Is Rice OK for dogs with pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in Dogs Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pancreatitis in dogs is one of those conditions that owners must be informed about before it strikes because the warning signs may not always be obvious at first, the symptoms might be mistaken for something less serious, and yet its potentially life-threatening. The medical definition of pancreatitis is simple: inflammation of the pancreas. But like all serious conditions, there is more to it than that.

Because it is dangerous, a suspected case of pancreatitis needs to be addressed by a veterinarian as quickly as possible and not dealt with by DIY treatments. As with all medical issues, even the best online resource is not a replacement for the medical guidance from your vet.

Before looking at the details of pancreatitis, lets take away the ititis and explain the small but vital organ itself:

The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid in digestion. When the organ is working normally, the enzymes become active only when they reach the small intestine. In a dog with pancreatitis, however, the enzymes activate when theyre released, inflaming and causing damage to the pancreas and its surrounding tissue and other organs. According to the Whole Dog Journal, the enzymes can actually begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes extreme pain to your dog.

Classic signs of pancreatitis in dogs

• Hunched back
• Repeated vomiting(either several times within a few hours or periodically over several days)
• Pain or distention of the abdomen (dog appears uncomfortable or bloated)
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Weakness/lethargy
• Fever

If your dog exhibits one of these signs, and only infrequently, monitor her. But if she exhibits multiple signs at once, and repeatedly, a call to the veterinarian quickly is vital.

Dehydration and pancreatitis in dogs

Dehydration is due to a greater fluid loss than fluid intake. Diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration, but those signs together will cause a greater fluid deficit and dehydration because the dogs fluid input (drinking) cannot keep up with the fluid losses. If the diarrhea becomes bloody, the condition worsens and the dehydration can become an emergency.

Other factors such as fever require increase fluid intake and can lead to dehydration along with other metabolic issues such as kidney disease, etc.

Blood in a dogs stool indicates a loos and significant inflammatory response requiring a veterinarians attention but it can be cause by a multitude of factors, from ulceration to parasites. Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to death. It is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

Any lethargic dog who is not drinking water or cannot hold water down should be suspect of dehydration and examined by a veterinarian. Dry mucous membranes (such as gums) may be a quick way of assessing dehydration but as always, when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

There are a number of causes and risk factors that can bring on pancreatitis. Though often the attack appears seemingly out of the blue. Among them are:

• A high-fat dietThis is a major cause of pancreatitis, especially for a dog who gets one large helping of fatty food in one sitting
• A history of dietary indiscretion (a medical term for saying your dog will eat anything)
• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism (or other endocrine diseases)
• Severe blunt trauma
• Diabetes mellitus
• Certain medications or other toxinsThese include cholinesterase inhibitors, calcium, potassium bromide, phenobarbital, l-asparaginase, estrogen, salicylates, azathioprine, thiazide diuretics, and vinca alkaloids.
• There may, in some cases, be a genetic predisposition. Certain breeds or types of dogs have been associated with higher risks of pancreatitis such as Miniature Schnauzers and some of the smaller toy and terrier breeds.

More about those fats: Human food is especially dangerous, though even high-fat dog food may cause pancreatitis. So owner vigilance is particularly required around holidays and other festive occasionsthey can bring well-meaning guests who slip your buddy a fatty piece of lamb, or a tray of buttery cookies left within reach of an eager muzzle. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is known for more than just Black Friday bargains. Its one of the busiest days of the year pancreatitis-related emergency vet visits.

Basically, if your dog is showing any signs of abdominal pain, the worst thing to do is feed him a fatty diet. This is one of many reasons that giving your dog table scraps, as tempting as it may be, is not advisable.

How does a vet diagnose pancreatitis in dogs?

• Your dogs medical history
• Blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes
• Physical examination including stomach, gums, heart, temperature
• Radiographs or ultrasound, to rule out other causes
• Fine needle aspiration of the pancreas

As the Merck Veterinary Manual notes, as with any disease, no test should be used in isolation for diagnosis, and all clinical findings should be used in conjunction to arrive at the most appropriate diagnosis.

