Raw Meat Diet for Dogs With Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a painful and sometimes fatal condition that occurs in dogs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Veterinarians believe that pancreatitis can be caused by poor diet, trauma, kidney disease, diabetes or a combination of these causes. Dogs with pancreatitis must eat a bland diet high in protein and low in fat. A raw meat diet may help some dogs with pancreatitis. However, a poorly formulated raw diet might do more harm than good.

  1. About Pancreatitis In Dogs

    • The pancreas is an organ that produces insulin and digestive enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food in the intestines. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. In severe cases, the pancreas can stop producing any digestive enzymes, or its enzymes can start to digest the pancreas itself and surrounding organs.

      Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute cases consist of a single episode which leaves no lasting damage, but are often severe and may be fatal if not treated. Chronic pancreatitis is often less severe but causes permanent changes and damage to the pancreas and sometimes to other organs.

      Pancreatitis is diagnosed through blood tests that monitor the dog's levels of pancreatic enzymes. An abdominal ultrasound may also be required to diagnose or rule out the condition. Symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, vomiting, irregular appetite and behavioral changes.

    Raw Feeding Dogs with Pancreatitis

    • Most dogs that suffer acute pancreatitis recover completely from the first episode and do not have another episode if dietary changes are made that include giving a high-quality diet high in protein and low in fat. Moderate fiber may also be beneficial. If your dog has suffered acute pancreatitis, a raw diet may prevent the condition from recurring. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can also benefit from a raw diet, so long as they also regularly see a veterinarian for monitoring of their pancreatic enzyme levels and are treated for any underlying conditions, such as diabetes.

      Focus on lean raw meats and cooked vegetables to provide a moderate amount of fiber for dogs with pancreatitis. Skin and fat should be removed from raw meat before it is fed to dogs with a history of pancreatitis. Raw game meats are particularly healthful for dogs with pancreatitis. Elk, wild boar, deer, quail, wild duck, wild goose and moose are all good sources of lean protein.

      If you must give farmed meats to a dog with pancreatitis, try to focus on a wide variety of lean red meats with minimal pork and poultry. Emu, goat, mutton, reindeer, farmed elk and bison are ideal for inclusion in a raw diet for dogs with pancreatitis. Avoid fatty cuts of meat and trim any excess fat before feeding your dog. If it is necessary to feed chicken, pork, turkey and beef, buy lean cuts and look for free-range and grass-fed meats. Organic meat is healthful but is not necessarily better for pets with pancreatitis than free-range meat that is not certified organic.

      As for fiber, cooked green beans are a raw feeder's best friend. You can offer a small amount of cooked green beans each day. Cooked pumpkin is also an accessible source of fiber and palatable for most pets. Squash, yams and ancient grains like quinoa are also good sources of fiber for dogs with pancreatitis.

      Always consult your veterinarian before making any medical decision for your pet, including feeding a diet intended to treat or manage any medical condition.