Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and digestive problems in dogs and cats. It can develop suddenly or become a chronic, recurring condition. Early diagnosis, appropriate veterinary care, and proper nutrition are essential. A holistic approach focusing on fresh, easily digestible foods, individualized dietary fat levels, and digestive support can help promote recovery and long-term pancreatic health.
Avoid fatty table scraps, rich treats, and high-fat foods. For dogs with pancreatitis, a balanced, highly digestible, low-fat diet is often recommended. Fresh, gently cooked meals can be excellent options when properly formulated. Cats have different nutritional needs and may not require the same fat restrictions.
We do not recommend feeding high fat ultra processed diets (kibble).
There is no such thing as a prescription diet. It is a marketing ploy. Hills Science Diet ID and Z/D, Purina Pro Plan EN Gastroenteric Low Fat and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat are not the right diets for your pets. Learn how to read the ingredient labels. See our recommendations on this page for better options. Hills Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin are not the correct diets for your pets. The only one who benefits from these diets are the vet.
Offer smaller, more frequent meals as tolerated and maintain proper hydration. Probiotics may support gut health, while digestive enzymes are generally reserved for pets with diagnosed enzyme deficiencies. Always introduce supplements carefully, especially during recovery.
The pancreas is a small but powerful gland with two important jobs: producing enzymes that help digest food and hormones that regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it’s called pancreatitis. This condition can range from mild to life-threatening in both dogs and cats.
Causes
In dogs, pancreatitis may be triggered by a sudden high-fat meal, although many cases have no identifiable cause. Other risk factors include obesity, elevated blood triglycerides, diabetes, certain medications, trauma, and underlying hormonal conditions.
In cats, the cause is often harder to identify. Pancreatitis frequently occurs alongside inflammatory bowel disease and inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, sometimes called triaditis. Certain infections, trauma, and medications may also contribute.
Symptoms
Dogs commonly experience abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, and sometimes fever or a hunched posture. Severe cases may cause weakness, breathing difficulties, or collapse.
Cats often show subtler symptoms, including decreased appetite, lethargy, weight loss, occasional vomiting, or diarrhea. Abdominal pain may be present even when cats don’t visibly show discomfort.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, bloodwork, pancreas-specific lipase testing, and abdominal ultrasound. No single test is perfect, particularly in cats, so veterinarians evaluate the overall clinical picture.
Treatment
Supportive veterinary care is essential and may include fluids, pain management, anti-nausea medication, and early nutritional support.
Nutrition plays a major role in recovery. Dogs generally benefit from highly digestible, appropriately low-fat meals, while cats often require a different nutritional approach focused on adequate calories, protein, and digestibility.
A holistic approach may also include carefully selected digestive support. Slippery elm is sometimes used to soothe gastrointestinal irritation, although evidence specifically for pancreatitis is limited. Probiotics, including Saccharomyces boulardii, may support intestinal health in appropriate cases but aren’t required simply because antibiotics are prescribed.
Cats with documented B12 deficiencies may benefit from cobalamin supplementation. Digestive enzymes are generally appropriate when exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is diagnosed, rather than as routine pancreatitis treatment.
Prognosis
Many pets with mild pancreatitis recover with appropriate treatment and nutritional management. Chronic pancreatitis may require ongoing dietary adjustments and monitoring. Severe cases can cause serious complications and require hospitalization.
Prevention
For dogs, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding fatty table scraps and sudden high-fat meals, managing elevated triglycerides, and feeding a balanced, appropriate diet may help reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
For cats, prevention is less predictable because the underlying cause is often unknown. A balanced, highly digestible diet, appropriate hydration, and management of concurrent gastrointestinal or liver conditions can support overall pancreatic health.
Because pancreatitis can be life-threatening repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, collapse, or a cat refusing food warrants prompt veterinary attention.
PANOQUELL-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium) is an injectable veterinary medication conditionally approved by the FDA for managing clinical signs associated with acute pancreatitis in dogs. It works by inhibiting leukocyte adhesion and migration, which are involved in the inflammatory response.
