Wondering what to feed a dog with pancreatitis? You aren’t alone. It can be daunting to figure out how to pick the best food for dogs with pancreatitis, which is why integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby wanted to provide these clear and useful guidelines.
As a dog parent, there are few things more stressful than having a sick dog. Especially when your dog goes from being completely fine to having horrific vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to pancreatitis. It can be difficult to process and remember all the information your vet is giving you about caring for your dog who is…well…sick as a dog.
Some parts of the care instructions for pancreatitis are pretty straightforward. If you forget how often to give your dog his or her medications, all you have to do is look at the label on the pill bottle. However, other aspects of your dog’s care, such as what to feed a dog with pancreatitis, are less cut and dry. This means you may end up deciding to do some research on your own.
Since the options can feel a bit overwhelming, I want to give you some clear-cut ways to evaluate dog food. That way, you (with the help of your vet) can pick the best dog food for your dog with pancreatitis. But in order to do this, you first need to have a good understanding of what the pancreas does. And you will want to be familiar with the disease condition you are dealing with too.
What does the pancreas do?
Nestled just below the stomach and near the start of the small intestine, the pancreas plays an important role in the digestive system. One of its jobs is to release digestive enzymes into the upper portion of the small intestine (i.e. the duodenum). Normally, the pancreas stores those enzymes in their inactive form (i.e. zymogens). Enzyme inhibitors within the pancreas help ensure that the zymogens remain inactive as long as they are within the pancreas.
Once the pancreas releases the enzymes and they contact the mucosal cells lining the duodenum, they become activated. This allows the enzymes to begin breaking down the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins within food.
What is pancreatitis?
However, in cases of pancreatitis (i.e. inflammation of the pancreas), the enzyme inhibitors become blocked. As a result, zymogens are activated while they are still inside the pancreas. This cascade of events compromises the pancreatic membranes and blood vessels, leading to bleeding and leakage of activated enzymes into the abdomen.
In short, pancreatitis causes the pancreas to start digesting itself—and sometimes other neighboring internal organs. This sort of sounds like a gruesome Halloween movie, but it really does happen like that.
What causes pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis doesn’t seem to be linked to one single cause. Rather, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of a dog developing pancreatitis. They include:
- Having endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease in dogs, and hypothyroidism in dogs
- Being overweight or obese—If you are asking yourself, “Is my dog overweight?”, why not find your dog’s body condition score(BCS)?
- Having high triglycerides in the blood
- Having a history of gastrointestinal disease
- Eating new foods, table scraps, fatty foods, or high fat diets
- Being exposed to certain toxins and parasites
- Taking certain medications (e.g., azathioprine, bromide, diuretics, and phenobarbital)
What are the types of pancreatitis?
The resulting pancreatic inflammation may be subdivided into two types—acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs when there is a rapid onset of clinical signs. On the other hand, pancreatitis is considered chronic when acute pancreatitis doesn’t fully go away and/or reoccurs sometime down the road.
Clinical signs tend to be more severe in acute cases and milder in chronic cases. But it is often not possible to distinguish acute from chronic when a dog first presents with symptoms.
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
The most common symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs are vomiting and abdominal pain. Vomiting occurs in 90% of cases while abdominal pain is present in 58% of cases. Other gastrointestinal signs like diarrhea are also possible. Dogs with pancreatitis may be dehydrated, act like a lethargic dog, and won’t want to eat their food. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening, so if your dog is showing these symptoms, schedule an emergency vet visit ASAP.
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
The veterinarian will examine your dog and start with some bloodwork. Dogs with pancreatitis may have elevated white blood cells and/or elevated liver and kidney values. To confirm a diagnosis of pancreatitis, the vet may recommend running a canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test or cPLI. Sometimes the vet may also suggest an abdominal ultrasound or other diagnostic tests.
What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for dogs with pancreatitis. Instead, the vet will use supportive care to relieve symptoms and help the dog feel better. This may include:
- Pain medications to decrease abdominal pain
- Anti-nausea medications to decrease vomiting and nausea
- Blood transfusions for dogs with internal bleeding due to organ damage
- Fluid therapy (e.g., subcutaneous or intravenous fluids) to help prevent hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening type of intense fluid loss
- Any necessary treatment for concurrent illnesses such as diabetes mellitus
- Diet change to support the digestive system and prevent further episodes of pancreatitis
What can I feed my dog with pancreatitis?
This last bullet point above, diet change, has been the subject of debate for years among veterinarians. And understandably it can cause stress and frustration for dog parents who want to do the right thing for their dog. Therefore, I would like to focus on how best to feed dogs recovering from pancreatitis for the rest of the article.
How often should you feed a dog with pancreatitis?
Originally, most veterinarians recommend fasting pancreatitis dogs for a day or two. The idea behind this was to “rest the pancreas” since eating stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. But recent research shows that withholding food can actually lead to an increased risk of new problems. For example, researchers have documented loss of digestive tract motility, decreased blood flow to the intestinal tract, and dangerously low protein in the blood in fasted pancreatitis dogs.
It makes sense then that many vets will take the middle ground and elect to feed small meals at first. Giving a dog small amounts of food can help keep the intestinal tract happy. And it can be less problematic if the dog does vomit.
Sometimes a dog will be interested in eating on his or her own. But there may be other times where the vet will elect to syringe feed your dog with pancreatitis. Or he or she may feel it is best to place a feeding tube. If your dog with pancreatitis won’t eat, the vet may also consider trying appetite stimulants for dogs or switching foods.
What is the best food to feed a dog with pancreatitis?
Now that we have established that you should feed a dog with pancreatitis, and that small meals seem to be the way to go, the next question is what exactly those meals should consist of. A simple internet search will yield hundreds of different websites and articles. Each one will tell you what they think you should be feeding your dog with pancreatitis.
Based on that, it probably isn’t a surprise that there is no perfect “one size fits all” diet for pancreatitis patients. However, veterinary experts do agree that it is best to use diets that are low in fat and high in digestibility.
Dog food label reading 101
In order to recognize a low fat, high digestibility diet, you have to become good at reading dog food labels. All commercial dog foods (i.e. the ones you purchase from the pet store or through online sources) should have a guaranteed analysis on the back of the bag or can. It’s sort of like the nutritional contents label on food for humans, but the criteria are a bit different.
When looking at the guaranteed analysis, you will find words like “crude fat” with a percentage listed next to it. This percentage represents the amount of the particular element in that diet. It will either be listed on an “as fed” basis (i.e. based on the weight of the actual wet or dry food) or a “dry matter basis” (i.e. based on the weight if all moisture was removed from the food).
If you are comparing the fat content of foods, you want to look at them on a dry matter basis. This is because, on an “as fed” basis, canned food is often 75-78% moisture. But a dry food often only contains 10-12% moisture. This makes it impossible to look at the “as fed” percentage of fat in a canned food and compare it to the “as fed” percentage of fat in a dry food. The dry food, being much more concentrated, will have a higher fat percentage on an “as fed” basis even if both foods are actually the same on a dry matter basis.
For simplicity, I have converted the fat content to a dry matter basis for the foods we will discuss here. But if you want to learn how to make that conversion yourself, check out the FDA pet food label page. It is also full of great information about reading pet food labels in general.
Recommended fat content for pancreatitis dogs
Now that we have waded through the technicalities of reading labels, let’s talk about the ideal fat content for dogs with pancreatitis. Most veterinarians will recommend diets that have low to moderate fat contents. “Low” fat content typically means having a crude fat content of 8% or less. And a “moderate” fat content means the diet may have up to 15% fat on a dry matter basis.
Low fat veterinary prescription diets
Veterinarians often recommend feeding a diet made by a company that uses the latest research in pet nutrition and employs a number of board certified veterinary nutritionists. These veterinary specialists received extra years of training outside of veterinary school, which makes them uniquely qualified to create good quality diets.
Companies like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina, Iams, and Eukanuba all fit that bill. They have boarded veterinary nutritionists on their staff, make sound recommendations for their formulas, and implement excellent quality control measures. The first three companies carry a line of prescription diets that are excellent for dogs with pancreatitis. They include:
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat Canine Formula (6.8% crude fat on a dry matter basis)
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care i/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food (7.5% crude fat on a dry matter basis)
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food (7.1% crude fat on a dry matter basis)
These three diets have the lowest amounts of fat across all prescription diets available.
However, in some cases, your vet may recommend a diet with a more moderate fat content instead. Purina Pro Plan’s HA diet and Royal Canin’s Selected Protein diets can fit this description and may be a good choice for dogs with food allergies. There may also be situations, such as when a dog has kidney disease in dogs and pancreatitis, where the vet might recommend feeding your dog a different diet than what I have listed.
