The Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis 2024

You know there’s a problem when your normally active cat becomes lethargic, loses appetite, throws up, or defecates loose excrement.

These symptoms could indicate a variety of health problems in cats, including the potentially fatal illness of pancreatitis. Without a doubt, visiting the animal clinic and getting expert veterinary advice is the best course of action for you.

We can all agree that the pancreas, which your cat’s has as well, is an essential organ since it releases insulin to regulate blood sugar and ward against diabetes. Additionally, it releases digestive enzymes into the stomach.

The pancreas itself is digested by these enzymes when they are triggered too early, leading to pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas in cats.

Your cat will recover from feline pancreatitis if it is diagnosed and treated early. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore essential.

We’ll talk about this irritating health issue that many cats experience in this article. We will also go over the best cat food for pancreatitis and discuss how a healthy diet can help manage acute or chronic pancreatitis in cats.

What To Look For?

A balanced diet will help to ensure your pet’s well-being even if cat diets aren’t always the answer to any ailments, including feline pancreatitis. A balanced diet is the best defense against most pet ailments, according to the majority of veterinarians.

Select cat food that satisfies the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines, is made entirely of natural, high-quality ingredients, and contains no artificial components. Please be aware that liver illness is a common co-morbidity of pancreatitis in cats.

Artificial substances have the potential to exacerbate liver disease by increasing its workload. Even though the best cat meals are more expensive than store-bought varieties, they can help prevent more costly health problems.

The following characteristics of a cat’s food should be sought for if your cat has pancreatitis so that the disease can be improved and the symptoms can be managed:

Highly Digestible Food

High-digestible foods are recommended to reduce the stress on the cat’s digestive tract because pancreatitis is a digestive condition.

Because the digestive system does not have to work as hard on synthetic components, natural nutrients, and entire foods are the easiest to digest.

High-Quality Animal Protein

Because your cat is an obligate carnivore—that is, one that needs specific amino acids that are only found in animals—high-quality animal protein is crucial to her health.

A high-grade animal protein source is the best option because your cat’s general health depends on the quality of its protein intake.

Select a unique, high-quality animal protein, such as fish or turkey, instead of the more popular chicken and beef, which are known to cause allergies in certain cats, if your furry friend has a sensitive stomach or food allergies.

Moderate Fat Content

To facilitate simpler digestion, choose cat food with low to moderate fat content. However, unlike dogs, cats with pancreatitis may not necessarily need to follow a low-fat diet.

Cats require some fat in their systems, thus a diet low in fat is acceptable. However, a high-fat diet is undoubtedly not recommended for cats who have pancreatitis, as the additional fat would just increase the strain on the digestive system.

High in Moisture

Dehydration is a risk for cats suffering from pancreatitis. Since some cats don’t regularly drink water, it helps if the cat food is high in moisture, since this can aid in the cat’s recovery from this condition.

In certain circumstances, moist food is better than dry food. A good-quality canned food will aid in your cat’s hydration.

However, urge her to drink extra water if she prefers dry cat food. Cats may be encouraged to drink more water by using a pet drinking fountain.

Low in Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are beneficial to cats, although they don’t require a lot of them. Additionally, a low-carb diet is more suitable for cats with pancreatitis because plant-based nutrients are more difficult to digest.

Check the guaranteed analysis on the label, add the percentages of the protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash contents, and subtract the total from 100 to get the carbohydrate level of cat food.

The carbohydrate content of canned or wet cat food shouldn’t be more than 6%. The carb load in dry cat food should be less than 35%.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Foods for cats that contain probiotics and prebiotic fiber can also improve digestive health, which helps reduce the pancreas’s burden.

It’s preferable to start with smaller packages of the finest cat food for pancreatitis to evaluate if your cats would enjoy the diet. Certain cats can be extremely picky, especially the elderly ones.

Having the proper cat food is pointless if your cat refuses to eat it. It’s more crucial that kids eat, after all. Therefore, it can be necessary for pet owners to experiment with various cat feeds before settling on the perfect one.

Wet Food Versus Dry Food

Aside from hydration, wet food has another distinct edge over dry food when it comes to feeding cats with pancreatitis – lesser carbohydrate content. Dry cat food contains fillers to hold the shape of the kibble, and these fillers are made of plant-based ingredients like grains. 