Whats the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute PancreatitisAn acute attack of pancreatitis means it comes on suddenly, with no previous appearance of the condition before. It can become life threatening to other organs if the inflammation spreads.

Chronic PancreatitisA chronic condition is one that has developed over time, slowly, and often without symptoms. This condition can result from repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis.

Both acute and chronic forms can be either severe or mild, and both result in pain.

Treatment and management of pancreatitis in dogs

Theres no fancy treatment for acute pancreatitis. First and foremost, your dogs pain must be managed, and early intervention to prevent further complications is key. The most common treatment and management options are:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in severe pancreatitis
• Vigorous monitoring of a worsening condition
• Antiemetic medication for vomiting (to prevent dehydration)
• Resting the pancreas (withholding food and water for 24 hours)Long-term management includes:
• Vigilant monitoring of fat intakeNo table scraps allowed!
• Use of a prescription diet of gastrointestinal-supportive low-fat, or ultra-low fat, food.
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one larger meal
• Have amylase and lipase levels checked by a veterinarian regularly

Can supplements be used to prevent or manage pancreatitis in dogs?

It is important to reiterate that pancreatitis is a serious condition, so home remedies shouldnt be used in place of veterinary intervention. That said, some vets believe digestive enzyme supplements with pancreatin can help some (not all) dogs by reducing the work of the pancreas and inhibiting pancreatic secretion. These come in over-the-counter strength as well as prescription strength.

Fish oil may seem counterintuitive at first, because of its high fat content, but it can actually help lower blood lipid levels. Studies suggest a high level of fish oil (about 1,000 mg. per 10 pounds of body weight for dog with high lipid levels; about half that amount for dogs with normal levels) is helpful to dogs with acute pancreatitis. When supplementing with fish oil, also supplement with 5 to 10 IU of vitamin E.

There have been human studies suggesting that vitamin E (with selenium), vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine may help prevent pancreatitis. Conversely, another human study reveals that probiotics can make acute pancreatitis worse.

Always speak with your veterinarian before offering any supplements to your pet.

A canine researchers case study: her own dog

Caroline Coile, Ph.D is the Nutrition and Health columnist for AKC Family Dog and a two-time AKC Canine Health Foundation Award winner. Pancreatitis is a subject Coile knows well, not only as a professional canine researcher and writer, but because her dog, a Saluki named Beanie, went through the difficult and stressful experience. Here she shares her story:

Beanie, unlike most Salukis, loves to eat. But one day, after eating his very favorite treata flaky biscuithe vomited it up. He was standing with his back kind of hunched. I gently pressed on his abdomen, and he yelped. Out came the thermometer, which told me his temperature was 103 degrees. While I was calling the veterinarian, he vomited again, then lay down in a corner. We were in the car within minutes.

The veterinarian palpated his abdomen, which was definitely tender; took his temperature, which was still high; and drew blood. Beanie received pain medication, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids to combat fluid loss and came home with strict instructions not to eat that day. Eating anythingor even smelling foodcould have caused his pancreas to secrete enzymes and slow its healing. He could lick ice cubes, and then drink a bit of water.

The next day, he was allowed to eat about six tiny meals of low-fat, high-carbohydrate food. This meant rice, potatoes, or pasta. Overcooking these starchy foods makes them easier to digest. We would boil one cup of white rice (not instant rice) in four cups of water for 30 minutes to make a rice porridge called congee. We gradually added in protein sources, such as skinless chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, or boiled hamburger meat. When feeding a dog with pancreatitis, its important to cook all the food even if you normally feed a raw diet. Because the dogs gut is compromised, its necessary to remove fat and destroy bacteria.

After a week, Beanie progressed to a veterinary prescription diet for dogs with pancreatitis. He hated it. Many dogs with a history of acute pancreatitis must be on a special diet for the rest of their lives. If they dont like the pancreatitis diet, a low-fat weight loss diet often works just as well. Since obese dogs are more prone to pancreatitis, they need to lose weight anyway. Even if a high-fat meal didnt cause the initial bout, it can trigger a recurrence once the dog has had pancreatitis.