Moderate fat over-the-counter diets for dogs
I know that sometimes prescription diets can be cost-prohibitive for dog parents. Or you may find yourself in a situation where a diet has gone on backorder. The good news is that some over-the-counter diets may be ok for dogs with mild pancreatitis. Examples of such diets are:
- Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Large Breed Chicken and Rice
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight small & mini dog food
- Royal Canin Small Indoor Adult dry dog food
However, it is best to consult with your vet before using these diets in place of a veterinary prescription diet. While they work in some situations, they are not the right choice for all dogs. Sometimes your vet may recommend either sticking with one of the low fat prescription diets or cooking a low fat diet for your dog instead.
Homecooked low fat diets
Some dog parents may also elect to use a low fat homecooked diet rather than commercial dog food. This may be because their dog has allergies to ingredients in the commercial diets, because a commercial diet isn’t available to fit their dog’s needs, or simply because they feel it is the best choice for their dog.
Most people know that I am a big proponent of homecooked diets. But I do always want to warn dog parents that it isn’t as simple as feeding some skinless chicken with sweet potatoes. Feeding nothing but two or three ingredients can seriously deprive dogs of important nutrients.
That’s why homecooked meals should come from recipes that are created by boarded veterinary nutritionists. These nutrition specialist can tell you the exact blend and amount of ingredients needed to create a complete and balanced diet that is suited to your dog’s condition. Thankfully, there are several ways you can get good quality veterinary nutrition advice.
By going to ACVN.org, you can find a list of veterinary nutritionists in your area. Also, websites like BalanceIT.com can provide you with balanced recipes using specific ingredients. And there is lots of information available at the OSU Nutrition Support Service website.
Pre-made homecooked low fat diets
As you have probably gathered, it can take a lot of time and experience to do homecooked meals properly. So you might be relieved to learn that you don’t always have to cook the meal yourself in order to feed your dog a homecooked meal.
It is also possible to purchase pre-made low fat homecooked diets from companies like Nom Nom and Just Food for Dogs. These companies employ boarded veterinary nutritionists so you can feel confident in their diet formulations. However, before you make a purchase, it is still best to talk to your vet or one of the company’s veterinary consultants. That way you can ensure they are able to deliver a meal with the appropriate fat content.
How long should my dog stay on this diet?
Now that you know how to pick a good low fat dog food, the last piece of the puzzle is to figure out how long you should plan to feed your dog that food. The answer to this varies from case to case. A dog who has recovered from acute pancreatitis may be able to safely transition back to his or her original food after a week or two. However, you should ensure that the original diet has a moderate fat content or switch to one that does.
Alternatively, sometimes the vet may recommend keeping your dog on the low fat, highly digestible diet long term. This may especially be the case if your dog has one or more of the pancreatitis risk factors. Also, dogs with chronic pancreatitis should stick with their new food and avoid eating other diets. This strategy can help decrease the risk of a relapse.
What should I not feed a dog with pancreatitis?
We have spent all this time talking about what to feed your dog with pancreatitis. So it only seems right that I would also remind you of what not to feed a dog with pancreatitis.
Since table scraps and fatty foods are known to trigger pancreatitis, you should avoid giving these to your dog, especially if he or she already has pancreatitis. Foods like bacon and ham can be particularly problematic, as can grease and oils. Also, while you may have heard that coconut oil can help a dog’s skin, keep in mind that this is still an oil. This means you should usually avoid giving it to dogs with a history of pancreatitis.
Feel confident that you can feed your dog with pancreatitis
I know that it can feel overwhelming when faced with a sick dog and lots of choices for how best to feed him or her. However, remember that you have the tools and resources to figure it out. You can always ask your veterinarian for help and advice. Or you can call up the manufacturer of a dog food you may be considering and ask them to give you the average fat content of that particular food on a dry matter basis.
Also, remember that you just have to start somewhere. If your dog doesn’t like the food you pick or isn’t doing well on it, you can always switch to another. Keep in contact with your vet, keep the guidelines I shared with you in mind, and you should be good to go! Every meal and every day will bring your dog one paw closer to recovery.
What food did you feed your dog with pancreatitis?
Please comment below.
I was just reading through these questions and your comments about dogs with pancreatitis. 14 months ago my six year old little rescue 13 pound Chiweenie became sick. The veterinarian that I was using just said to put him on a bland diet for a couple days but he got sicker over the next week to 10 days. The vets office gave him medication and fluid bolus under the skin but it didn’t help. He was vomiting and diarrhea and he was so sick. I picked him up and took him to the hospital. This was the first time any of my dogs were so sick and having pancreatitis. When I got to the emergency room they didn’t think he would make it. He was in and out of the hospital for over a week had another relapse and was treated. He was very sick for three months. I had them on the prescription hill science ID low fat canned dog food. I went to two different veterinarian clinics, and nobody wanted to give me any advice on how to feed him to keep this from reoccurring other than do the prescription dog food. I I did do the prescription dog food for over three months, but being a senior on a fixed income, it was prohibitive. And I know you referring a lot of your comments to talk to your vet. But I couldn’t even get them to tell me what percentage of protein versus fat versus fiber! On top of that Toby has horrible allergies and the allergy shot isn’t working. I want to get him off chicken dog food. But I can’t find a turkey based dry dog food that’s low or reduced fat. I gave him some lamb dog food which I think started this whole problem! I have found if you watch the stools of your dog. Do you have an early warning to any problems. His stool started looking a little green and soft and I mentally switched him over to a bland diet or I use the canned prescription ID low-fat for emergencies by doing this I’ve kept him from developing into a full-blown pancreatitis attack. I do have him on Eagle reduced fat dog food which is doing very good regarding pancreatitis. But his allergies are just off-the-wall. I’m almost to the point of doing a home cooked meal for him using turkey. I did contact the nutritionist but to talk to them and consult with them and get my vet involved and then get a prescription for food was well over $600. Toby’s illness cost me well over $6000 so I’m looking for a little help or advice instead of going that route with a nutritionist if I can. But I did change to a different vet and sauce, several vets in the office and again nobody will give me any kind of recommendation or a breakdown of what he can, or can’t have. I do know that I don’t give him raw vegetables. Because that’s fiber and that’s hard on the digestion. I do occasionally steam some carrots, and when I cook my green beans, I take mine out and proceed to cook the rest of the green beans till they’re really soft and use those for treats. For both my dogs. And the last thing. Toby is a little rescue dog that had a hard life and was in a shelter for years. He doesn’t know how to play with my other dog or with any toys. He loves to train though! Lol but because of this illness, I can’t even give him treats. I do use his dog food for treats, is there anything that I can give him so he can have something that’s more than a piece of dog food. Are used to give him the bones, but he can’t have those anymore because of the fat. He doesn’t like the non bone bones. I’m not comfortable giving him plastic bones or tree plant bones or whatever they’re called. Can I dehydrate, sweet potato or chicken or carrots or anything like that for my dog to eat with a history of pancreatitis? Not sure if you have any answers for me. But thank you in advance. And thank you for the forum.
Hi Vicky,
I understand your concern and wish there was more I could do to help. Without having a patient/client relationship with your dog, legally there is only so much advice I can give and offering specific dietary recommendations is something I am not able to do. Like I mentioned in response to your previous comment, a nutritionist is going to be the best way to get the answers you are seeking. I understand seeing a specialist comes with a cost, but unfortunately, this may be your only option. Dealing with the details of putting together a diet that is nutritionally complete and compatible with your dog’s specific medical needs may be more than what your general practitioner veterinarian is comfortable with. It is certainly out of my comfort zone as well… that is why I like to defer to the specialists. They last thing we would want to do is recommend something that ultimately is not in your pup’s best interest or could cause negative effects. I wish I could do more. Hoping you can find the information you need and wishing you and your little guy the best for many happy years ahead.
My 8 yr old Rhodesian Ridgeback just had his 2nd attack of acute Pancreatitis (sp?). He also has signs of cancer and a large mass on his spleen that has to be removed. I have opted to home cook his meals. He loves it and his poops are the best he has ever had. BUT I am struggling with knowing the right balance of ingredients for optimal nutrition and the amount to feed him. I am supplementing with PetFresh in each meal. But it is sooooo expensive. I cook rice, boiled chicken or ground beef (rinsed after cooking) and frozen peas, carrots and green beans. I also add some pumpkin or boiled sweet potato. I am going to try some boiled broccoli too. I serve 1/2 lb to 3/4 lb of the PetFresh roll, with the above, twice a day. Question, how much should I feed him. he weighs 92 lbs. And is at perfect weight for his size. I want him as healthy as I can keep him, especially with the surgery he will need, so he is happy and recovers as quickly a possible. Home cooking for my dogs is a permanent change, I just need to figure out what I’m doing. Your insight is much appreciated.