Unlike nutritional supplements, PANOQUELL-CA1 is a prescription medication administered by a veterinarian. It is intended for dogs with acute pancreatitis and is not approved for cats.
Pet parents should understand the potential benefits, risks, and limitations before considering this medication.
Learn more: Read our detailed article about PANOQUELL-CA1, including its potential side effects and safety considerations.
Nutrition plays a major role in managing pancreatitis. The goal is to provide balanced, highly digestible meals with appropriate fat levels while supporting digestive health and recovery. Fresh, gently cooked, minimally processed foods can be excellent choices when properly formulated. Find out why we do not recommend prescription diets.
Core Dietary Guidelines
Appropriate fat levels: Dogs with pancreatitis often need a low-fat diet, especially with recurring episodes or elevated triglycerides. Cats generally have different fat requirements.
Highly digestible ingredients: Choose foods that are gentle on the digestive system and provide complete nutrition.
Lean proteins: Skinless turkey, chicken breast, rabbit, lean pork, white fish, and cooked egg whites may be suitable depending on individual tolerance.
Gentle carbohydrates: For dogs, small amounts of cooked sweet potato or pumpkin may be helpful when tolerated.
Smaller, frequent meals: Several smaller meals may be easier to tolerate during recovery.
Avoid fatty extras: Eliminate fatty table scraps, rich treats, added oils, and other unnecessary sources of fat.
Fresh and Whole-Food Brand Options
Raised Right Pancreatic Support: Gently cooked recipes specifically formulated for pancreatic support.
AllProvide: Gently cooked, whole-food recipes. Compare fat content before choosing.
Smallbatch: Minimally processed raw and lightly cooked options. Individual recipes must be evaluated for fat content and suitability.
Goodness Gracious: Fresh, gently cooked meals. Choose recipes that meet your pet’s individual fat requirements.
Evermore: Gently cooked, whole-food nutrition. Verify fat levels before feeding a pet with pancreatitis.
Steve’s Real Food: Raw food options that require careful evaluation of fat content and food safety.
Supportive Nutritional Additions
Probiotics: May support intestinal microbiome health, although they aren’t a proven treatment for pancreatic inflammation.
Digestive enzymes: Most appropriate for pets with diagnosed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Omega-3 fatty acids: May offer anti-inflammatory benefits in some conditions, but supplements add dietary fat and should be evaluated carefully.
Hydration: Moisture-rich meals and adequate water intake help support overall digestive health.
Important: Not every fresh or raw recipe is suitable for pancreatitis. Compare fat content on a calorie basis, not just the guaranteed analysis on the package. During active illness, veterinary treatment and appropriate nutritional support take priority.
Many pets can do well long-term on carefully selected fresh, gently cooked diets that meet their individual nutritional needs. The best diet is one that provides complete nutrition, maintains a healthy weight, and is well tolerated.
20% off the first 16 bags of food using coupon code: PETS20. Price varies based on quantity purchased.
We work with veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker to formulate whole food recipes that are high in protein & low in carbs with limited ingredients. Most of our recipes have less than 2% carbs because we don’t use any high carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, or barley. Many of our recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO’s requirements for a complete & balanced diet through using ONLY whole foods without any synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Veterinarians are recommending our recipes as a source of nutrition beneficial to healthy dogs & cats as well as pets with a variety of health issues. We were recognized by the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal for the impact our recipes are making in the lives of dogs & cats by being awarded the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition.
For pet parents interested in fresh, homemade nutrition, Dr. Judy Morgan’s pancreatitis recipe offers a gently cooked, whole-food approach using lean chicken, organ meats, vegetables, and carefully selected nutrients. Homemade diets should be evaluated for appropriate fat content and nutritional balance, particularly for dogs with recurring pancreatitis.
Dr. Judy’s Pancreatitis Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Dr. Judy’s Pancreatitis Recipe
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients into crock pot on low for 12 hours, stirring occasionally. I do not feed this raw to my pets with pancreatitis, as they are already struggling with digestion and need to be fed something that is basically “pre-digested.”
