A dog with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can eat a full bowl of food and still lose weight because their pancreas isn’t producing enough of the enzymes needed to properly digest and absorb nutrients. That makes choosing the right food more than a matter of preference—it can directly affect stool quality, healthy weight gain, digestion, and how well your dog responds to treatment. While pancreatic enzyme replacement remains the cornerstone of EPI management, many dogs also benefit from a highly digestible diet with appropriate fiber and fat levels tailored to their individual response. Finding the right formula can therefore make everyday feeding easier while helping your dog get more nutritional value from every meal. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog foods for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, what nutritional features to prioritize, and how to choose an option that works alongside your veterinarian’s treatment plan.
Best Foods For Dogs With EPI According to Science
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down food. This can lead to poor nutrient absorption, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, and large, loose, or pale stools.
Diet plays a major role in the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). According to the latest research, the best diet for dogs with EPI should adhere to the following dietary guidelines:
Dietary Strategy
Rationale & Effects
Highly digestible diet
Supports nutrient absorption and may improve stool quality and other clinical signs in dogs with EPI.
Individualized fat intake
Routine fat restriction is not necessary for every EPI dog; tolerance and response should guide intake.
Avoid excessive fiber
Diet composition can affect digestion and enzyme effectiveness, so highly fibrous foods may be poorly tolerated.
Fat type selection
Medium-chain triglycerides have not shown a clear overall advantage over conventional long-chain fats.
Use pancreatic enzymes
Enzyme replacement works with the diet to improve digestion and absorption, including nutrients from dietary fat.
Adjust diet by response
Dogs vary in dietary tolerance, so stool quality, weight, appetite, and clinical signs should guide changes.
Table data sources: [1],[2],[3],[4],[5]
For dogs with EPI, a highly digestible, low-fiber diet combined with pancreatic enzyme replacement is the best-supported nutritional strategy. Fat levels should be individualized rather than routinely restricted, while vitamin B12 supplementation may also be needed; prescription or homemade diets should be used with veterinary guidance to ensure adequate nutrient absorption and long-term nutritional balance.
Remember to ALWAYS consult with your vet before making any changes that could affect your dog’s health, nutrition, or well-being. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or use Chewy’s online vet services(6 a.m. – midnight ET). Additionally, at-home dog gut health tests can analyze your dog’s microbiome, offering insights into which nutrients their diet should include. Similarly, at-home dog allergy testing kits can identify ingredients that may not be suitable for your dog, enabling you to choose the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion, nutrition, and health.
Best Dog Foods for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Here are the best foods for dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency this year.
Best Overall Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.9
★★★★★
Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a balanced, highly digestible everyday food that supports nutrient absorption, healthy weight, and easier digestion in dogs with EPI.
Why we recommended it:Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots recipe uses human-grade ingredients, minimal processing, and vet-formulated recipes. Unlike many low-fat kibble that rely on fillers or artificial additives, this fresh food uses whole ingredients like chicken, chicken livers, carrots, and spinach to deliver essential nutrients without empty calories. It’s naturally lower in calories and fat compared to most commercial dog foods, yet rich in protein to help maintain lean muscle mass during weight loss. The pre-portioned delivery and personalized model also make calorie control easy—no need to second-guess serving sizes. Ollie’s Turkey Dish with Blueberries is also ideal for dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
What sets it apart from competitors: Ollie’s meals are gently cooked and delivered fresh, preserving more nutrients, bioavailability, and flavor than regular kibble. Its lower calorie content compared to other Ollie recipes makes it especially helpful for weight management.
Best Dry Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.8
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI that do well on kibble and need a highly digestible dry food that supports nutrient absorption, firm stools, and healthy body weight.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm’s Healthy Weight recipe combines lean proteins with a low-fat, high-fiber profile that supports healthy digestion and satiety, important for fat management. Unlike many standard “diet” kibbles, it avoids empty fillers and instead relies on nutrient-dense ingredients, such as pumpkin, coconut oil, and legumes, to provide balanced energy. It includes L-carnitine, which aids fat metabolism, while prebiotic fiber and fructooligosaccharides promote digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria. We love the brand’s commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainability.
What sets it apart from competitors: Every ingredient is 100% traceable to its geographic origin, and the brand uses humanely raised, G.A.P.-certified chicken and Ocean Wise-recommended wild-caught whitefish. It also avoids rendered meat meals, artificial preservatives, and fillers, focusing instead on whole, non-GMO ingredients. The company’s environmental efforts, such as recyclable packaging through Terracycle, further distinguish it from other brands.
Best Pancreatitis-Specific Food (Homemade Style) for Dogs with EPI
4.7
★★★★★
Raised Right Pancreatic Support
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI and a history of pancreatitis that need a gently prepared, highly digestible diet with carefully controlled fat and simple ingredients.