Hi Jody,
I am sorry your senior guy is experiencing so many problems at once. I think it is great you are willing to cook healthy meals for your boy. He is very lucky to have you taking such good care of him. Due to his medical issues, his nutritional needs may have specific requirements that would be best evaluated by a specialist. I recommend you reach out to a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you formulate a home cooked diet that is nutritionally complete and hopefully promotes healing. Wishing you all the best and keep up the good work.
Hi Dr, Buzby,
Thank you for this wonderfully informative website especially with the information on senior dogs. We really appreciate the wealth of knowledge available and it has truly given us advice on how to best care for our senior Scottie.
My Scottie suffered a sudden bout of pancreatitis in July 2023 where he rejected all food, only drank water and was hospitalised for 4 days as his case was quite severe( suspected hemorrhagic pancreatitis.) He was 14 years and 6 month old then and never had major health issues. Since than, he has been on Hills Prescription Diet I/D Low Fat & Royal Canin Low Fat supplemented by fruits/veggies, digestive enzymes, probiotics and iron supplements. In the past 5 months since the attack, we are thankful that he has a robust appetite, clinically well, poop is healthy and normal. But, our concern is the availability of the prescription food which our Scottie’s very life is so dependent on. We are worried that in spite of the local vet’s best efforts to source and order it. We do always have a 1.5kg standby pack as back up but our greatest worry is we may run out of it before the new stock arrives.
=(
After much research, we chanced upon this brand – Annamaet Grain Free Lean which seems to match the Hills/Royal Canin low-fat prescription diets closely. Would appreciate if you can kindly share your critical advice on the nutritional profile and its suitability for our Scottie as a possible food option.
Here’s the Annamaet Grain Free Lean nutritional profile:
Crude Protein, min 30%
Crude Fat, min 7.00%
Crude Fat, max 9.00%
Crude Fiber, max 3.50%
Moisture, max 10.00%
DHA, min 0.20%
Omega 6 Fatty Acid* min 2.00%
Omega 3 Fatty Acids* min 0.60%
L-Carnitine* min 35mg/kg
(All values are minimum unless otherwise noted)
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Hi Jaye,
I understand your concern with ensuring you have access to the food Scottie requires. Without playing a personal role in your pup’s medical care I can’t really make recommendations on what food/nutrition plan is best. I like that this food is low in fat but still would feel more comfortable deferring to the specialists. It would be a good idea to reach out to a veterinary nutritionist in your area (or even by telemedicine). They can evaluate this food and let you know if it is a good fit for your boy given his specific medical needs. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for the advice Dr. Buzby.
Sorry for the double posting as we were not sure if the first message went through.
Hi Jaye,
No problem! Merry Christmas!
my 12 years toy poodle has pancreas problems- I feed her boiled Chicken Breast & boiled white rice – is supreme rice also ok to use? is there anything else I can mix with the rice for her?
Hi Peggy,
Is “supreme” just a brand name for the kind of rice you plan to buy? If so, the brand shouldn’t matter as long as it is still plain white rice. There are many other things that can be safely added to a dog’s diet to help them recover from pancreatitis, but it depends on where they are in the recovery process. It would be best to talk to your vet and see if your Poodle is ready to transition to a more complete diet. There are prescription diets available which are low in fat, specifically formulated for dogs with pancreatitis. Also, there are veterinary nutritionists that can help formulate a well-balanced home cooked diet for dogs with specific medical needs.
This article has been super helpful! I have a 15 year old yorkipoo who was just diagnosed with pancreatitis and is a very picky eater. I also have a 16 year old yorkipoo with heart disease and food allergies (mainly chicken). Do you have any suggestions for a low sodium, low fat non, chicken based food they could both eat? I plan to cook to supplement, entice them to eat, but they’re used to also free feeding kibble and finding one that would suit them both would be ideal. The vet sent us home with Royal Canin low fat. He sometimes will eat the kibble, but won’t touch the canned food.
Thank you so much!
Hi Miranda,
I understand your desire to make feeding time easier and simpler. I wish I could tell you what was best, but unfortunately, without playing a personal role in your dogs’ medical care, I can’t make specific dietary recommendations. In general, I am not a fan of free feeding. It is harder to know how much food each dog is actually consuming and makes feeding specialized diets to each dog difficult. I like feeding in “mealtimes” so if a dog’s appetite starts to decrease, I can catch it early and intervene before things get more serious. Your best bet is to talk with your vet about different diet options or even ask about what is offered by different dog food brands. If your pup doesn’t care for Royal Canin, maybe he would prefer Purina or Hill’s? Hoping you can find the best way to keep both of your pups happy and healthy. Best wishes!
I have a rescue 17-month-old dachshund who was diagnosed with pancreatitis six months ago. I have had him on Hills Science Diet I/D low-fat wet food and I/D regular. He can not tolerate kibble at all. He gets fed four times a day due to we are, unable to keep weight on him. He is very skinny. I have tried everything to help to add some fat to him. With zero luck. I have talked with my vet numerous times with zero help. I even took him for a second opinion with zero help. I am at the point where I am slowly starting to add normal Hills adult dog food back into his diet. Less than a teaspoon mixed with the other two wet foods. I will slowly increase the regular adult food after a week to see how he tolerates this. It’s been three days so far so good. Once he can go half and half which I/D should I eliminate as he won’t need all three? I am tempted to keep him on low-fat with the normal dog food. Here is what he eats in a day.
Morning: 2 tablespoons low-fat, 2 tablespoons of regular I/D, and a teaspoon of normal wet food. At lunch, he gets two teaspoons of low-fat and two teaspoons of regular I/D snack before bed as he tends to vomit between 2-5 am if he doesn’t get a small snack before bed. (acid reflux) he gets the same amount as he gets for lunch. ( he gets a quarter of a pepcid at dinner to help. This has been working well with the vomiting in the early mornings. I have tried adding pumpkin for five months this did nothing with weight gain, so I stopped giving this. My dachshund is a tween and he weighs 13.5 lbs you can still see his spine and his rips. All blood work done two months ago came back fine ultrasound was pretty much normal just pancreatitis this was done six months ago. Any suggestions would be great or will I be stuck with a skinny dog and I will need to deal with this.
Dear Andria,
I understand your concern for your little pup. Finding the best diet when dealing with so many issues can be very difficult. Without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care, I can’t make specific dietary recommendations. I know you have talked to a couple different vets and feel as though you are left with more questions than answers. Have you thought about reaching out to a veterinary nutritionist? They can help you find the right foods for your boy and can ensure his diet is a good fit for his specific medical needs. Keep up the good work as you advocate for your sweet boy’s health and well-being. Wishing you the best of luck!
Lizzy has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and just had a flare. I feed her Hill’s Digestive Health and am still giving her small meals with approx 1/2 banana and 1/4 apple 1 time a day as she is no longer allowed any treats. She is (now) a 10 lb. Yorkie Poo(?) MaltiPoo(?). My question is, when I feed her after a bout of this disease, she wolfs down her food as I give her small meals. Do you think (because she is smarter than the average bear) if I gave her food in a slow eating dish, that it would help her any? And yes! She does “get sicker than a dog” and can present differently when she gets sick but at least I know what it is now! Thanks, Doc. Wonderful article!
Hi Elaine,
I am not sure if the slow eating dish will accomplish what you are hoping but it definitely won’t hurt to try! See how things go, and if you aren’t pleased then you can always go back to the way things were before. I have had many clients use these special bowls with great success. Hoping Lizzy will cooperate and transition to this new feeding style easily. Wishing you both the best!
My lab currently has pancreatitis. He has always eaten any dog food but hasn’t been interested in any for four weeks. He was on home cooked chicken and veg before diagnosis (yesterday) I stupidly included pork in a meal earlier this week which caused sickness so he is now back on just chicken until his bloods are tested again on Monday.
I find home cooking much easier especially if he is refusing any sort of tinned meat or dry. Going forward with home cooked food, what vegetables are safest? He was digesting broccoli, carrots and green beans fine up until I messed up by feeding pork. Also I add pumpkin to his food. I know I’ll need to supplement with a multi vit. Are scrambled egg whites ok? Also very low fat beef under 5% fat and I’ll drain any fat off the meat? Sorry for the ramble, it’s been such a stressful few weeks and numerous trips to the vet until diagnosis’ yesterday
Hi Siobhan,
I am sorry your Lab is struggling with the effects of pancreatitis. Hoping he can make a quick recovery and get back on track. Here is a link to an article with more vegetable options you may want to try: 14 Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (and May Just Love)
But as always, it would be a good idea to discuss any new diet changes with your vet. They can let you know if there is something specific your pup should avoid. Also, like the article mentioned, I highly recommend you use the nutrition specialists in your area to ensure your dog’s home cooked diet is well balanced and nutritionally complete. Best wishes and keep up the good work!