After a month, Beanie was able to gradually transition back to his old diet, minus the high-fat treats. Eventually, he even got his breakfast biscuitsbut no more butter. He never had another bout of pancreatitis.

The Take-Away

As the Canine Journal puts it, pancreatitis is like that relative that just wont leave: Even when theyre gone, the thought of their return hovers in the back of your mind. Unfortunately, once a dog has had a bout of pancreatitis, the chance of recurrence is high. You best defense against a repeat appearance of this unwelcome intruder is a two-pronged approach: Be on the look-out for the warning signs and control the things you can. Dont let your dog become obese (exercise is good for both of you), follow your vets feeding instructions strictly, and, when relevant, administer your dogs medication faithfully.

Mild cases of pancreatitis usually have a good prognosis. Severe cases have a more guarded prognosis, due to the potential for systemic complications. But as a vigilant, responsible, and most of all, knowledgeable dog owner, you now know what you can do to reduce the risk of pancreatitis, how to recognize it if it does strike, and how to manage it going forward.

Homemade Diet For Dogs With Pancreatitis (4 Easy Recipes)

Key Takeaways

• Dogs with pancreatitis need a low-fat diet. For cases that are severe, the dog food should have no more than 10% fat.
• A good homemade diet for dogs with pancreatitis should include lean, protein-rich foods like skinless chicken breast as well as healthy carbs like cooked rice and oatmeal.
• If your dog has pancreatitis, always consult with your veterinarian first before putting him into a new diet.

To make a quick and easy homemade diet for dogs with pancreatitis, combine all the ingredients below and serve to your dog slightly warmed. You will need to feed your dog one cup of this recipe for every twenty pounds of weight.

• One cup of plain boiled chicken
• 1/2 cup non fat plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup of boiled zucchini
• 3/4 cup boiled chopped potato
• tsp Bertes Digestion Blend

Illnesses like canine pancreatitis are some of the reasons why I always make sure my dogs eat healthy and stay healthy. Aside from expensive vet bills, the thought of seeing my dog suffering from a serious disease is enough to make me, or I bet any dog owner, feel bad.

Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, and it can affect dogs and humans alike. This condition often occurs as a result of an excessively high-fat diet. When your dog is diagnosed with this condition, you need to know all about the symptoms, how to treat them, and how to prepare a nutritionally complete homemade dog foodbased on a canine pancreatitis diet for your precious pooch.

What Is Canine Pancreatitis?

To understand the disease, you should first know the function of the affected boy part. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes responsible for breaking down foods that a dog eats. It lies on the right side of the body, adjacent to the stomach. This organ is also responsible for the manufacturing and release of insulinthe hormone that regulates normal glucose levels in the body.

When the pancreas is inflamed, it causes digestive enzymes to spill into the abdominal cavity of the dog, resulting in secondary damage to the liver, intestines, bile duct, and gallbladder.The condition comes in two forms: acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis can affect dogs of any age and breed. However, certain breeds are predisposed including the Poodle and Schnauzer. Acute versions of this condition may remain mild or can turn hemorrhagic.

As noted above, acute pancreatitis is often brought on by an excessively high-fat meal, but it can also come on spontaneously; there is not always a clear explanation as to why it happens. The following are some of the common symptoms experienced by dogs suffering from pancreatitis.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Severe abdominal pain
• Decrease in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Standing in the prayer position

Because canine pancreatitis can have a profoundly negative effect on the digestive system of your dog, it is important to examine hisdiet. Is he eating too much fatty foods? If yes, its time to make the right changes that will protect his health. One of the best things to comfort a dog with pancreatitis is a homemade diet.

How Is Canine Pancreatitis Treated?

Managing canine pancreatitis successfully means finding it in its earliest stages. If you have noticed any of the symptoms above, you must take your dog to the vet right away. While the symptoms of dog pancreatitis can often mimic other digestive disorders, it is important to rule out this serious condition first.

If your dog has a mild case of pancreatitis, the formula for treatment involves giving the digestive system a rest. Dogs who are vomiting should not eat until the vomiting subsides. It is safe to withhold food from a dog for a few days, though water or IV fluids are essential to avoid dehydration.

