Food & Treats for dogs with Pancreatitis / Pancreas issues
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.
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—many mid-range brands offer excellent quality.
✅ White Fish – Cod or haddock are great lean protein options (try our fish treats!).
✅ 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.
✅ Sweet Potatoes – Packed with fibre and vitamins (see our sweet potato treats).
✅ Vegetables – 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.
🐾 JR Pet Chews & Treats – Venison and ostrich are excellent low-fat choices, full of vitamins and minerals. Bonus: chewing helps with stress relief and dental health.
👉 [Shop JR Pet Low Fat Options]
🐾 Innocent Hound – A British company from Yorkshire, known for their Salmon Bites and Tuna & Crab treats. Super high quality and super low in fat.
👉 [Shop Innocent Hound]
🐾 Apawtiser – A small family-run business creating vegetable treats for sensitive tummies (inspired by their own dog, Mac, who has special dietary needs).
👉 [Shop Apawtiser Treats]
We have a large range of JR pet chews and treats that hit the under 10% fat category. Venison and Ostrich are both very low in fat and packed with good vitamins and minerals. Chewing also helps clean your teeth and lower stress.
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.
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.
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
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Abdominal pain (sensitive tummy)
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Lethargy (low energy, not themselves)
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Loss of appetite
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Dehydration
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Fever
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Distended or bloated abdomen
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Jaundice (in severe cases)
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Weight loss and poor coat condition
👉 If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs
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Eating fatty foods, scraps, or junk food
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Being overweight
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Underlying conditions (like diabetes or hypothyroidism)
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Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
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Injury or trauma to the pancreas
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Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
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Toxic substance ingestion
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Stress
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Abrupt diet changes
Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis
Acute Pancreatitis
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Sudden and severe onset
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Intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
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Rapid dehydration, fever, and lethargy
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Can be life-threatening without urgent vet care
Chronic Pancreatitis
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Slow, ongoing condition
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Intermittent tummy pain, mild vomiting or diarrhoea
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Weight loss, dull coat, and mild dehydration
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Often harder to spot, but still needs careful management
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your vet may run:
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Blood tests (biochemistry, CBC, pancreatic lipase test)
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Ultrasound scans to check for inflammation
Treatment usually includes:
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Hospitalisation for severe cases
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IV fluids, pain relief, and anti-nausea medication
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Specialised low-fat diet and long-term monitoring
Recovery & Prevention
Recovery time depends on severity:
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Mild cases: improvement within days to a week
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Severe cases: several weeks, plus ongoing dietary management
Prevention tips:
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Feed a balanced, low-fat diet
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Avoid human food and fatty scraps
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Keep your dog at a healthy weight
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Stick to a consistent feeding routine
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Give regular exercise
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Manage health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)
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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!