Hey Dr. I really need some help. My Yorkie, Rio has been diagnosed with Pancreatitis. I’ve been to several vets and finally found one I really like. She has prescribed the Royal Canin food, but he is still having the Pancreatitis attacks. He does not vomit or have diarrhea, but he does have the pain in his belly. I don’t know what else I can do. Please help I don’t know what else to do. My email is [email protected]
Thank you for all you do helping our babies ❤️
Hi Kari,
I am so sorry your little pup is struggling with abdominal pain. I understand your concern and think it is great you are reaching out for help. Unfortunately, without examining your boy myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. If the symptoms are persisting even with the right food and medications, it may be time to think about more in-depth testing. It is possible there is something else contributing to your dog’s issue that hasn’t been diagnosed yet. I think it would be best to talk to your vet and see how they want to proceed. They may recommend an abdominal ultrasound or even a referral to a specialist. Hoping you can find some answers and ensure Rio is on the path to health and happiness. Wishing you both the best!
My dog was diagnosed with Pancreatitis a month ago after having Cushings for several years. Our dog is allergic to chicken, it upsets his stomach and gives him bad gas. We have had a great deal of difficulty finding a foot with 10% or less crude fat that doesn’t have chicken. What he is currently on is mainly lamb but does list chicken protein near the end of the ingredients. I’d like to get him fully off of chicken. Any suggestions?
Hi Catherine,
I am sorry you are having trouble finding the right diet for your dog. It is always best to discuss a new food with your vet since they are more familiar with your pup’s specific medical needs. Have you looked at some of the veterinary prescription diets that are available? For instance, Purina makes a food that is for dogs with food allergies. It is called HA (hydrolyzed protein) and there is a vegetarian option that uses soy instead of chicken and the fat content listed on the label is 8.0% (min). There are probably others to choose from as well, this was just the first to come to mind. Hope that helps a bit. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi,
Do you recommend giving a dog that has been diagnosed with pancreatitis a raw diet? I have read that this is the best diet to feed them after having pancreatitis because kibble had too many fillers and ingredients that are not good for the pancreas.
Hi Kelly,
I think a well-balanced home cooked meal can be great for any situation. Especially for pups that are sick or in the healing process. I am not a fan of feeding dogs raw meat. If you are interested in making your dog’s food, it could be helpful to reach out to a veterinary nutritionist. They can guide you through the process of choosing ingredients to ensure the diet is nutritionally complete and let you know what is best for pancreatitis recovery.
My 9 year old Female Rat Terrier/Chi/Dach mix has recovered from Pancreatitis, and I need to get her back on her regular food as the rice/chicken/pumpkin is adding weight. She was on Costco Healthy Weight before, 6.0% fat, 20-protein, 13-fiber. Is this still a good (and affordable) choice?
Hi Susan,
There are so many different brands of food that I am not able to familiarize myself with the quality of each one. The fat content in the Costco food seems to be in the ideal range. I recommend you talk to your vet about this food choice. It could be helpful to bring the food bag with you to your next vet visit and let them look over the specific details. No matter what food you choose, be sure to get the green light from your vet first and make sure the transition is VERY SLOW. You will want to start adding a small amount of the food to your dog’s current diet. Then over the course of a couple weeks you will start to add more dog food to the mix and less of the rice/chicken/pumpkin. Keep your vet updated on any changes and how the transition process goes. Wishing you and your sweet girl the best of luck!
Great article – thank you. Our 7 year old Border Terrier was diagnosed with pancreatitis a few weeks ago. Since then she has been very lethargic, has little energy and sleeps most of the time. I believe her folate levels were low and I wondered if there is anything we can give her to increase her energy levels. She is on Hills low fat I/d but no other medication.
Hi Janine,
I am sorry your pup has been battling pancreatitis. This condition can definitely cause dogs to be lethargic. If the low folate levels are to blame for the lack of energy, your vet may be able to give a Vitamin B Complex injection or advise you on a dosage of folic acid to use as a supplement. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to know what the exact cause of these worrisome symptoms could be. Please make sure your vet is aware of this ongoing issue with lethargy. They may want to do a recheck exam or perform some more lab work just to make sure nothing has been missed. I hope your sweet girl will continue to make progress and can get back to living her best life. Best wishes to you both.
This blog is great! Lots of awesome tricks and tips, thank you!
My poodle-mix is about 12 yrs old (she was a shelter dog, so age is estimate) and has been experiencing pancreatitis for about a year now. At first we didn’t know what it was since she would have such small episodes of it, but once it got so bad we took her to urgent care because of the vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Luckily she was able to bounce back with the anti-nausea meds and probiotics given- that was about three months ago. She does occasionally have the stomach gurgles, but thankfully no vomiting since then! Now I’m facing a different challenge of trying to find her treats. She eats a combo of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat Canine Formula dry and wet, and has been doing well on this diet. I fear she’s becoming a bit bored with it, though. We’ve been trying to feed her blueberries and carrots as treats, but she doesn’t seem too enthusiastic about them after a couple months.
Any recommendations for treats/ways to spice up meals for an older dog with pancreatitis?
Hi Samantha,
I am sorry your senior girl is living with pancreatitis. I understand how tricky it can be to walk the narrow path of keeping food interesting and trying to prevent a pancreatitis flare. Sometimes just changing the consistency of food can make a big difference. You could try freezing the blueberries for a crunchy treat or even freezing small chunks of the wet food. Also, I think Purina makes low fat treats that are compatible with the GI low fat diets. Maybe take a look at Royal Canin or Hills brands as well. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy. Wishing you both the best and keep up the good work!
Nine months ago, my little six-year-old rescue chiweenie had an acute onset of pancreatitis. No previous history for the rescue yet hit suddenly and he was acutely ill and almost died. We were in and out of hospitals and the vets for months. He was put on the hills, prescription ID, low-fat, canned food, and then I trying to change them over to the Dry dog food but I need to wet the food for him to eat it otherwise he just gobbled it down and chokes on it, and then spits it out! No matter how long I soaked it it wouldn’t get soft! So I’ve changed them over to Eagle dog food, which has a low fat, low fiber, low protein profile. I’m retired so I’m home and can watch him and I do check his poops because that’s usually a first sign of something going wrong when he does have the glistening stools I switch to feeding him small five meals a day and sometimes drop down to a soft diet with bone broth. After a day or two, he’s fine. My problem is I can’t get a clear understanding from any vet, urgent care, hospital, and what percentage I should be feeding him. I read conflicting information on high protein versus low protein versus low fiber versus high fiber for dogs with pancreatitis I am so frustrated! I’m also concerned that his protein is low And staying on a diet that’s low in protein it’s concerning to me, maybe it shouldn’t be. Right now the only thing he’s allowed to eat is his dog food and then I use his dog food for a training treats and treat treats. But my other dog and I used to do the same with him. I give them a little piece of carrot or cooked green beans or cooked carrots, and I am sure whether I can do that with him. I don’t want to do anything that’s going to put him in the hospital and make him sick! And I have myself crazy trying to find some kind of treat for him. He was a street dog and then in the shelter for most of his life and he doesn’t play with any toys, and I’ve even taken his beloved bones away from him! I know you haven’t examined him, but any suggestions would be very much welcome! Of course on top of that. He has horrible allergies. My poor baby!
Hi Vicky,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is great you are searching for answers. Unfortunately, I don’t have any good advice on what diet would be best. It takes a good understanding of a dog’s medical needs and specific details to tailor a diet for their condition. And foods that are considered safe for pancreatitis patients could trigger a flare up in some dogs. I highly recommend you ask for a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist. They can let you know the dietary specifics you are searching for and even guide you in the process of making a nutritionally complete home cooked diet if you would rather make your dog’s food yourself. I am hopeful you can find the answers you need. Best wishes and keep up the good work!
hi my name is ronds my mums little dog bindy she been dignosed with pancreatitis. vet put her on drip for a day .she been put ont diet she has brown rice.pumpkin, boiled chicken, and she has 2 homemade hydrated chicken jerky no salt just plain chicken .she eating and drinking again .and we made her homemadebiscuits with carrot, banana ,rolled ots,wholemeal floour ,apple juice and water all mixed together .and she also has optimum chicken and rice ,veg dry biscuits is this all good for her .best regards ronda
Hi Ronda,
I am sorry Bindy is dealing with the effects of pancreatitis. All of those foods sound very healthy and are low in fat as recommended for this condition. It would be a good idea to discuss Bindy’s diet with your vet. They can guide you through the process of how to transition her back to a normal diet when and if this is the appropriate thing to do. Or if you wish to continue a home cooked diet, they can make sure it is nutritionally complete, not lacking essential vitamins and nutrients. Wishing you and Bindy the best. Keep up the good work!
