7 Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis

7 Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis

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*This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Your cat’s pancreas, located on the right side of his abdomen next to his stomach, produces enzymes to help in the digestion of food.

It also produces hormones such as insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and the body’s glucose metabolism. If the pancreas becomes inflamed the condition is called pancreatitis.

Compare Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis

Overall Best 1. Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food View on Amazon Read Review	Runner Up 2. Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food Get 25% Off Read Review	Best For Kittens 3. Holistic Select Chicken Pate Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food View on Amazon Read Review	Premium Pick 4. Newman's Own Organic Grain-Free 95% Turkey & Liver Dinner Canned Cat Food View On Walmart.com Read Review	Best For Senior Cats 5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Prescription 6. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie Canned Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best For Digestive Issues 7. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 8% Min	Protein 21.2% Min	Protein 10% Min	Protein 10.5% Min	Protein 9.5% Min	Protein 6% Min	Protein 5% Min
Fat 3.5% Min	Fat 8.05% Min	Fat 5% Min	Fat 6% Min	Fat 4% Min	Fat 1.5% Min	Fat 3% Min
Fiber 2% Max	Fiber 0.4% Max	Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 2% Max	Fiber 2% Max	Fiber 1.2% Max
Moisture 82% Max	Moisture 66.1% Max	Moisture 78% Max	Moisture 78% Max	Moisture 78% Max	Moisture 84.5% Max	Moisture N/A
Caloric Content  750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton	Caloric Content 550 kcal/package	Caloric Content  475 kcal/13 oz can	Caloric Content  196 kcal/5.5 oz can	Caloric Content 179 kcal/5.5 oz can	Caloric Content  60 kcal/3 oz can	Caloric Content  71 kcal/2.9 oz can
Food Type Fresh	Food Type	Food Type	Food Type	Food Type	Food Type	Food Type

Pancreatitis can occur in cats of all ages, breeds, and in both genders. Cats can have an acute episode of pancreatitis or recurring bouts that result in chronic pancreatitis.

If your cat recovers from pancreatitis there are some steps you can take to help him eat properly. We can help you choose the best cat foods for pancreatitis in cats.

our list includes non-prescription products. They won’t treat Pancreatitis, but they may help your cat feel better before and after medical treatment

Best Rated Foods For Cats With Pancreatitis Reviewed

Overall Best

1.

Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food

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Get 5% Off

Product Info

• Protein: 8% Min
• Fat: 3.5% Min
• Fiber: 2% Max
• Moisture: 82% Max
• Caloric Content:  750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton
• Food Type: Fresh

Pros

• Freshly prepared food delivered to your door
• Real fish as the main ingredient
• High in protein and moisture content

Cons

• Expensive compared to most commercial diets
• Only two recipes to choose from

If your diabetic cat enjoys fresh cat food, we can suggest Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food as the best non-prescription wet cat food for pancreatitis.

This all life stage food has a blend of wild herring and mackerel that most cats will love. It has 8.1 percent crude protein, 4.74 percent crude fat, and 0.97 percent fiber, with very low carbohydrates.

36.21 percent of the calories come from protein, 51 percent of calories come from fat, and 12 percent of calories come from carbohydrates.

The food also has 82 percent moisture so it’s similar to a canned food in that regard and can help keep your cat hydrated. We think this would be a good fresh food choice for a diabetic cat. Open Farm also has a veterinary nutritionist on staff.

Runner Up

2.

Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food

Get 25% Off

Product Info

• Protein: 21.2% Min
• Fat: 8.05% Min
• Fiber: 0.4% Max
• Moisture: 66.1% Max
• Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package

Pros

• Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
• High in moisture for digestion and hydration
• Free from grains and fillers
• Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)

Cons

• Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
• Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients

Fresh food for cats offers premium-quality nutrition and higher moisture levels than the typical dry food diet. Smalls fresh food is made with human-grade ingredients, formulated to deliver optimal protein levels with limited carbohydrate content to maximize your cat’s nutrition.

Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible low fat cat food for pancreatitis made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.

Best For Kittens

3.

Holistic Select Chicken Pate Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 10% Min
• Fat: 5% Min
• Fiber: 1% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max
• Caloric Content:  475 kcal/13 oz can

Pros

• Natural fiber and digestive enzymes provide better digestion
• Premium proteins provide good nutrition
• Made for cats with sensitive digestion

Cons

• Some people like botanicals in pet foods and some don’t

Holistic Select Chicken Pate Recipe Grain Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food is made for cats with sensitive digestion. It’s grain free with no corn, wheat, or soy. This food does contain prebiotic support for your cat’s digestive system along with botanicals and premium proteins for natural nutrition and considered on of the best canned cat food for pancreatitis.

