Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disease that severely impacts the pancreas’ ability to produce digestive enzymes. EPI can be a problematic condition for your canine to deal with, and it can be difficult for you as the dog owner to help them through it. Along with replacing digestive enzymes and vitamin B12 injections, a special diet can improve your dog’s digestion. Firmer stools and more nutrients absorbed into your dog’s system are the goal.

The ideal diet is calorie-dense, digestible, and low in fiber. More calories mean less volume needs to go through your dog’s digestive tract, which improves digestion. The ideal dietary fat content is a matter of some debate and depends on the individual dog. You should ask your vet their opinion but it may take some trial and error to find what works for your dog.

But which option should you choose? This article aims to present several reviews to help you make a well-informed decision about which dog food will best suit your German Shepherd. So, let’s take a look!

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.

A Glance at Our Top Picks of 2024

The 8 Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN – Best Overall

Purina’s Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food is an ultra-low fiber formula, with a maximum content of 2%. The fat in this diet is provided by medium-chain triglycerides from vegetables and coconut oil which are easy for your pup to digest. These standout features are why we have given this product the best overall spot. Prebiotic fibers encourage beneficial gut bacteria and exceptional ingredients promote nutrient absorption and digestibility.

The diet also provides antioxidants to keep your dog healthy. You will need vet authorization to purchase this diet. One downside is that meat is lower on the ingredients list.

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2. Purina ONE Natural Large Breed +Plus Formula Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

On a budget, Purina ONE Natural Large Breed +Plus Formula Dry Dog Food is a decent choice. While this is by no means a low-end dog food, your dog’s need for quality ingredients means their food is inherently more pricey. Purina provides just that, along with glucosamine, to support your big dog’s joints. The formula also features four antioxidants that provide a boost to the immune system.

The fiber content is higher than other diets on this list, which may interfere with your Shepherd’s fat digestion. However, the diet falls within the recommendation of less than 5% fiber, so it’s still a good option.

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3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

Royal Canin provides a diet with hydrolyzed proteins that are easily digested, making it a good option for dogs with EPI. The diet has a maximum of 3% fiber. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is ideal for dogs with protein allergies as the hydrolyzed protein also reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Omega-3 fatty acids are featured to provide anti-inflammatory effects to the skin and digestive tract.

You will need your vet’s approval to purchase this food. It is higher in fat than the others on the list, so it’s not a great option if your pup struggles with fat in the diet. It’s also one of the more expensive diets.

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4. Royal Canin German Shepherd Dry Puppy Food

For puppies, the optimal choice is Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Puppies have different dietary requirements from adults, so the adult foods on this list are not suitable.

From 8 weeks to 15 months, your puppy can reap the benefit of this formula. Everything about this recipe is developed with the German Shepherd puppy in mind, right down to the kibble’s shape. The proteins are chosen for their digestibility. The fiber content is acceptably low and designed to support stool quality.

Other ingredients serve essential purposes for other areas of your dog’s health. For instance, the formula boosts the immune system, bones, and joints with a combination of antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

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5. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food is a prescription formula. It is built for your dog’s digestive care since it boosts the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to help break down food. Postbiotics allow the food to pass easily through your dog’s digestive system and significantly limit complications. Likewise, the formula promotes healthy stool for dogs that struggle with digestive upset.

This recipe supports dogs of all sizes with their digestion issues. However, Hill’s requires authorization from a vet, so plan accordingly if you choose this option.

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6. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Food

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a quality choice for dogs suffering from EPI, although it is specific to senior dogs.

It is designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs in mind and uses oat meal and rice to create an easily digestible recipe. Prebiotic fibers also promote digestive health, and the meal features omega-rich oils for skin and joint health, glucosamine for joints, and high protein content to support the heart and muscles. It’s a diet fortified with antioxidants for the immune system and checks all the boxes for EPI. It provides relatively high calories per cup, so your pup can eat less to maintain their weight.

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7. SquarePet Squarely Natural Dry Dog Food

SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Dry Dog Food was made in the United States and developed to be a limited-ingredient recipe.

SquarePet provides low-fiber, energy-dense nutrition. It also includes benefits for the immune system, skin, and coat by providing omega fatty acids and vitamins.

It includes no artificial preservatives or fillers, but unlike others on this list, the benefits are focused on the skin rather than the digestive system.

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8. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food

The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food is designed to support both short-term and long-term digestive complications by providing easily digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber for healthy gut bacteria. Royal Canin employs various omega-3 fatty acids to improve intestinal function.

This is a perfect option for dogs that struggle to digest fat but is not ideal for dogs that need to gain weight. It is low-calorie which means your dog needs more food passing through their digestive tract to get the same calories as some of the other foods.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds

After reading the reviews, picking an option for your dog may still feel overwhelming. So, where do you start?

What Should a Dog With EPI Eat?

As with most pet recommendations, the best thing you can do is speak to your vet. They will have personalized insight into your dog’s particular needs and will be best able to help you form a dietary plan for your pup.

However, some general guidelines may help you decide what you can and cannot feed your German Shepherd.

Highly digestible food is generally a huge help for dogs, and anything that is low in fiber can prove useful, too. The maximum fiber content is around 5%, but less can be better. Fiber interferes with fat digestion. However, not all fiber is created equal. Crude fiber is listed on the feed analysis but doesn’t tell you if the diet is soluble or insoluble, with soluble fibers being preferred.

The ideal fat content will vary from dog to dog. Is your German Shepherd overweight and prone to pancreatitis? They may be suited to a low-fat diet. Are they skinny and in need of weight gain? Then a moderate amount of fat is better.
Pick a diet suited for your dog’s age. If they have any other health problems or food intolerances, you might find a suitable diet to cater to them. Of course, every dog is different. That is why it is important to speak with your vet to learn how to best provide for your pet.

Does My Dog Need Enzyme Supplements?

Yes. Digestive enzymes are necessary for your dog’s feeding routine since the body isn’t producing enough enzymes on its own. The supplements must be added to each meal. They are available in tablets and powders, but the powders are known to be the most effective.

Take a look at this enzyme product to see if it’s suitable for your canine.

How to Feed My Dog Enzyme Supplements

Pay attention to the instructions on the bottle and the instructions offered by your vet. Beyond that, it is helpful to mix the powder into the meal as much as possible. This is important since your dog may shy away from eating what they believe is a strange powder, or their mouth could be irritated by the supplement if it is too concentrated in one spot.

Over time, as the symptoms begin to lessen, it is advised that you gradually decrease the number of supplements you are mixing into each meal. Although your dog will not be able to go entirely off the enzymes, the idea is to wean your dog down to a smaller portion.

Conclusion

Unfortunately finding the ideal diet for your particular Shepherd with EPI could take some trial and error, but we’ve provided some of the better options to start with. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food is our recommendation for the best overall diet due to the nutrient profile and standout provision of digestible fats. On a budget, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than Purina ONE Natural Large Breed +Plus Formula Dry Dog Food and Royal Canin German Shepherd Dry Puppy Food is a good choice to support pups as they grow until 12–15 months old. We hope you find something that works for you and your dog!

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Featured Image Credit: 1195798, Pixabay