Is your German Shepherd struggling with stomach issues?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) 1 is a complication that severely impacts the pancreas due to the improper production of digestive hormones. 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. Thankfully, some dog food formulas can support your German Shepherd afflicted with EPI.
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!
A Glance at Our Top Picks of 2023
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Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe
Delivered right to your door
Easily digested
Human-grade
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Best Value
Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food
Nourishes the skin and coat
Supports healthy digestion
Affordable
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Premium Choice
Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Dry Food
Highly digestible
Low-fat content for dogs with difficulties tolerating fat
Prebiotics maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut
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Best for Puppies
Royal Canin German Shepherd Dry Puppy Food
Highly digestible
Kibble is shaped specifically for German Shepherd puppies
Supports immune system, bones, and joints
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Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Food
Helps natural digestive process
Promotes regular stools
Supports gastrointestinal tract, breaks down food
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The 14 Best Dog Foods for EPI German Shepherds
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Turkey Recipe – Best Overall
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Main ingredients Fresh ground turkey, broccoli, spinach, parsnips, carrots, and beans
Protein content 33.0% min
Fat content 19 % min
Calories 562 calories/pound
While a German Shepherd with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) doesn’t need a specific diet, it is recommended that they have something highly digestible that is relatively low in fat and fiber. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe is the 1st place best overall dog food for EPI German Shepherds.
This recipe has 26% fat and 2% fiber which means your dog will be able to digest their food easily while their medication takes control of the bacteria that’s been thriving in their gut. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe is also packed with healthy ingredients and provides an exceptional nutrient balance.
The ingredients are high-quality; turkey is the first ingredient on the list and is an excellent choice for protein. Turkey is an excellent alternative for dogs that might be prone to allergies or sensitivities to proteins like chicken. Turkey provides the ten amino acids required for your dog to live. Chickpeas are part of the fiber-rich legume family, while carrots are rich in minerals, beta-carotene, and dietary fiber.
This is an expensive option, especially for a larger dog like a German Shepherd, but it is definitely worth it. Since The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service, you’ll need space in the refrigerator to store the food.
Pros
Highly digestible
Relatively low in fat and fiber
Packed with healthy ingredients
Cons
Pricier option than others
The Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Steak & Vegetable is the best EPI German Shepherd dog food for the money. With a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this formula supports a healthy lifestyle for your pup. The omega-6 fatty acids boost the health of your dog’s skin and coat, and the whole grains help with the digestive process.
Highly digestible
Relatively low in fat and fiber
Packed with healthy ingredients
- Highly digestible
- Relatively low in fat and fiber
- Packed with healthy ingredients
Pricier option than others
- Pricier option than others
Main ingredients Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, animal fat
Protein content 21.0% min
Fat content 10.0% min
Calories 309 kcal/cup
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This recipe is made in the United States and does not include any artificial flavors, added sugars, or high fructose corn syrup. The kibble’s texture was explicitly designed for maintaining healthy teeth, so worrying about your dog’s oral hygiene will not be necessary.
Pros
Nourishes the skin and coat
Supports healthy digestion
Affordable
Cons
First ingredient isn’t a protein source
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food is a premium choice for your pup. It is designed to support both short-term and long-term digestive complications by boosting digestive health and the conditions of your dog’s stool with excellent proteins and probiotics. Royal Canin employs various omega-3 fatty acids and fibers to aid with gastrointestinal maintenance, and it uses prebiotics to sustain the beneficial bacteria that help break foods down. This is a perfect option for dogs that struggle to digest fat.
Nourishes the skin and coat
Supports healthy digestion
Affordable
- Nourishes the skin and coat
- Supports healthy digestion
- Affordable
First ingredient isn’t a protein source
- First ingredient isn’t a protein source
Main ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, barley
Protein content 20.0% min
Fat content 5.5% min
Calories 248 kcal/cup
Pros
Highly digestible
Low-fat content for dogs with difficulties tolerating fat
Prebiotics maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut
Cons
Requires vet authorization
Protein source is chicken by-product
For puppies, the optimal choice is Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food.
Highly digestible
Low-fat content for dogs with difficulties tolerating fat
Prebiotics maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut
- Highly digestible
- Low-fat content for dogs with difficulties tolerating fat
- Prebiotics maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut
Requires vet authorization
Protein source is chicken by-product
- Requires vet authorization
- Protein source is chicken by-product
Main ingredients Chicken by-product meal, wheat gluten, corn, oat groats, brewers rice
Protein content 28.0% min
Fat content 14.0% min
Calories 331 kcal/cup
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 kibble’s shape is designed for the muzzle of a German Shepherd puppy to encourage proper chewing—an essential start to healthy digestion!
