7 Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis

7 Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disorder in cats and recent veterinary studies suggests that more than 40% of all cats may be affected.

Finding a cat food that is made with high quality ingredients, limited carbohydrates, healthy fats and is easily digestible can help manage your cats pancreatitis.

The initial signs that a cat might present include: vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Symptoms in cats are subtle and can be easily overlooked, making it hard to diagnose this silent killer.

With immediate treatment, your cat is likely to recover completely from pancreatitis. Managing the condition with dietary changes can reduce the chances of re-occurrence.

Keep reading to learn more about the best foods to feed cats with pancreatitis along with their pros and cons.

How We Researched The 6 Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis?

• We spent several days researching the best cat food for pancreatitis
• We considered over 10 cat foods and fine tuned it down to the 6 reviewed in this article
• We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each cat food for pancreatitis

The 6 Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis Comparison Chart

What To Look For In Food For Cats With Pancreatitis?

• Easily Digestible –  This is key when it comes to feeding your cat with pancreatitis. Ingredients that are wholesome and natural are the easiest to digest, as well as animal products versus plant products.
• Quality Protein – High-quality animal protein is the foundation of a healthy diet for cats. Look for ingredients with one quality source of animal protein, or a combination of animal proteins that are easily digestible.
• Moisture Rich – Dehydration a symptom of pancreatitis, and hydrating is crucial in helping your cat recover. The cat food your select should be rich in moisture. Make sure your cat has access to and drinks plenty of water as well.
• Moderate Fat Levels – Cats do not require a low-fat diet to treat or manage pancreatitis, but a high-fat diet isn’t beneficial either. Look for a cat food with moderate fat content that comes from high-quality animal-based sources.
• Limited Carbohydrates – Cat’s were not designed to digest carbohydrates, so cat food with high amounts of plant products will be difficult to digest. Carbohydrates break down into glucose, meaning too many carbs in your cat’s diet may trigger the pancreas to start over-producing insulin, creating more problems.

The 6 Best Cat Food For Pancreatitis Reviewed

#1 Raised Right Cat Food

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Raised Right is a subscription cat food delivery service that delivers customized meals to your door. They guarantee to provide restaurant quality ingredients that are considered human grade, and recipes are prepared in a human-grade kitchen that is 100% designed and dedicated to making fresh pet food.

The food contains no fillers or grains, no preservatives or artificial flavors, and they only use the highest-quality, responsibly sourced meats. The high content of quality proteins and low carbohydrates are beneficial in treating your cat with pancreatitis.

There are four meal recipes that you can choose for your cat. The first is the Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe which is full of ingredients to keep your cat’s eyesight razor sharp for stalking. The second is Turkey & Pumpkin Paté for Adult Cats and it is packed with turkey thigh and turkey heart to guarantee a softer and shinier fur coat for your cat.

#2 Smalls Food for Cats

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Smalls food for cats is a subscription service, prepared with 100% human grade ingredients. You can create a customized meal plan for your cats based on their age, health goal, and current food and have freshly prepared food delivered to your door.

Smalls buys all of their ingredients the same day they cook it and then freeze it right away. They also cook on a weekly basis so the food coming to you is never old. All of Smalls ingredients are sourced from 100% USDA certified human grade suppliers.

Smalls currently offers 3 fresh recipe flavors in pate or minced, and can mix and match the foods depending on your cats preference. Their food is free from preservatives, fillers, grains, and artificial flavors.

#3 Ziwi Peak Canned Cat Cuisine

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Hailing from New Zealand and grass-fed, this free-range cat food is made with 100% lamb sourced from ethical and sustainable New Zealand farms. The wild-caught New Zealand Blue Mackerel is high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. There are several other flavors available as well with the same high quality ingredients. The high protein, low carbs and high moisture levels are great for the diet of a cat suffering pancreatitis. 

This recipe includes 3% New Zealand green mussels, which are a natural source of Chondroitin and Glucosamine that supports joint health.

The food is a chunky loaf style, with a high level of all-natural protein and moisture to entice even the most finicky eater. This cuisine does not contain grains, rice, corn, soy, potatoes, wheat, fillers, sugars, glycerin’s, rendered meals, preservatives, TSPP, BPA, Guar Gum, Agar or Carrageenan.

#4 American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe

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American Journey Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a grain-free dry food designed for cats who prefer kibble. Made without grains, this kibble features real, de-boned turkey as the first ingredient, wholesome fruits and vegetables, as well as de-boned chicken. This kibble has a high amount of protein for being a dry cat food and would be beneficial for a pancreatic cat who prefers some kibble in their diet.

This kibble has antioxidants for a healthy immune system, taurine for healthy eyes and heart, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

American Journey is made in the USA with ingredients from around the world, and no poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives.

#5 Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food

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Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food is made with high levels of protein and minimum crude fat. The high protein and high moisture is what cats with pancreatitis often need to help with digestion.

This formula contains no grains, corn, wheat, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It also has no carrageenan or meat by-products.

#6 Tiki Cat Wet Cat Food

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Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken offers a complete and balanced nutrition for all breeds of cats. It is made with premium quality ingredients and has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Tiki Cat targets the needs of  a cats who need digestive health support which is helpful for cats with pancreatitis. This formula is loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help support healthy skin & shiny coats. There are many flavors to choose from and different textures as well.

#7 Newmans Own Organic Turkey and Liver Dinner – Discontinued

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Newman’s Own Organics Grain-Free 95% Turkey & Liver Dinner Canned Cat Food is made with real organic turkey, turkey liver and turkey broth as the top ingredients, and it’s grain-free.

This pate style food has essential amino acids like taurine, plus vitamins and minerals. It’s great as a complete and balanced diet for cats with pancreatitis, and can be used as a meal on its own or a kibble topper.

The broth is a great way to add much-needed hydration to your pancreatic cat’s diet, and contains no wheat, corn, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Conclusion

Every cat is different, so choosing the right high quality food for your cat’s individual needs is important. Keep in mind cats suffering from pancreatitis need a cat food with digestibility, moisture, and high-quality protein in their diet.

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

Our list includes non-prescription foods that may help your cat feel better before and after medical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to treat pancreatitis in cats?

Most cats with pancreatitis are hospitalized anywhere from two to seven days. During this time intravenous fluids and medications are administered then food is gradually re-introduced.

How long can a cat live with pancreatitis?

Mild forms of acute pancreatitis have a good prognosis with early intervention and treatment. Chronic cases of pancreatitis can come and go for years, and require a permanent diet change as well as medication. Most cats can recover without any long-term effects.

How do I transition my cat from her current food to a pancreatitis cat food?

Begin the transition by mixing both the current food with their new cat food together. Gradually decrease the amount of current cat food while increasing the amount of new cat food. Continue to do this over a 7-day period for better acceptance of the new cat food.

What can cause pancreatitis in cats?

It is usually secondary to or accompanied by other disease like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, or liver disease. Pancreatitis can also be caused by infection, injury to the abdomen, ingestion of medications, and insecticides to control fleas and ticks.