Why we recommended it:Raised Right’s Pancreatic Support meets the strict dietary needs of dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis without sacrificing ingredient quality. With exceptionally low fat levels and simple, clean ingredients, it helps minimize pancreatic flare-ups while providing complete and balanced nutrition formulated by veterinarians. The recipes are lab-tested for safety and nutritional adequacy, meeting AAFCO standards for adult maintenance. Raised Right’s commitment to ingredient transparency, batch testing, and omission of unnecessary fillers and preservatives sets a high bar for quality and safety. Both the beef and turkey pancreatic support recipes contain fat levels of 3 to 7% (as-fed) and carbohydrate levels of 2 to 4% (as-fed), making them well-suited for dogs with EPI.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raised Right uses whole, human-grade ingredients (USDA-certified meats and organic vegetables) you can recognize—no rendered meals, preservatives, or fillers. It’s lightly cooked, rather than extruded, which retains more nutrients and makes it easier for sensitive digestive systems to process.
Best Prescription Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.6
★★★★★
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI that need veterinarian-directed nutrition for persistent digestive issues, poor nutrient absorption, or other gastrointestinal concerns.
Why we recommended it:Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Digestive Care is clinically proven to lower blood triglyceride levels, a key factor in managing EPI and hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by having abnormally high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood. Its low-fat profile reduces pancreatic strain while providing essential nutrients through highly digestible hydrolyzed chicken protein. The inclusion of ginger soothes the gastrointestinal tract, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote skin and coat health, making it a holistic choice for sensitive dogs. The inclusion of ActivBiome+, a proprietary prebiotic blend, supports gut microbiome health, improving stool quality and nutrient absorption, which is critical for dogs with chronic digestive issues.
What sets it apart from competitors: S+OXSHIELD technology helps prevent kidney stones and urinary crystals, addressing common comorbidities in patients with pancreatic disease and obese dogs. It’s available in dry kibble, wet stew, and light gravy formulas to accommodate dogs with dental issues or texture sensitivities.
Best Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency & Sensitive Stomachs
4.6
★★★★★
SquarePet VFS Low-Fat Formula
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI and sensitive stomachs that need an easy-to-digest formula designed to support nutrient absorption while minimizing digestive upset.
Why we recommended it:SquarePet’s VFS Digestive Support formula is one of the few dry dog foods that effectively combines a pancreatitis diet profile with digestive health support. It’s crafted with wild-caught whitefish, a lean protein that’s gentle on digestion. The inclusion of a proprietary GI Health blend, which includes prebiotics and dietary fiber, supports gut microbiome balance. Meanwhile, Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat health. Veterinarian-formulated and free from artificial additives, it’s crafted for dogs needing a low-fat diet and digestive reassurance. Owners report fewer episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, even in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal issues.
What sets it apart from competitors: SquarePet’s formula prioritizes sustainable, MSC-certified fish and avoids poultry and beef allergens common in sensitive stomach diets. Its dual focus on low-fat nutrition and prebiotic support distinguishes it from competitors.
Best Food For Senior Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.7
★★★★★
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management
Who It’s For: Senior dogs with EPI that need digestible nutrition to support nutrient absorption, healthy weight, muscle maintenance, and age-related nutritional needs.
Why we recommended it:Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Formula is designed with a lower fat content and high-quality animal protein to help manage EPI while preserving muscle mass in older dogs. It includes ingredients like L-carnitine to support energy conversion, and it’s carefully balanced with a higher protein-to-fat ratio to help older dogs maintain lean body mass. The recipe also features Omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and antioxidants, which are important for joint, brain, and fat metabolism, as well as reducing inflammation and supporting immune health in seniors. The inclusion of prebiotics (chicory root) and probiotics (Bacillus coagulans) promotes gut health, addressing common digestive concerns in seniors. Dr. Tim’s uses high-quality meat concentrates and functional fibers, including psyllium husk and beet pulp, to balance satiety and nutrient absorption.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula actively supports metabolic function through patented ingredients, including DMG (dimethylglycine) and prebiotics, which promote gut health. The kibble is also designed to be easily digestible, which is crucial for older dogs with more sensitive systems.
Best Hypoallergenic Food for Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.6
★★★★★
Addiction Wild Kangaroo & Apples
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI and suspected food sensitivities that need a highly digestible diet with limited or hydrolyzed proteins to reduce unwanted food reactions.
Why we recommended it:Addiction’s Wild Kangaroo & Apples recipe is a rare find in the world of allergy-friendly diets that also support pancreatic health. With its low-fat content, high protein, and limited ingredients, it delivers clean, focused nutrition that doesn’t overload the digestive system. The formula is grain-free and enriched with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as apples, spinach, and cranberries, to support immune and skin health. The use of wild kangaroo as the primary protein source sets this food apart. It’s ultra-lean and ethically sourced, and offers a hypoallergenic alternative to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
What sets it apart from competitors: The food is gently air-dried at low temperatures to retain more nutrients, which appeals to owners seeking a less processed dry food. Plus, kangaroo is naturally lean and rich in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which promotes healthy metabolism.
