If your dog has been suffering with pancreatitis, you’ll probably have been recommended a change of diet by your vet. This is because pancreatitis is often caused by high-fat foods. Offering a low-fat diet is key as once your dog has experienced a bout of pancreatitis, the chance of it coming back is high. So whether it’s a one-off or they’ve had several episodes, it’s a good idea to offer their new low-fat diet for life.
Why do dogs with pancreatitis need low fat food?
Offering a low-fat diet reduces the workload on the pancreas, helping reduce the likelihood of attacks. Your best bet is to aim for a diet with a maximum fat level of 10%. Remember, the pancreas helps the stomach with digestion, so it’s also important to make sure your dog’s diet contains good quality ingredients that are easy to digest.
Cut out any high-fat or low-quality treats and table scraps. And ensure the whole family is on board. A small piece may seem like nothing, but if the whole family’s sneaking treats to your dog, it soon adds up. If you’re using supplements like fish oil, you should discuss with your vet first if it’s ok to continue. Lastly, be sure to keep human foods, bins and food waste bins secure or out of reach.
How to choose the right food for dogs with pancreatitis
Choosing the right food for a dog with pancreatitis can be hard. For example, some dogs prefer wet food over dry food, but wet food can often be high in fat. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to help you find a good food for your dog, or they might even suggest a prescription food.
Prescription foods for dogs with pancreatitis are usually lower in fat than standard off-the-shelf dog food. They might have a fat content lower than 5% – this type of specialist diet is best suited to dogs with severe pancreatitis as it helps to manage their symptoms.
For dogs with milder symptoms, there are a number of low fat options available that have the recommended <10% fat.
Hi Hope has had an ongoing intestinal infection and when she finishes ongoing antibiotics it flares up again she caught giardia caused by pigeon poo had many tests at vets and been on steroids antibiotics probiotics etc wonders have a chose the right tailor made foods for her
Hope has had an ongoing intestinal infection and has been on antibiotics which are ongoing she is on probiotics steroid tablets and has had several tests I wonder have chose the right tailored made recipe for her