A healthy diet is critical for managing pancreatitis in dogs. Opt for a fresh, clean, and low-fat diet to reduce inflammation and support pancreatic health. Avoid high-fat and processed foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. A hypoallergenic diet that is free from grains and fillers helps minimize irritation and supports overall well-being.

If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it is important to feed a diet that is low in fat, hypoallergenic and grain-free to reduce inflammation and help to prevent future flare-ups. Thus, feeding a hypoallergenic dog pancreatitis diet can quiet GI inflammation, which, along with a lower fat diet, can help your dog feel better overall. Certain foods such as allergens and grains can be pro-inflammatory, meaning they can increase inflammation, so eliminating them from your dog’s diet is helpful. Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis offered holistic consultations in conjunction with veterinarians at VCA hospitals for over 10 years. Her canine pancreatitis diet and digestive enzyme supplements for dogs with pancreatitis can be used along with conventional treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Many pet owners might not realize that many foods (even the highest-quality, grain-free, premium diets) are contributing to their dog’s health issues. Please be sure to include the food and treats you are feeding your dog on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet tips for dogs with pancreatitis on the packing slip that comes with your order.

Pancreatitis in dogs is a life-threatening condition that occurs most often when pets overindulge in too many high-fat foods. While certain breeds such as schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers are more susceptible to pancreatitis (and have a lower tolerance to fats), any dog can develop it. Pancreatitis-related emergency visits occur most frequently the days after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dogs are scavengers and are well known for tearing through trash bags or sneaking food from the counter. Well-meaning guests may treat your dog to a piece of fatty meat or pumpkin pie under the table. Overconsumption of table scraps can have deadly consequences. Smaller pets such as teacup Yorkies are especially vulnerable.

It’s important to know the symptoms of pancreatitis so that quick action can be taken if your pet shows the signs. Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed or swollen. A healthy pancreas is essential for the production of insulin to regulate blood sugar and enzymes that help with nutrient absorption during digestion. High-fat-content diets can cause the pancreas to overproduce digestive enzymes. These excess enzymes can start digesting the pancreatic tissue, which results in pain and swelling.

During an attack, many dogs will assume a “praying position,” with their front legs and head lowered to the ground and their rear end up in the air. They are trying to relieve the pressure in the abdomen. Other symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may include:

Abdominal pain and upset stomach

Swollen abdomen

Arching of the back

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Lethargy

Fever

Restlessness and depression

Gagging

Please call your veterinarian right away if you notice your dog displaying these symptoms of pancreatitis. Dogs can have two forms of pancreatitis: acute (sudden onset) or chronic (the more common form where the dog has bouts or periodic episodes). Both forms of pancreatitis can be helped long-term with the use of digestive enzymes that break down nutrients, along with probiotics to support gastrointestinal health.

To diagnose pancreatitis in dogs, a veterinarian may run laboratory tests, including blood work, X-rays and possibly an abdominal ultrasound. There is no single test that will provide a definitive diagnosis for pancreatitis in dogs. It is generally diagnosed from the clinical signs. The goal of treatment is to minimize the severity of flare-ups and prevent future occurrences. Pancreatitis in dogs can be well managed with diet changes and natural supplements to support pancreatic and liver function.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition in which the pet is unable to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes. This lack of enzymes inhibits the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, and the resulting malabsorption of nutrients often causes weight loss despite consumption of large amounts of food. Some breeds are more prone to the condition, and it is more often seen in German shepherds, chows, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and rough-coated collies. The main cause is thought to be a progressive loss of pancreatic cells, but EPI can also be due to chronic pancreatitis. The condition can be diagnosed by your vet through blood and fecal testing. Many pets with EPI often have IBD as well, and may have many food sensitivities. K9 Digestive Enzymes is a comprehensive digestive enzyme for dogs that contains pancreatin, oxbile and HCL from animals to naturally replace the missing enzymes dogs with EPI need.

Pancreatic cancer in dogs occurs when tumors form in the pancreas, the organ responsible for regulating sugar and digesting food. It is a rare disease, accounting for only 5% of all cancers in dogs. Symptoms of both pancreatic adenocarcinomas and insulinomas are vague and nonspecific. They may include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, anorexia, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, seizures and hair loss. If tumors are caught early, surgical removal may be an option. A special diet, medications and natural supplements would be needed to prevent the cancer from returning.