This was a helpful article, but would love to have read a recommended dog food for dogs with pancreatitis who also have chicken allergy. It is very hard to find a low fat diet food for sensitive stomachs without chicken
Hi Melanie,
I understand how difficult it can be to have a dog with special nutritional needs AND a food allergy. Unfortunately, there are too many dog food options to list them all in the article. Your best bet is to reach out to your veterinarian for advice. Each of the companies that produce veterinary prescription diets has a resource list of the individual products they make and what they contain. Your vet should be able to contact their local representative and get feedback from the veterinarian on staff about what food is best for pancreatitis while avoiding chicken as an ingredient. I hope this helps a bit and will guide you to the right food for your pup.
Hey Melanie not sure if you have heard of the Brand Solid Gold but they have a chicken free food – Fit and Fabulous Adult Low Fat and Low Calorie with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock Dry Dog Food. You might want to talk to your vet to see if this is a good choice.
Good Luck
Our cocker Freckles just turned 15 on the 4th of July. She has been on Hills Digestive Care (canned) due to nasty pancreatitis a couple years back. We also give her boiled chicken with each meal to help keep her interested. For about the last month we have noticed some hair loss (and decreased appetite) which we thought was maybe thyroid issues but testing revealed no problem….so we’re wondering, is it possible that she has developed a food allergy (to all this chicken)? Wondering if it’s time to taper off and dis-continue the Hills? I don’t know that we’re going to get an honest answer from the vet as a case of this a week probably helps to keep their lights on as it’s really expensive. Your input would really be appreciated.
Hi Jay,
I understand why you are concerned about this recent hair loss and decreased appetite in your senior girl. In my experience, dogs with a food allergy are always very itchy and experience hair loss. So, if your pup is only showing hair loss with no itching, then I would be looking other places for a cause rather than a food allergy. With that being said, it is hard to make specific conclusions without examining your dog myself. I highly recommend you discuss your diet concerns with your vet. It may be ok to taper off the Hill’s, but your vet would know best since they are familiar with your dog’s specific case details. I assure you that your weekly food purchase is not doing much for the light bill and your vet is much more concerned about your dog’s well-being than selling food. 🙂 If anything, they would probably save some money by not having to special order this food and make sure it is shipped in to them on a regular basis. I hope you can partner with your vet to do some more investigation and get some answers. Praying for a positive outcome and a clear path forward.
Hi Julie.
Thanks for the reply and kind thoughts.
What a nice website and very kind of you to put forth your time, effort, and expertise to reply to all these inquiries. Bless you.
We’ll keep working with Freckles (and our vet) hopefully to get her back on track.
Thanks again,
Jay
Hi.
Our Cocker passed a few days ago due to CHF, pancreatitis and an enlarged liver. My question is, why would food (specifically green beans) given to her approx. 10-14 days prior still were in her stomach (which came up in vomit) undigested? We asked our primary vet and the emergency vet and nobody is answering. By no means have they done anything wrong, just seems odd. Can you answer for us?
Thank you.
Hi Jay,
First let me say that I am so sorry for the loss of your Cocker Spaniel. I can only imagine how much she is missed. ♥ I will be honest with you that I am not sure why the green beans were still in her stomach after so many days. There are many possibilities. Due to her debilitate state, it is possible that her GI tract had some decreased motility and could not pass the green beans normally. Other things that can hinder the forward motility of the gut are a stricture in the intestines or outflow of the stomach, a blockage, loss of neurological input to part of the intestines, or cancer such as intestinal lymphoma. This is not an exhaustive list but just the first things that came to mind. I am not sure you will ever know the exact cause with your girl, but I hope that helps to give you some peace.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply Doc.
You provide an amazing service here by replying to all of these questions.
God bless you.
Thanks again,
Jay
My d0g has pancreatitis. is Blue Buffalo Healthy weight wet dog food a low fat dog food?
Hi Bonny,
I am not familiar with the fat content of this specific food. Most over the counter diets are considered too high in fat for patients experiencing a current pancreatitis flare. This diet may be ok for maintenance once your dog has recovered. I would highly suggest you discuss this food choice with your vet and get their expert opinion.
I have a 12 year old Rott/Lab Mix. She has been dealing with pancreatitis for about 2 years. She is on Hills ID dry and wet food along with Purina EN dry and wet food. She has always been a picky eater and likes a change in food every once in a while.
My main problem I am having now is with her Hip Displaysia on both hips along with arthritis in front legs. Mobility is very little. We have been giving her Rimadyl for the past 9 years or so. She lost significant mobility the past 3 months. We added Gabapentin and Amantadine in May. It helped for a while. Then in end of June. she started loosing her appetite . Vet took her off Amandtadine because of Liver enzyme rise. Her mobility is now almost gone. The vet that makes house visits put her back on Amantadine a week ago. We were debating putting her down this past Monday July 17th. The Vet thought that the Amantadine might help keep her comfortable until Monday the 17th. Upon the Vet visit on Monday the 17th the vet felt like she could recover enough for a little bit. But her appetite is still low. Basically eating smaller amounts of boiled skinless chicken breast along with maybe a couple of bites of dry food. about twice a day. But she has gotten too smart on hiding her pills. She can sniff and cull them out of everything I have tried. Even cubes of boiled chicken or turkey breast.
So now I can not get her meds in. I was wondering if I could use %93 ground beef broiled in small patties or even balls to try to get her meds in. Broiled in an oven with grill grate would allow some other fats to drip out as well. There are some low fat hotdogs as well with %97 fat free. I could use the same method.
Thank you for your time.
Lee
Hi Lee,
I am sorry your senior girl is having so many issues and is giving you trouble with taking pills. Here is a link to an article that addresses this exact problem: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
I am hopeful you will find some new information or things to try that can make things a bit easier. Praying your sweet girl can hang on for a while longer. Wishing you both the best. ♥
My 5 year old lab had ongoing diarrhea and was diagnosed with slight pancreatitis. He was eating Victor High Performance which I think was about 20% fat. He also licked out our ice cream bowls occasionally and got a few table scraps, but not a lot. The vet prescribed Hills I/D Low Fat, but I was really having trouble finding the large bags in stock at vets, pet stores, and online. It is also very expensive for a dog that has had no history of gastrointestinal issues,an had a bout with slight pancreatitis. So I set out to find a low fat food that I could buy. I settled on NutriSource Weight Management (not Grain Free). It has 9% fat. He is doing well on this food as not having diarrhea and has lost some weight. However, he is always starving. He never begged for food before and now he is so hungry. I started buying some low fat canned food and mixing a few tablespoons in with his kibble, which helped a little but he is a very athletic active dog. He gets hours of exercise a day, and I am feeding a. little more than what is suggested on the bag. He did weigh about 90 pounds before the pancreatitis, but the vet always commented that he was all muscle, and never said he was overweight. My question is, should Earl continue on the low fat food for the rest of his life, or can I start using a moderate fat food like the large breed Purina Weight Management at 13% fat so he is more satisfied after eating? Thank you .
Hi Marla,
I am sorry you are having to navigate this tricky path with your Lab. I am always hesitant to give advice on how to change a dog’s diet especially when I am not personally involved with their medical care. I think it would be best to discuss these concerns with your vet and get their expert recommendations. You could talk to them about the possibility of mixing in some of the Purina Weight Management food with the current low-fat diet instead of completely switching. Or your vet may advise you to switch to the Purina completely and just give it a trial run with the understanding it has the potential to cause a pancreatitis flare. I wish I could give you a definitive answer and tell you what is best. I hope you can find the answers you need to help your sweet boy feel full and happy. Wishing you the best of luck!
My 5.1/2 pound Yorkie has acute pancreatitis. She spent two days in the hospital on fluids and IV meds. She ate some canned chicken at the hospital Saturday night. She came home Sunday night and didn’t eat again, boiled chicken, until Monday evening. She did eat a few bites two or three times. I took her to the vet yesterday for follow up and they said her vitals were good and temp was good. They did give her some fluids at the shoulder to make sure she stayed hydrated. She is not wanting to eat again. I have tried everything I can imagine, chicken, eggs, different canned GI food. She is on medication that is supposed to stimulate her appetite. I really don’t know what to do.
