Raw Diet For Dogs With Pancreatitis
A suitable diet is one of the most crucial elements that helps a dog recover from pancreatitis, which is a very common disease in dogs. It’s important for dog parents to know exactly what to feed their furry friend in this condition.
In general, dogs suffering from pancreatitis can consume a raw diet, though there are some significant restrictions. The raw diet must be low in fat and should have highly digestible so that the dog’s pancreas is not under a lot of strain and can recover.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re concerned about the diet of your dog suffering from pancreatitis and are not sure what to feed it exactly. In this article, our small animal vet provides all the information you need to know about feeding a raw diet to a dog who has pancreatitis.
What Is Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a vital organ in the abdomen that secretes insulin and other important digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion of certain nutrients. Pancreatic enzymes or juices are required for the proper breakdown of proteins and fat in the food.
Dogs can suffer from acute or chronic pancreatitis, which makes it difficult for them to digest their food properly. In order to help the pancreas heal and recover, the diet of the dog should be carefully managed. Dogs that are provided good care and a healthy diet usually recover from pancreatitis and can resume eating normal food.
What Causes Pancreatitis In Dogs
There are several causes for pancreatitis in dogs and some of these are listed below:
- Consuming high-fat food that isn’t typically a part of a dog’s diet, such as leftovers and table scraps, is the most frequent cause of pancreatitis in dogs.
- Lack of exercise and obesity can also lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
- Infections and injuries to the pancreas can also result in pancreatitis.
- Medications and toxins like organophosphates, steroids, some antibiotics, potassium bromide, etc.
- Genetics can also play a role in the development of pancreatitis. Research has shown that some dog breeds are more prone to pancreatitis than others like Yorkshire Terriers, Mini Poodles, and Miniature Schnauzers.
Is Raw Diet Suitable And Safe For Dogs With Pancreatitis
Generally, you can feed raw meats or a raw diet to dogs who have pancreatitis, but there are some limitations that you need to be aware of first and these include the following:
- The dog’s raw diet or meat should contain little to no fat, ideally less than 5%, because a high-fat diet will trigger the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, which will worsen pancreatitis and delay healing.
- In order to minimize the strain on the pancreas, the raw diet should have high palatability and digestibility.
- A high-protein diet is also not recommended for dogs with pancreatitis, but a moderate amount of protein should be included in the diet because giving no protein at all will cause other health problems in dogs. Raw meals should only be avoided if they are extremely high in protein.
- A dog with pancreatitis should only be fed about 25% of its normal raw food intake. For example, if a dog used to eat 400 grams of raw diet when it was healthy, it should now be given about 100 grams to reduce stress on the pancreas.
- A high-fiber and low-calorie raw diet are usually recommended for dogs with pancreatitis.
- Never feed pork, lamb, or any other high-fat meats to dogs who suffer from pancreatitis. The best foods to give them are lean chicken breast, lean beef cuts, egg whites (don’t feed egg yolks as they are high in fat), yogurt, beef organs like the liver, heart, and kidney (with fat removed), rice, barley (for high fiber), and cooked vegetables but make sure they are not cooked in butter, milk, or oil.
How To Start The Raw Diet For Dogs With Pancreatitis
It is determined by the dog’s age and the severity of its condition. Before transitioning your dog with pancreatitis to a raw diet, you should always seek advice from your veterinarian. Initially, small portions of meat are provided, mostly boiled, and as the dog recovers from pancreatitis, the amount of protein and food quantity is increased.
