Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious and often painful condition that requires careful dietary management to prevent flare-ups and support recovery. Whether your dog has been recently diagnosed or is dealing with chronic pancreatitis, choosing the right food is essential to reduce inflammation, minimize stress on the pancreas, and promote overall well-being. In this guide, we’ve reviewed and selected the best dog foods specifically formulated for dogs with pancreatitis to help manage this condition effectively.
Best Foods For Dogs With Pancreatitis According to Science
Pancreatitis in dogs is the inflammation of the pancreas — the organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and insulin. When inflamed, the pancreas releases enzymes prematurely, causing them to begin digesting the organ itself. This leads to abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and in severe cases, systemic illness.
Diet plays a major role in both the cause and management of pancreatitis. According to the latest research, the best diet for dogs with pancreatitis should adhere to the following dietary guidelines:
Dietary Strategy
Rationale & Effects
Low-fat diet
Reduces risk of pancreatic stimulation and recurrence; no strict fat threshold, but lower is safer.
Highly digestible foods
Easier on the pancreas and gut; supports nutrient absorption.
Essential fatty acids
Should be included, but total fat kept low; no evidence for specific fat types over others.
Hydrolyzed/novel protein diets
May help if food sensitivities or concurrent GI disease are present.
Homemade diets (veterinary guided)
Can be effective, especially with concurrent conditions, but require careful formulation.
Quercetin supplementation
May improve metabolic homeostasis, but evidence is preliminary.
Table date sources: [1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6]
For dogs with pancreatitis, a low-fat, highly digestible diet—introduced early in recovery—is the best-supported nutritional strategy. Homemade or prescription diets may be used, but should be formulated with veterinary guidance to ensure nutritional balance and minimize the risk of relapse.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. They can help you formulate or recommend a safe, low-fat diet tailored to your dog’s condition. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about managing pancreatitis through nutrition. Additionally, an at-home dog gut health test can offer insights into your dog’s microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion and inflammation, both important factors in pancreatitis. An at-home dog allergy testing kit may also help identify food sensitivities that could worsen your dog’s symptoms. With this information, you can make informed decisions to support your dog’s pancreatic health and overall well-being.
Best Dog Foods for Pancreatitis
Here are the best foods for dogs with pancreatitis this year.
Best Overall Food For Dogs With Pancreatitis
4.9
★★★★★
Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs who want the highest quality ingredients, palatability, and the most nutritious pancreatitis diet.
Why we recommended it:Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots recipe uses human-grade ingredients, minimal processing, and vet-formulated recipes. Unlike many low-fat kibbles 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 pancreatitis.
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 Pancreatitis
4.8
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Dog owners looking for the highest quality dry food made with human-grade ingredients to help dogs with pancreatitis.
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 Dog Food (Homemade Style)
4.7
★★★★★
Raised Right Pancreatic Support
Who It’s For: Specially crafted for dogs suffering from pancreatitis or dogs needing an ultra-low-fat diet to support pancreatic health.
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 pancreatitis.
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 Pancreatitis
4.6
★★★★★
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d
Who It’s For: Dogs needing a medically prescribed treatment for severe cases of hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, morbid obesity, or other fat-responsive digestive disorders like protein-losing enteropathy.
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 pancreatitis 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 Pancreatitis & Sensitive Stomachs
4.6
★★★★★
SquarePet VFS Low-Fat Formula
Who It’s For: Dogs that need a pancreatitis diet and are also prone to digestive issues such as vomiting, loose stools, food intolerances, or other gastrointestinal problems.
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 Pancreatitis
4.7
★★★★★
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management
Who It’s For: Senior dogs with pancreatitis who require a low-fat, high-protein diet to maintain a healthy weight, support aging joints, and avoid triggering flare-ups.
Why we recommended it:Dr. Tim’s Metabolite Formula is designed with a lower fat content and high-quality animal protein to help manage pancreatitis 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 Pancreatitis
4.6
★★★★★
Addiction Wild Kangaroo & Apples
Who It’s For: Designed for dogs with pancreatitis that have food allergies, skin sensitivities, or digestive issues who also need a low-fat diet.
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 Pancreatitis
4.7
★★★★★
Petplate Lean & Mean Venison
Who It’s For: Dogs with pancreatitis who prefer soft-textured, human-grade foods and need additional hydration, or those with dental issues.
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 Pancreatitis
4.6
★★★★★
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean
Who It’s For: Designed for adult dogs that need pancreatitis support while avoiding grains, making it ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
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 Pancreatitis & Joint Issues
4.9
★★★★★
Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs that need pancreatitis and joint support, making it perfect for dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis.
Why we recommended it:Go! Solutions Weight Management + Joint Care is a smart choice for dogs with pancreatitis 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.
The Bottom Line
Managing pancreatitis in dogs requires a thoughtful approach centered around proper nutrition, early veterinary intervention, and ongoing monitoring. A carefully chosen, low-fat, and easily digestible diet is one of the most effective tools for reducing flare-ups and supporting long-term pancreatic health. With guidance from your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist, along with tools like gut health and allergy tests, you can make informed decisions to improve your dog’s quality of life. By staying proactive and attentive to your dog’s needs, you’ll be better equipped to manage this condition and help your pup thrive.
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Sources
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