KATHERINE KHOO

Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.