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10 Best Cat Foods for Pancreatitis – 2024 Reviews and Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cat eating semi moist cat food Dealing with pancreatitis in cats can be difficult and finding a food that’s appropriate for your cat with pancreatitis is overwhelming. Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas that essentially causes the pancreas to begin releasing digestive enzymes and digesting itself. Cats with pancreatitis need a moderate-fat diet that is easy to digest, and while veterinary-prescribed diets are typically the best choice, there are some non-prescription options as well.

The most important takeaway from these reviews is that this is a guide to help you identify foods that may be appropriate for your cat. This is not medical advice or recommendations of foods you should give your cat without consulting your vet. When treating pancreatitis, never make dietary changes without consulting with your vet first. If your cat isn’t eating, you must let your vet know and get their guidance on trying something different.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food Subscription Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food Subscription
  • Highly digestible
  • Convenient ordering
  • High-quality nutrition
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Iams Proactive Health Weight & Hairball Dry Cat Food Iams Proactive Health Weight & Hairball Dry Cat Food
  • Best value
  • Fat content between 12 – 15%
  • Made specifically for weight control and digestive support
  • Third place
    Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food
  • Primary protein is a novel soy-based protein
  • Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest
  • Fat content of 10%
  • Blue Buffalo Vet Diet Gastrointestinal Dry Cat Food Blue Buffalo Vet Diet Gastrointestinal Dry Cat Food
  • Fat content is 15.5%
  • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
  • Designed to support digestive health
  • Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Cat Food Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Cat Food
  • Features slices in gravy
  • Fat content of 9.8%
  • Shouldn’t lead to inappropriate weight gain
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods for Pancreatitis

    1. Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

    smalls freeze-dried raw and human-grade fresh cat food with tabby cat

    Fat Percentage: 8.5%
    Form: Fresh, wet
    Primary Protein: Chicken
    Prescription: No

    Cats experiencing pancreatitis do best on a moderate-fat, easy-to-digest diet. Smalls is a delivery service that brings your cat’s food right to your door. You can choose from different protein sources among the fresh recipes, but a popular choice is the Smalls Ground Bird Recipe. The high protein content consists of combined chicken breast, chicken liver, and chicken heart. It joins green beans, peas, kale, and various vitamins in a highly digestible recipe with minimal fat content.

    There are no fillers, additives, or artificial preservatives in this food, so your cat’s body won’t have to work hard to break down the food to absorb nutrients from it. This subscription is a little pricey, so you’ll need to budget a little more for it. You’ll also have to find room in the fridge and freezer to store the food once it arrives.

    That said, we like the convenience of ordering, the moisture that the fresh recipes provide, and the high-quality, balanced nutrition of the recipes. If you’re considering making the switch to Smalls, talk to your vet before feeding your cat anything new to make sure it’s an appropriate food for them, especially if they have health conditions like pancreatitis.

    All in all, we think this is the best cat food for pancreatitis that you can buy this year.

    Pros
    • Made for cat allergies that affect the skin and digestive tract
    • Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest
    • The fat content of only 8.5%
    • Designed to improve GI tract function to allow the GI tract to heal
    • Includes clinically proven antioxidants that support skin health and immunity
    • May reduce shedding

    Cons
    • Premium price


    2. Iams Proactive Health Weight & Hairball Control – Budget Buy

    Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control (1)

    Fat Percentage: 12–15%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Chicken
    Prescription: No

    If you’re on a tight budget, the Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control dry food is a good option. This food has a fat percentage between 12% and 15%, and it is made specifically for the weight and digestion needs of indoor cats. It’s easy to digest and uses chicken as the first ingredient. It has L-carnitine in it, which can help support healthy metabolism. It contains a fiber blend that can improve the quality of stools and take some stress off of the GI tract. This food is non-prescription and is available at most major retailers.

    This food contains some fillers, like corn grits and corn gluten meal. Since this is a weight loss food, it’s important to ensure that you are feeding an appropriate amount to your cat to support healing and prevent weight loss.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Made specifically for weight control and digestive support
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Supports a healthy metabolism
    • Fiber blend may reduce GI tract stress
    • Non-prescription and widely available

    Cons
    • Contains fillers
    • May lead to unnecessary weight loss


    3. Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food

    Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Formula (1)

    Fat Percentage: 10%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate
    Prescription: Yes

    The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Formula contains hydrolyzed chicken-based protein, but the primary protein is hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, which is a novel protein for most cats. This food should be easy to digest and has a fat percentage of 10%. The main carbohydrate source in this food is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides, which don’t require energy for absorption or use, allowing the GI tract to rest. This food is designed specifically for cats with allergies or digestive problems, including pancreatitis.

