If your dog’s pancreas has basically gone on strike—no longer squirting out the enzymes needed to digest fat—every treat you toss becomes a potential landmine. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) turns the simple act of rewarding good behavior into a high-stakes nutrition puzzle. The good news? A growing wave of therapeutic, low-fat treats makes it possible to praise your pup without triggering the greasy stools, rumbly gut, or weight loss that EPI is notorious for.
Below, you’ll find a dietitian-written roadmap that cuts through marketing hype and explains exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to match treat texture, timing, and enzyme protocol to your individual dog. Bookmark this guide—because once you’ve lived through a 3 a.m. “EPI flare,” you’ll never shop for snacks the same way again.
Top 10 Epi Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview:
Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Dog Treats deliver single-ingredient, freeze-dried raw chicken in a 2.1-oz pouch. This ultra-minimal product locks butcher-cut breast into shelf-stable nuggets marketed toward high-protein feeders and allergy-conscious owners.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The 45-minute harvest-to-freeze timeline preserves cellular integrity better than most competitors, while the company’s insistence on “butcher cut” muscle only (no organs or trim) guarantees uniform, low-fat chunks ideal for training repetition.
Value for Money:
At $68.50/lb you’re paying deli-counter prices for a product that yields roughly 45 pea-sized rewards per pouch—costly for multi-dog households, yet justifiable as a specialty high-value motivator or elimination-diet tool.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: truly one ingredient, U.S.-sourced, zero grease, strong aroma without added flavorings, shatters easily for tiny dogs. Cons: wallet-busting when used daily, sharp freeze-dried edges can crumble in pockets, resealable strip often fails after a week, bag size limits rotation for freshness.
Bottom Line:
If you need an ultra-clean, single-protein jackpot treat for obedience work or food-trial support, this is top-tier. Feeders on a budget should reserve it for special occasions or rotate with cheaper options.
2. Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Purina Digestive Health Bites Dog Treat Chews – 16 oz. Pouch
Overview:
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Digestive Health Bites package gut support into soft, chicken-first chews. Sold in a 16-oz resealable pouch, the product targets owners who want everyday rewards that also soothe sensitive stomachs.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike ordinary “tummy” biscuits, these incorporate clinically studied prebiotic fiber plus antioxidant vitamins C & E while remaining soft enough for senior jaws—rare in a veterinary line offered over the counter.
Value for Money:
$15.49 per pound lands this squarely in mid-range territory; you receive a pound of functional treats without the vet-trip surcharge, making ongoing digestive care affordable for large dogs needing multiple chews daily.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: gentle fiber supports microbiome, no fake colors or flavors, stays pliable for pill-hiding, resealable bag keeps moisture months after opening. Cons: chicken-first recipe excludes poultry-allergic dogs, faint vitamin smell can deter picky eaters, calories add up fast for dieting pups, texture sticks to fabric if forgotten in pockets.
Bottom Line:
A reliable, science-backed choice for households managing intermittent GI upset or antibiotic recovery. Owners of strict allergen avoiders should look elsewhere; everyone else can feel confident keeping this pouch on the counter for daily gut upkeep.
3. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview:
Portland Pet Food Company bakes grain-free Pumpkin Dog Treats in small, 5-oz recyclable bags. Each biscuit blends organic pumpkin, garbanzo flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon into a vegan, human-grade snack shaped for universal portioning.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The woman-owned Pacific-Northwest bakery keeps the recipe to seven pronounceable ingredients and double-bakes for snap-able texture—think artisanal cookie rather than standard extruded kibble.
Value for Money:
$31.97/lb sits below boutique freeze-dried lines but above grocery biscuits; given the certified-organic pumpkin and domestic sourcing, you pay for ethical supply chains, not filler.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: allergy-friendly (no wheat, corn, soy, dairy, chicken), pleasant cinnamon aroma, easy snap for training, company donates meals to senior-dog shelters. Cons: molasses raises carbs for diabetic dogs, crunch generates crumbs on furniture, smaller bag empties quickly with big breeds, not as high-value for distraction-heavy environments.
