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What's the best diet for a dog with pancreatitis: low-fat or grain-free?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 45 lbs

My dog was diagnosed with pancreatitis after an acute attack. We were told to feed her a grain free diet. However she has been having periods of discomfort. I've read the correct diet is low fat. Itching mentions grain free. Can you clarify?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2017

The current recommendations are to feed a low fat diet to dogs prone to pancreatitis. Fat or high fat meals are usually the primary cause of a pancreatitis flare up. There are several prescription diets made specifically with a low fat profile such as Hills i/d and Royal Canin's GI low fat. If your dog has allergies as well, Royal Canin makes a great food, Hypoallergenic PW (potato and white fish) that would take care of both issues.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there, Yes, you want a low fat diet like Hill's i/d low fat , Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat or Purina EN. Any diet or treats less than 12% fat (on a dry matter basis) would be fine. Grain free has no impact on pancreatitis so I'm not sure why that was recommended. You may want to clarify with your vet since I am not familiar with your dog's particular case. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 23rd, 2017

    Any dog that has had pancreatitis needs to eat a low fat diet. Less than 12% fat. The most recommended diet is a prescription diet called Hill's i/d that you can get from your vet. It comes as canned and dry. Some of the canned food is even a stew-like formula. Dogs always act hungry. You should try not feed them too much. They can have multiple small meals throughout the day but don't go over their normal caloric intake. I don't know if your dogs are overweight but if they are, that also predisposes them to pancreatitis so try to keep their weight down. You can feed green beans for treats and they are low in fat. That may help them from acting hungry. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

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