What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis is a serious and often painful condition that affects the pancreas. It is inflammation pancreas, which plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and helping digestion.
Dogs suffering from pancreatitis often show severe abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic in form.
Some mild pancreatitis dogs show signs of digestive upset, even after recovery. In such instances, switching to dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs can promote digestion and gut health.
Are you worried about pancreatitis in dogs? This vet-backed article covers the causes, signs, and diagnoses of pancreatitis. It also covers the best dog food for pancreatitis and answers to top FAQs about finding the best dog food for pancreatitis.
Physiology of Pancrease
Image source NHV Natural Pet
The pancreas is a long and slender organ located in the posterior half of the stomach. It has both endocrine and exocrine functions.
- Exocrine function- Produces digestive enzymes and helps in digestion.
- Endocrine function- produces various hormones including glucagon and insulin.
The clusters of pancreatic cells are known as islets of Langerhans. They are composed of five different endocrine cell types.
It includes alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, and upsilon. They secrete hormones such as glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, ghrelin, and pancreatic polypeptide.
How Does the Pancreas Help Digest Food in Dogs?
The pancreas produces various digestive enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. e.g. lipase, amylase, and protease.
Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas remain inactive until they reach the duodenum via the pancreatic duct. In the duodenum, these enzymes become active and assist in digestion.
In dogs with pancreatitis, these enzymes are activated prematurely within the pancreas. They begin digesting pancreatic tissues, leading to inflammation and cellular damage.
How Does the Pancreas Help Regulate Blood Sugar in Dogs?
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the body. It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is utilized for energy production.
The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans produce insulin. When a dog eats, the blood glucose level rises. In response, insulin is released from the pancreas to reduce the blood sugar level and maintain metabolic balance.
In pancreatitis, inflammation of the gland impairs insulin production. Over time, the destruction of pancreatic tissue leads to diabetes mellitus especially if beta cells are dysfunctional or destroyed.
📌 Veterinary Insight
Pancreatitis can damage the beta cells’ ability to produce insulin. In chronic and severe cases, this may lead to secondary diabetes mellitus. In such pancreatitis dogs, dietary management and blood sugar level monitoring are crucial.
💡Practical Takeaways
If your dog is suffering from both pancreatitis and high blood sugar levels, a low-fat, low-carb, vet-formulated diet can be the best choice.
📚Source
Ettinger, S.J., Feldman, E.C., & Côté, E. (2017). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat (8th Ed.). Elsevier
Acute vs Chronic pancreatitis
Overview of the pancreas’ role in digestion and insulin regulation *
breeds more prone (Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, etc.)
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Pancreatitis?
High-fat diets
Table scraps and sudden dietary changes
Obesity, endocrine disorders, genetic predisposition
Certain medications
Veterinary Insight
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
📌 Veterinary Insight
One of the earliest and specific signs of pancreatitis is abdominal pain with vomiting- especially after a fatty meal. Early and timely intervention is key” as quoted by Dr. Audery Cook, BVM&S, MRCVS, DACVIM, Internal medicine specialist
💡Practical Takeaways
If you observe a dog vomiting more than once in 12 hours, appear lethargic, or haven’t eaten in a day. Consult your vet immediately. Acute pancreatitis can escalate quickly.
📌 Veterinary Insight
Pancreatitis in dogs often causes dehydration, systemic inflammation, and even organ failure, if left untreated. Breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, etc have been identified for a higher risk of developing pancreatitis.
💡Practical Takeaways
Early detection, timely intervention, and proper nutrition are important for recovery and prevention.
Nutritional Requirements for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Low-fat diets
Easily digestible proteins
Moderate fiber for stool quality
Avoidance of allergens and additives
Veterinary Insight
What to Feed a Dog With Pancreatitis
Prescription Veterinary Diets
Moderate Fat Over-the-Counter Options
Home-Cooked Diets
Pre-made Home-Cooked Low-Fat Meals
What to Avoid Feeding a Dog With Pancreatitis
Fatty cuts of meat, table scraps, bacon, sausage
High-fat commercial treats, dairy products, fried foods
Bone broth with added oils
Veterinary Insight
How Often Should I Feed My Dog With Pancreatitis?
Top Vet-Approved Dog Foods for Pancreatitis
Best Prescription Diet
Best Over-the-Counter Low Fat
Best Home-Cooked Commercial Option
Budget-Friendly Pick
Transitioning to a Pancreatitis-Friendly Diet
Can Supplements Help Dogs With Pancreatitis?
Digestive enzymes (for EPI or chronic cases)
Omega-3s (from fish, and flaxseed, but only if fat content is controlled)
Probiotics for gut health
When to Contact Your Vet
Signs of relapse: vomiting, anorexia, lethargy
Weight loss, food refusal, or GI upset
Routine rechecks if chronic pancreatitis is diagnosed