We recommend pre-portioning and freezing any extra food you don’t plan to feed after 72 hours. Frozen food is best offered up to 3 months after freezing for optimal nutrition.
All nuts, seeds, grains, tablet-based supplements, and produce used in this recipe should be finely chopped for better digestibility, bioavailability, and distribution. A food processor works great for this step!
Fine powder supplements and oils should be thoroughly mixed into recipe.
Capsule/perle ingredients may be opened for better distribution.
Fish oils or other sources of omega 3 fatty acids should be added at the time of feeding.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Feeding Pets With Pancreatitis (includes recipe above).”
How Essential Oils Work in Holistic Healing
Essential oils act on multiple levels — physical, emotional, and energetic — which aligns well with holistic medicine’s goal of treating the whole being, not just the symptoms. Their tiny aromatic molecules influence the body in three main ways:
Key Benefits of Essential Oils for Pancreatitis Support Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Recommended Oils and Supplements
DigestZen: DigestZen is known for its effectiveness in alleviating pancreatitis and inflammation, with ingredients like ginger and fennel helping to reduce the inflammation and discomfort associated with pancreatitis.
Tamer: Tamar contains essential oils such as basil and peppermint, which are known for their anti – inflammatory properties and may help reduce abdominal pain and inflammation caused by pancreatitis.
Ginger: Ginger essential oil offers a variety of benefits for pancreatitis and inflammation. It has been shown to reduce pancreatic inflammation, helping to alleviate pain associated with pancreatitis. It may aid digestion and help relieve discomfort associated with digestive issues. It also relieves abdominal pain and inflammation, benefiting pancreatitis sufferers.
Copaiba: Copaiba oil is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Its analgesic and pain-relieving properties make it beneficial for those with inflammatory conditions. It also helps support the immune system.
Terrazyme: Terrazyme supplements are beneficial for individuals with pancreatitis and inflammation due to their role in supporting intestinal health and optimal nutrient uptake. They help break down food into easily absorbed particles, which can alleviate symptoms and improve overall digestive comfort. Additionally, Terrazyme can support the endogenous production of digestive enzymes, reducing the demand for internal production and allowing resources to be redirected for metabolic enzyme production and activity. This can be particularly helpful for those with specific food intolerances or digestive issues.
Essential Oil Safety Disclaimer
Essential oils should be used with caution in dogs and cats, particularly those with pancreatitis or other medical conditions. Cats are especially sensitive to certain essential oil compounds. Never administer essential oils orally or apply them directly to your pet’s skin without guidance from a veterinarian trained in their safe use. Even diffused oils may cause adverse reactions in sensitive pets. Always provide fresh air and allow pets to leave the area. Essential oils are intended as complementary support and are not a substitute for veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, or prescribed medications. Their effectiveness for treating pancreatitis has not been established in veterinary clinical studies.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Pancreatitis Support Resources.”
“Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs – Why Dry Food is an Enemy to The Pancreas” by Dr. Conor Brady.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “High Fat Diets and Pancreatitis in Dogs.”
“Pancreatitis in Dogs – Treatment and Prevention – Natural Approach” by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM.
“Pancreatitis In Pets” by Julie Anne Lee, DCH and Billy Hoekman.
“Pancreatitis In Dogs And Cats” by Julie Anne Lee, DCH.
“For Dogs With Acute Pancreatitis or GI Upset | Adoptrex” by Gwen Campbell.
“Feline Pancreatitis | The Purrrfectly Holistic Radio Show” with Dr Katie Woodley.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Pancreatitis with Dr. Nick Thompson.”
“Top 5 Gut Health Irritants For Cats with Dr. Katie Woodley – Holistic Veterinarian.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Panoquell💉For Dogs Experiencing Acute Pancreatitis ⚠️ Potential Risks & Side Effects.”
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Does My Dog Or Cat have Pancreatitis?” with Dr. Nick Thompson.