Plant-based ingredients are harder to digest for cats, which means the digestive system needs to work harder. So for felines with pancreatitis, wet cat food is more suitable.

If serving purely wet food is a challenge financially, you can mix dry food with wet food, with a smaller proportion than usual for dry cat food and current cat food. 

Moreover, if dry cat food is still your kitty’s preferred diet, shift to low-fat, low-calorie, and low-carb dry cat food with highly digestible and premium animal protein. 

Fresh Pet Food

Given that fresh ingredients are typically extremely easily digested and that commercial pet foods are typically loaded with chemical substances, homemade or fresh pet food is unquestionably a praiseworthy choice for your cat’s nutrition. Fresh, non-GMO ingredients are the best, especially if they are organic.

Compared to typical commercial cat food, cooked pet food is less processed, so it is safe. However, use organic oils like coconut or olive oil. Furthermore, avoid adding any spices meant for human consumption as they may be toxic to your pets.

For additional guidance on ensuring you’re feeding a comprehensive and balanced meal—and, more crucially, a cat’s diet that works for cats with pancreatitis—consult your veterinarian or a board-certified animal nutritionist. This implies that the pancreas, stomach, and digestive system of your cat must all be supported by the recipe. The top priority is this.

Some solutions are accessible online if you don’t have time to make fresh pet food. One of the well-known ones is Nom Nom Now Fresh Pet Foods, which offers a cat food dish called Chicken Cuisine that includes carrots and greens along with fresh chicken breast, thigh, and liver. With only 3% crude fat and no added sugar, this fresh cat food is suitable for pancreatitis sufferers.

Raw Pet Food

Because they are easily digested, raw diets are beneficial for cats suffering from pancreatitis as well. Raw food is simple for the digestive tract, with a 90% digestion rate. Because it is more in line with a cat’s natural diet in the wild, it is becoming more and more popular as pet food.

Making raw food has certain difficulties. Salmonella and other dangerous bacteria may be present in raw meat. Additionally, raw food lacks some of the vital minerals your cat requires, so you will need to supplement.

Nonetheless, highly digestible raw food—which also provides more moisture than dry cat food—will undoubtedly help your cats with pancreatitis.

The market offers a variety of freeze-dried cat food options for owners of busy cats. The freeze-dried cat food Vital Essentials Turkey Mini Nibs is worth a try.

This grain-free, freeze-dried cat food contains 53% crude protein and 20% low to moderate fat and is made from raw turkey meat, liver, and heart.

Very nutritious herring oil and turkey liver add to the dish’s rich flavor. This is a low-carb turkey supper because it doesn’t contain any plant-based ingredients.

Prescription Foods

The veterinarian might suggest prescription meals with the right nutrients and ingredients to help treat more severe cases of feline pancreatitis.

Prescription foods, such as pancreatitis, are designed to treat particular medical conditions. You will require a veterinarian’s approval before you may buy.

One of the most well-known companies that makes pet food is Royal Canin, and they specialize in prescription diets.

Diets for the majority of common ailments in dogs and cats can be found in the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet product line. A few of their veterinarian-created recipes, intended for weight control and digestive well-being, might also be suitable for treating pancreatitis in cats.

Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis: Top 10 Wet Food Brands

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 canned foods that are best suited for managing pancreatitis in cats, as wet cat food is the recommended diet for most cases of this digestive condition. For simpler digestion and better hydration, you can combine dry cat food with wet food if your cats are used to it.

1. Fussie Cat Premium Tuna with Ocean Fish Formula

The first five ingredients are

Fussie Cat Premium Tuna with Ocean Fish canned cat food is our top pick overall for pancreatitis due to its grain-free formula.

This moderate-fat diet, which is made with premium protein from tuna and ocean fish, is guaranteed to be tasty and nourishing, something your pancreatitis-stricken cats would probably love.

With a minimum protein concentration of 12%, maximum fat and carbohydrate contents of 2.5% and 0.5%, respectively, 84.5% moisture content, and a low-calorie value of 612 kcal/kg, the protein supply is abundant.

In addition to being grain-free, this canned cat food is loaded with important vitamins and minerals, such as omega fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat.