    This food comes at a premium price, so it may not be affordable for many people. Some cats don’t find this food to be palatable, and the largest bag size available is only 8 pounds.

    Pros
    • Primary protein is a novel soy-based protein
    • Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest
    • Fat content of 10%
    • Good source of MCTs
    • Designed to improve GI tract function
    • Made for cats with allergies and digestive difficulties

    Cons
    • Premium price
    • May not be palatable to some cats
    • Largest bag is 8 pounds


    4. Blue Buffalo Natural Vet Diet Gastrointestinal Cat Food

    Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support (1)

    Fat Percentage: 5%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Deboned chicken
    Prescription: Yes

    The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support cat food contains 15.5% fat and has deboned chicken as the first ingredient. This food is designed to optimize digestion and nutrient absorption. It contains prebiotic fibers that support natural digestive microflora. It contains ingredients that are high in antioxidants to support your cat’s immune system.

    Although expensive, this food is on the lower end in terms of price when it comes to prescription foods. Some people find their cats aren’t big fans of the taste of this food, so its palatability may be low for fussy cats. This food is currently only available in a 7-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Fat content is 15.5%
    • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
    • Designed to support digestive health
    • Prebiotic fibers support normal gastrointestinal microflora
    • High in antioxidants
    • Less costly than some other prescription food options

    Cons
    • Moderate to premium price
    • May not be palatable
    • Only one bag size available


    5. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie Wet Cat Food

    Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie (1)

    Fat Percentage: 8%
    Form: Slices in gravy
    Primary Protein: Chicken liver
    Prescription: Yes

    Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie food is chicken-flavored wet food with slices in gravy. It only contains 9.8% fat, making it a good pick for cats with pancreatitis. This food is made for cats with digestive issues who are also prone to weight gain, so if fed properly, it shouldn’t lead to inappropriate weight gain in your cat. It contains soluble and insoluble fiber to support digestion, as well as other ingredients to support digestive health and healthy stools.

    This food is premium priced, and it is only available in one flavor, so picky cats may not like it. The cans are only 3 ounces each, so most cats will require multiple cans per day.

    Pros
    • Features slices in gravy
    • Fat content of 9.8%
    • Shouldn’t lead to inappropriate weight gain
    • Supports digestive health and healthy stools
    • Many cats find it palatable

    Cons
    • Premium price
    • One flavor
    • Cans are 3 ounces


    6. Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Dry Cat Food

    Hills Prescription Diet Z_D Dry Food

    Fat Percentage: 5%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Hydrolyzed chicken liver
    Prescription: Yes

    Another great pick for cats with pancreatitis is Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Dry Food. This food is made for cats with allergies to common proteins and it features hydrolyzed proteins, which means the proteins have been broken down into a highly digestible form. It has a fat content of 11.5%, making it ideal for cats with pancreatitis. This food is designed to improve gastric efficiency and stool quality, allowing your cat’s GI tract a chance to rest while the pancreas heals. It also contains antioxidants that have been clinically proven to improve the skin barrier and immunity. You may see a healthier coat and a reduction in shedding while your cat is on this food.

    This food may be prohibitively expensive for many people, especially if it’s being fed long-term. Also, some cats don’t find it particularly palatable and may not eat it.

    Pros
    • Made for cats with allergies that affect the skin and digestive tract
    • Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest
    • Fat content of 11.5%
    • Designed to improve GI tract function to allow the GI tract to heal
    • Includes clinically proven antioxidants that support skin health and immunity
    • May reduce shedding

    Cons
    • Premium price
    • May not be palatable for some cats


    7. Wellness CORE Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Salmon Wet Cat Food

    Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée in Broth (1)

    Fat Percentage: 3%
    Form: Flakes in broth
    Primary Protein: Tuna
    Prescription: No

    The Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée in Broth is a canned food that has a fat content of 23.3%. It features tuna as the first ingredient and also includes mackerel and salmon. It is non-prescription and contains sunflower oil, which supports coat and digestive health. This food is prepared by hand and is available in two can sizes. This food can become expensive quickly if it’s the primary food your cat is receiving.

    Although this food is intended to flake in broth, some people have reported it being more of a thick liquid with some chunks.

    Pros
    • Fat content of 23.3%
    • Tuna is the first ingredient
    • Non-prescription
    • Supports digestive and coat health

    Cons
    • Moderate price
    • Texture may be thicker and with larger chunks than advertised


    8. Orijen Six Fish Dry Cat Food

    Orijen Six Fish (1)

    Fat Percentage: 2%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Whole mackerel
    Prescription: No

    The Orijen Six Fish dry cat food contains 22.2% fat and features proteins as the first nine ingredients, including whole mackerel, whole herring, flounder, Acadian redfish, monkfish, and whole hake. The food includes organs and bone, so the food consists of 90% animal ingredients. Most of the proteins are raw, ensuring maximum nutrition in the food, and the kibble is coated in freeze-dried raw proteins for maximum flavor. This food is a premium price, though.

