Does your dog have pancreatitis? If so, you’re likely wondering what to do and whether a diet change is necessary. When a dog suffers from pancreatitis, they may require a more digestible diet to prevent inflammation. To learn more about the best type of food for a dog with pancreatitis, continue reading.
What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition that affects the pancreas, which is located near the stomach. The pancreas is essential when it comes to digestion and blood sugar regulation.
When issues occur with a dog's pancreas, it becomes inflamed, causing potential damage to the surrounding organs. Common signs and symptoms can help you spot pancreas-related problems, allowing you to adjust your dog's diet in an attempt to ease the condition.
What Does a Dog's Pancreas Do?
A dog's pancreas has two functions:
- Digestive - The pancreas works hard to produce enzymes that help aid digestion.
- Hormonal - The pancreas releases important hormones, such as insulin, to regulate your dog's blood sugar.
When pancreatitis occurs, dogs are unable to safely digest food, resulting in pain, sickness, and other tedious symptoms.
The Cause of Pancreatitis in Dogs
The exact cause of pancreatitis in dogs is unknown. However, there are a few key factors as to why pancreatitis may develop:
- High-fat diets
- Obesity
- Sugary foods
- Certain medications
- Other underlying conditions
- Stomach trauma
- Exposure to toxins
It’s understandable to feel worried when your four-legged friend is suffering from pancreatitis, and it’s easy to spend hours on end trying to figure out the cause.
All that matters during a pancreatitis diagnosis is how you’re going to move forward to ease symptoms and get your dog on the road to recovery. In most cases, dogs will show various signs of pancreas-related problems, but they’re not always so easy to spot.
Signs of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs displays itself in several different ways:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Low mood
While the more obvious signs are easy to notice, like vomiting and diarrhoea, others can be difficult to pick up. Pancreatitis isn't a common thought when you realise that your pooch is ill, but it isn't a condition to be ignored. There are two main types of pancreatitis in dogs - acute and chronic.
Acute vs Chronic Pancreatitis
Acute and chronic pancreatitis are two different forms of the condition in dogs. Let's find out what sets the two apart and how to spot the signs of each.
| Acute | Chronic |
|---|---|
| Develops suddenly | Develops slowly |
| Common | Uncommon |
| High chance of full recovery | Low chance of full recovery |
| Sudden symptoms | Ongoing symptoms |
One study reported that almost two-thirds of pancreatitis cases in dogs are chronic. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis in dogs must be dealt with accordingly, and it’s important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. Managing acute or chronic pancreatitis can be challenging, and the most common advice from any professional is to change your dog's diet.
What is the Best Food to Feed a Dog With Pancreatitis?
So, your dog has pancreatitis - now what? We recommend an all-natural, species-appropriate raw diet for dogs with pancreatitis. Raw food is easy to digest and low in fat. We know that pancreatitis is commonly caused by feeding dogs fatty foods that struggle to pass through their stomach.
By opting for a clean, protein-rich, raw diet containing easily digestible ingredients such as lean meat and fish, your dog will get all the nutrients they need while mending their inflamed pancreas.
Why a Raw Diet for Pancreatitis?
Dogs survive best on a diet that's most natural to them. The likes of kibble and other heavily commercialised dog foods in the UK offer more benefits to the owner than to the dog. With so many of us choosing the wrong diets for our pets, we’re faced with issues such as pancreatitis. Raw food for a dog with pancreatitis offers many potential benefits:
- 100% natural
- Contains enzymes aiding digestion
- No stress on the pancreas
- Protein-rich
- Packed with nutrients
- Species-appropriate
Raw food can be easily broken down, helping your dog's stomach to absorb nutrients while presenting a much firmer (and less smelly) stool.
Key Takeaways
- Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition that affects the pancreas
- There are two types of pancreatitis in dogs: acute and chronic
- Dogs with pancreatitis thrive best on an easily digestible, raw diet
High-Quality Raw Food for Dogs With Pancreatitis
We understand it can be overwhelming knowing what to feed a dog with pancreatitis, but we’re here to help. As discussed, a raw diet can be highly beneficial for dogs living with pancreatitis. At Mersey Raw, we have a range of high-quality, low-fat mince meals for your dog to enjoy - even with pancreatitis!
Our minces are made using a selection of tasty, all-natural meat sources, including leaner meats, ideal for dogs with pancreas-related issues. Our handy calculator tool allows you to provide the perfect amount of raw mince to your dog, in line with their age and weight. Shop our premade raw minces today to help aid your dog's digestion and get them on the road to recovery.
Contact our friendly team today to discuss our mince options. We look forward to discussing how we can help your dog with pancreatitis.