Dog Food for Pancreatitis

This page looks at dog food for pancreatitis - Dogs with pancreatitis should be fed a healthy low-fat diet, as well as some dietary supplements such as digestive enzymes and probiotics since they are help with digestion thereby relieving the pancreas from working extra hard.

As mentioned in our page on Pancreatitis in Dogs, dogs suffering from pancreatitis has an inflamed pancreas caused by the leakage of digestive enzymes into the pancreatic tissue.

To avoid over-stimulating the pancreas into production of digestive enzymes, therefore, dogs with pancreatitis or those prone to this disease must be on a special diet.

This page looks at some natural, healthy dog food for pancreatitis, as well as some supplements that can help to support a dog's pancreas and the digestive system.

Dog Food for Pancreatitis - Important Points to Remember

There are several things to remember when choosing dog food for pancreatitis:

The most important point to note if you have a dog with pancreatitis is to avoid feeding him fatty foods, including butter, margarine, and vegetable oils. Therefore, dog food for pancreatitis should be low in fat. Do not feed any rich oily table scraps to a dog with pancreatitis. For dogs who are prone to this disease, even a single occasional high fat meal may cause pancreatitis.
Another benefit of a low-fat diet for pancreatitis in dogs is that it is effective in weight control. Overweight dogs seem to have more severe bouts of pancreatitis when it occurs and to have recurrences more frequently, so keeping the dog's weight down is essential.
When choosing a low-fat dog food, look for high-quality, low-fat, and highly-digestible protein sources such as chicken, turkey, no-fat cottage cheese, etc.

The second important point to remember that since the pancreas produces insulin, pancreatitis and diabetes are closely related - Dogs with diabetes are susceptible to pancreatitis, and pancreatitis itself can lead to diabetes. For dogs with pancreatitis, therefore, sugar intake has to be controlled. Avoid food and snacks that contain a lot of sugar, such as honey. Vegetables high in sugar should also be limited. Examples of high glycemic vegetables include pumpkin, fresh corn, parsnips.
To reduce the work of the pancreas, choose sources of carbohydrates that are highly digestible, such as rice, potatoes, and oatmeal.
Kibbles bought at supermarkets usually contain low-quality protein and carbohydrate sources (lots of fillers that are hard to digest). Moreover, such dog foods contain insufficient amounts of digestive enzymes. As a result, the dog's pancreas will need to work more in order to produce and secrete digestive enzymes during mealtimes. If your dog has pancreatitis, try to get him a high-quality, all-natural dog food.
Feeding should not be one big single meal a day. Instead, food and water should be fed in small quantities several times a day to avoid putting too much strain on the pancreas at one time.

[Top of Page]

Dog Food for Pancreatitis - Recommendations

Wellness Super5Mix Weight Management Dry Dog Food

This natural dog food has chicken as its main source of protein which is low in fat and easy to digest. Oatmeal is used to provide a wholesome source of fiber instead of hard-to-digest fillers. Good for weight control and dogs that are prone to pancreatitis.

Raw Advantage Organic Special Care for Dogs

This organic raw diet is especially made for dogs with degenerative disease, such as cancer, diabetes, and pancreatitis. It is a nutritional product that includes living enzymes and a combination of herbs that, when fed, may help the dog fight off the disease.

[Top of Page]

Dog Food for Pancreatitis - Supplements

If your dog is recovering from pancreatitis, consider these supplements. They aid digestion and help to support and strengthen the pancreas.

Digestive Enzymes
Supplements containing digestive enzymes not only aid digestion, but also support the pancreas, thereby minimizing or preventing pancreatitis flare-ups.

Probiotics
Probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" that are essential for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. The bacteria also aid digestion.
Here is a good natural product containing digestive enzymes and probiotics:
Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics
This natural supplement contains plant enzymes and probiotics and helps break down fats, protein, carbohydrates, and cellulose. Therefore, supplementing a dog with pancreatitis with this product can greatly help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, thereby lightening the burden put on the pancreas and the digestive system.

Pancreas Booster
This product, PetAlive Pancreas Booster, is a natural herbal product that contains pancreas-supporting ingredients (Bromelian, Papain), and herbs that support healthy blood sugar levels (Fennel, Goat's Rue, Gymnema). Overall, this supplement promotes the breakdown of foods in the intestines to support pancreatic health and vitality.