Here at Butternut, we feed many dogs with pancreatitis.
A scary-sounding name – which just means 'inflamed pancreas' ( a small organ that sits near the stomach). Pancreatitis is quite common in our dogs, and the good news is that most dogs make a full recovery after being treated by a vet.
One of the best ways to manage pancreatitis is through your dog's diet. This is because the role of the pancreas is to produce enzymes that break down food during digestion. Diet management is key as pancreatitis can occur multiple times during your dog’s life, so even if your dog has recovered, you still need to keep a close eye on what they are eating.
Butternut- approved tips for managing pancreatitis
Keep it low-fat:
Fat can trigger the pancreas to release more enzymes, which can make the inflammation worse. A high-fat diet is one of the causes of pancreatitis, so to manage the condition it's best to feed your dog low-fat food. The good news? Your furry family member may still be able to enjoy their tasty Butternut Box meals. We have five options with less than 6% fat on an as-fed basis: Chicken You Out, Gobble Gobble Turkey, You've Got Game, Ready Steady Veggie and Tuck in Chicken.
Remember to always check with your vet to ensure we're suitable for your dog’s condition and that they don't require a prescription diet.
Easy on the tummy:
Because pancreatitis in dogs is a digestive issue, it's key to reduce further inflammation of your dog's pancreas by providing easily digestible nutrients and avoiding anything that could cause unnecessary strain. Butternut meals are packed with veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, Butternut squash, lentils and peas, which are easy to digest and gentle on tummies.
No additives or hidden nasties:
You really want to make sure that your pup is getting all the goodness they need. We believe that it's best to keep their diet as natural as possible while they recover, so look for all-natural foods that don't contain any strange chemicals, colourings or flavourings that might trigger a reaction. At Butternut Box we use freshly prepared ingredients, so our meals are just like you'd make at home. We don't use anything that you couldn't find in your local supermarket or health shop. There are no confusing names, and certainly no nasties.
Transitioning to Butternut when your dog has Pancreatitis
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, is recovering from pancreatitis, or is prone to pancreatitis flare-ups, diet is super important. The good news is we're here to help and transitioning your dog is easy with Butternut.
Step 1:
Talk to your vet - It's important to keep your vet in the loop with any changes to your dog's diet.
Step 2:
Gently does it - With any digestive condition, it's beneficial to take things slowly. Supporting the pancreas by feeding just one of our low-fat recipes to start with can help prevent any gut upsets and make for a smooth transition.
Step 3:
What's the rush? - We recommend a gradual transition over 10-14 days for dogs with pancreatitis. You can do this by adding in a spoonful of Butternut to each meal on day one, and each day gradually increase the Butternut whilst reducing the old food until your dog is eating their full portion of Butternut,
Step 4:
Split it up - Feeding your dog little and often will help to keep the digestion process moving and encourage the steady release of digestive enzymes in the gut.
Step 5:
Take a step back - If you notice any tummy upsets, slow it down and take a step back until your dog is feeling better.
Please note these are feeding guidelines only. We understand you know your pooch best so it's totally understood that you may need to make some changes to suit them.
Our friendly team of Vet Nurses are always on hand to lend a paw and answer any questions you may have.