Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease which can range from mild to severe, and can affect any breed of dog. Common symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include loss of appetite, pain and vomiting, accompanied by swelling of the pancreas. There are two types of pancreatitis, chronic and acute, both of which have their own symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of pancreatitis, you should take your dog to a vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, reviewing their diet and adjusting to the right food for their condition could be what they need to lead a healthier life.
In our comprehensive guide, we will explore the common foods that aggravate pancreatitis in dogs, as well as which dry food options could benefit your pooch best. We will also highlight the pros and cons of both dry and wet dog food, as well as tips you can adopt to help your dog.
Find out which foods to avoid if your dog has pancreatitis
Certain diets will benefit a dog with pancreatitis more than others, including certain dry dog food recipes
Wet, raw and dry dog food have their benefits, but is one better for pancreatitis than the other?
Here are some other ways you can assist your dog
Browse our dry dog food collection
What Foods Aggravate Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Often, pancreatitis in dogs is caused by them eating something they shouldn’t have, whether they have picked something up at the park or have been stealing scraps when you’re not looking. To prevent pancreatitis, or to stop inflammation, you should avoid feeding your dogs the following fatty foods:
- Bacon and bacon grease: you know that look your dog gives you when you’re making a bacon sandwich, but don’t fall for it. High in fat, bacon is not a good ingredient to be included in your dog’s diet.
- Ham: the odd small bite of ham is unlikely to cause your dog any issues (unless they have any underlying health conditions or have previously been diagnosed with pancreatitis), but large quantities should be avoided.
- Chicken skin: chicken can be a great source of protein for dogs, and it is an easy meat to digest. However, don’t feed them the skin of the chicken, especially if it is seasoned.
- Lamb and pork: if your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, they may have to avoid meats that are high in fat, such as lamb and pork. Try lighter meats, such as turkey and chicken.
It is important to note that pancreatitis is not always triggered by food alone. The pancreas can be irritated by chronic illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorder, medications including vaccinations or toxins in the environment. Always ensure to review what your dog has consumed and experienced in the days leading up to the pancreatitis.
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with pancreatitis and you are unsure of how to proceed with their diet, our dog nutrition specialists are on hand to provide you with an informative wellbeing consultation. We can advise on the next steps to take when keeping your dog healthy.
What Food is Good for Pancreatitis?
Dogs with pancreatitis are advised to eat a low fat, high fibre diet with low calorie intake. Our previous guide tells you everything you need to know about low calories and portion control. There are certain dog food types perfect for dogs with pancreatitis.
- DARF Cold Pressed Dog Food: an easily digestible dry dog food, DARF cold pressed dog food is advised for dogs who need a diet that is kind to their digestive system. Turkey is a great choice as an alternative to lamb and pork, and doesn’t bloat dogs like regular extruded dry food does.
- Nourish Rite Grain Free: most Nourish Rite food contains more than 50% protein and no filler ingredients such as grains. Carbohydrates are provided in the form of sweet potato, which is a more nutritious option. We recommend opting for the Light/Senior option as it contains less than 8% fat.
- Paleo Ridge offer Paleo Plus Special Diet which is a convenient raw dog food that is low in fat and specifically formulated for sensitive tummies. We are big fans of raw food diets at Fetch as it is the freshest format of food for your dog.
No matter which dog food you choose, try to avoid low quality, ultra processed dog food, as it can be difficult to digest, worsening the symptoms of your dog’s pancreatitis. You can view our full collection of dog food here.
Is Wet, Raw or Dry Dog Food Better for Pancreatitis?
Both wet and dry dog food have their benefits where pancreatitis is concerned, but it can all depend on the brand and type of food you choose to feed. As long as the food is low in fat with high quality protein, your dog should be fine, but you should always consult a vet or dog nutrition specialist. View our table below for an overview, based on standard wet and dry food.
| Feature | Dry Food | Wet Food | Raw Food |
| Fat Content | Often higher, may need to choose specific low-fat options, such as Nourish Rite Senior/Light and DARF Light | Generally lower in fat, but can be higher once the moisture is taken out, which isn’t good for dogs with pancreatitis | Raw dog food typically contains higher fat content compared to processed foods. Fat content varies based on the type of meat used, but it usually falls between 10-20% |
| Moisture Content | Low, around 10%, can be mixed with wet food | High, around 70-80% | Naturally high in moisture, around 60-75% |
| Digestibility | Harder to digest for some dogs. DARF’s cold pressed form is easier to digest | Easier to digest due to moisture content | Highly digestible for most dogs. |
| Protein Content | Higher concentration | Lower, but variable depending on brand | Very rich in protein, depending on the source. |
| Convenience | Easier to store, longer shelf life | Shorter shelf life, may require refrigeration | Not very convenient as it needs to be frozen and/or refrigerated. |
| Palatability | Less palatable for picky eaters | Often more palatable | Highly palatable due to its natural state |
| Volume of food | Smaller portion size | Larger portion size due to moisture content | Depends on the dog’s weight, age and activity level. It is typically recommended that dogs have between 2-3% of their body weight |
What Should I Do to Help my Dog with Pancreatitis?
As well as feeding your dog a suitable diet, there are other ways you can help your dog with pancreatitis, including:
- Provide multivitamins, such as vitamins A, C and D, as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Provide digestive enzyme supplements
- Support the gut microbiome with pro and prebiotics
- Provide fish oil in the diet everyday to reduce inflammation within the body
Dog Food for Pancreatitis at Fetch
At Fetch, we stock a wide range of low-fat dog food options perfect for dogs with pancreatitis. All food should be fed in moderation and in line with the brands guidance, we can help you choose the right diet for your dog by booking a wellbeing consultation with our nutrition experts. We can provide your dog with a diet plan and advise on the best supplements to provide to help your dog feel their best.