Is Sweet Potato good for dogs with pancreatitis

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Update: Recent research has suggested that sweet potatoes, while not poisonous, may not be appropriate for a dogs diet.

From the UC Davis School of Medicine: The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationrecently issuedan alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.

It shouldnt come as a surprise that sweet potatoes are often found on lists of foods you should eat. They offer an abundance of health benefits, along with tasting delicious. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, they can.

The health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture in New York City.

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs

Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Because sweet potatoes are a whole food, they are less likely to cause an immune response or damage to the digestive tract, says Kathleen Standafer Lopez, a registered dietitian nutritionist. This is why they are a popular source of carbohydrate in commercial dog foods.

Sweet potatoes are also low in fat and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron (each play a vital role in overall wellness). For example, vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin. And vitamin C iscritical for a properly functioning immune system. Studies have found that dogs, just like humans, show greater resistance to disease and have a better chance of recovery from injuries or illness when supplemented with vitamin C.

For dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active, owners should proceed carefully and only give their dog a minimal amount of sweet potatoes. They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index, says Dr. Barrack.

How Should I Prepare Them for My Dog?

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure its cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dogs stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage. Some dogs are known to inhale their food, so making sure the potato is of a soft consistency lessons the risk of choking.

How Much Can a Dog Eat?

Like with any food, moderation is key. The amount given should be based on a variety of factors, such as your dogs size, activity level, and overall health. Too much of a good thing can cause bone and muscle weakness, due to excessive vitamin A, Dr. Barrack stresses.

Carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, should not be a dogs main source of nutrition; animal protein should be a daily part of their diet, as well. When introducing any new foods, first talk to your veterinarian. If she gives the go-ahead, start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts.

As with human nutrition, canine nutrition should be individualized, says Standafer Lopez. Consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

What Can a Dog with Pancreatitis Eat? Dog Food, Treats & Human Food

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Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.

In my experience as a veterinarian, dealing with a diagnosis of pancreatitis requires dog owners to look at things in a new light. For one thing, they want to know what can dogs with pancreatitis eat without getting sick?

Choosing the right dog food is key: focusing on low-fat, moderate protein, and highly digestible foods is best for pancreatitis. But how do you navigate these choices with just product labels for guidance?

In this article, Ill share my top food recommendations for dogs with pancreatitis and point out what to steer clear of. Always remember to discuss your dogs specific needs with your veterinarian for the best advice.

KEY POINTS

• Dog pancreatitis is common and occurs when the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen, becomes inflamed. The cause of pancreatitis is often unknown.
• Veterinarians often recommend a low-fat, highly digestible diet with a moderate protein level.
• Its important to consult a veterinarian when choosing food for a dog prone to pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs is more than just a stomach upset; its a serious health condition that needs careful attention. The pancreas, a small but powerful organ nestled near your dogs stomach, plays a dual role in the body. It not only produces hormones like insulin, which regulates blood sugar, but also creates digestive enzymes essential for breaking down food.

When a dog has pancreatitis, this vital organ becomes inflamed, disrupting its normal functions. This inflammation can cause the digestive enzymes to activate prematurely inside the pancreas instead of in the small intestine. The result? The pancreas starts digesting itself, leading to damage, pain, and potentially severe health complications.

Dogs with pancreatitis often show symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

This condition can be acute, where symptoms appear suddenly and are severe. In chronic pancreatitis, symptoms are less intense but persist or recur over time.

Both forms require immediate veterinary attention to manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Causes & Risk Factors

While these things are known risk factors, theyre not always the culprit. In fact, the exact cause of this condition often remains a mystery.

The classic picture of acute pancreatitis occurs in a dog who has recently eaten a high-fat meal. Perhaps they got into the trash or their owner shared a few rich bites of dinner.

Certain medications, like potassium bromide, and diseases such as diabetes mellitus and Cushings disease, can trigger pancreatitis. Physical trauma to the abdomen is another potential cause.

Some breeds are more likely to develop pancreatitis. These include Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Poodles, and various Terrier breeds. Obesity and age (over 5 years) also increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs.

By understanding the critical role of the pancreas and the impact of its inflammation, we can better grasp the importance of dietary management in combating pancreatitis. A well-thought-out diet not only eases the burden on a struggling pancreas but also supports the overall health of your dog.

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What Should a Dog With Pancreatitis Eat?

Since the pancreas is stimulated each time a dog eats, its important to choose the right food for a dog with an inflamed pancreas. The wrong food can add to the problem while the right foods can speed healing.

For years, veterinarians have recommended a low-fat diet for dogs with or prone to pancreatitis. Vet nutritionists advise dog owners to feed food that is lower in fat than the food the dog was eating when they developed acute pancreatitis.

Prescription foods we recommend for pancreatitis include Hills i/d and Royal Canin Low-fat Gastrointestinal dog foods. If you want to feed a non-prescription commercial low-fat dog food, youll have to read the label.

