Why does my pet have a pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ located close to the liver, the stomach, and the small intestine. It has two separate and distinct functions: endocrine functions are associated with hormone production, while exocrine functions are involved in digestive enzyme production.
As an endocrine organ, the pancreas controls blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon hormones. As an exocrine organ, it aids in digestion by secreting lipase, amylase, and other digestive enzymes.
What pancreatic diseases can be affected by nutrition?
The most common diseases that affect the pancreas in dogs are exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), diabetes mellitus (DM), insulinoma, and pancreatitis. The pancreas is important for digestion and nutrient metabolism, so nutritional changes benefit dogs with pancreatic disease. Dietary modifications can improve or control clinical signs, depending on the type of pancreatic disease and its effects on digestion, nutrient metabolism, or both.
How can nutrition affect dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)?
In dogs with EPI, the pancreas does not produce digestive enzymes (pancreatic secretions). To treat this problem, your veterinarian will provide enzyme supplements for your dog. Diet changes may also be necessary, depending on the response to enzyme treatment.
Diet Balance
- Feed a diet with reduced amounts of fiber, because fiber reduces the digestion and absorption of other nutrients.
- The diet’s total fat content must be adjusted based on the dog’s response. Following a diet change, the veterinarian will monitor fecal color and consistency with a fecal scoring chart. Pale or yellowish stools can be a sign of fat maldigestion (steatorrhea).
- Fat provides more energy (calories) than protein or carbohydrates, but also requires more time for digestion and absorption. For that reason, the diet may be adjusted to address weight gain or fat maldigestion.
- Proteins and carbohydrates also require pancreatic secretions but are usually less affected than fat, so less of a concern when selecting an appropriate diet for a dog with EPI.
Nutrient Absorption
The pancreas is also critical for cobalamin absorption (vitamin B12). Dogs with EPI require cobalamin supplementation, even when receiving pancreatic enzymes. Cobalamin supplementation can be given orally or as an injection. Blood testing is recommended to monitor and adjust the treatment when necessary. Folate (vitamin B9) levels in the blood might be elevated in dogs with EPI, due to increased production by intestinal bacteria.
Bacteria also use cobalamin, so measuring both folate and cobalamin is ideal. There are no specific diets for dogs with EPI. A good initial combination is low fiber, moderate protein, and moderate fat, depending on the dog. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s response and may adjust the diet type and enzyme supplementation to achieve a good response.
How can nutrition affect dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM)?
Dogs with DM usually require insulin treatment to control blood glucose levels, since the pancreas is not doing it properly. Diet changes can improve blood glucose levels (glycemia) after meals and thereby lower the amount of insulin the dog requires. Any weight loss must be controlled or it can lead to other complications.
Veterinary diets for dogs with diabetes include complex carbohydrate sources (providing enhanced fiber) and low fat to control glucose levels after meals.
- Complex carbohydrates lead to changes in blood glucose levels after a meal.
- Dietary fiber (complex carbohydrates) can modulate a dog’s glucose level by delaying gastric emptying and reducing carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
Diets for diabetic dogs avoid sugars (simple carbohydrates) because they are easily digested and can lead to a quick glucose peak. Avoid diets, treats, and “people foods” that contain sugars or sweeteners, such as honey, fruits, and syrups.
Diabetic dogs are prone to developing hyperlipidemia (elevated blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides), so diabetic diets are usually low in fat and high in fiber to reduce fat absorption. Some dogs may require a specific diet because of another disease or condition (e.g., an underweight dog with diabetes and EPI). These situations might be more challenging, but maintaining adequate glucose control with other diets is possible. It is essential to work with your veterinarian to monitor and adjust the diet and insulin dose.
How often should I feed my diabetic dog?
Most dogs adapt well to two meals per day, usually every 12 hours (e.g., 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.). A snack or smaller meal can be offered between the main meals, if it is part of the treatment plan. The family veterinarian will monitor and adjust the insulin dose accordingly. Consistency in the diet and routine is critical for diabetic dogs. A schedule or routine helps prevent daily fluctuations in glucose levels and makes insulin adjustments easier.