Hi Anthony,
I am sorry you had such a hard time finding foods your pup would eat. It sounds like you were doing everything I would normally recommend. The only other idea I had was maybe she was nauseous and needed something to settle her stomach? How are things today? Hoping all is well and your sweet girl has made a full recovery. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hello! We keep our boy on a low fat kibble (royal gastrointestinal low fat) and treats (full moon human grade chicken jerky) and no table scraps at all. He still has very awful flare ups of his pancreatitis a couple of times a year. We give him a probiotic pill in the morning with about half a piece of cheese. Is it far fetched to think the cheese is the cause of his flare ups? We cannot think of anything else. Thank you for your thoughts!
Hi Nicole,
I am sorry your pup struggles with ongoing pancreatitis flare ups. Truly ANYTHING can cause a flare and I don’t think it is far-fetched to be suspicious of the cheese. But just know that even if you eliminate everything from your dog’s diet other than his prescription food, that will not guarantee there won’t be another issue in the future. Praying for smooth sailing for you and your sweet boy.
We give our dogs any pill they take in
A bite of banana.- no fat at all and good
Source of potassium.
They love banana!
They eat Science diet light!
They love it
And great blood work
Never had any dog get pancreatititis!
We’ve had 7 pups over almost 30 years.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. What a blessing you have never had to endure helping a pet through a pancreatitis flare.
I also have had dogs all my life with never a problem but now I have a small dog with pancreatitis. It happens.
How long does it take for a senior dog to recover from pancreatitis? My sweet pup has been sick for about a week and we are going back and forth to the vet trying anti nausea medicine, appetite stimulant, fluids, etc. The next step is an ultrasound. Some days she eats a few pieces of kibble and chicken and today she showed no interest in food again.
Hi Jenny,
I am sorry your pup is dealing with this awful disease. Unfortunately, there is no set time for this process to play out. It is very different for each dog. Some dogs have mild pancreatitis issues that are ongoing for the rest of their lives while other recover very quickly. How are things today? Was your pup able to keep fighting and turn things around? Hoping all is well and wishing you both the best for many happy years ahead.
Hi there! Our 9 year old boxer/lab mix has had pancreatitis twice in the past year. She isn’t acting sick right now, but had lost a significant amount of weight since last year. We can’t get her to gain weight, and we are so worried. The Vet says we should be liberal and take her to a hospital, but unfortunately we cannot afford that kind of bill right now, so our goal is to keep her comfortable. She’s acting like her normal self, which is a good sign to us. We are feeding her a home made diet of mixed veggies (corn, peas, carrots, green beans), chicken breast, and brown rice. Is this okay? I’m torn, because she is still skin and bones after a month. Perhaps just more meals is the key? I’m at a loss and worried. I have been trying to search for weight gainers for dogs, but there is no such product that also offers low fat. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
* I should note that the Vet says we should take her to the hospital for nutrient care, so they can get her weight back up fast. The other option she gave us was to be more “conservative” and keep her home with home made, low fat diet. That’s what we are doing.
Hi Ashley,
I understand why you are concerned about your senior girl’s weight loss. She is lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. You can always reach out to a veterinary nutritionist for advice on ways to tweak your dog’s diet to achieve her weight goals but keep things low fat. Also, you could talk to your vet about possibly adding a probiotic. Without examining your pup, myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but I am a bit suspicious that something else could be contributing to this situation. Has your dog had blood work recently? I would want to rule out other metabolic issues and common cancers before chalking it all up to weight loss from a past pancreatitis flare. Hoping you can get some answers and your sweet girl can get back on track. Best wishes and good luck!
I thought rice is too inflammatory for dogs with this condition. Is brown okay. My golden refuses to eat almost anything. He has a good day once in a while. Sometimes he eats my home cooked recipe which is low fat and other similar low fat from a can. He now absolutely refuses any kibble. We have tried all brands. Waiting to get into an internist. He is withering away. Is there any other nausea meds other than Cernia. That is expensive but only helps for the for days s and then back him not wanting to eat
Hi Renee,
I am sorry your boy is struggling, and his health is declining. Brown rice is fine and honestly, I wouldn’t shy away from white rice if there was nothing else my dog would eat. There are other nausea meds that can be used, such as ondansetron, but I am not sure you would see any better results. Ultimately, I think your best course of action is to see what the specialist has to say. Have you been able to get an appointment for your pup? Praying things have improved and there is a clear plan of action for how to proceed. Wishing you both the best of luck. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
I give my boy b12 set a digestive website. He is now putting on weight and enjoying dried strips of chicken for his treats with a little bit of banana and low-fat diet. He’s recovering well
Hi Ashley
My now 4 years old was diagnosed with chronic pancreatic. He was loosing so much weight that you could kind of see his ribs at one point he was 9 pounds, until the vet decided to do some blood work and that’s how we found out about his chronic pancreatic . He is now on PancreVed powder for life. He is doing much better and he now weight 20 pounds. Please check with your vet. I thought I was going to loose him as he ate but was not gaining weight. Hope your dogs gets better.
Hello my 15 year old toy poodle has been sick for 4 days he had vomiting first then diarrhea he want eat or drink we have been to the vet twice in 3 days he was very dehydrated both times they gave ivfor that took blood said he did have a enlarged liver he has gone from a black jelly like poop to a yellow poop very loose told blood results were pretty level they gave him cough and nausea medicine he does have collapsed trachea along with other nausea medicine and gabapentin for pain he was throwing up and even had a seizure at one time but he want drink water or food I don’t know what to do I know he is sick very but I can’t get a clear opinion can you help me very depressed he just lays and want move thanks Precious’’ mom
Dear Penny,
I understand why you are concerned for your senior boy with all these issues he is facing. Unfortunately, without examining him myself, I can’t make specific recommendations. If there are certain questions or information you need clarified, please don’t hesitate to ask your vet. They may not realize you don’t have all the answers you need to feel comfortable with how things are proceeding. And don’t forget you can always ask for a consultation with a specialist if needed. How is your sweet boy feeling today? Hoping all is well and he has made a full recovery. Praying for a positive outcome and wishing you both the best.
My 10 year old rescue – possible chi/terrier has been having issues. He did the butt up in the air thing and we had him checked but his enzymes came back good so we chalked it up to just a tummy issue. Then about 4 weeks later he seemed agitated and was stomach breathing really badly and gagging. Plus he turned red. Stomach bright red, ears bright red, gums bright red. So back we went and he stayed several days but we did not come up with a cause. Heart and lungs were good. Teeth are good, all blood work was good, enzymes were good. Put him on an antibiotic and some pain meds and he came around great. Then this weekend he started drooling. Not like a little but non stop hanging drool. He also seems to be like chattering his teeth. So back we went. His teeth and gums seemed fine. No obstructions. Blood work was all good again except for his red platelets are low. Skin color did not change this time stayed his normal pink. He has been in the hospital for 4 days now and drooling is reduced but still there. X-rays did not show anything. We are just at a loss. Not sure if pancreatic or not as it seemed to start that way. The vet is recommending a bland diet, some nausea medication and wait a few days and retest his CBC. No fever on any of the incidents. Any thoughts on what I should feed him to get him on the road to recovery with no more relapses. We are not sure the 3 incidents are related but I feel they must be.
Hi Caryn,
What you describe is very puzzling. I am sorry your senior guy is dealing with these ongoing mystery issues. Without examining him myself, it is hard to know what to recommend. This may be a good time to consider a consultation with an internal medicine specialist. I know you mentioned there has been lots of lab work done and x-rays, but has your pup had an abdominal ultrasound? Just trying to think of what the next step could be in getting a diagnosis. I am not sure what food is best since we don’t really know what we are treating at this point. Hoping you can find the answers you need to get things back on track. Wishing you and your sweet boy the best of luck!
Hello, I am having the hardest time finding a good quality food with low fat content for my dog. I settled on an organic raw frozen food and in the guaranteed analyses is says the fat is 7.1%. I dont know if there is ‘dry matter’ for raw frozen food. Is this the correct fat content?
Hi Brennen,
Since the food is raw frozen there will not be “dry matter” for the fat content. You are correct that the fat content of your food is the 7.1% listed in the analysis.
hello brennen
i had been feeding my dog with”( just food for dog”) they make it fresh everydaybut you can get it frozen
usually my dog is pretty healthy
they have beef , chicken , lamb, fish, venison and they have one for dog the have liver and kidney problem excellent for dogs with pancreatic problem
Hi, Our sweet boy has pancreatitis. He has been on a lamb and rice dry and salmon and potato can. We started this diet to trying to figure out if he has food allergies and we were supposed to do this for 3 months. Then gradually add things back one at a time to see if he’s allergic to certain foods like chicken for example. Our vet suggested we not change the current diet yet but gradually change to just the lamb and rice dry. However, we’ve read repeatedly that lamb is high fat and should be avoided. We are leaning to stopping the lamb, but are so confused. And it’s upsetting to know he’s hungry but he isn’t wanting to eat much of the current diet and if lamb is bad we don’t want to continue giving him something that’s hurting him instead of helping him. Suggestions welcomed please.