“How I healed my dog’s pancreatitis NATURALLY 🙏“ by Rachel Fusaro.
If you have a question on this topic that wasn’t answered here, we invite you to ask it in our Facebook group.
Our approach focuses on fresh, appropriate nutrition, digestive health, and addressing underlying factors that may contribute to recurring pancreatitis. These are products and approaches we would consider alongside appropriate veterinary care, depending on our pet’s individual needs.
Start with the right diet. Choose one of the appropriate fresh or gently cooked diets discussed in our Recommended Diets section. Fat content, digestibility, and nutritional balance are especially important.
Support intestinal health. We would consider Adored Beast Leaky Gut Protocol, Leaky Gut Protocol for Small Dogs, or Feline Leaky Gut Protocol when additional gastrointestinal support is appropriate. These products are not established treatments for pancreatic inflammation.
Investigate possible food sensitivities. A properly conducted elimination diet can help identify food-related reactions. Learn more about intolerance testing. Commercial tests such as NutriScan, Ucari, and Glacier’s Peak are available, but their accuracy for diagnosing food intolerance is not well established. Ucari: 10% off through our link.
Consider CBD for additional comfort support. CBD Dog Health EASE is one product we would discuss with our veterinarian. CBD has not been proven to treat pancreatitis and may cause adverse effects or interact with medications. Coupon: SAVINGPETS for 15% off.
Explore mushroom-based digestive support. MycoDog Digest and MycoCat Digest are options we would consider for general wellness, although their effectiveness for pancreatitis has not been established. Coupon: SAVINGPETS for 15% off.
Choose probiotics carefully. Depending on our pet’s symptoms and tolerance, we would consider Adored Beast Gut Soothe, Feline Gut Soothe, Soil & Sea, or Four Leaf Rover Digest. Probiotics may support intestinal health, but they do not directly treat pancreatitis. Four Leaf Rover coupon: SAVING-PETS for 10% off full-priced items.
Evaluate recurring digestive problems. If our pet experiences repeated pancreatitis episodes alongside chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, we would investigate underlying conditions rather than assuming the pancreas is the only issue.
Learn about fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT is being studied for certain gastrointestinal conditions, but it is not an established treatment for recurring pancreatitis. Products worth researching include AnimalBiome Gut Restore for Dogs, Gut Restore for Raw-Fed Dogs, Gut Restore for Cats, and Legacy Biome Healthy Gut Restore. These products differ from clinical FMT procedures. Legacy Biome coupon: savingpets for 15% off.
Be cautious with goat’s milk. Although fermented or raw goat’s milk is sometimes used for digestive support, it can contribute significant dietary fat, and unpasteurized milk carries infectious risks. We would avoid it during active pancreatitis unless your veterinarian specifically recommends an appropriate product. Solutions Pets Products does have a specific raw goats milk restorative diet formulated for pancreatitis and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (5% discount with this URL) and we personally would be comfortable using it for our dogs.
Explore Kelly’s Pancreatitis Picks. Visit our Saving Pets Store for additional products we have selected for digestive wellness. 5% off through this link.
Important: Pancreatitis can be painful and potentially life-threatening. These recommendations are intended to complement appropriate veterinary care, not replace treatment, hydration, pain relief, or necessary medications.
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Great for cats with achy joints, itchy skin, or seasonal sensitivities, EASE supports mobility and comfort, helping your cat maintain healthy inflammatory and immune system balance.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Allergies, chronic diarrhea, skin disease, compromised immune system, digestive complications, and ear infections may all be symptoms of a leaky gut. Address health from the inside-out with an easy 5-product system that works synergistically to bring health to the lining of the gut and bowel.
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Leaky Gut Syndrome can be at the core of many different conditions, including skin disease, a compromised immune system, food allergies, digestive problems, ear infections, or any common health condition that comes from an inflammatory disorder. The Leaky Gut Protocol addresses the root causes of leaky gut and helps support healing.
