Does your dog have pancreatitis? It can be challenging knowing what to feed your dog with pancreatitis, especially when it comes to treats. But not to worry! We’re here to help. Your dog doesn’t need to be restricted at treat time, and there are plenty of options to consider. Read on to find out the best treats for dogs with pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an essential organ, producing digestive enzymes and hormones. The cause of pancreatitis in dogs is pretty much unknown, but common potential factors include feeding your dog the wrong types of food (which are usually high in fat). This could be your leftover meals, table scraps, or greasy food. Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe, and it’s important to act fast when you spot possible symptoms.
Common Pancreatitis Symptoms
It’s not always easy to spot pancreatitis in dogs. In more severe cases, dogs show obvious signs that something’s wrong, but milder symptoms can be tougher to detect. Possible symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Stomach pain
- Restlessness
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- High temperature
We advise that you consult your vet as soon as you suspect your dog may have pancreatitis.
Acute vs Chronic Pancreatitis
There are two main types of pancreatitis in dogs - acute and chronic.
Acute
Acute pancreatitis develops suddenly, and there's no warning. While acute pancreatitis is milder than chronic pancreatitis, your dog will likely express pain and the common symptoms we spoke about earlier.
Chronic
Chronic pancreatitis involves continuous inflammation of the pancreas. Its symptoms are often no worse than acute pancreatitis, but it has the potential to develop into more severe complications over time.
Feeding Guide for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Follow our simple guide to ensure a healthy feeding time for dogs with pancreatitis.
| Do Feed | Don’t Feed |
|---|---|
| Low-fat treats | High-fat treats |
| Protein-rich treats | Low-protein treats |
| Lean meats (turkey, chicken, venison, and white fish) | Fatty meats (lamb, beef, and pork) |
| Unprocessed treats | Processed, low-quality treats |
| Species-appropriate and 100% natural treats | Low-quality treats consisting of added oils, cereals, and fats |
Recommendation!
Low-fat raw food diets are best for dogs with pancreatitis. We recommend a raw diet alongside low-fat dog treats for pancreatitis. Raw food is packed with natural goodness and live enzymes, which are easy on the stomach, reducing stress to your dog's pancreas.
Why Low Fat?
So, why low fat?
Your dog's pancreas produces vital digestive enzymes that help break down fats and proteins. Feeding high-fat foods to your dog might be making their pancreas work harder, which could potentially increase inflammation. It may feel restricting only feeding low-fat dog treats for pancreatitis, but it’s all for good reason.
Safe Treats for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Dogs with pancreatitis may benefit from eating low-fat dog treats for dogs with pancreatitis and a raw diet. Some examples of potentially pancreatitis-safe treats for dogs could include:
- Dried venison strips
- Dried chicken strips
- Dried turkey necks
- Dried or frozen raw lean meat tendons
- Dried or frozen sprats
- White fish treats
- Chicken, turkey, or fish-flavoured bone broth for dogs
Treats to Avoid for Dogs With Pancreatitis
It’s helpful knowing what treats can be safely fed to dogs with pancreatitis, but what should you avoid?
- High-fat, greasy food: Bacon, sausages, ham, and other deli meats
- Human snacks: Crisps, nuts, toast, and other table scraps
- Dairy: Cheese, butter, cream, and other high-fat dairy products
- Sugar: Cake sponge, biscuits, cookies, and other snacks with high sugar content
- Toxins: Garlic, onion, spices, pepper, and any other food toxic to dogs
If you’re actively avoiding feeding these types of treats and your dog's pancreatitis is still present, seek further advice and support from your vet.
Key Takeaways
- Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed
- Consult your vet as soon as you suspect your dog may have pancreatitis
- Low-fat treats and lean animal protein are advised for dogs with pancreatitis
Low-Fat Treats for Dogs With Pancreatitis
At Mersey Raw, we cater for dogs with all conditions. We aim to provide healthy, nutritious meals and low-fat dog treats for dogs with pancreatitis in the UK. It’s our job to make it easier for owners to find tasty and all-natural treats that are safe for dogs with pancreatitis. We have an extensive range of tasty treats available for dogs of all ages and sizes, living with pancreatitis or not.
From dried venison sticks to frozen sprats, we have a selection of pancreatitis-safe treats to consider for your furry friend. Browse our full treat collection today to find suitable, all-natural treats for your dog with pancreatitis.