Hi Michelle,
I understand your concern with finding the right food for your boy. I am not aware of diets containing lamb being too high in fat. This may in fact be the case, but I usually just focus on the fat content when trying to choose a diet for patients with pancreatitis. I know you were in the middle of an elimination diet trial to narrow down the cause of a possible food allergy. Unfortunately, you may have to pick a prescription low fat food to get the pancreatitis under control and then consider restarting the food trial at a later date. Without playing a personal role in your pup’s medical care, I can’t make specific recommendations on diet. I am hopeful you can partner with your vet to find the best way to get your sweet boy feeling good again. Praying all is well and things are back on track. Best wishes to you both.
My 15 year old Spoodle Molly has suffered from Pancreatitis for a long time but is doing really well. I feed her boiled chicken breast, Hills ID Chicken stew, an evening meal of rice, pumpkin, peas & chicken mixed with the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal dry biscuits. She will eat some biscuits with her lunch some days but I add a little boiling water to soften slightly as her teeth are not that brilliant. Sometimes she has some boiled kidney with her chicken and she also loves a scrambled egg once a week. No fat or milk just the egg.
As a little treat after her early morning amble I give a few tiny pieces of ‘Air fried dried liver’ not the hard bits just the bits that break easily. I hope this is helpful.
Hi Jacqueline,
Molly sounds like a lucky pup to have you cooking such wonderful meals for her. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Hi my 9 year old yorkie has had a attack of pancreatitis she has now lost weight and I’m maintaining her weight with a low fat kibble and white steamed cod she has gone off chicken is this ok ???
Hi Beverley,
I am sorry your little pup is dealing with this difficult disease. Since I haven’t examined her myself, I can’t make specific dietary recommendations. It would be best to discuss this concern with your vet and get their expert opinion since they are more familiar with your dog’s medical details.
Kobe was on Just FoodForDogs Veterinary Hepatic frozen fresh food – the food is low fat – but he was refusing to eat all of it right befits his pancreatic episode this week. The food did contain a lot of rice & sweet potato cubes so thinking he wasn’t a fan of the rice all of a sudden. This was his first pancreatitis issue & it was mild & he recovered quickly. He ate Royal Canin veterinary GI low fat canned food while in the hospital & since his discharge on Thursday I have continued with the diet upon his internist’s recommendation. He refused to eat his JustFoodForDog Hepatic food & preferred the Royal Canin. I prefer him to be on fresh food & there was another JustFoodForDogs option on the internist’s recommended food list – Metabolic Support. The fat content is a bit higher than the Royal Canin. Royal Canin is 1.8 fat grams per 100 calories & Metsboliv Support is 3.6 fat grams per 100 calories, so not sure if they will be a viable option for him. I plan on discussing it with his internist on his monthly recheck. Meanwhile I will continue with the Royal Canin.
Hi Linda,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am sorry you are having trouble finding a dog food you are happy with, but glad that Kobe likes the food recommended by the specialist. I’d call that a win! Hoping the recheck brought you good news and your sweet boy is doing well. Best wishes to you both.
Hi Robin, My pom is 14 years of age with stage 4 Kidney Disease. He had a bad attack of Pancreatitis this past Saturday and He has been eating small amounts of chicken and The Hills prescription ID Chicken stew. He was in pain Saturday and now pain free today Tuesday. is it too soon to give the Royal Canine ageing senior dog food ( comes in a pouch) He loves it. I did give it to him today along with the Hills ID and some small amounts of chicken . He does have a high potassium, ,Phosphorus Level so he can’t eat the Low fat Hills dog food. Is there anything in the pouch royal canine aging dog food ( High fat, potassium, phosphorus ) I have to worry about maybe that his pancreatitis might return? Thank you. Diane F.
Hi Diane,
I understand your concern for your senior guy, and these are all great questions. Unfortunately, without playing a personal role in your dog’s health care, I can’t make specific dietary recommendations. It would be a good idea to talk to your vet and discuss these options. They can let you know if the Royal Canin food is a good choice for your dog’s specific needs and when it is best to start switching his diet. Some dogs have to stay on a prescription diet for life to keep pancreatitis at bay. I hope this is not the case for your sweet boy. Hoping all is well and wishing you both many happy days ahead.
Hello Dr. Buzby
My 7 year old German Shepherd mix was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in January. Since that time he has lost 15 pounds and will not eat much. He is on nausea medication, famotidine and ursidol.
I have tried many different, low, fat foods, both dry, wet, and homemade but he is uninterested. Any thoughts?? I need to get him to start eating. He will eat low fat treats though. I am at wits end. Any suggestions?
Gina
Hi Gina,
I am sorry your Shepherd is dealing with pancreatitis and is not interested in his food. It may be time to schedule a consultation with a specialist. An internal medicine specialist or veterinary nutritionist might have ideas about other food options to try. You can also talk to your vet about adding in an appetite stimulant or probiotic to see if that helps a bit. I am hopeful you can find the right combination of things to get your pup back on the right track. Wishing you both the best of luck!
My 6 yrs old 17lb mixed breed is on her second pancreatic flare-up, a year a part. Her diagnosis was derived through bloodwork. Her symptoms have been not being to sit on her bottom, constipation, anti social, shaking,nausea, painful to move or to touch her back or stomach , and fever. Is constipation and the other symptoms normal? Both times she has had IV fluid x2 and meds…Thank you.
Hi Laura,
I am so sorry your little pup is dealing with another pancreatitis flare up. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. There are just too many variables to say what is “normal”. If you have any questions about your dog’s medical treatment, I highly recommend you discuss your concerns with your vet. They can let you know what to expect and if her symptoms are all related to the pancreatitis or if there are other issues that need to be addressed. Hoping your sweet girl will feel better soon and praying for a full recovery.
My 6 year old GSD was diagnosed with pancreatitis almost a year ago. I went with a frozen raw diet. We take precautions while thawing and preparing the food. She gets raw in the morning and supper with kibble for lunch. The kibble formula is being changed so I am looking for another kibble. I have found one with an ocean fish meal at 6% crude fat. Her old kibble was turkey at 8% crude fat. My concerns are with the fish meal, some say no fish others say fish is ok for dogs with pancreatitis. Just wondering your opinion. I have not found a Vet who can give me information on diet they say I am wrong in feeding raw and want me to change to a prescription diet. Note: she has not had any symptoms since being on raw and her blood work confirms it. I just want to keep some kibble in her diet for when we travel.
Hi Randy,
I am glad your Shepherd has been doing so well since her pancreatitis diagnosis a year ago. I do not usually advise my clients to avoid fish-based diets, but rather focus on the total percentage of fat in the diet. You could always ask your vet to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to see if they think this new kibble will be ok with your pup’s specific needs. I can understand why you are having a tough time finding a vet that recommends a raw diet. I myself am not a fan. I do think home cooked fresh food diets are wonderful, but the raw factor gives me cause for worry. I am glad you are taking precautions when thawing and prepping food. Just know that even if your dog doesn’t get sick, it doesn’t mean she isn’t shedding salmonella in her feces that can last for 4-6 weeks after she is exposed. Also, Listeria is another pathogen that has been found in many tested samples of raw dog food diets. I am glad it works for you and as long as you are informed, I say keep up the good work.
Thank you for this helpful info on pancreatitis in dogs. My 3 yr old terrier mix got into some trash and injested 16 half eaten take-out chicken wings . We took her to the vet where an xray revealed she had digested all the bones however her pancreatic panel was way above normal. She was on a bland diet for a few days before transitioning to a low fat grain free diet temporarily. Two months later she had repeat bloodwork done which revealed a panel still above normal . She was then diagnosed with pancreatitis by our vet . The vet ordered our dog to remain on Royal Canin Low Fat prescription formula. I top her food with green beans, carrots, occasionaly add a hard boiled egg, boiled chicken or salmon, ground beef. This way I know she’s always getting some natural meat source low in fat with some veggies too. I never serve her kibble dry, I always add a bone broth made for dogs to moisten her kibble. She’s doing well, due for a check up in April . We will see where her numbers are then and move forward with whatever the vet recommends.
