Pancreatitis

“There is no procedure or medication that cures pancreatitis, so treatment is supportive, with the goal of reducing the dog’s symptoms.” [2]

“KetoPet Sanctuary has made some interesting discoveries about dogs consuming unadulterated (raw) fat versus dogs eating cooked (processed) fat, in that raw fat (even very high-fat diets) did not cause pancreatitis in their cohort of patients, but cooked fat did induce pancreatitis in some patients, even in small amounts.” [2] (KetoPet Sanctuary dogs eat a high fat diet to combat cancer)

“Pancreatitis occurs in two different forms, acute and chronic, and both may be either mild or severe. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and is more often severe, while chronic pancreatitis refers to an ongoing inflammation that is usually less severe and may even be subclinical (no recognizable symptoms).” [2]

“Acute pancreatitis can be extremely painful, and can become life-threatening if the inflammation spreads, affecting multiple organs and systems. Symptoms commonly include anorexia (loss of appetite), vomiting, weakness, depression, and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain in a dog may be exhibited as restlessness or not wanting to move; a hunched appearance or a “praying position,” with the chest down and the rear raised; or vocalization (crying or whimpering). Additional symptoms may include diarrhea, drooling, fever, and collapse.” [2]

Effect of withholding food on serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, trypsin-like immunoreactivity, and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in healthy dogs

RISK FACTORS

“In most patients, the definitive cause of pancreatitis is unknown. Published risk factors for pancreatitis are extensive and include endocrine disease, obesity, breed, and others.1-6 The nutritional factors that are anecdotally reported to precede episodes in dogs include dietary indiscretion and consumption of more dietary fat than normal for a particular dog.” [5]

“In a single retrospective study that interviewed owners of dogs affected by pancreatitis and those resenting with renal disease, factors that were more prevalent in the pancreatitis group included:” [1]

13× more likely: Dietary indiscretion of items in the trash, which conferred greatest risk
4×–6× more likely: Unusual food items consumed prior to presentation
2.6× more likely: Obesity
2× more likely: Table scraps given in the preceding week or generally

“Results suggested that dietary factors, being neutered, and previous surgery other than neutering increased the odds of pancreatitis in dogs.“ [3]

“Dogs with acute pancreatitis may fully recover, and may not display any histologic features or clinical signs of chronic disease. In such cases, a diet otherwise optimal for the pet’s age and health can eventually be fed. Once the patient is discharged:• If the patient received a low fat diet during hospitalization, slowly transition the animal to the previous or intended maintenance diet. • Do not make this transition until the owner has verified the patient is eating well and clinically stable after discharge. There are often no contraindications to extended administration of a low fat diet.• Discontinue food transition and reevaluate recommendations if there is any evidence of lethargy, hyporexia, or abdominal pain. • Owners should be counseled to avoid the risk factors highlighted at the beginning of this article (eg, significant abrupt food changes, ingestion of trash, table scraps, obesity).” [1]

Protein

“Published anecdotal recommendations have suggested restriction of dietary protein to less than 75 grams per 1000 kcal for dogs based on the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to amino acids and protein.2,21 (Use the Pet Food Math Cheat Sheet to calculate the grams per 1,000 calories/kcal) However, there is no evidence that such a maximum is beneficial or necessary. Critically ill dogs may have increased protein requirements, as in humans, due to the systemic inflammatory response”

Fats

Omega 3’s
< 30g per 1,000 Calories
Storing Food Properly

“Oral or parenteral omega-3 fatty acids (eg, docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], alpha-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) may reduce pancreatic inflammation and prevent apoptosis of acinar cells.23-25• Efficacy and dosing in dogs has not been established; however, other omega-3responsive conditions typically require 1 to 3 mg of combined EPA and DHA per kcal, or approximately 1 to 3 standard fish oil capsules (containing 300 mg EPA and DHA) per 10 pounds of body weight.26• Each capsule adds 1 gram of fat to a dog’s intake; therefore, omega-3 fatty acids should be used judiciously while monitoring clinical signs.• Extended administration is required and, therefore, is only likely to be beneficial in patients with chronic pancreatitis.Oxidized or rancid fats should be avoided. While avoiding improper food storage is important for all dogs, it is especially important for those predisposed to pancreatitis because: • Oxidative stress may be a component of the pathophysiology of pancreatitis• Oxidized lipids may activate inflammatory cells.” [1]

“Oxidized or rancid fats should be avoided. While avoiding improper food storage is important for all dogs, it is especially important for those predisposed to pancreatitis because: • Oxidative stress may be a component of the pathophysiology of pancreatitis• Oxidized lipids may activate inflammatory cells.” [1] Go to the food storage page for more information.

“KEY POINT: Based on available evidence, it is prudent to feed lower fat diets (< 30 grams per 1000 kcal) in order to assess an individual dog’s response. Diets with higher fat contents may be tolerated by some dogs as precise data are unavailable.” [1] Go to the Pet Food Evaluation page to learn how to determine fat grams in any food.

CATS

“There is no evidence that dietary fat restriction is warranted in feline pancreatitis, whether acute or chronic. Therefore, higher fat recovery diets can be fed if palatable and available.” [1]