What are you feeding your pancreatitic dog?

Gatorblu · #1 25th July 2012, 05:11 PM

Ok, Thor has been on Hill's prescription food for about a year now. I really want to get him on something that has better nutrition. I have tried Wellness Core Reduced Fat twice and no go. I'm thinking maybe grain-free might not be the way to go for him. I was wondering what suggestions others who are going thru this might have. Thanks in advance for all your help!

packblt · #2 25th July 2012, 08:32 PM

I'm not sure if this will help, but at some point when I was researching seizures, pancreatitis, and hypothyroidism, I did read a recommendation somewhere(possibly on one of the epilepsy sites) from Dr. Dodds regarding a diet for dogs suffering from pancreatitis. I don't think grain free was the only option. I'll keep an eye out when looking through my things.

Good luck, hope you find something good for him.

whiskers · #3 25th July 2012, 09:03 PM

I have never dealt with pancreatitis, so take my opinion with a grain of salt... but have you tried/looked into Innova's low fat formula? If I recall you ideally want the fat % to be below 10%, and the Innova fat range is 7-9%. This formula has always stuck in my mind because generally most low fat formulas still run a bit higher than that.

I know some aren't comfortable with them being associated with P&G now, but the quality has not went downhill so thought I'd throw it out there.

trc4941 · #4 26th July 2012, 09:57 AM

Dino has chronic pancreatitis. I've had good luck with the Wellness Core low fat, Innova low fat and Blue Buffalo low fat. Changing foods has never bothered him.

violetashlee · #5 2nd August 2012, 07:24 PM

I use Wellness Healthy Weight for Ivy who has pancreatitis that is easily aggravated. It is the only food that works for her and I have tried nearly every low fat formula out there, and home cooked and raw. I have also tried foods that are lower in fat than Wellness Healthy Weight and they didnt work.

Its not the best food out there, but is literally the ONLY food that has worked, if you haven't tried it, it might worth a go. And at this point, Im afraid to even try anything else. The pain she experiences during an attack is heartbreaking and I always feel bad when I give her something that makes her sick.

It is chicken and turkey based and also has grains. Ivy has a mild allergy to it, very slightly weepy eyes, but that could also be environmental. In my opinion though, I would rather deal with the allergy and aviod the pancreatitis. The allergy is the lesser of 2 evils.

Poor Thor. Ivy sends her love and support. Let me know what you try and if it works. Im always looking for other experiences as well.

Good Luck!

Gatorblu · #6 5th August 2012, 09:30 PM

I went to our local holistic pet food store and the have quit carrying Innova. They had quite a few customers with complaints. That along with the company change, they have decided not to carry it anymore. They also quit carrying the entire Wellness line since you can get it at the bigger chains and they have limited floor space. I was talked into California Natural and Thor has tolerated it so far but we have only gotten half way thru the change. One thing I have noticed is Thor is MUCH hungrier! And when I looked it says he should have 5 cups a day! I don't think this is the way to go. I got it thinking I could take it back and get credit for a different food, but everything else they carry has too much fat. sigh. I think I am going to eat the cost on this and try the Wellness Healthy Weight. I can't stand my boy whining to be fed!

whiskers · #7 5th August 2012, 11:05 PM

Aww they won't take it back? The store I used to work at had an awesome return policy so people didn't have to be "afraid" to give different things a try.

Here are a couple other options to look into; I don't know how they might stack up compared to the CalNat and I can't remember if Thor has allergies, but in general I'd recommend them for a pancreatitis dog.
Nat.Bal. Reduced Calorie: Reduced Calorie Dry Dog - Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.

Holistic Select Weight Management: Weight Management Dry Dog Food: Chicken Meal & Peas | Holistic Select®

Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo - Healthy Weight All Natural Dog Food

The Wellness would be a good one too.

Gatorblu · #8 5th August 2012, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiskers

Aww they won't take it back? The store I used to work at had an awesome return policy so people didn't have to be "afraid" to give different things a try.

Here are a couple other options to look into; I don't know how they might stack up compared to the CalNat and I can't remember if Thor has allergies, but in general I'd recommend them for a pancreatitis dog.
Nat.Bal. Reduced Calorie: Reduced Calorie Dry Dog - Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.

Holistic Select Weight Management: Weight Management Dry Dog Food: Chicken Meal & Peas | Holistic Select®

Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo - Healthy Weight All Natural Dog Food

The Wellness would be a good one too.

Thanks for the input!

The store will take it back to apply credit to another food. But I have looked at their other food and all had fat at or over 10%. Which is why I went with the Califoria Natural.

The Blue Buffalo looks like it may be a good option. Low in fat and the protein is a little higher. I have been adding meat to to the Hills to add protein. So I guess I will be going to Petco tomorrow.