If you’ve landed here, chances are your pup has been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis—or you suspect it might be a problem. First, let me just say, I see you. Managing a dog with chronic health issues can be overwhelming, confusing, and just plain scary. Especially when it comes to feeding them. You want to give your dog something they’ll actually eat, but also something that won’t send them into another painful flare-up.
So today, we’re breaking it all down: what to feed a dog with chronic pancreatitis, what to avoid, and how to make mealtimes a little easier for both of you. No complicated jargon, no medical advice (because that’s your vet’s department), just real-world guidance from one dog parent to another.
Related: Diabetes in Dogs – What to Feed When You’re on a Budget
First Things First: What IS Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs?
In super simple terms, the pancreas is a little organ with a big job—it helps digest food and regulates blood sugar. When it gets inflamed (that’s what pancreatitis is), it basically starts attacking itself. Chronic pancreatitis means this inflammation keeps coming back, or just never fully goes away.
So, when you’re thinking about what to feed your dog, the goal is to lighten the load on the pancreas. That usually means a diet that’s easy to digest, low in fat, and consistent (more on that in a bit).
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis shares symptoms with many other diseases. That’s why I advocate for getting your dog to the vet as soon as you see symptoms, rather than waiting for 24 hours like some suggest. A lot can happen in 24 hours, especially when pancreatitis symptoms are often the same symptoms as far more deadly conditions. Look for these signs.
Most Often Seen
- Inappetence
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
Less Often Seen
- Fever OR low body temperature
- Diarrhea
- No energy
- Difficulty breathing
- Dehydration
- Irregular heartbeat
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, especially the more advanced ones, get him to the vet immediately.
What Can You Feed a Dog with Chronic Pancreatitis?
Let’s talk options. These are general feeding guidelines that many pet parents find helpful. Again, check with your vet before making any big changes—but here’s what tends to work well for dogs with chronic pancreatitis:
✅ Low-Fat Diets Are the Gold Standard
Fat is the major trigger for pancreatitis flare-ups, so keeping it to a minimum is key. Look for:
- Prescription low-fat dog food (like Hill’s i/d Low Fat, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat, or Purina EN Low Fat)
- Low-fat, gently cooked or air-dried foods (like the one below) with clear fat percentages listed on the label (some air-dried brands list the fat content as low as 4-7%)
Redbarn's Air Dried Fish Recipe is made from functional ingredients that support healthy joints and muscle development in dogs of all ages. It's made from 85% Real Fish plus a blend of Miscanthus Grass, Coconut Flour, Flaxseed, Vitamins & Minerals. Use it as a full meal or as a mix-in!
✅ Lean Proteins Are Your Best Friends
Stick with easily digestible meats like:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast
- White fish like cod or tilapia
- Turkey breast
- Egg whites (great source of protein without the fat of yolks)
✅ Carbs Can Be Calming
Carbs get a bad rap, but for dogs with chronic pancreatitis, the right ones can be soothing and satisfying. Try:
- White rice or plain pasta
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
- Oatmeal
They give your pup energy without overworking their digestive system.
✅ Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of two big meals, try feeding 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day. This keeps the pancreas from getting overloaded all at once and helps keep blood sugar steady.
What to Avoid Like the (Digestive) Plague
Now for the big “nope” list. These foods tend to be high in fat or hard to digest—two things you really don’t want near a sensitive pancreas.
❌ High-Fat Treats
- Cheese
- Peanut butter (yes, even the “natural” ones)
- Bacon or hot dog pieces
- Store-bought jerky (unless labeled low-fat and pancreatitis-safe)
❌ Table Scraps
That bite of steak or buttery toast might seem harmless, but it can seriously trigger a flare-up. No matter how big those puppy dog eyes are, resist the urge.
❌ Rich Commercial Foods
Many regular kibble brands—even premium ones—contain higher fat content than you’d expect. Always check the guaranteed analysis on the bag. Anything over 10% fat on a dry matter basis is usually too much for dogs with chronic pancreatitis.
What About Treats and Chews?
Yep, treats can still be part of your dog’s life! You just need to get a little creative.
Safe-ish Treat Ideas:
- Freeze-dried lean meats (single-ingredient, low-fat)
- Homemade “ice cream” with plain Greek yogurt (fat-free) and mashed banana
- Bits of boiled chicken or turkey breast as training treats
- Dehydrated sweet potato slices (try our sweet potato jerky recipe)
You can also break their regular food into tiny pieces and use it as a treat—boring, maybe, but safer.
Bonus Tips to Make Life Easier
- Stick to a consistent routine. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis often do better when their food is the same each day. Avoid sudden changes.
- Watch for signs of discomfort. If your dog seems lethargic, won’t eat, or shows signs of pain (like hunching or restlessness), call your vet. Flares can escalate fast.
- Don’t skip meals. Fasting a dog with chronic pancreatitis without vet supervision can backfire and increase nausea.
- Keep water available at all times. Dehydration can make things worse. If your dog isn’t drinking much, try adding water or low-sodium broth to their food. You may also want to consider using an automatic water fountain.
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Your Vet Can Guide You
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms of pancreatitis, take him to the vet right away. It’s a painful condition that can actually be deadly if left untreated. Once your vet determines if your dog has pancreatitis, he or she can help you determine the right diet for pancreatitis to feed your guy. Remember, you don’t want to go it alone on something like this.