In some instances of pancreatitis, the dog needs to be hospitalized to be monitored 24/7. In cases of this magnitude, dogs are given IV fluids and analgesics to control the intense pain. If there is an infection,antibioticswill be administered via an IV. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications will be required to reduce the damage done [1].

If a dog with pancreatitis is hospitalized, the stay will typically be between two to four days. During this time, dog food will be gradually introduced again once the dog can hold down both food and water.A high fat diet will be avoided at all costs.

What Is the Prognosis for Dogs With Pancreatitis?

The prognosis of canine pancreatitis will entirely depend on the severity of the condition and how far it has progressed. If a dog has shock and depression, his prognosis will not be as good as a dog who has only mild pancreatitis. In cases of mild pancreatitis, most dogs fully recover with limited medical intervention. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for dogs with possible pancreatitis because this condition if left untreated, can lead to hemorrhagic pancreatitis, which can cause severe damage to the digestive system and may lead to death.

Although most dogs recover fully, some suffer long-term consequences. If the cells that make digestive enzymes are destroyed in great numbers, the result is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This condition can be managed with the addition of digestive enzymes to each meal.Diabetes is another possible consequence, and this is a longterm condition that would need to be managed with insulin and diet.

Diet Plan for Canine Pancreatitis

Once your dog has been diagnosed with canine pancreatitis, you must be prepared to give him a low-fat diet. If his condition is severe, you will need to make sure his diet consists of no more than 10% fat.Say hello to lean, protein-rich foods like skinless chicken breast as well as neutral carbs like cooked rice. Some sick canines are also given prescription dog food.

The goal is to feed your dog a healthy diet that will supply him with plenty of energy but is easy on the digestive system. Plan on adding an increased amount of wholesome complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. Meats like chicken, turkey, and lean beef (like low fat ground beef) are also good additions.

Adding healthy vegetables is also beneficial. Cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes and pumpkins are both good choices. So are dark leafy greens like spinach. Fat-free yogurt should also be a consideration, though keep in mind that many dogs are lactose intolerant so this could cause a stomach upset.

Your dogs diet should be a healthy balance of high protein, moderate healthy carbs, and low fat.Beef kidney is another highly nutritious food that fits easily into low fat diets. Beef liver is also OK, but does have a slightly higher fat content. However, for most meals, youll want to stick to extremely lean meats with not as much fat. Some experts, however, believe that omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil can help alleviate inflammation of the pancreas so adding this to homemade meals could be useful.

There are some commercial dog food preparations that meet these dietary needs and some dog owners may find it easier to offer these pre-prepared diets over homemade recipes, particularly if overwhelmed by caring for their poorly pooch. Other owners, however, may worry about the nutritional quality of commercial diets like kibble and canned foods. They may wish to consider a tailored recipe from a fresh dog food provider.

One of the benefits of homemade recipes for a pancreatitis diet is that they may be less likely to trigger food allergies, as they will contain fewer ingredients. Keep in mind though, a dog can be allergic to any ingredient, including chicken, beef and grains. Furthermore, dogs under pancreatitis diet should not be fed table scraps as these may be unhealthy for them.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Canine Pancreatitis

Before I introduce some canine pancreatitis homemade dog food recipes to you, I want you to be aware of some important information. You should not overfeed your dog, even on healthy homemade food! Feeding him too much food during meal times could worsen his pancreatitis and the damage done to his digestive system.

Consult with your veterinarian for any concerns with canine health and before introducing new foods to your dog. Every individual will have different needs and your vet may well advise you work alongside canine nutrition professionals if you plan to home cook. Long-term, diets must be tailored to the individual, to prevent deficiencies and to ensure all nutritional needs are being met. Nutrients like iodine, calcium, zinc and phosphorous may need to be supplemented, depending on your dogs age and breed.

The vet or some dog nutritionists may also recommend adding some digestive enzymes to your dogs diet, including pancreatin, l-glutamine, and Bertes Digestion Blend.

