Dog Pancreatitis Diet

Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. The term literally means ‘inflammation of the pancreas’. It’s the most common canine pancreatic disease. To make matters worse, because of their close proximity to the pancreas, the kidneys and liver can also be affected. Chronic cases can even result in multi-organ failure.

Pancreatitis is typically termed either chronic or acute. The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is reached when it’s obvious that the condition has developed over a period of time. Acute pancreatitis signifies that the condition has appeared suddenly. This distinction is of little significance from a clinical point of view since the initial symptoms are still likely to be the same. Only clinical testing will determine whether permanent damage has taken place. (This would indicate chronic pancreatitis). Or if the disease is acute. In which case it was most likely caused by a dog suddenly eating more fat than its body can cope with. That being the case, the condition is relatively easily rectified. By making a permanent change to a healthy, low-fat diet.

Causes of canine pancreatitis

There are a number of potential causes of canine pancreatitis. The disease is most typically associated with a poor diet. Invariably highly-processed, high-fat, high-carbohydrate dry commercial dog food. Food which is known to some as kibble. Obesity, traumatic injury and stress can also play a part in the development of canine pancreatitis. As too can a sedentary lifestyle. The disease is said to be more common among older, overweight and relatively inactive dogs. It’s also considered to be more common among female dogs than males. Other causes can include toxins, certain drugs and endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s Disease.

As with so many of today’s common dog diseases, this painful condition can be improved if not cured altogether, by the introduction of a healthy diet. Details of which are included in my dog pancreatitis diet plan.