The proteins and fibers are chosen for how highly digestible they are, while the rest of the ingredients serve essential purposes for other areas of your dog’s health. For instance, the formula boosts the immune system and sustains the bones and joints with a combination of antioxidants and natural compounds.
Pros
Highly digestible
Kibble is shaped specifically for German Shepherd puppies
Supports immune system, bones, and joints
Cons
Protein source is chicken by-product
Our pick for the best overall dog food for EPI German Shepherds is Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food.
Highly digestible
Kibble is shaped specifically for German Shepherd puppies
Supports immune system, bones, and joints
- Highly digestible
- Kibble is shaped specifically for German Shepherd puppies
- Supports immune system, bones, and joints
Protein source is chicken by-product
- Protein source is chicken by-product
Main ingredients Chicken, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Protein content 17.0% min
Fat content 9.0% min
Calories 330 kcal/cup
This 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.
Pros
Helps natural digestive process
Promotes regular stools
Supports gastrointestinal tract, breaks down food
Created by nutritionists and vets
Cons
Low protein content
Requires vet authorization
This recipe does much more than just support digestion; it bolsters the cartilage, joints, immune system, skin, and coat. It also promotes your dog’s overall health, making it an excellent choice even without the boost to the digestive system.
Helps natural digestive process
Promotes regular stools
Supports gastrointestinal tract, breaks down food
Created by nutritionists and vets
- Helps natural digestive process
- Promotes regular stools
- Supports gastrointestinal tract, breaks down food
- Created by nutritionists and vets
Low protein content
Requires vet authorization
- Low protein content
- Requires vet authorization
Main ingredients Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
Protein content 20.0% min
Fat content 11.5% min
Calories 363 kcal/cup
For your dog’s digestion, Science Diet is highly digestible to ensure that your dog feels good after every meal. With chicken as the first ingredient, this flavorful meal will have your dog eager to dig in!
Pros
Chicken is the first ingredient
Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
Aids digestion
Cons
Protein content could be higher
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.
Chicken is the first ingredient
Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
Aids digestion
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
- Aids digestion
Protein content could be higher
- Protein content could be higher
Main ingredients Salmon, rice, barley, canola meal, fish meal, oat meal
Protein content 29.0% min
Fat content 14.0% min
Calories 401 kcal/cup
It is designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and uses oatmeal and rice to create an easily digestible recipe. Including prebiotic fibers and antioxidants also promotes digestive health, and the meal features omega-rich oils for sensitive skin, glucosamine for joints, and high protein content to support the heart.
Pros
High protein
Ideal for dogs with stomach issues
Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
Limited ingredient diet
Cons
Pea protein Specific to seniors
Our next option is the Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Dry Dog Food. This recipe is packed full of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are easy to digest and absorb proper nutrients from. The prebiotic fibers help foster the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system, improving your dog’s digestive health.
High protein
Ideal for dogs with stomach issues
Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
Limited ingredient diet
- High protein
- Ideal for dogs with stomach issues
- Supports healthy joints, immune system, and coat
- Limited ingredient diet
Pea protein Specific to seniors
- Pea protein
- Specific to seniors
Main ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, peas
Protein content 24.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 344 kcal/cup
Likewise, this formula promotes the immune system with antioxidants and vitamins. However, the recipe also includes peas, which may have a direct link to serious heart conditions2 in dogs. Also, be aware that Natural Veterinary Diet requires a vet’s authorization before you can purchase it.
Pros
Gastrointestinal support
Promotes a healthy immune system
Made with quality ingredients
Cons
Contains peas
Requires vet authorization
SquarePet Squarely Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Dry Dog Food was made in the United States and developed to be a limited diet recipe.
Gastrointestinal support
Promotes a healthy immune system
Made with quality ingredients
- Gastrointestinal support
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Made with quality ingredients
Contains peas
Requires vet authorization
- Contains peas
- Requires vet authorization
Main ingredients Lamb meal, brown rice, white rice, lamb
Protein content 22.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 383 kcal/cup
As a limited diet formula, the pet food maker wanted to use as few ingredients as possible while supplying all the nutrition your pup needs. SquarePet is designed for dogs that struggle with digestive issues. It also includes benefits for the immune system, skin, and coat by providing omega fatty acids and vitamins.
It includes no chemical preservatives or fillers and is a healthy option to cater to your German Shepherd’s EPI.
Pros
Caters to sensitive digestion
Promotes healthy immune system, skin, and coat
Energy-packed
Limited ingredient diet
Cons
Lamb is not the primary ingredient
Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dry Dog Food is made with big dogs in mind, like your German Shepherd.
