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Diet for Chronic Pancreatitis
May 23, 2010
An animal that has experienced just one episode of acute pancreatitis may be able to return to his normal diet, but chronic pancreatitis requires a change in diet. A low fat diet is important to minimize pancreatic stimulation. There are some commercial diets available. When looking at a label the critical number to look for is 6% or less crude fat. We have found several quality products that meet these criteria. Wellness makes several varieties of canned foods with 6% or less crude fat including Chicken Stew, Beef Stew, Turkey Stew and Turkey and Duck Stew. The Stew recipes are all nutritionally complete. Wellness also has a kibble, Super 5 Mix Healthy Weight formula that is 6 % crude fat and can be fed alone or mixed with any of the Wellness canned Sweet Potato varieties including Chicken and Sweet Potato, Duck and Sweet Potato, Turkey and Sweet Potato and Beef and Sweet Potato. The Sweet Potato varieties are an excellent food but must be mixed with the dry to be nutritionally complete. We carry the Wellness line and would be happy to order any of the varieties you would like to try. The Honest Kitchen brand has a variety called Preference that is also an excellent food with just 3% fat, but it is not nutritionally complete until you add your own meat. Lean chicken, turkey and beef would all be good additions. Solid Gold makes Holistique Blendz Adult Dog (fish) a dry food with 6% crude fat. Halo brand makes canned Spot’s Stews in Beef, Chicken and Salmon and all have 4.3% crude fat. All the varieties of Pet Promise canned food have 6% or less crude fat.
If you cook for your animal friend, the amount of fat, fruits and grains in the diet should be reduced to very moderate levels. Fresh lean meats and colorful vegetables should be gradually increased. If you would like some suggestions for a home cooked diet let us know. All foods, whether home cooked or commercially prepared, should be fed slightly warm or at least at room temperature. This puts less stress on the digestive system.
The use of probiotics is recommended for dogs and cats that are prone to pancreatic problems. We carry two excellent probiotics: iFlora from Sedona Labs, and Plant Enzymes and Probiotics from Animal Essentials.
You’ll also need to use low-fat treats. Dogs that have had an episode of pancreatitis should NEVER be given high fat treats such as raw bones, rawhides, pig’s ears and other similar items. In addition, dogs that have suffered a bout of pancreatitis should not be given coconut oil or any other types of supplemental oils or fats. You’ll find several suitable snacks in the next article.
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