In some cases, you will need to readjust your dogs feeding schedule. Avoiding a raw diet at this time may be a good idea. Instead of a couple of larger meals, he will need to eat a few smaller meals throughout the day. The following offers some recipes you can feed your dog to help him during a bout ofpancreatitis. Try one recipe at a time, and see how your dog responds to the new foods being introduced. If his symptoms seem to increase, talk with your vet before continuing.

Lean Beef Recipe

• One cup of lean roast beef (or, lean ground beef)
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup plain boiled zucchini
• 3/4 cup cooked barley
• 1/2 teaspoon Bertes Digestion Blend

This beef recipe is a tasty and wholesome option between all the boring white meat chicken! Make sure the zucchini and beef are chopped fairly fine. Mix all of the ingredients, and serve one cup per twenty pounds of weight.

Chicken and Rice

• One cup of plain boiled chicken breast
• One cup of plain cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free cottage cheese

While it may sound bland as it is also low sodium, this chicken recipe is a staple pancreatitis meal. This diet is particularly good for those with sloppy stools. Mix the chopped chicken breast with the rice and cottage cheese until well combined. Feed one cup per twenty pounds.

Chicken, Rice, And Veggie Recipe

• One pound of cooked, chopped chicken thighs (remove skin and fat)
• 2 1/2 cups of cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup cooked, chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup cooked, chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup cooked wheat germ

Combine all the ingredients carefully. Serve your dog one cup for every twenty pounds he weighs.

You should try one recipe at a time and see how your dog responds. Feed him a small amount of food throughout the day. Dogs with pancreatitis respond better when they are fed small meals instead of large ones. Smaller meals are less stressful on his digestive system and can help prevent vomiting.

Signs Your Dog Is Not Digesting Food Well

As a dog owner, you must monitor your dog for any signs of digestive issues once you start feeding him one of the above recipes. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact your vet right away for answers. Your vet will offer the best treatment for your dogs condition and will help you learn to manage it well.

Do not ignore the above symptoms. Your dog needs you to be his advocate. If the recipes above are not working, further intervention from the vet may become necessary.

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FAQ About Canine Pancreatitis

If your dog has been diagnosed withcanine pancreatitis, try not to panic. Yes, this is a serious condition, and it requires treatment from the vet. As a dog owner, you likely worry a lot about your dogs health and have a lot of questions that you need answering. The following are some of the top questions about canine pancreatitis.

Is boiled chicken good for dogs with pancreatitis?

Boiled chicken is one of the safest and best foods for dogs with canine pancreatitis. This is a food choice you can offer your dog with confidence. You should try plain boiled chicken breast before you introduce any of the recipes above. Your dog should be able to digest this food easily.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with pancreatitis?

Sweet potatoes are another good food for canine pancreatitis. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an excellent choice for healthy nutrition. If you combine sweet potato and a white fish like cod, your dog will have a perfect meal that is high in protein and fiber, without increasing his fat consumption.

Are carrots OK for dogs with pancreatitis?

When your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, carrots are one of the best foods for him to snack on, and they can be included in some of the recipes above. Carrots are low in calories and fat but offer beneficial vitamins and minerals that are healthy for a dogs digestive system. Your vet should be happy for you to offer carrots, especially if they are cooked.

How can dogs with pancreatitis eat?

In its acute stage, pancreatitis may prevent a dog from eating normally. If your dog cannot eat at first, he will likely be hospitalized and given IV therapy until he begins to recover. After he starts to heal, you can introduce foods like white rice, boiled chicken breast, barley, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Be sure to monitor your dogs symptoms, and take him to the vet if he begins to show signs of a pancreatic attack.

If you order from one of the best dog food delivery services, they will usually tailor-make your dogs meals if they suffer from conditions like pancreatitis.

Protect Your Dogs Digestive Health

Although canine pancreatitis is undoubtedly a serious condition, it can be managed effectively in most dogs. Your vet will treat your dogs condition with IV medications. When your dog goes home from the vet, it is important to monitor his condition and follow the instructions of your vet for diet and medication. With aggressive treatment, your dog can recover fully and go on to live a healthy life.