What Is Low-Fat Dog Food?

What defines low-fat dog food for pets with pancreatitis? A simple guideline is to choose dry dog food that has 7% fat or less on a dry matter basis, as shown on the label.

While that guideline is good, there are more factors to consider when choosing dog food for pancreatitis.

Based on the advice of veterinary nutritionists, I look for dog food that meets the following criteria:

• FAT 20% or lower for severe/chronic pancreatitis; 30% or lower for moderate/mild cases
• PROTEIN 30% or lower
• FIBER 5% fiber or lower
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition according to AAFCO standards
• Made by a reliable company with a long history of quality

These percentages should be calculated on a calorie basis. Because dog food labels generally give nutrient values on a dry matter basis, you cant simply look at the label for this information. It requires some calculations that are frankly a pain to do when youre shopping for dog food.

So Ive looked at dozens of non-prescription dog foods for you. Below are a handful of products to consider if your dog has mild to moderate pancreatitis. Dogs with severe disease often need to eat prescription dog food. Consult your veterinarian before choosing one of these products.

My Top 3 Non-Prescription Dog Foods for Pancreatitis(+Treats)

Solid Gold, Natural Balance and Wellness brands offer lower-fat commercial dog foods you can buy without a prescription. Please discuss them with your vet before changing your dogs diet.

Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous-Alaskan Pollock Dry Dog Food

Very low fat content (22% of calories, moderate protein (29% of calories), grain-free for owners who prefer this, added probiotics may help pancreatitis, the protein source is fish and turkey which are good for sensitive dogs, good level of omega 3 fatty acids.

Pancreas-Friendly Dog Treats

Be very careful about giving treats and tidbits to a dog with a sensitive pancreas. A snack with high fat content or a large meal with a lot of protein or fiber could trigger pancreatitis.

Low-fat dog treats are tolerated by most dogs with mild pancreatitis. My canine patients love these low-fat, soft Lean Treats:

AVOID high-fat dog treats. These include pig ears, some types of jerky treats and regular Pup-peroni.

Rawhide chews and bully sticks are usually low in fat, but are hard to digest, so I dont recommend these for sensitive dogs. Greenies Original chews are low in fat so they might be OK, but proceed with caution.

When in doubt, ask your vet before giving your dog any new food or treat!

Homemade Dog Food

A homemade diet is a viable option for dogs with pancreatitis. But you cant just mix chicken and rice and think thats good enough!

I always recommend consulting the veterinary nutritionists at BalanceIT.com to get a complete and balanced recipe for homemade pancreas-friendly dog food. They can set you up with a simple recipe that is perfectly safe and vet-approved for long-term feeding.

Ask your vet for help in choosing ingredients appropriate to your dogs specific needs. Most vets in the US are familiar with the Balance IT recipe creation services but dont offer the option to clients since so many prefer pre-made commercial dog food.

Foods to Avoid

Every dog has different sensitivities, but many dogs with sensitive pancreases do best avoiding

• Foods high in fat or fiber
• Large portions of protein
• Any food dog is not used to
• Food that is toxic to all dogs (grapes, xylitol, macadamia nuts)

Human Food for Dogs with Pancreatitis

Table food and treats should make up no more than 10% of your dogs caloric intake. That means you should only give a bite or two of these each day!

Below is a list of some low-fat and higher-fat human foods. The list is not all-inclusive. And remember that feeding a high-fat item all by itself is more likely to cause pancreas problems than feeding it with a full meal without a lot of fat. Every dog has different tolerances, so start very slowly with any new food and watch for adverse reactions.

OK (Low Fat)	CAUTION (Higher Fat)
Dairy: non-fat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat cream cheese	Dairy: cheese, full-fat yogurt, full-fat cottage cheese, butter
Egg whites	Egg yolks
Fruit: banana, blueberries, apple	Fatty meat: fatty hamburger, chicken skin, salmon, bacon
Grain/legumes: plain corn/popcorn, oats, wheat, rice, peas, beans, lentils	Oils/fats: coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil (all oils)
LEAN meat: chicken breast, low-fat beef, turkey breast, white fish	Nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter (all nut butters)
Vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, potatoes,

Practical Tips for Feeding a Dog with Pancreatitis

You should be cautious when introducing new foods or changing the diet of a dog prone to pancreatitis.

A dogs GI tract becomes accustomed to digesting one particular kind of food every day, it can be thrown into chaos if the diet is abruptly changed. By making a gradual transition to new foods, the digestive tract will have time to adapt. Plan to make the transition over a period of 7-14 days, each day adding a bit more of the new food and removing a bit of the old food.

Watch for poor appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet for advice on how to proceed. You may need to change more gradually, return to the previous food, choose a different food or have more diagnostic testing done.

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