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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Diet for Dogs

Thursday, May 28th, 2009 | Random Stuff

Remember a few weeks ago, I discussed Murphy the Swissy and the diagnosis of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)? Well, in addition to taking digestive enzymes, Murphy’s diet was altered to help deal with it.

Dana Montero, the canine nutritionist also known as the Dog Food Guru, assisted Murphy’s human in coming up with the correct diet to help treat Murphy along with the enzymes. Dana is our guest poster today, and has shared some of her nutritional knowledge in relation to EPI.

“Generally speaking, dogs with EPI respond best to raw diets due to the abundance of live enzymes in the food and the quick digestion period. However, EPI dogs CAN do well on a commercial diet provided that a few conditions are met.

Preferably when treating a dog with EPI using commercial diets, a grain free diet is recommended, since grain is difficult for these dogs to digest properly. Food should be split into 2-3 smaller meals rather than one large one, as it is easier on the digestive tract to handle small, frequent meals. Raw porcine or bovine pancreas is the best source for pancreatic enzymes, but most people use powdered enzymes, as they are the easiest to obtain in most areas.

If you are using the powdered enzymes, it needs to be room temperature. Make sure the food is room temperature too. Cold makes the enzymes inactive and heat destroys it. Some people prefer to crush the kibble to allow the enzymes to completely cover the food and this may not be a bad idea, but go by what works with YOUR dog. Enzymes should soak on the food for at least 20 minutes. Many vets and publications state that it is not necessary to let the enzymes sit on the food, but unfortunately, some dogs develop mouth sores or mouth bleeds from the enzymes unless the food is allowed to sit and soften.

Treats should be grain-free and low fat. Things like dried liver, dehydrated chicken, boiled, cubed chicken breast, and other grain free treats can be used, but should be limited.

As time goes on, gradually reduce the enzymes used, gradually try to lessen the amount of time the food has to soften, but go very slow – if your dog has a flare up or setback, it’s easy to go back to the last levels that worked for YOUR dog. Remember each dog is an individual and what works for one dog might not work for another.”

Dana has worked with many breeds, but has helped a fair number of Swissies and their people.  She does EPI diet consultations on a case by case basis, because each dog needs to be followed closely.  You can reach her via email at dana@dogfoodguru.com.

Thanks, Dana!

Tags: Canine Nutrition, Dog Food Guru, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Swissy

4 Comments to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Diet for Dogs

Lanie Russell
March 16, 2010

I have been searching for more information and I found this site. I have a 3-year-old GSMD/Border Collie mix who was diagnosed a year ago with EPI. He is doing “just okay.” His weight is good, but poops are not very firm. I am struggling on a low budget to find a good quality kibble that is affordable. Can you help me with this? I have researched so many of them, and it does get complicated. I got him stable last year on DVP Natural Balance, but the cost is simply more than I can handle on Social Security. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks!

SwissyHugger
March 16, 2010

Hi Lanie. I’m not sure if Dana (aka the Dog Food Guru) is still checking this. I would suggest that you speak with her or another canine nutritionist to get some help. Post back soon if you aren’t able to get a response. I would also suggest that you look into a digestive enzyme, such as one by NaturMix. http://www.naturmix.com/pages/products/universal_enzyme_formula.html

Lanie Russell
March 16, 2010

Thank you. I know all about the enzymes and use a generic called pancreatin, which I can obtain for much less than the brand names. I am more interested in finding a quality food that won’t break my meager budget. For EPI, food needs to be low fat (14% or less,) low fiber (less than 4%) and be totally grain-free. Unfortunately, these specialty high-end foods tend to be quite pricey.

Thank you for your response.

SwissyHugger
March 16, 2010

Raw or home cooked would also work. If you have the ability to buy and store it in bulk, it can be extremely inexpensive. Contact dana@dogfoodguru.com and she can likely guide you.

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