Caters to sensitive digestion
Promotes healthy immune system, skin, and coat
Energy-packed
Limited ingredient diet
- Caters to sensitive digestion
- Promotes healthy immune system, skin, and coat
- Energy-packed
- Limited ingredient diet
Lamb is not the primary ingredient
- Lamb is not the primary ingredient
Main ingredients Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
Protein content 22.5% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 351 kcal/cup
It has chicken as the first ingredient to guarantee that your big dog gets the fuel they need to live a happy, healthy life. With the combination of prebiotics and fibers, this blend supports your dog’s digestive health. It also sustains the health of the joints, muscles, bones, and teeth with the help of omega fatty acids, minerals, and proteins.
Iams is a bit easier on the wallet than some of the other brands on this list.
Pros
Affordable
Chicken is the first ingredient
Cons
Lack of diverse ingredients
Nutro Ultra Large Breed includes three protein sources: chicken, salmon, and lamb. Not to mention, 15 different superfoods bolster the recipe, like chia, kale, and blueberries. That means the ,meal is packed with nutritious ingredients that will boost your dog’s health!
Affordable
Chicken is the first ingredient
- Affordable
- Chicken is the first ingredient
Lack of diverse ingredients
- Lack of diverse ingredients
Main ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran
Protein content 23.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 346 kcal/cup
Nutro uses high-quality ingredients to develop its formula blends, specifically for larger dogs. As an added benefit, there are no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, or chicken by-products.
Pros
Features chicken, lamb, and salmon for protein
Packed with superfoods
Supports healthy digestion
Cons
No probiotics
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food is made not only with large dogs in mind but specifically German Shepherds!
Features chicken, lamb, and salmon for protein
Packed with superfoods
Supports healthy digestion
- Features chicken, lamb, and salmon for protein
- Packed with superfoods
- Supports healthy digestion
No probiotics
- No probiotics
Main ingredients Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
Protein content 25.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 456 kcal/cup
The protein is primarily sourced from chicken and menhaden fish and provides your pup with quality nutrition. With sea mussels to promote joint health, vitamins to boost the immune system, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain a healthy coat, this recipe is overall beneficial to the well-being of your dog.
As for gastrointestinal benefits, the recipe has plenty. With the inclusion of quality fibers, the formula supports proper digestion. Dr. Gary’s is balanced with appropriate protein, fat, and fiber levels to help sustain digestive health.
Pros
Nutrition-packed
Highly digestible
High protein
Cons
Somewhat expensive
Chicken is not the first ingredient
The Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Recipe is another great choice for dogs with digestive difficulties. The recipe has several benefits for your dog’s digestive health. It includes ingredients that are highly digestible and helps maintain good bacteria in the gut. Also, the recipe is designed to taste good
Nutrition-packed
Highly digestible
High protein
- Nutrition-packed
- Highly digestible
- High protein
Somewhat expensive
Chicken is not the first ingredient
- Somewhat expensive
- Chicken is not the first ingredient
Main ingredients Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
Protein content 24.0% min
Fat content 14.0% min
Calories 453 kcal/cup
Other health benefits of the recipe include antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, and fatty acids.
Pros
Promotes a healthy heart
Maintains the health of the skin and coat
Supports digestion
Cons
Expensive
For our final option, we have Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. This recipe is packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for a larger dog breed.
Promotes a healthy heart
Maintains the health of the skin and coat
Supports digestion
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Maintains the health of the skin and coat
- Supports digestion
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients Deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal, brown rice
Protein content 30.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories 395 kcal/cup
This formula is highly digestible for dogs with EPI and contains probiotics and prebiotic fibers. This combination is great for bolstering the health of any dog’s tummy.
With omega fatty acids, superfoods, and crucial vitamins, Wellness CORE supports your dog’s immune system, energy levels, and coat and skin health.
Pros
High protein
Multiple animal sources
Inclusion of superfoods
Cons
Expensive
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?
High protein
Multiple animal sources
Inclusion of superfoods
- High protein
- Multiple animal sources
- Inclusion of superfoods
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, there are some general guidelines that may help you decide what you can and cannot feed your German Shepherd. Highly digestible food is generally a huge help for the dogs, and anything that is low in fat and fiber can prove useful, too.
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 in with each meal. They are available in tablets and powders, but the powders are known to be 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
The reviews of the recipes prove that you have excellent options for your German Shepherd, but a few stand out. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe is best overall due to the careful development and the support for digestive well-being. For the best value, the Pedigree Adult is hard to beat. The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal caters to dogs struggling with high-fat diets. For puppies, the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy is a great selection, offering specialized kibble for pups. As for our Vet’s choice, the Hill’s Science Diet provides overall health benefits.
Sources
PetMD American Kennel Club All Shephered Rescue Chewy
Featured Image Credit: 1195798, Pixabay
- PetMD
- American Kennel Club
- All Shephered Rescue
- Chewy