For cats with delicate stomachs or known food allergies, it is safe because it contains no known food allergens. The majority of internet reviews for this tinned meal are extremely

ocean fish, sunflower seed oil, calcium carbonate, tuna, and enough water for processing.

2. Applaws Tuna Fillet with Seaweed

Seaweed, rice, fish broth, and tuna fillet are the ingredients.

Applaws Tuna Fillet with Seaweed canned cat food is another excellent wet cat food that deserves to be mentioned in the list of the best cat food for pancreatitis.

This premium wet food, which is well-known for its premium components, is produced with only a few natural ingredients, including rice, fish broth, and real wild-caught tuna and seaweed.

It is a low-fat food with 12% protein mass and only 1% fat load. Also, the carb load is less than 1%. Also, it has a lot of omega fatty acids, which promote the health of the skin and coat.

Although there aren’t many reviews of this canned cat food on the internet, the ones that are there are very positive. This recipe works well for finicky cats who would rather have dry, freeze-dried,

3. Tiki Cat Hookena Luau Ahi Tuna & Chicken in Chicken Consommé

Chicken broth, tuna, chicken, sunflower seed oil, and tricalcium phosphate are the first five ingredients.

Try the grain-free canned cat food Tiki Cat Hookena Luau Ahi Tuna & Chicken if the first two brands don’t suit your needs.

Tiki Cat, renowned for its delectable fish varieties, provides cats with pancreatitis and digestive issues with this low-carb, moderate-fat diet.

This grain-free canned cat food has shredded chicken and wild-caught flakes of Ahi tuna as its premium animal protein sources, which account for your cats’ impressive 17% protein bulk for lean muscle mass and extra energy.

This delicious meal has a minimum fat load of 3%, while just 0.3% of carbohydrates and 78% moisture are present. The essential fatty acids required for optimum skin and coat health as well as digestive assistance are provided by sunflower and tuna oils.

Additionally, it is packed with vital vitamins.

4. Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée

The first five ingredients are salmon, mackerel, water sufficient for processing, tuna, and tuna broth.

Not to be overlooked in this list of the greatest canned cat food for pancreatitis is this high-end item: Wellness CORE Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon.

This low-carb formula, which is made with premium and unique animal proteins from salmon, mackerel, and tuna, has a minimum protein content of 10%, a moderate fat content of 3.5%, and 85% moisture to ensure enough hydration.

The carbohydrate content is less than 1%. The essential omega fatty acids for good skin and coat are produced in this wet meal by sunflower oil. Furthermore, the comprehensive and balanced nutrition of this grain-free canned cat food is a highlight.

Numerous positive internet reviews show how much cat owners adore this grain-free wet cat chow. Even yet, one cat parent said that

The pancreatitis in her cat was controlled by this diet.

However, it does receive criticism, the most frequent of which are “too soupy,” “few flakes,” and “strong smell.” Additionally, a client reported discovering fish bones in the mixture.

5. Weruva Truluxe Pretty In Pink with Salmon in Gravy

Fish broth, salmon, sunflower seed oil, guar gum, and tricalcium phosphate are the first five ingredients.

Weruva recipes are well-known authorities in wet pet foods, so it’s difficult to overlook them when it comes to wet food.

The Weruva Truluxe Pretty In Pink Salmon grain-free canned cat food is undoubtedly one of the greatest options available for treating ill cats.

The primary source of animal protein is real meat from dolphin-safe salmon, which is combined with flavorful gravy to appeal to even picky cats.

This grain-free dish has a minimum protein level of 10%, a moderate fat content of 1.3%, and a low carbohydrate content of 2.2%. It is also loaded with important vitamins and minerals.

There are no undesirable components in this recipe, such as MSG, GMOs, or common food allergies. Weruva cat food enjoys a devoted following.

This grain-free online user gave the formula very positive evaluations, and many of them were thrilled with the outcomes for their pets. The cost is the main source of grievances.

6. Royal Canin Feline Weight Care Loaf in Sauce

First Five Ingredients: Water Enough for Processing, Pork Liver, Pork By-Products, and Chicken By-Products

This Royal Canin Feline Weight Care Loaf is designed to help cats with digestive issues including pancreatitis in addition to helping obese cats lose weight.

