Myths and Facts About Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can be painful—and, in some cases, even life-threatening—to dogs. If you’ve come to this page, you’re likely concerned about how to protect your best friend from the condition. Here’s what you need to know as you strive to keep them safe.

Myth: Higher-fat dog food causes pancreatitis.

Despite a lack of evidence, some people claim that complete and balanced dog foods with higher levels of fat cause pancreatitis.

There are no known published clinical studies showing that a diet that’s complete and balanced to AAFCO guidelines causes pancreatitis. Every recipe from The Farmer’s Dog is formulated by on-staff, board-certified nutritionists to be complete and balanced, with fat and other nutrients in proper proportions to support dogs’ health.

One 2009 study that compared lower- and higher-fat diets found that higher fat content alone was not associated with higher pancreatic response in healthy dogs. There is substantive evidence, however, that “dietary indiscretion”—dogs scarfing down food they shouldn’t eat—does play a role. (More on that later.)

Some high-fat diets can be dangerous, if they’re not complete and balanced. Low-protein, high-fat diets that are not complete and balanced have been associated with an increased risk for pancreatitis. A complete and balanced adult maintenance diet that contains high-quality, digestible protein is the best choice for overall health, and for a healthy recovering pancreas. That’s why whatever your dog eats should be formulated by board-certified nutritionists to support their long-term health.

Myth: It’s okay to feed your dog bacon (or other table scraps).

Fact: Dietary indiscretion can trigger pancreatitis.

Dogs are cute, and it’s hard to resist their pleading eyes gazing at an indulgent human food. But doling out treats from your dinner table may not be as harmless as it seems—in some cases, it can put your dog at risk of serious illness.

One major study found that ingesting unusual food items or table scraps, and “getting into the trash,” increased dogs’ odds of suffering from pancreatitis. It may be tempting to give in when your dog begs for foods they shouldn’t get—but if those extras are particularly high in fat, they can pose a serious health risk. It’s best to keep table scraps like bacon, trimmings from roast, and chicken skin away from them.

Myth: All fat is bad for dogs.

Fact: Dogs need healthy fats in the proper quantities.

Knowing that eating a fatty food like bacon or chicken skin can trigger pancreatitis might make fat as a whole sound scary, but dogs actually need the right kind of fat to stay healthy.

Your dog requires healthy fats as part of a balanced diet—a high-quality, complete and balanced diet should include those fats, along with protein and other nutrients, in the right amounts and proportions. Ideally, your dog’s diet will provide fats through fresh, lightly cooked food.

And not all fats are created equal. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that have anti-inflammatory properties, and can help support the quality and condition of your dog’s coat and skin, as well as support heart, brain, and joint health. And omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish like sardines may also help reduce pancreatic inflammation. 

Complete and balanced recipes from The Farmer’s Dog include omega-3 fatty acids in the right quantities to support dogs’ health.

A light-colored dog eats fresh food from a bowl next to plants.

Myth: Dogs are supposed to vomit a lot.

Fact: If your dog vomits more than once or twice in 24 hours, you should take them to the vet.

Because dogs have a reputation for eating anything and everything, some people rationalize that it’s normal for them to vomit or have diarrhea. But these, along with lack of appetite and physical discomfort, can be signs of illnesses including pancreatitis. You shouldn’t take them lightly.

If your dog throws up more than once or twice in 24 hours—or once a day for 48–72 hours—take them to the veterinarian. If the diagnosis turns out to be pancreatitis, timely veterinary care will give them the best chance of recovery. 

Myth: It’s no big deal if your dog is a little “chunky.”

Fact: Excess weight can put a dog at increased risk of pancreatitis.

Because most American dogs are overweight or obese, many people’s idea of what a healthy dog is “supposed” to look like is distorted. And extra weight on a dog is not merely a cosmetic issue—it’s closely linked to their health. Research has shown that dogs in healthy body condition can live up to 2.5 years longer than those who are overweight. And excess weight has specific implications for a dog’s risk of pancreatitis.

Being overweight is one factor that can put a dog at a higher risk of pancreatitis, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the simplest things you can do to protect their well-being.

And, when it comes to weight, even small gains can make a big difference. That means it’s vital to measure food portions accurately, taking into account your dog’s age, weight, body condition, and activity level. Increasing your dog’s activity level can also help with weight management and overall mental and physical health.

Excess weight in dogs is also linked to other health problems, including arthritis, chronic kidney disease, bladder/urinary tract disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Keeping your dog in healthy body condition can make a big positive impact on their health, and a pre-portioned fresh food plan from The Farmer’s Dog can help make it easier to do so.

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