What is pancreatitis in dogs?
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas, a small fluffy organ next to the intestine, becomes inflamed.
The pancreas is responsible for many functions in the body, including producing insulin and digestive enzymes that help break down food.
During an attack of pancreatitis, these enzymes can leak into your dog’s abdomen, causing inflammation of the pancreas and other abdominal organs.
An infected puppy may experience the following symptoms:
These symptoms can become severe and require hospitalization, but if they are mild, owners may be able to manage them at home.
Dogs that have had pancreatitis in the past are at risk of recurrence in the future.
Many dogs suffer from chronic pancreatitis. This is especially true if you are feeding them fatty leftovers.
For this reason, addressing your dog’s diet is an important part of managing pancreatitis.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The exact cause of pancreatitis is unknown, but it may be caused by a fatty diet, the administration of glucocorticoids (steroids), or stress.
Pancreatitis can also be caused by having high levels of calcium or triglycerides (fats) in the blood for a long period of time.
However, pancreatitis can also occur spontaneously with no known cause.
Any breed, sex, or age can develop pancreatitis, but it is more common in Schnauzers and English Cocker Spaniels. Miniature Schnauzers have a mutation in a particular gene (the SPINK gene) that may increase their risk of pancreatitis.
Why do dogs with pancreatitis need a special diet?
Approximately two-thirds of cases of pancreatitis in dogs are classified as chronic rather than acute.
These dogs are more likely to develop the disease multiple times, especially if they are not fed a fat-restricted diet or are fed fatty treats.
Prescription diets for people with chronic pancreatitis are low in fat, as fatty foods are associated with the development of pancreatitis.
Dogs previously diagnosed with pancreatitis are at increased risk of recurrence of pancreatitis if they do not comply with the prescribed diet.
Approximately two-thirds of cases of pancreatitis in dogs are classified as chronic rather than acute.
When this happens, pet owners can expect the vomiting to return. Lethargy, fever, diarrhea.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can result in extended hospital stays. To prevent recurrence, owners of dogs with pancreatitis should be very careful about feeding them the recommended diet.
Best food for dogs with pancreatitis
The best diet for dogs with pancreatitis is one that is low in fat and has moderate protein.
For dogs with chronic pancreatitis, a prescription diet that is often recommended is as follows:
Best treats for dogs with pancreatitis
Feeding your puppy treats can be fun, but if your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it’s important to avoid fatty treats.
There are some formula treats that you can feed your pup that are specially formulated to have a lower fat content.
There are also some non-commercial treat and human food options worth trying.
Some commonly recommended treats for dogs with chronic pancreatitis include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Food for Dogs with Pancreatitis
Can I feed sweet potatoes to dogs with pancreatitis?
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat scrambled eggs?
Eggs are rich in cholesterol, and the yolks contain more fat than dogs with chronic pancreatitis need.
If your dog is in good health and has a stable diet, You could also consider adding scrambled egg whites, but it’s best to check with your dog’s vet first.
Is pumpkin good for dogs with pancreatitis?
Pumpkin is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help ease stool problems in some dogs.
Pumpkin is not high in fat, so it is probably fine to feed it to dogs who have had pancreatitis in the past.
References
Raymillard R. Can diet help manage pancreatic disease? DVM360. 2015.
Steiner J. Redefining chronic pancreatitis.VIN. 2014.
