Expert: Delores Beck - 4/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a 9 year old cocker spaniel who has had two attacks of pancreatitus.  My vet said it was because I fed him "people food"  The last time he was on an IV for 5 days to flush out his system. He is better, but still not as active as he was before this happened. I had no idea I could be killing him and I am certainly very careful now.  Is this problem curable? Or will he always have problems? He has been a wonderful companion to an old Grandmother and I don't want to lose him any time soon.          Thanks for any help.     Joanne

ANSWER: If he's had pancreatitis he needs a low fat diet and multiple meals.

It's not "people food" that caused this in itself - it's what & how it was cooked.

What are you feeding him now?  And are you interested in learning how to make a high quality, lower fat diet at home?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This follow up is several months old. I happened upon your e-mail response when I was purging old e-mails. I  have been feeding Max I-D can ned food which is a prescriptioln food and very low fat.  It is very expensive. I am also using pancreazime powder mixed in his food.  I would definitely be interested in your low fat recipe. Please advise.        Joanne Moore

Answer
I hope Max hasn't had any episodes in the past few months.  The problem with the I-D food is that it's very low quality and low protein and, as you mentioned, very expensive.

I'd be happy to discuss Max's diet but have a lot of questions  if you're willing to homecook for him.  This will take a bit of chatting, so it'll be faster & easier if you write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com