Bottom Line:
Ideal for sensitive-stomach pets, vegan households, and guardians who enjoy sharing a “people-like” cookie moment with their dog. Competitive trainers may still want meat-based jackpots, but daily snackers will appreciate the clean label and local ethos.
4. A Better Treat – Organic, Freeze Dried, Single Ingredient, 100% Grass Fed and Finished Beef Liver Dog Treats, Cat Treats | Natural Healthy | Grain Free, High Protein, Diabetic Friendly | Made in USA
Overview:
A Better Treat delivers 100% grass-fed, certified-organic beef liver in a 3-oz, freeze-dried, single-ingredient pouch. Promoted as the first USDA-organic offal treat on the market, it targets guardians seeking nutrient density without hormones or grain finish.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The brand harvests only liver from fully pastured cattle, then freeze-dries at -50°F within an hour, preserving omega-3s, vitamin A, and taurine levels far above conventionally raised beef—verified by third-party nutrition panels.
Value for Money:
$90.61/lb is steeper than prime steak, yet a few shards deliver high-value reinforcement equivalent to a handful of conventional treats; ounces stretch further than muscle-only products.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: genuinely organic, non-greasy cubes break into dust-free micro pieces, suitable for diabetic and elimination diets, resealable pouch contains oxygen absorber for shelf life. Cons: exorbitant cost for multi-pet homes, potent liver odor transfers to hands, excessive vitamin A a concern if overfed, bag size limits bulk buyers.
Bottom Line:
If your priority is organic sourcing, hypoallergenic simplicity, and nutrient density, this is the gold standard—reserve for specialty training, toppers, or medical diets; budget buyers should treat sparingly.
5. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 475+ Three Ingredient Bites (Beef Liver, 4 oz)
Overview:
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats supply 475 pea-sized beef-liver morsels in a 4-oz pouch. Advertised with just three ingredients (beef liver, beef, mixed tocopherols), the low-calorie bites are engineered for high-frequency reward without waistline damage.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The uniform ¼-inch nibs eliminate breaking time mid-session while staying non-greasy, letting trainers load pouch, pocket, or bait bag without residue—perfect for park classes where cleanliness matters.
Value for Money:
$67.56/lb sounds steep, but 475 treats translate to roughly 3.5¢ per mark—cheaper than most packaged jerky yet still high value to the average dog.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: low 1.2 kcal per piece, excellent for weight management, beef aroma captures distracted pups, lightweight for puppy pockets, resealable Velcro strip beats press-to-close. Cons: limited protein variety for rotation, some crumble dust settles at bottom, three-ingredient claim still includes preservative (albeit natural), bag volume looks small compared to baked biscuits.
Bottom Line:
An excellent go-to for day-in, day-out obedience, agility, or leash reactivity work where hundreds of rapid rewards are standard. Stock one pouch at home and another in the car—you’ll burn through them faster than you expect, but the results justify the cost.
6. A GUIDE TO EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY IN DOGS: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating EPI for a Healthier Canine Life
Overview: “A Guide to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs” is a 160-page reference written by a veterinarian for owners whose pets have been diagnosed with—or are suspected of having—EPI. It walks readers through anatomy, symptom recognition, lab-work interpretation, enzyme replacement therapy, dosing calculators, diet selection, and long-term monitoring.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike internet forums that recycle the same tips, this book distills peer-reviewed studies and the author’s clinical cases into plain language. Flow-charts for “what to do if stool scores don’t improve” and a coupon for a one-month enzyme trial are bonuses you won’t find elsewhere.
Value for Money: Twenty-one dollars is half the price of a single vet consult; given that mismanaged EPI can rack up hundreds in follow-up visits, the guide pays for itself the moment you calibrate enzymes correctly the first time.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
– Strengths: Science-backed yet readable; printable tracking sheets; spiral binding lays flat on kennel top.
– Weaknesses: Black-and-white photos make fecal scoring illustrations hard to interpret; Kindle formatting occasionally splits tables across pages.
Bottom Line: If your dog’s pancreas has gone on strike, this handbook belongs on your counter right next to the enzyme bottle—buy it before you waste money on guess-work supplements.
7. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Beef & Sweet Potato, 8 oz Bag
Overview: Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals are beef and sweet-potato morsels packaged in an 8-oz resealable pouch. Marketed as an anytime reward, the treats stay pliable enough to halve for training without crumbling.
What Makes It Stand Out: Hill’s backs every batch with feeding trials and AAFCO nutritional validation—something most “biscotti” style treats skip—while still tasting like something you’d find at a BBQ shack.
Value for Money: At $1.12 per ounce you’re paying bakery-cookie prices, but you’re also getting clinically tested nutrient ratios and the peace-of-mind safety record of the most vet-recommended brand.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
– Strengths: Soft texture suits seniors and toy breeds; resealable bag keeps them fresh for months; no corn, soy, or artificial colors.
– Weaknesses: Contains pea flour—fine for grain-free, but not for legume-sensitive dogs; smell is strong enough to linger on fingers.
Bottom Line: For owners who want “science-diet” credibility in a training-bit format, these treats hit the sweet spot—just keep the bag sealed unless you want a beef-scented purse.
8. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats, Wild Caught, Single Ingredient | Natural High Value | Gluten Free, Grain Free, High Protein, Diabetic Friendly | Natural Fish Oil | Made in The USA
Overview: A Better Treat’s freeze-dried salmon comes as 3-oz of wild-caught Alaskan fillets that shatter into high-value bits. The single-ingredient recipe caters to allergy dogs, raw feeders, and cats sharing the household snack drawer.
What Makes It Stand Out: Human-grade salmon is processed in an FDA-inspected Oregon plant within 24 h of catch, locking in 61 % more omega-3s than dehydrator-style fish skins. Result: a non-greasy cube that smells like the docks yet won’t stain pockets.
Value for Money: $5.66/oz looks steep until you realize one-third of a cube re-captures a distracted shepherd at agility class—making a bag last longer than a $7 cheese stick.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
– Strengths: Virtually no odor after five minutes in the open; hypoallergenic; supports coat and joint health with measurable EPA/DHA.
– Weaknesses: Dust at bag bottom turns into “fish glitter” on carpets; not advisable for dogs with hyperlipidemia.
Bottom Line: If you need a scent-free, allergy-proof jackpot treat that doubles as a food topper, this salmon is worth every cent—just vacuum after the last cube.
9. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats, Organic, Single Ingredient | Natural, Healthy, Diabetic Friendly | Made in The USA
Overview: This 3.5-oz pouch holds cubes of USA-grown, USDA-certified organic pumpkin that are freeze-dried to a chalk-light texture. Each 0.2-cal piece functions as a training micro-reward or a tummy-soothing topper during GI upsets.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s the first certified-organic single-ingredient pumpkin treat, processed without apple juice concentrate or cinnamon—additives common in competitive brands that can spike blood sugar.
Value for Money: Roughly 600 treats per bag brings cost to 2.5 ¢ apiece, cheaper than DIY dehydrated pumpkin and far less messy than canned purée.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
– Strengths: Excellent for diabetic or weight-managed dogs; doubles as a fiber bolus for both constipation and loose stool; rehydrates in seconds.
– Weaknesses: Cubes fly out of treat pouches like popcorn; turn soggy in high humidity if left open.
Bottom Line: For trainers who reward every correct heel and owners who dread canned-pumpkin waste, these low-cal nuggets are pantry essentials—seal the bag and you’re set for months.
10. Organic Dog Treats, w/ Chicken, Sweet Potato, Turmeric, & Flaxseed, Low-Calorie, Grain-Free, Semi-Soft, Natural Dog Jerky, Healthy Dog Treats for Training Puppies, Small, Medium & Large Breeds, 5 oz
Overview: Superfood Science squeezes organic chicken, sweet potato, turmeric, and flaxseed into 5-oz of semi-soft jerky strips scored for easy snapping. Designed for puppies through seniors, the treats clock in at 5 kcal per half-strip.
What Makes It Stand Out: A 0.3 % curcumin concentration (verified by第三方 lab testing) provides a functional anti-inflammatory dose rare in treats under 30 kcal.