This canned cat food contains 2.8% carb mass, 1.6% fat, and a minimum protein load of 9%. It contains brewers rice flour, wheat gluten, and ingredients for chicken and pork. It has a low-calorie content of 632 kcal/kg.

Additionally, Royal Canin’s non-prescription diets are comparatively less expensive than the Veterinary Diet product range.

Most cat parents who tried this loaf were happy with it, and many said that their tabbies liked it.

A few people complained that the pate was overly soft and discernible reduction in the can’s dimensions.

7. Purina Pro Plan True Nature Natural Chicken & Salmon Entrée

The first five ingredients are chicken, liver, wheat gluten, water sufficient for processing, and meat by-products.

Since most cat meals for weight control are highly expensive, Purina Pro Plan’s True Nature canned food line is one of the more reasonably priced options.

This canned formula deserves a spot in our list of the best cat food for pancreatitis because it uses real chicken as its primary protein source, giving it a high minimum crude protein content of 11% which is appropriate for senior cats.

This dish for a hearty supper with pieces of gravy contains no artificial additives. Its carb content is less than 1%. It contains vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for cats’ general health.

This food’s omega fatty acids maintain healthy skin and coat, and the maturing prebiotic fiber aids in the development of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Additionally, this formula is also a favorite of many cat owners, who, according to internet reviews, strongly suggest this cat chow. Several of the responses mention how their cats’ skin and coat conditions have improved.

Pet parents searching for low-calorie food for their finicky cats made up a large portion of the feedback. This was a very tasty dinner that even the pickiest cats enjoyed.

The very few negative comments mentioned that, although their cats enjoyed the sauce, they found the food to be too chunky to chew.

8. Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate

Chicken, herring, eggs, sweet potatoes, and herring oil are the first five ingredients.

Farmina is one of the most prominent premium pet food brands available today, and its canned cat food with chicken and pomegranate is undoubtedly a top seller.

Made using premium animal protein sources, such as eggs, herring, and real chicken, which yield a minimum of 12.5% of protein.

With only 1.8% carbohydrates and 4.5% fat, this grain-free canned cat food has a moderate fat level. Along with important fatty acids from herring oil, it is full of essential vitamins and minerals. Gluten, GMOs, and other additives are also absent.

The majority of customer reviews for this canned cat chow are positive, with many mentioning how their finicky cats loved this moist meal.

However, many others think that this moist food is too expensive.

9. Ziwi Peak Rabbit & Lamb Recipe

The first five ingredients are lamb, lamb lung, lamb liver, rabbit meat, and enough water for processing.

Ziwi Peak, a well-known luxury pet food company, is represented on this list by its canned cat food, Rabbit & Lamb.

You can count on Ziwi Peak to provide high-quality food ingredients; in this case, the major ingredients are actual meat and organs from rabbit and free-range lamb. These sources of animal protein have a minimum protein load of 11%, which is high.

Green mussels from New Zealand are another ingredient in this pate that naturally supports joint health. At just 3.5%, the fat content is not very high.

In addition to being low in carbohydrates, this formula is rich in vital vitamins and minerals that will keep your cat happy and healthy. There are no common food allergies or subpar ingredients in this grain-free dinner.

Like all the cat feeds on this list, the canned variety was well-rated online, where users commented on how well-digested it was, how gentle it was on sensitive stomachs, and how it made clean poop.

However, a good percentage of patrons thought the stench was overpowering and disagreeable, maybe as a result of the recipe’s use of green mussels. In addition, some people felt that the pate was not very moist, and there is always the typical grievance regarding the cost.

10. Instinct Minced Recipe with Real Chicken

Ground dried peas, egg whites, chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver are the first five ingredients.

Instinct Grain-Free Minced Recipe with Real Chicken Cat Food Cups completes our line of wet cat meals.

This adult cat-safe minced meal mostly consists of chicken meat and liver that have not been caged. This dish contains a moderate 3.5% carbohydrate load and a minimum of 9% crude protein. At 4.5%, its fat level is still within permissible bounds for pancreatitis in cats.

As is typical of the Instinct brand, only premium-grade ingredients, such as healthy foods like spinach, artichoke, cranberries, pumpkin, and broccoli, are used to make this grain-free pate.

The ingredient list makes it clear that this mixture has all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids from powdered flaxseed to promote a good coat and skin.