Natural fiber and digestive enzymes help your cat digest the food better. Probiotics are included to stimulate the growth of bacteria in your cat’s gut and increase nutrient absorption.

Premium Pick

4.

Newman's Own Organic Grain-Free 95% Turkey & Liver Dinner Canned Cat Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 10.5% Min
• Fat: 6% Min
• Fiber: 1% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max
• Caloric Content:  196 kcal/5.5 oz can

Pros

• The food is 95 percent organic
• Contains no grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Contains real turkey as the #1 ingredient

Cons

• This food does contain carrageenan if that is a concern to you

Newman’s Own is one of the few organic brands of pet foods. This formula – Newman’s Own Organic Grain Free 95 % Turkey & Liver Dinner Canned Cat Food – contains real organic turkey, turkey liver, and turkey broths as the first ingredients.

This is a complete and balanced food (meets AAFCO requirements) for your cat and it’s suitable for all life stages. This food contains no grains – no wheat or corn – and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This formula is made for cats with sensitive digestion.

Best For Senior Cats

5.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula Canned Cat Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 9.5% Min
• Fat: 4% Min
• Fiber: 2% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max
• Caloric Content: 179 kcal/5.5 oz can

Pros

• Made specifically for cats with pancreatitis, among other gastrointestinal problems
• Contains highly digestible nutrients
• High in protein and low in carbohydrates

Cons

• As a prescription cat food, this food costs more than some foods

This is our choice for the best cat food for pancreatitis. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula is a prescription formula that is designed to support your cat’s digestive health. It contains highly digestible nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help your cat recover from illness and repair tissue.

This formula is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, with moderate fat. This gastrointestinal formula also features prebiotics and low fiber to support intestinal health.

Very palatable, it should encourage your cat to eat. This Purina Pro Plan recipe states that it is made for cats with pancreatitis, among other diseases of the intestinal tract. One of the best cat foods for pancreatitis.

Best Prescription

6.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie Canned Cat Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 6% Min
• Fat: 1.5% Min
• Fiber: 2% Max
• Moisture: 84.5% Max
• Caloric Content:  60 kcal/3 oz can

Pros

• Easy to digest
• Contains omega-3, EPA and DHA which are good for your cat’s digestive system
• Has moderate calories

Cons

• This is a general gastrointestinal and weight control formula so it’s not specifically made for cats with pancreatitis

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie Canned Food is a prescription cat food formulated to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. This food provides a combination of easily digestible proteins and prebiotics to maintain a balance of good bacteria in your cat’s gastrointestinal system.

It also has a blend of dietary fibers to help support healthy digestion for good stool quality. Add in omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA from fish oil to soothe and nourish your cat’s digestive system and your cat will have a happier eating experience.

With moderate calories, this food is also a good choice for cats recovering from pancreatitis.

Best For Digestive Issues

7.

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Cat Food

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View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 5% Min
• Fat: 3% Min
• Fiber: 1.2% Max
• Moisture: N/A
• Caloric Content:  71 kcal/2.9 oz can

Pros

• Easy to digest
• Mixed fiber source is good for gastrointestinal health
• Very palatable

Cons

• This is a general digestive care formula, especially good for cats that are recovering from illness and surgery but it’s not specifically made for cats with pancreatitis

Cats that have digestive problems, including a lack of digestive enzymes and those that are recovering from pancreatitis, need a cat food that is easy to digest. Good digestion is important so your cat can build and repair tissues and obtain energy.

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Cat Food is a good choice for cats that are recovering from gastrointestinal upset. This formula was developed by nutritionists and veterinarians to help manage cats with digestive health problems.

The protein and fat are easy to digest so your cat can absorb nutrients better.

A mixed fiber source helps maintain gastrointestinal health. An ideal balance of nutrients helps the body recover. The recipe is also very palatable so your cat will be encouraged to eat.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Since the pancreas produces both digestive enzymes and hormones it is part of both the digestive system and the endocrine system. When it becomes inflamed, the flow of enzymes to the digestive tract stops and they can be forced into your cat’s abdominal area instead.

When this happens the digestive enzymes start breaking down the fat and proteins in your cat’s organs, along with the pancreas.

Your cat’s body is basically starting to digest itself. The kidneys and liver can be especially affected when this happens because they are close by.