Best Wet Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.7
★★★★★
Petplate Lean & Mean Venison
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI that prefer softer meals or need added moisture, easy eating, and highly digestible nutrition to support nutrient absorption and body weight.
Why we recommended it:PetPlate’s Lean & Mean Venison offers a lean, high-protein profile that promotes pancreatitis health while preserving lean muscle, crucial for healthy weight reduction. The wet, gently cooked format is more hydrating and palatable than dry food, which is a big plus for dogs with low water intake or those who tend to be finicky eaters. Portion-controlled containers make it easy for owners to serve exact calorie amounts without guesswork. This recipe uses USDA-inspected venison as its primary ingredient—a novel protein rarely found in mainstream dog foods —reducing the risk of allergic reactions and making it ideal for elimination diets. The inclusion of venison liver provides bioavailable vitamins, while apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes offer natural fiber and antioxidants to aid digestion.
What sets it apart from competitors: Prepared in USDA-approved kitchens with 100% human-grade ingredients, the recipe avoids artificial additives, fillers, and common allergens, such as soy and corn.
Best Grain-Free Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
4.6
★★★★★
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI that require a grain-free diet for a specific dietary reason and still need highly digestible nutrition that supports efficient nutrient absorption.
Why we recommended it:Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Reduced Fat Formula features high protein content paired with L-carnitine to boost fat metabolism and maintain lean muscle. The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids from menhaden oil and algae-derived DHA supports skin, coat, and cognitive health, while chelated minerals enhance nutrient absorption. It also includes prebiotics and probiotics, such as chicory root and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which support gut-brain health. Their products are holistic and GMO-free, produced using artisanal methods that enable small-batch production and slow cooking.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients and eco-friendly packaging made from Bio-Flex materials, specifically engineered to biodegrade in landfills, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Annamaet Pet Foods is a family-owned and operated company that has provided optimum nutrition to dogs and cats for over 30 years.
Best Food For Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency & Joint Issues
4.9
★★★★★
Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care
Who It’s For: Dogs with EPI and joint concerns that need digestible nutrition for nutrient absorption plus dietary support for mobility, cartilage, and healthy body condition.
Why we recommended it:Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care is a smart choice for dogs with EPI due to its moderate fat content and high-quality, easily digestible ingredients. It’s crafted with lean proteins, such as deboned chicken or salmon, which help maintain muscle mass without overloading the pancreas. The recipe is rich in dietary fiber to support digestive health and includes omega fatty acids from salmon oil, which help reduce inflammation and support skin and coat health. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint mobility and comfort—ideal for dogs with limited activity due to pancreatitis-related discomfort.
What sets it apart from competitors: Fiber-rich psyllium husk and chicory root, which promote satiety and help curb hunger between meals. Owners report dogs “stay full longer” and show improved mobility within weeks.
How to Transition Your Dog With EPI to a New Diet
Dogs with EPI can have sensitive digestion, so changing foods gradually may help reduce diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal upset. Unless your veterinarian recommends a different schedule, use the transition below while continuing prescribed pancreatic enzymes and other treatments as directed.
Transition Stage
Old Food
New Food
What to Watch
Days 1–2
75%
25%
Check appetite, stool, and comfort.
Days 3–4
50%
50%
Watch for diarrhea, gas, or vomiting.
Days 5–6
25%
75%
Continue if digestion remains stable.
Day 7+
0%
100%
Monitor stool, appetite, and weight.
If symptoms worsen
Pause transition
Do not increase yet
Contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Monitoring Your Dog With EPI’s Progress on a New Diet
After the transition, watch your dog’s appetite, stool quality, vomiting, energy level, and overall comfort. Because EPI can interfere with nutrient absorption, also track body weight and note whether stools become firmer, bowel movements normalize, and previous digestive symptoms improve or worsen.
Unexpected weight loss, persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, or worsening symptoms should be discussed with your veterinarian. Dogs with EPI or other medical concerns may need closer monitoring, adjustments to their diet, pancreatic enzyme therapy, vitamin supplementation, or other treatment under veterinary guidance.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best dog food for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can make a meaningful difference in digestion, nutrient absorption, stool quality, and weight maintenance. Highly digestible foods are often a strong starting point, but there is no single diet that works equally well for every dog with EPI. Fat does not always need to be heavily restricted, so your dog’s tolerance and response should help guide dietary choices. Pancreatic enzyme replacement remains a key part of treatment and works alongside the diet to help your dog absorb nutrients more effectively. Dogs with additional concerns, such as sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis, food sensitivities, or joint issues, may need a more specialized formula. Monitor your dog’s weight, appetite, stool quality, and overall condition closely after changing foods. Work with your veterinarian to fine-tune both diet and enzyme therapy so your dog receives the nutrition they need to thrive.
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Sources
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