Diet for a Dog With Chronic Pancreatitis

I just did a little research and what I read is that dogs with pancreatitis should be fed a diet that's low in fat and moderate fiber. r/d is high in fiber. It seems like Wellness CORE reduced fat would be a better choice. r/d has 34.3 % protein, 8.2% fat and 13.5% fiber. Wellness CORE reduced fat has 33% protein, 9% fat and 8.5% fiber. And the ingredients are so much better. I do think prescription diets have their place with severe health conditions that have specific dietary needs. But I think that most of the time there are other foods with much better ingredients that can provide the same benefits and more in the dog's overall health.

Wow, I feel like we dodged a bullet.  As you remember I was worried about Aspen's general malaise (sp?) following his diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.  He had a cPL run when he was first diagnosed & it was 309.  I had it re-run on Monday (yesterday) & it's down to 67!!!!!!!!  I'm still contacting Monica.  Over the weekend he improved in attitude & appetite & by appointment time he was 100% himself.

My plan for now is to keep him on the R/D & add a little regular kibble for interest sake.

Thanks for all the good vibes & good advice from y'all!

gradyupmybutt

He had a cPL run when he was first diagnosed & it was 309.  I had it re-run on Monday (yesterday) & it's down to 67!!!!!!!! 

  That's awesome; yay for Aspen!!!!!

Luvntzus

I just did a little research and what I read is that dogs with pancreatitis should be fed a diet that's low in fat and moderate fiber. r/d is high in fiber. It seems like Wellness CORE reduced fat would be a better choice. r/d has 34.3 % protein, 8.2% fat and 13.5% fiber.

 Tamara, the Core has too much protein. Fat stimulates the pancreas to produce the most enzymes, followed by protein. Rx diets for pancreatitis are around 20% protein, but not more than that. I agree with you about the fiber, but it seems to be working for Aspen according to Ann's last post.

I'm so pleased.  I'm looking at this as a wake-up call of sorts.  I've always been careful as to what the guys eat now I'm going to be even more careful.

How's Jesse doing?

jessies_mom

Tamara, the Core has too much protein. Fat stimulates the pancreas to produce the most enzymes, followed by protein. Rx diets for pancreatitis are around 20% protein, but not more than that. I agree with you about the fiber, but it seems to be working for Aspen according to Ann's last post.

The prescription diet that he's on, r/d is 34.3% protein. CORE is 33% protein and also has less fiber, which is what's recommended for pancreatitis.

gradyupmybutt

How's Jesse doing?

  She seems to be doing fine.  I finished changing her to the cooked diet today. She gets another Spec cPL in about a week.

Luvntzus

The prescription diet that he's on, r/d is 34.3% protein.

 That's dry matter basis, which is Hill's way of making it seem like the food has more protein than their competitors; they do it with their regular kibble too. i/d is for pancreatitis and it's 26% protein DMB, and about 20% protein in regular terms. It's great that Aspen is doing well on it though.

  Tamara, Jessie has chronic pancreatitis and I've been consulting with Monica Segal on a diet because she's allergic to the ingredients in all the Rx diets for pancreatitis except for Purina EN. All of them are about 20% protein.

I just wanted Janice and Annie to know I've been reading along and looking for updates on Jessie and Aspen.  I don't have any experience in this so haven't commented.  But, still thinking of them just the same. 

:)Lori

jessies_mom

She seems to be doing fine.  I finished changing her to the cooked diet today. She gets another Spec cPL in about a week.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good Spec cPL for Jesse.  I wish I had an answer for Aspen's great response to his diet (so far).  Honestly, I'm not questioning it.  I'm just grateful.

Edited: Thanks so much for your words, Lori.  Aspen & I appreciate them.  ((LORI))

jessies_mom

That's dry matter basis, which is Hill's way of making it seem like the food has more protein than their competitors; they do it with their regular kibble too. i/d is for pancreatitis and it's 26% protein DMB, and about 20% protein in regular terms. It's great that Aspen is doing well on it though.

 Ahhhh, okay. I can't say that makes sense to me that they do that. Thanks for the explanation.

Luvntzus

. I can't say that makes sense to me that they do that.

  Jessie was on z/d while I was waiting for the consultation with Monica because it had less fat than her regular food and it's ultra-allergen. On the bag it says it's 14% protein, but on the website it says it's 19%. She did lose some muscle tone on it because she was only getting about 33 grams of protein a day; she gets about 60 grams a day on Monica's diet, so it's important not to get too low on the protein.

 OT but I love your sig; you have the cutest dogs.

willowchow

I just wanted Janice and Annie to know I've been reading along and looking for updates on Jessie and Aspen.  I don't have any experience in this so haven't commented.  But, still thinking of them just the same

  Thanks Lori; I've been thinking about Willow too and I hope her count goes up again on her next blood test;{{{{hugs}}}}.

jessies_mom

OT but I love your sig; you have the cutest dogs.

Thank you! They're my pride and joy.

Hey Annie, I know this is an older thread but I was doing a search.... How is Aspen doing?  Are his levels still low?  Sammy just had a spec cpl and it was 392   He's on z/d at the moment for allergies and such....  Did you ever end up formulating a diet for him?

Thanks for any information :)