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MycoCat Digest is a potent blend of muchroom extracts and adaptogens formulated to support smooth digestion, a healthy microbiome, and a resilient gut lining-ideal for cats with sensitive stomaches or those requiring enhanced nutritional support.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The following products are additional options we have researched or selected for digestive wellness, gut microbiome support, and overall health. Not every product is appropriate for every pet, and these supplements have not been established as treatments for pancreatitis. Always consider your pet’s individual condition, dietary fat requirements, and current medications.
Gut Health & Digestive Support
Solutions Pet Food TexSauce — 10% off: SAVINGPETS
Probiotics & Microbiome Support
Four Leaf Rover Digest Probiotic & Digestive Enzyme — 10% off full-priced items: SAVING-PETS
Four Leaf Rover Saccharomyces boulardii — 10% off full-priced items: SAVING-PETS
AnimalBiome Gut Restore for Dogs — Microbiome restoration product; not a proven pancreatitis treatment.
CBD, Mushrooms & Other Wellness Supplements
CBD Dog Health EASE — 15% off: SAVINGPETS
MycoDog Digest — 15% off: SAVINGPETS
MycoCat Digest — 15% off: SAVINGPETS
Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders — 10% off through link
Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail — 10% off through link
Four Leaf Rover Turkey Tail Mushrooms — 10% off full-priced items: SAVING-PETS
Dr. Judy Morgan’s Elk Organ Capsules — Check fat content and suitability for your pet’s diet.
Digestive & Food Sensitivity Testing
Ucari Pet Intolerance Kit — 10% off through link
Innovative Pet Lab Leaky Gut Test — 15% off: SavingPets15
VDI Lab Advanced GI Panel — 10% off through link
Commercial food intolerance and intestinal permeability tests have varying levels of clinical validation and should not replace veterinary diagnostic testing. A properly conducted elimination diet remains a more established approach to investigating food reactions.
Products Requiring Additional Caution
My Pet Carnivore Unpasteurized Goat’s Milk — Although sometimes used for digestive support, raw goat’s milk carries microbial risks and may contain too much fat for pets with pancreatitis. It is not recommended during an active episode.
Important: Introduce supplements individually and only when appropriate. Pets with active pancreatitis may require hospitalization, fluids, pain management, anti-nausea medications, and carefully managed nutrition. Supplements should never delay necessary veterinary care.
Yes. Many pets recover from mild acute pancreatitis with appropriate veterinary treatment and nutritional support. However, some develop chronic pancreatitis or experience recurring episodes that require ongoing management.
A highly digestible, nutritionally balanced diet with an appropriate fat level is generally recommended. Many dogs benefit from lower-fat meals. Fresh, gently cooked foods can be an option when properly formulated for the dog’s individual needs.
Not necessarily. Cats have different nutritional requirements, and strict fat restriction isn’t routinely necessary. Adequate protein, calories, and consistent food intake are especially important.
Probiotics may support intestinal and microbiome health, particularly when gastrointestinal issues are also present. However, they haven’t been proven to treat pancreatic inflammation directly.
Fatty meals, obesity, elevated blood triglycerides, and certain underlying medical conditions may increase the risk. Some episodes occur without an identifiable trigger.
Not routinely. Digestive enzyme supplementation is primarily recommended when a pet has exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition in which the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes.
Nutrition and carefully selected supportive therapies can play an important role in long-term management. However, pancreatitis can be extremely painful and sometimes life-threatening. Holistic support should complement veterinary diagnosis, pain management, hydration, and other necessary treatment.
PANOQUELL-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium) is an injectable prescription medication conditionally approved by the FDA to manage clinical signs associated with acute pancreatitis in dogs. It works by targeting part of the inflammatory response.
Although it may benefit some dogs, conditional approval means its effectiveness has not yet been fully demonstrated to the standard required for full approval. Like any medication, it has potential side effects and risks, and its safety should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Learn more: Read our detailed article about PANOQUELL-CA1, including its benefits, risks, and potential side effects.
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