    Although formulated for maximum flavor, cats who are used to poultry or beef foods may find this fishy food to be not palatable.

    Pros
    • 2% fat content
    • 90% animal ingredients
    • Maximum nutrition is ensured
    • Coated in freeze-dried raw food

    Cons
    • Premium price
    • May not be palatable


    9. Royal Canin Vet Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP (1)

    Fat Percentage: 5%
    Form: Kibble
    Primary Protein: Hydrolyzed soy protein
    Prescription: Yes

    The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP kibble uses hydrolyzed soy protein as the primary protein source, making it ideal for digestion. It has 19.5% fat content and contains healthy levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. Most kitties seem to find this food palatable, but pickier cats may not.

    It carries a premium price tag and may be difficult to find since some vet clinics do not carry Royal Canin foods, and it is frequently out of stock online.

    Pros
    • Hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest
    • Primary protein is a novel soy-based protein
    • Omega-3 fatty acids support skin, coat, and digestive health
    • Most cats find this food palatable

    Cons
    • May not be palatable to picky cats
    • Premium price tag
    • May be difficult to find


    10. Purina Beyond Trout & Catfish Canned Cat Food

    Purina Beyond Grain Free Trout & Catfish Recipe (1)

    Fat Percentage: 7%
    Form: Pate
    Primary Protein: Trout
    Prescription: No

    For a budget-friendly wet food, the Purina Beyond Grain Free Trout & Catfish Recipe pate is a good option. It contains 22.7% fat and features protein from trout, catfish, chicken, and egg. The trout is farm-raised in the US and the food has prebiotic fiber to aid in healthy digestion. The food is made in Purina’s US-based factories that are working to reduce water usage and waste production.

    This food does have a fishy smell that may be noticeable and is unappetizing to some cats. It is only available in 3-ounce cans.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Fat content is 22.7%
    • US-based food
    • Prebiotic fiber aids in healthy digestion

    Cons
    • Unappealing fishy smell
    • May not be palatable for some cats
    • Only available in 3-ounce cans

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Food for Pancreatitis

    Why Does Fat Content Matter?

    The primary reason you want to keep an eye on the fat content in the food you choose for your cat with pancreatitis is because the pancreas is responsible for releasing the enzymes that the body uses to digest fat. If your cat’s pancreas is already inflamed and you are feeding food with high-fat content, then your cat’s pancreas is having to work overtime while it’s already struggling, leading to further inflammation and a decrease in your cat’s ability to properly digest foods.

    It is important to note that fatty foods can be difficult to digest anyway. Sometimes when you eat a large, fatty meal, you end up with an upset stomach afterward, and cats are no different. Feeding foods that are difficult to digest while the body is already struggling to keep up with the demands of digestion for survival and metabolic processes can lead to a rapid decline in your cat’s health status.

    Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat with Pancreatitis

    The best way to choose the right food for your cat with pancreatitis is to talk to your cat’s veterinarian. Your cat’s vet is familiar with more than just your cat being a cat with pancreatitis. Your cat’s vet is also familiar with your cat’s medical conditions and history, medications, and supplements your cat takes, and your cat’s current health status. Pancreatitis can go hand in hand with other medical problems, and your vet would be aware of these issues by assessing your cat physically and performing diagnostic tests. They will be able to suggest a food for you to try your cat on while their body attempts to heal.

    If you have concerns about what your vet might recommend, you can put together a list of foods, flavors, or textures that your cat likes, and then the two of you can work together to find the best fit.

    While providing our feline companions with high-quality food is paramount, selecting the right food and water bowl is equally important. The modern yet practical design of our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl combines cat-catered features, like whisker-friendly shallow dishes and slight elevation, with a contemporary style aimed at protecting your floors from messy eating and drinking. The NomNom is entirely dishwasher safe and was thoughtfully created with your cat’s health and well-being in mind. 

    Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
    • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
    • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...

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    Final Thoughts

    Remember that these reviews are a starting point to helping you find the perfect food for your cat suffering from pancreatitis, but this is not a complete list, and your vet should be involved in helping you decide if a food is appropriate. The best overall option is Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription, which is available without a prescription, is made with limited and all-natural ingredients, and is delivered right to your door. If you’re on a tight budget, ask your vet if Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control will work for your cat. It is affordable but is likely to meet the nutritional needs of your cat during the healing and recovery process.


    Featured Image Credit: osobystist, Shutterstock

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