Your cat’s abdomen usually becomes inflamed and can become infected. In some cases the pancreas can bleed which leads to shock. If this occurs your cat can die.

Pancreatitis can progress very quickly in cats but it can also be treated without causing permanent damage to the pancreas.

On the other hand, if the inflammation of the pancreas goes without treatment for a long time it can lead to severe organ and even brain damage as well as death.

Causes Of Pancreatitis In Cats

Your cat’s pancreas can become inflamed for several possible reasons.

• Abdominal trauma
• Adverse drug reactions
• Concurrent liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for cats to have a combination of inflammatory disease of the pancreas, liver, and intestines. If your cat is diagnosed with one of these conditions, he may have one of the other problems as well.
• Diabetes mellitus. Again, this condition has become very common in cats today and it can lead to pancreatitis.
• Exposure to organophosphate pesticides
• Infections
• Parasites

Although it is rare, stings from scorpions are also suspected to be a cause of pancreatitis in cats. The scorpion’s venom can produce a reaction from the pancreas and subsequently cause inflammation of the pancreas. Fortunately, scorpions are not common in most geographical areas.

While dogs can get pancreatitis from nutritional causes such as eating large amounts of fat in the diet this is not true with cats. In many cases when a cat develops pancreatitis there is no obvious reason for the inflammation.

Pancreatitis can occur in any kind of animal but it seems to have with more frequency in cats. The Siamese cat, in particular, seems to be more prone to pancreatitis. Female cats and older cats also seem to be more likely to have problems with pancreatitis.

Symptoms Of Pancreatitis In Cats

Cats with pancreatitis can have a variety of symptoms.

• Dehydration
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

What Kind Of Diet Should You Feed A Cat With Pancreatitis?

As we mentioned, pancreatitis in cats is not the same as pancreatitis in dogs. Nutritional factors are not believed to be at play so feeding your cat a low-fat cat food will not prevent pancreatitis; and it’s not necessarily prescribed for cats if they have survived a case of pancreatitis.

However, eating a healthy diet and keeping your cat fit are recommended as long term goals. Weight management is a good idea for all cats so they do not become overweight or obese.

If your cat is recovering from pancreatitis you must make sure that he stays fully hydrated.

This is important for cats at all times but especially while your cat is recovering from an attack of pancreatitis.

Wet or canned cat food is preferred for cats today because of its high moisture content. Most cats won’t drink enough water to stay fully hydrated, especially if they are eating a dry kibble.

Editor’s Note

It’s important to make sure your cat eats while he is recovering. This may seem obvious but cats are not always cooperative when it comes to eating. A cat that doesn’t eat can develop a disease called hepatic lipidosis. Hepatic lipidosis, or “fatty liver,” is a common but severe liver disease in cats.

The condition is usually a consequence of another illness but if it’s not reversed quickly it can obstruct your cat’s liver function and lead to deadly consequences.

If your cat refuses to eat your veterinarian may use a feeding tube. You could also talk to your veterinarian about giving your cat an appetite stimulant.

When your cat is recovering at home you can feed him anything he will eat. Canned/wet cat foods are recommended as the best cat foods for pancreatitis.

You can even give your cat foods that are high in fat because it’s so important for him to keep eating at this stage of his recovery.

What To Look For When Choosing Cat Foods For Pancreatitis?

When you are choosing the best cat foods for pancreatitis after your cat has recovered, you can look for the following:

• Choose cat foods that are easy to digest;
• Look for cat foods that have moderate protein levels;
• Look for proteins that your cat hasn’t eaten before or which are hypoallergenic;
• Choose foods with moderate fat levels;
• Canned cat food is preferred unless your cat will only eat dry cat food.

You don’t have to choose a prescription or veterinary diet for your cat but this can be an option to consider. Since many cats with pancreatitis also have IBD and/or liver problems, or diabetes mellitus, you may find yourself forced to feed a prescription diet.

Ideally the cat foods you consider will come from companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff.

Look for companies that have good quality control measures. It’s also a good idea to look for companies that invest in nutritional research for cats.

Conclusion

Pancreatitis is a serious health issue. The symptoms can be vague and you may not notice them at first. As soon as you think there might be something wrong with your cat you should see a veterinarian. This illness can be life-threatening in many cases.

Fortunately, it can often be successfully treated. There are no firm requirements for how to feed your cat after he has had pancreatitis but the best cat foods for pancreatitis generally focus on helping your cat maintain a good, healthy diet and watching his weight.