Value for Money: $47.52/lb appears luxury-tier, but comparable chicken strips with superfoods run $55+ at boutique stores; plus the resealable pouch prevents the oxidation that destroys omega-3s in bulk bins.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
– Strengths: USDA organic ingredients; semi-soft texture breaks tiny enough for 8-week-old pups; turmeric odor is mild, not metallic.
– Weaknesses: Strips can fuse in high heat; calcium-to-phosphorus ratio isn’t listed—important for large-breed puppies.
Bottom Line: If you’re training a growing pup and want anti-inflammatory benefits without pills, these turmeric-laced jerky bits justify the splurge—just store them in a cool drawer.
Understanding EPI and Why Fat Content Matters in Dog Treats
EPI literally starves your dog of calories despite a ravenous appetite. Undigested fat sails through the small intestine, pulls water into the stool, and creates that tell-tale “cow pie” mess. The less fat introduced in between meals, the fewer opportunities for malabsorption to snowball into painful pancreatitis or bacterial overgrowth.
How Low Is “Low-Fat”? Decoding Guaranteed Analysis Labels
Pet food regulators don’t define “low-fat,” so savvy owners must do the math. Look for treats showing ≤ 7 % crude fat on a dry-matter basis. Anything above 9 % is a red flag for an EPI patient—even if the front bag screams “light” or “lean.”
Dry-Matter Math in 60 Seconds
Canned treat purées can look deceptively lean (2 % fat) until you evaporate the 80 % moisture. Divide the fat percentage by the dry matter, then multiply by 100. If the algebra feels like high-school trauma, download any “pet food calculator” app and plug in the numbers—your dog’s gut will thank you.
The Role of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) During Treat Time
Even ultra-low-fat biscuits require lipase action. Mix each training reward into the same bowl that already holds your dog’s powdered pancreatic enzymes, or mist the treat with an enzyme solution five minutes before feeding. Skipping this micro-step lets 30–50 % of the limited fat escape digestion.
Protein Priorities: Lean Muscle vs. Organ Blends
Skinless turkey breast and white fish score top marks, but don’t ignore novel proteins like rabbit, which are naturally leaner than kangaroo. Organ meats (liver, lung) can still fit if the supplier trims visible fat and freeze-dries without added oils—always double-check that label.
Hidden Fat Bombs: Ingredients That Sound Safe but Aren’t
“Chicken cartilage” and “salmon skin” are shorthand for sneaky lipids. Flaxseed, while anti-inflammatory, is 40 % fat; a light oil spraying can catapult an innocent training cube from 4 % to 14 % fat. If you see natural flavor, rosemary extract, or “chicken digest,” email the company for the actual fat contribution—most will disclose.
Texture Talk: Crunchy, Soft, or Freeze-Dried for Sensitive Guts
Freeze-drying removes water without added fry-oil, delivering a satisfying crunch at 0.5–3 % fat. Soft-moist rolls, on the other hand, need humectants like vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol—both add calories and can speed intestinal transit, reducing enzyme contact time.
Calorie Density & Training Treats: Keeping Daily Totals in Check
A 20 kg dog on 1 000 kcal/day can’t afford a 30 kcal jerky strip every sit-stay. Break treats into ≤ 3 kcal nibbles or switch to low-cal “high-five flakes” made from dehydrated egg whites—1 kcal per fingernail-sized piece keeps the motivation alive without busting the daily budget.
Fiber Factor: Soluble, Insoluble, and the Microbiome Connection
Microscopic fat globules hitch a ride on insoluble fiber, exiting the body before absorption. A modest 2–4 % beet pulp or psyllium in the treat can act like a “fat sponge,” but push past 7 % and you risk blocking protein absorption—another EPI landmine.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Gut Soothers to Pair with Low-Fat Snacks
The EPI gut is a bacterial battlefield. Look for treats coated with Enterococcus faecium or Bacillus coagulans spores that survive until colonization. Slippery elm or ginger in the ingredient list can calm nausea triggered by enzyme supplementation—handy during agility class when treats fly fast.
Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive: Does It Matter for EPI Dogs?
Unless your dog has a verified gluten-sensitive enteropathy, rice and oatmeal can be lifesavers—low fat, quick to cook, and easy to compress into pocketable training pellets. Grain-free legume bombs (peas, lentils) sometimes push fat higher to improve palatability, so judge the label, not the marketing tribe.
Single-Ingredient Options: Dehydrated Meats, Veggies, and Fruits
Dehydrated cod skin rolls are the potato chips of the sea—except they average 1 % fat. Zucchini chips, eggplant jerky, and diced Apple “coins” dehydrate to < 0.5 % fat and can be dusted with powdered enzymes for a crunchy, guilt-free jackpot reward.
Homemade Low-Fat Treat Kitchen: Safety, Storage, and Batch Tips
Boil lean turkey slices in enzyme-rich broth, then bake at 90 °C until leathery. Freeze in weekly silicone pouches; thaw only what you need to avoid rancidity. Skip garlic, onion, and excessive turmeric—pancreatic dogs process micronutrients less efficiently, and blood counts can shift quickly.
Transitioning Treats: Introducing New Foods Without Triggering Flare-Ups
Offer one new shape, protein, or brand every five days. Log appetite, stool quality, and borborygmi (tummy gurgles) in a free app like DoglySymptom. If the poop score drops below 3/5 (soft, pudding-like), pull the new treat for ten days and retry at half the volume—classic elimination protocol borrowed from human dietitians.
Red Flags on Packaging Claims: “Lean,” “Light,” and Other Marketing Gimmicks
AAFCO allows “light” only if the product delivers ≤ 5 % fat on a dry-matter basis, but the rule applies per serving, not per bag. A “light” biscuit that’s 4 % fat but 20 g per piece still slams your dog with more fat than a 6 %, 2 g training nugget—proof that grams matter more than adjectives.
Budgeting for Veterinary Nutrition: When to Ask a Board-Certified Nutritionist
If you’re juggling concurrent diabetes, food allergies, or chronic kidney disease on top of EPI, book a tele-nutrition consult (average US $150). A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition can calculate exact treat volumes, enzyme ratios, and micronutrient ceilings—cheaper than an ER pancreatitis workup at 2 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I ever give peanut butter again if my dog has EPI?
Most peanut butters hover at 50 % fat—skip them unless your vet calculates a sliver-sized portion coated with extra enzymes.
2. Are air-popped, unbuttered popcorn cubes safe?
Yes, at 3 % fat they’re technically safe, but the hulls can irritate inflamed ileums; monitor stool for “confetti” kernels.
3. How soon after enzyme powder can I hand over a treat?
Ideally mix the treat with the same enzyme meal; if that’s impractical, aim for ≤ 15 minutes post-powder to maximize lipase contact.
4. Is coconut oil ever acceptable for EPI pups?
Coconut oil is 100 % fat—give only under a nutritionist’s protocol, usually capped at 0.1 g per kg body weight and pre-emulsified with enzymes.
5. Do low-fat treats expire faster?
Yes, reduced fat often means increased moisture—watch for mold, and keep homemade batches no longer than 7 days refrigerated.
6. My dog is allergic to chicken; what’s the leanest novel protein treat?
Rabbit loin strips dehydrated at 1 % fat are the gold standard—watch labels for hidden chicken “broth spray.”
7. Can I use baby food pouches as training paste?
Only if the jar shows ≤ 1 g fat per 100 g product and contains no onion or garlic; still add enzymes and factor calories.
8. How many treats per day are too many?
Follow the 10 % rule: all snacks combined should stay below 10 % of daily calories; EPI dogs often do better at 5 % to safeguard enzyme efficiency.
9. Are vegetarian dental chews low-fat enough?
Some are (2–3 %), but many binders (palm oil, canola) bump fat to 9 %—scrutinize the guaranteed analysis every time.
10. If stools firm up on new treats, can I drop the enzyme dose?
Never adjust enzymes without veterinary guidance; improved stools usually mean the current plan is working, not that it’s expendable.