Prescription foods that veterinarians might recommend specifically for dogs with gastrointestinal problems such as pancreatitis are: Hill's Prescription Diet i/d or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat. It is generally recommended that the food for pancreatitis patients should contain less than 18% fat.
If your pet has had or is suspected of having pancreatitis, change over to a low-fat diet, and decrease body weight if they are overweight. Avoid giving too many treats, especially any treats containing fats. Absolutely avoid ANY fatty human foods such as meat, cheeses, etc.
Studies suggest a high level of fish oil (about 1,000 mg. per 10 pounds of body weight for dog with high lipid levels; about half that amount for dogs with normal levels) is helpful to dogs with acute pancreatitis. When supplementing with fish oil, also supplement with 5 to 10 IU of vitamin E.
Severe pain
In some cases, additional medicine – called amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin – may be recommended to help relieve the pain. If this isn't effective, severe pain can sometimes be relieved for a few weeks or months using an injection called a nerve block. This blocks the pain signals from the pancreas.
The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas. There are a few risk factors that can affect a dog's chances of developing pancreatitis. Dogs that eat a high-fat meal or who get into the garbage often can be more prone to pancreatitis. However, the true cause or causes of pancreatitis in dogs is unknown.
Pumpkin is good to have on hand and to feed daily during flare-ups. It naturally helps to bind loose stools and is soothing to the digestive system. Canned pumpkin with no spices or pulped raw pumpkin is best. Digestive enzymes are a must for all pets dealing with pancreatic disease.
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.
Hill's Prescription Diet g/d Aging Care Turkey Flavor Canned Dog Food is a therapeutic diet that is formulated to help manage dogs with pancreatitis. The diet is low in fat and calories, and it contains high levels of fiber to help support gastrointestinal health.
Dogs that have pancreatitis should not eat peanut butter due to its high-fat content.” Pups should stay away from this high-calorie treat if they are overweight or have health issues: Obesity. Pancreatitis.
Yes, there is a cure for pancreatitis. Most dogs will make a recovery with fluid therapy and medical management. However, chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to control. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best management practices for your dog.
Life expectancy for dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis is difficult to predict. In mild, uncomplicated cases, the prognosis is usually good, with most patients going on to make a full recovery. This is especially the case if high-fat diets are avoided and good veterinary and nursing care is provided.
If your dog's signs are very mild, “often times we don't even run tests,” Dr. Ross says. The doctor doesn't need to because treatment is the same whether it's a mild stomach upset or mild pancreatitis: withhold food and sometimes water for 36 to 48 hours, then reintroduce food gradually via a bland diet.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat eggs? Eggs are great for dogs with pancreatitis if they aren't cooked with butter, oils, or milk. We recommend avoiding giving the yolks to dogs with pancreatitis as these can be harder to digest. A dog with pancreatitis can eat egg whites.
Sweet potato is a great choice for dogs with pancreatitis. It contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help with digestive health. Sweet potatoes are also a low-fat food beneficial for dogs with pancreatitis, as a high-fat diet can worsen the condition.
Feed Dogs with Pancreatitis 3 – 4 Small Meals a Day
As long as the dog continues to improve, the amount of food offered could increase by one-quarter every day so that at the end of four days, the patient is taking in their full resting energy requirement.
Portion Control. The rule of thumb: Don't overdo it. Limit your dog's consumption of peanuts to that of an occasional treat, not a meal. Due to its high concentration of fats, too much peanut butter can lead to pancreatitis, a very painful health condition for dogs.
Certain breeds of dogs are considered predisposed to developing pancreatitis including Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and some terrier breeds. Miniature Schnauzers as a breed tend toward developing hyperlipidemia, an excess of circulating fats in the blood.
Pancreatitis can occur in any dog, but some breeds are more susceptible to this disease. They include the miniature schnauzer, miniature poodle, and cocker spaniel. Additionally, pancreatitis is more common in middle-age to older dogs, overweight dogs, and females.
The best food choices for those suffering from chronic pancreatitis are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nonfat/low fat dairy, and lean cuts of meat. Healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, may be consumed with careful portion control.
Rest and recovery, and fasting gives time to your pancreas to recover and work again for producing insulin and enzymes. Sleeping or fasting enables pancreas to regenerate enzymes.
Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. If your pancreatitis is more severe, your treatment may also include: Surgery. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, if gallstones cause your pancreatitis.