10 Best Cat Foods For Pancreatitis
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Dealing with pancreatitis in cats can be tough, and finding a food that is suitable for your cat with pancreatitis can be tricky.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that leads it to begin releasing digestive enzymes and digesting itself.
Cats with pancreatitis require a low-fat, easily digestible diet, and while veterinary-prescribed diets are usually the best option, there are several non-prescription options as well.
The most essential thing to remember from these evaluations is that this is a guide to help you select foods that might be suitable for your cat.
This is not medical advice or food recommendations for your cat without visiting your veterinarian. Never make food modifications when treating pancreatitis without first talking with your veterinarian.
If your cat isn't eating, you must notify your veterinarian and get their advice on how to proceed. Here are the best cat foods for pancreatitis that BestForPets (bestforpets.org) think you should buy.
Reviews
Weight & Hairball Control Iams Proactive Health – Best Value
If you’re on a limited budget, the Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control dry food is the finest cat food for pancreatitis for the money.
This diet has a fat percentage of 12 to 15% and is designed exclusively for the weight and digestion demands of indoor cats. It’s easy to digest and the first ingredient is chicken.
It contains L-carnitine, which can support healthy metabolism. It contains a fiber combination that helps enhance stool quality and relieve GI tract stress. This cuisine is available at most major supermarkets and is not prescribed.
This product contains fillers such as corn grits and corn gluten meal. Because this is a weight loss diet, it is critical that you feed an appropriate amount to your cat in order to assist healing and avoid weight loss.
Pros
- Best price
- Fat content ranging from 12 to 15%
- Designed primarily for weight loss and digestive support.
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- Promotes a healthy metabolism
- A fiber combination may alleviate GI tract tension.
- Prescription-free and widely available
Cons
- Fillers are present.
- If the packaging directions are followed, it may result in unneeded weight loss.
Hydrolyzed Protein Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets Cat Food
Although the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Formula contains hydrolyzed chicken protein, the main protein is hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, which is a novel protein for most cats.
This food should be easy to digest and contain a 10% fat proportion. This food’s main carbohydrate source is a good source of medium chain triglycerides, which do not require energy for absorption or utilization and hence enable the GI tract to rest.
This meal is specifically intended for cats who have allergies or digestive issues, such as pancreatitis. Because this meal is expensive, it may be out of reach for many individuals.
Some cats dislike this food, and the largest bag size offered is only 8 pounds.
Pros
- Primary protein is a new protein derived from soy.
- Proteins that have been hydrolyzed are easier to digest.
- A ten percent fat content
- MCTs are abundant in this food.
- Designed to promote GI tract function in order for the GI tract to heal.
- Designed for cats with allergies and stomach issues.
Cons
- Premium cost
- It might not seem appealing.
- The largest bag weighs 8 pounds.
Natural Vet Diet Blue Buffalo Cat Food for the Stomach
The first ingredient of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support cat food is deboned chicken, which contains 15.5 percent fat.
This cuisine is made to improve digestion and nutrition absorption. It contains prebiotic fibers, which help to maintain natural gut bacteria.
It contains antioxidant-rich nutrients to help your cat’s immune system. Although pricey, this food is on the lower end of the prescription food pricing spectrum.
Some people report that their cats dislike the taste of this food, therefore its palatability may be low for picky cats. Currently, this meal is only available in a 7-pound package.
Pros
- 15.5 percent fat content
- The first component is deboned chicken.
- Developed to promote intestinal health
- Prebiotic fibers help to maintain appropriate gut microbiota.
- Antioxidants are abundant.
- It is less expensive than some other prescription food options.
Cons
- Price range: moderate to premium
- It might not seem appealing.
- There is only one bag size available.
Hills Z/D Prescription Dry Cat Food
Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Dry Food is another excellent choice for cats suffering from pancreatitis.
This meal is designed for cats who are allergic to common proteins and contains hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into a highly digestible form.
It contains 11.5 percent fat, making it appropriate for cats with pancreatitis. This diet is intended to increase gastric efficiency and stool quality, giving your cat’s GI tract a break while the pancreas heals.
It also contains antioxidants that have been shown in clinical studies to strengthen the skin barrier and immunity. While your cat is eating this food, you may see a healthier coat and less shedding.
This diet may be too expensive for many people, especially if served for an extended period of time. Furthermore, some cats may find it unappealing and refuse to consume it.
Pros
- Designed for cats that have skin and stomach sensitivities.
- Proteins that have been hydrolyzed are easier to digest.
- 11.5 percent fat content
- Designed to promote GI tract function in order for the GI tract to heal.
- Antioxidants that have been clinically proved to support skin health and immunity are included.
- Could reduce shedding
Cons
- Premium cost
- It might not seem appealing.
Wet Cat Food Wellness CORE Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Salmon
Wellness CORE Signature Picks Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Wild Salmon Entrée in Broth is a canned meal with a 23.3 percent fat content.
It contains tuna as the initial component, as well as mackerel and salmon. It is non-prescription and contains sunflower oil, which benefits both the coat and the digestive system.
This food is made by hand and comes in two can sizes. If this is your cat’s main source of nutrition, it can rapidly add up in price.
Although this food is supposed to flake in broth, several users have observed that it is more of a thick liquid with some bits.
Pros
- 23.3 percent fat content
- The first ingredient is tuna.
- Non-prescription
- Helps with digestion and coat health
Cons
- Reasonably priced
- The texture may be thicker and more chunky than described.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing The Best Pancreatitis Cat Food
Why Is Fat Content Important?
The pancreas is important for releasing the enzymes that the body utilizes to digest fat, so you should keep an eye on the fat level of the food you choose for your cat with pancreatitis.
If your cat’s pancreas is already inflamed and you provide high fat food, your cat’s pancreas is forced to work overtime while already struggling, leading to more inflammation and a loss in your cat’s capacity to digest foods effectively.
It’s worth noting that fatty foods can be tough to digest in the first place. When you consume a heavy, fatty meal, you may get an upset stomach, and cats are no exception.
Feeding difficult-to-digest meals while the body is already trying to meet the needs of digestion for survival and metabolic functions can result in a quick fall in your cat’s health.
Choosing the Best Food for Your Pancreatitis-Affected Cat
The best method to find the correct food for your pancreatitis-affected cat is to consult with your veterinarian. Your cat’s veterinarian is familiar with more than simply your cat having pancreatitis.
Your cat’s veterinarian is also knowledgeable with your cat’s medical issues and history, drugs and supplements he or she takes, and current health state.
Pancreatitis can coexist with other medical disorders, and your vet will be aware of these issues after physically examining your cat and running diagnostic tests.
They will be able to recommend a food for you to test on your cat while their body heals.
If you are unsure about what your vet may recommend, compile a list of cat foods, flavors, or textures that your cat like, and then the two of you can collaborate to discover the greatest fit.
Conclusion
Remember that these reviews of the best cat foods for pancreatitis are a beginning point for finding the best one for your cat, but they are not exhaustive, and your vet should be consulted in determining whether a food is acceptable.
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Ground Bird Recipe is the greatest overall option because it is available without a prescription, is created with restricted and all-natural ingredients, and is delivered right to your door.
Ask your vet if Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control will work for your cat if you’re on a low budget.
It is inexpensive, but BestForPets (bestforpets.org) thinks it is likely to meet your cat’s nutritional demands during the healing and rehabilitation phase.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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