Any additional foods or treats that a dog receives will likely affect glucose levels. The same is true for big changes in a dog’s daily exercise or activity routine. For that reason, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to establish a clear and consistent plan.
What should I do if my dog has low glucose levels (hypoglycemia)?
Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. If your dog has an episode of hypoglycemia, discuss it with your veterinarian. It is a sign that the treatment, including the diet, should be carefully reviewed.
- If your dog can swallow without difficulty during an episode: Offer small amounts of a glucose solution, honey, or corn syrup.
- If your dog cannot swallow properly during an episode: Rub a small amount of glucose solution, honey, or corn syrup into the gums or under the tongue. Call your veterinarian or emergency service.
Do not offer any liquids by mouth. There is a high risk of the dog breathing in the liquid, which can cause severe respiratory complications.
How can nutrition affect dogs with insulinoma?
Insulinomas are pancreatic tumors that can increase insulin production and cause low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Diets that prevent high peaks in glucose levels can benefit dogs with insulinoma. For example, veterinary therapeutic diets with specific complex carbohydrate sources and enhanced amounts can contribute to the gradual absorption of glucose. Avoiding a high glucose peak will prevent a quick release of insulin and resulting hypoglycemia.
Feeding management for insulinoma is essential: smaller and more frequent meals are recommended to decrease the amount of glucose absorbed at each meal, reducing insulin secretion. If your dog has low blood glucose levels, even with an adequate diet and feeding adjustments, follow the steps outlined above for addressing hypoglycemia.
How can nutrition affect dogs with pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis in dogs has a variety of causes, and often it is not possible to identify the exact trigger. In addition to medical treatment, nutrition plays an important role in reducing clinical signs and the chance of reoccurrence. A veterinary therapeutic diet designed to be low fat is usually the best initial option for dogs with pancreatitis. Fat requires more pancreatic secretions to be digested and delays digestion by reducing gastric emptying.
Once your dog is recovered, the veterinary therapeutic low-fat diet might not be necessary for long-term feeding. Since many (if not most) bouts of pancreatitis are not caused by the dog’s diet, it is often possible to return to the previous diet. With any diet change, ensure a slow transition over 7 to 10 days to minimize the risk of gas, bloating, loose stool or vomiting.
If there is no clear reason for pancreatitis, then your veterinarian may consider reducing the amount of fat in the dog’s diet. Starting with the food(s) fed at main meals, assess the fat and protein content in the diet, as well as all commercial treats and people foods that the dog eats in a typical week. Diets and treats with lower fat content should be the focus of prevention. Discuss low-fat diet options with your veterinarian. When necessary, your family veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist.
What should I do if my dog has a pancreatic disease and is not eating?
Some pancreatic diseases can lead to pain and vomiting, so your dog’s appetite might be reduced. If you notice your dog is not eating and is losing weight or acting like they are in pain, contact your veterinarian for support.
- Feeding smaller but more frequent meals can help your dog eat the daily amount and tolerate it more easily.
- Using low-fat, low-fiber foods as toppers or mixers (e.g., cottage cheese; cooked, skinless chicken breast) can help improve a dog’s appetite. However, the limit is no more than 10% of daily calories from treats and toppers, as they may unbalance the diet and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Veterinary therapeutic, low-fat canned foods are suitable as “toppers” since they are complete and balanced.
- Gently warming the food or adding water or broth with no added salt can also improve food intake. Usually, a temperature close to the animal’s body temperature is the best.
- Providing multiple water bowls in quiet, low traffic areas can help dogs eat without distractions.
- Consider consulting a trained veterinary nutritionist to formulate a complete and balanced homemade diet. A balanced homemade recipe can be a good option if your pet has multiple medical conditions not easily managed with commercial food.
Professional organizations such as the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN), and the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (CAVN) can provide guidance for pet owners seeking an experienced veterinary nutritionist.