Hi Christine,
Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers. I am certain this will be helpful to others and offer some hope to those in a difficult situation. I am sorry your pup is dealing with chronic elevations in her pancreatic enzymes, but glad to hear she is doing well with her new diet. I pray you will see the results you are hoping for at her next checkup. Wishing her the best of luck at a full recovery and many happy years ahead. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi my 14 yr boy has pancreatitis vet said 200 was normal , my boy was 600 in blood test, ha no vomiting, but suffers severe osteoarthritis in shoulders and hips, vet has him on B12 , 4 Cyte, metacam for pain. I have now started him CBD oil but has cocoanut oil as carrier, I am really desperate for answers 🙏
Hi Joy,
I am so sorry your senior boy is struggling with pancreatitis. I hope you can continue to partner with your vet to find the best way to help your pup make a full recovery. Praying you find the answers you need, and things turn around quickly. Bless you and your sweet boy.
My poor little wire-haired dachshund, Peanut, was diagnosed about a year ago with pancreatitis. She just turned 5, and is otherwise so healthy. It’s a very frustrating illness. Her diet now consists of Purina Pro Plan Gastro EN dry food mostly, but I have to jump through so many hoops to get her to eat it. She’s not a big fan and she also did not like the Hills gastrointestinal dry food either. It has been a terrible struggle to get her to eat. She likes her boiled chicken, turkey, green beans and carrots, but I fear that isn’t a complete diet for her to live on. If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears. I am going to be talking to her vet as well because I need to find something that she’s excited about eating.
Hi Loretta,
I am sorry Peanut struggles with pancreatitis and does not seem to really like her prescription food. I think your decision to talk to your vet is a good one. They may have another diet option you have not tried yet. Also, your vet may be able to schedule a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist. A nutrition specialist should be able to formulate a home cooked diet that meets Peanut’s specific needs. This way she can have her fresh food she likes, and you can ensure it is nutritionally complete. Your pup is lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. Best wishes to you both and keep up the good work!
My dog is getting over her first bout of pancreatitis. She is 5 years old. Of all my schnauzers, she is the only schnauzer that had this condition. I didn’t know this breed are more prone to it. The only symptom she had was her throwing up. Otherwise, she wanted to play and wanted to eat. The vet put her on a rice and low fat cottage cheese diet for 2 days. She will be going back on her regular dog food but I see it’s 16% crude fat. Would it be better if I put her on a low fat or moderate fat diet of the dog food you mentioned. Or maybe mix the two together?
Thank you
Candy
Hi Candy,
I am sorry your Schnauzer is dealing with pancreatitis and its side effects. I am glad the diet change has helped, and she is well enough to switch back to her normal food. Since I have not examined your girl myself, I can’t make specific recommendations. It would be a good idea to talk to your vet about what food is best moving forward. They should be able to partner with you to ensure your sweet girl is well taken care of. I am hopeful you will find the right combination of things to keep her feeling great. Best wishes and good luck!
To get my 14yr old Min Pin through this for the second time I started her out on no preservatives beef baby food and sweet potato baby food that I gave her 50 calories at a time through a turkey injector syringe. I feed her twice the second day and four times the third. she did take a bite of boiled chicken tenderloins but still didn’t eat it yet. for the fourth day I kicked it up to eight times which equals her normal 400 calories a day. The next day she should eat. Best thing is she never threw it up. just go slow about 35ml in five to ten minutes with a couple tablespoons water afterward to wash it down. I did thin the baby food with no fat beef broth without garlic or onion so it would flow easy. The vet did give me IV fluid to use subcutaneous at 100-150ml daily to combat dehydration. She also had pain meds, nausea meds and appetite enhancing meds from the vet. She recovered slower probably due to her age.
Hi Kerry,
I am so glad you were able to help your senior girl through this tough recovery. She is lucky to have you as her caretaker and advocating for her health and wellbeing. Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers. Keep up the good work!
The vet had my dog only on boiled chicken, boiled hamburger and rice while on medication. There was no post information about when she finished the medication. I have switched out half of her food to Fresh Pet and the Purins Pro Plan Adult Weight which I had her on before. I quit the canned food entirely and have cut her treats back to two a day and two biscuits ( Alpo) and two Marrow Rounds. Having read this I’m going on a better label reading to see what total she should be on. She still acts hungry and wants more, and she is drinking a lot of water and making a lot of trips outside. There has been no more diarrhea or vomiting but I know I need to do more diet change.
Hi Margie,
You are correct, it is probably time to wean your pup off the boiled chicken, hamburger, and rice. Just to be sure you are including the right ratio of ingredients; I highly recommend you consult with your vet. They can let you know if any of her treats pose a threat to causing a pancreatitis flare up. Also, they can guide you through the process of determining how many calories your dog needs each day. I am glad the vomiting and diarrhea have resolved. Hoping your girl is in the clear and can stay on the path of health and happiness.
My vet told me to give my dog chicken and rice after a bout with pancreatitis. I am now making his dog food with rice, chicken or turkey, sweet potatoes, peas, spinach, carrots, eggs, ground flax seed. Hoping he will be healthier rather than giving him kibble. Lord knows what’s in it these days. Too many recalls even on expensive food.
Hi Sarwar,
Your dog is such a lucky pup to have access to these amazing foods. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Best wishes!
Dr. Buzby, thank you for the extensive info on this terrible disease my almost 15 yr. old poodle was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago. ‘Spike’ is an active, healthy boy with me his entire life. He got so sick with all the symptoms you mentioned, our vet gave me the test results and put him on anti nausea meds and special diets and restrictions. The diets didn’t go over at all, so baked chicken over Purina Beyond wth any liquids/fats? mopped up and scooped out, had him eating g well again! The flare-ups have been few and resolve with stomach meds for a day or two. Believe me, I tried everything, and am very strict with his 2 meals and treats daily. I can tell when he’s getting sick: stretching, pacing, not eating and the way he looks in general.Thanks, for listening, Karen & Spike.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our readers. I am sorry Spike has ongoing struggles with pancreatitis but glad to hear he is doing well and is able to maintain a good quality of life. Hoping he has many happy days ahead. Bless you both!
all great info, thanks. My 12 yr old retired racing greyhound has sensitivities so some years back she went on raw duck with on phytoplankton. she’s been good but for a few periodic bouts of diarrhea. most recently for 1+ weeks. she never lost her appetite. Ultrasound showed not much but possibly pancreatitis. MalAbsorbtion panel low folic and b12 so she is still on b12. Last panel showed good but her TLI Fasting >50 and COLI 207. She ears 3x per day and 21 oz rabbit to 6 oz duck right now. Will get her to all rabbit. Still phytoplankton and have Visbiome to add. What are your thoughts please. She remains, active, happy and very hungry. Thanks,
Robin Lane
Hi Robin,
I think it is great you are taking such an active role in advocating for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, without examining your dog myself and knowing all the details of her case I can’t really make specific recommendations on her diet. My best recommendation would be to schedule a consult with a veterinary nutritionist and get their expert opinion. Wishing you and your senior girl the best of luck!
I take it that you disagree with CJ Puotinen’s article in Whole Dog Journal’s November ’22 issue that “One group of dogs likely to benefit from coconut oil or MCT oil are those who have …. chronic pancreatitis … MCTs do not require pancreatic enzymes to be digested, so they are tolerated by dogs with those issues.”
I believe that Dr. Judy Morgan said something similar.
I am not arguing with you, I’m merely asking why you disagree.
Thank you for your column. It’s extremely informative & helpful to many. Great job!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for asking this question! I love when readers feel comfortable enough to approach a difficult topic and open the floor for honest discussion. Here are my 2 cents 🙂
Most of the research articles available on coconut oil and MCTs and the effects on the pancreas are done in human medicine. There just isn’t much info about this in dogs. Interestingly, there is a MCT product derived from coconut oil that gets used in a lot of these studies on MCTs, but it is not interchangeable with the regular coconut oil that people buy at the store. The predominant MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. There is some debate about how to classify lauric acid and which metabolism pathway it follows (i.e., independent of pancreatic lipase or not). It is true that MCT can be absorbed by the body without needing pancreatic enzymes like lipase (as stated in the Whole Dog Journal article). However, some scientists consider lauric acid to be a LCT (long chain fatty acid). At least in people (I couldn’t find the info for dogs), lauric acid seems to act more like a long chain fatty acid (those that do require lipase for digestion). Also, MCTs only make up about 50% of the fats in coconut oil. Based on this, it seems that there is still the risk that it could trigger pancreatitis or put stress on the pancreas. Since there is still some debate about lauric acid and its metabolism, I think it is safest in general to avoid coconut oil in dogs with pancreatitis. However, if there is a situation where coconut oil may be indicated for a dog who also has a history of chronic pancreatitis, I would recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist so he or she can make recommendations based on your dog’s particular situation.
I hope that helps and you can understand why I am overly cautious. Here is one of the resources I used for my information in case you would like to take a look. I also referenced articles found on PubMed but it would not allow me to post a link since it requires a paid membership to read certain articles. Again, thank you for the opportunity to share! Best wishes!
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/