Reviews for this canned cat food are largely positive; many consumers like that it is safe for cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies and that it is made entirely of natural ingredients.

A few people have mentioned how wonderfully this formula worked for their cats who had pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal problems. Negative remarks, however, were made regarding how difficult it was to open and how easily it might be punctured.

Unveiling the Finest Selection: Best Cat Food for Pancreatitis

The importance of an appropriate diet in our quest to guarantee our cherished feline friends’ maximum health and well-being cannot be emphasized. Choosing the appropriate cat food is crucial when managing particular medical disorders like pancreatitis. Careful dietary management is necessary for pancreatitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the pancreas, to reduce symptoms and aid in healing. This in-depth article reveals the best pancreatitis cat food, specially formulated to meet the special nutritional requirements of cats suffering from this illness.

Understanding Pancreatitis in Cats

Prior to exploring the world of cat food selection, it is essential to have a basic awareness of cat pancreatitis. The term “pancreatitis” describes inflammation of the pancreas, an essential organ that produces digestive and hormone-regulating enzymes. This inflammatory illness can cause everything from minor pain to potentially fatal consequences, depending on how severe it is.

Symptoms of pancreatitis in cats might include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Efficient diagnosis and suitable treatment are crucial for reducing discomfort and averting additional complications.

Key Considerations for Selecting Cat Food for Pancreatitis

Several important factors must be taken into account when choosing cat food for a feline friend who has been diagnosed with pancreatitis to maintain the best possible nutrition and digestive health:

1. Limited Fat Content

High-fat diets can aggravate pancreatitis in cats, thus it’s critical to choose cat food formulations with reduced fat content. Diets low in fat lessen the amount of work the pancreas must do, which lowers the possibility of escalating pain and inflammation.

2. High-Quality Protein Sources

To maintain muscular function and general well-being, cat food formulas must include high-quality protein sources. Select cat food products with lean protein sources, such as fish, poultry, or turkey, as these are easier to digest and are less likely to aggravate pancreatic inflammation.

3. Digestible Carbohydrates

To reduce the burden on the pancreas and enhance nutrient absorption, pick cat food formulations that include easily digestible carbs. Avoid components that are known to cause gastrointestinal upset and look for cat food options that incorporate healthy grains or vegetables as sources of carbs.

4. Balanced Nutrition

Cats with pancreatitis have specific dietary demands, which must be met by making sure their cat food diet offers balanced nutrition. Seek out cat food formulations with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are specially designed to boost the immune system and digestive health.

5. Veterinary Guidance

Having a veterinarian consult is essential when creating a customized cat food plan for a feline friend with pancreatitis that takes into account their specific demands and overall health. A veterinarian can offer insightful advice based on the condition’s severity, food preferences, and any underlying medical conditions.

Top Picks: Best Cat Food for Pancreatitis

Now that the main factors for choosing cat food for pancreatitis have been clarified, let’s look at some of the best options that satisfy these requirements:

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care

Veterinarians created Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care with the express purpose of promoting digestive health in cats suffering from gastrointestinal conditions, such as pancreatitis. This cat food alternative helps to minimize pancreatic strain while supplying critical nutrients due to its reduced fat content and easily digestible components.

2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low-Fat

Well-known for its dedication to the well-being of pets, Royal Canin provides a specific cat food recipe designed to address the needs of cats with digestive sensitivities, such as pancreatitis. This low-fat cat food alternative supports overall vitality and digestive well-being with its ideal vitamin balance.

3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric, created by Purina’s team of experts, offers cats with gastrointestinal diseases, including pancreatitis, complete nutritional assistance. This cat food alternative aids in healing and reduces digestive irritation due to its highly digestible components and balanced nutrition.

The Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis 2024

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, careful evaluation of elements including fat content, protein sources, digestion of carbohydrates, and overall nutritional balance is necessary when choosing the best cat food for pancreatitis. Pet owners may give their feline pets the nutrition they need to flourish despite this difficult condition by choosing cat food formulas that are specifically made to improve digestive health and reduce pancreas inflammation.

Remember that creating a customized cat food plan that addresses each cat’s specific needs with pancreatitis requires speaking with a veterinarian. While navigating this health obstacle, cats can experience enhanced comfort and well-being with the appropriate dietary approach and veterinary advice.