Food & Treats for dogs with Pancreatitis / Pancreas issues

Food & Treats for dogs with Pancreatitis / Pancreas issues

We cannot answer comments - if you'd like to ask us a question, please email info@bemorebob.co.uk


What Food and Treats Can a Dog with Pancreatitis Eat?

Pancreatitis in dogs can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that with the right diet, it’s often manageable. Whether your dog is dealing with a flare-up or ongoing issues, food plays a huge role in recovery and long-term health.

The key? Low-fat, easily digestible food and treats.

Your vet will give you tailored advice for your dog’s needs, but here’s a practical guide to help you make good choices at home.

Shop treats that could be okay for dogs with pancreatitis >>> https://bemorebob.co.uk/collections/treats-okay-for-dogs-with-pancreatitis

What Can Dogs with Pancreatitis Eat?

When choosing food or treats, always look for low-fat options (under 10%) and keep things simple, natural, and gentle on the tummy.

✅ Low-Fat Kibble or Raw Food – Stick to diets with less than 10% fat. You don’t need the most expensive food as many mid-range brands offer excellent quality.

✅ White Fish – Cod or haddock are great lean protein options (try our fish treats!).

https://bemorebob.co.uk/collections/fish-treats-chews

✅ Egg Whites – Scrambled egg whites are high in protein and very low in fat (avoid the yolks).

✅ Pumpkin or Squash – Great for digestion and high in fibre.

https://bemorebob.co.uk/products/apawtiser-hypoallergenic-butternut-squash-paws?variant=39471922315398

✅ Sweet Potatoes– Packed with fibre and vitamins (see our Apawtiser treats).

✅ Steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans (but skip butter, oils, and seasoning).

✅ Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – A protein boost that can be spread on a lickimat for enrichment.

Low-Fat Treats from Be More Bob

In the dog world, anything under 10% fat is low-fat, and under 5% is super low-fat. We’ve handpicked a fantastic selection of natural treats so you can spoil your pup without worry.

Innocent Hound is a brilliant British company based in Yorkshire. There Salmon Bites and Tuna and Crab treats are super quality and super low in fat.

Tuna and Crab treats - Crude Fat 1.35%

https://bemorebob.co.uk/products/innocent-hound-crab-tuna-treats

Apawtiser is a small family run company making natural vege treats for dogs. Their own dog, Mac, has severe dietary requirements and all of their treats are made with sensitive tums and allergies in mind.

https://bemorebob.co.uk/collections/apawtiser

Skippers is a brilliant UK company that make all of their 100% natural fish products in Grimsby using high quality fish pieces.

Their white fish range is suitable for dogs with pancreatitis as the 100% fish is low in fat and easily digested.

https://bemorebob.co.uk/collections/skippers-fish

We have a dedicated Pancreatitis bundle of fishy treats for you to try.

https://bemorebob.co.uk/products/fishers-pancreatitis-treats

 

Find out more about your dog's pancreatitis

What is the pancreas?

An essential organ near the stomach and small intestine, the pancreas plays a role in digestion and hormone regulation; It produces enzymes that help break down foods and hormones like insulin.

What Foods Should Dogs with Pancreatitis Avoid?

🚫 High-Fat Foods – No bacon, sausage, or fatty meats.

🚫 Dairy Products – Skip cheese, butter, and cream.

🚫 Fried or Greasy Foods – Absolutely no human fried food.

🚫 Human Snacks – Crisps, nuts, biscuits, peanut butter with added sugar/fat.

🚫 Sugary Treats – Dogs don’t need sugar (no jammy dodgers, however cute they look!).

🚫 Processed Meats – Hot dogs, pepperoni, salami, deli meats—all too fatty and salty.

🚫 Grains; Legumes – Corn, peas, beans can be harder to digest, so keep them limited.

🚫 Spicy Foods – Save them for your plate.

🚫 Fatty Fish– Skip salmon, sardines, and mackerel—but stick to lean white fish.

Understanding Pancreatitis in Dogs

The pancreas is an organ near the stomach and small intestine that helps digest food and regulates hormones like insulin. When it becomes inflamed dogs can develop pancreatitis.

This condition ranges from mild and chronic to sudden and severe (acute). It can be life-threatening if untreated, so early recognition and proper care are vital.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain (sensitive tummy)

Lethargy (low energy, not themselves)

Loss of appetite

Dehydration

Fever

Distended or bloated abdomen

Jaundice (in severe cases)

Weight loss and poor coat condition

👉 If your dog shows any of these symptoms call your vet immediately.

Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

  • Eating fatty foods, scraps, or junk food
  • Being overweight
  • Underlying conditions (like diabetes or hypothyroidism)
  • Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
  • Injury or trauma to the pancreas
  • Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
  • Toxic substance ingestion
  • Stress
  • Abrupt diet changes

Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis

Sudden and severe onset

Intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)

Rapid dehydration, fever, and lethargy

Can be life-threatening without urgent vet care

Chronic Pancreatitis

Slow, ongoing condition

Intermittent tummy pain, mild vomiting or diarrhoea

Weight loss, dull coat, and mild dehydration

Often harder to spot, but still needs careful management

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your vet may run:

Blood tests (biochemistry, CBC, pancreatic lipase test)

Ultrasound scans to check for inflammation

Treatment usually includes:

Hospitalisation for severe cases

IV fluids, pain relief, and anti-nausea medication

Specialised low-fat diet and long-term monitoring

Recovery & Prevention

Recovery time depends on severity:

Mild cases: improvement within days to a week

Severe cases: several weeks, plus ongoing dietary management

Prevention tips:

Feed a balanced, low-fat diet

Avoid human food and fatty scraps

Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Stick to a consistent feeding routine

Give regular exercise

Manage health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)

Always introduce new foods gradually

Final Thoughts

Dogs with pancreatitis can still live happy, healthy lives with the right diet and care. Focus on low-fat, natural foods, avoid high-fat human snacks, and always follow your vet’s advice.

💬 Does your dog have pancreatitis? Share your tips and experiences in the comments - we’d love to hear how you manage your pup’s diet!

Shop treats that could be okay for dogs with pancreatitis

https://bemorebob.co.uk/collections/treats-okay-for-dogs-with-pancreatitis

We cannot answer comments - if you'd like to ask us a question, please email info@bemorebob.co.uk

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