For those who don’t know, Denise and I had a childhood dog called Beau when we were growing up.
He was a beautiful Staffy x Kelpie. The first time we ever witnessed the symptoms of pancreatitis was when Beau was suffering from multiple episodes in the months before he died. Back then, we didn’t understand dog nutrition. He was fed table scraps and Schmackos, which surely didn’t help. Sadly, in the end, the vet found a cancer in his lungs which had spread. We had to say our goodbyes to him the next day, but only after lots of cuddles, kisses, tears and his absolute favourite treat: a McDonalds 30 cent ice cream (do you remember when they were that cheap?).
Thankfully, we now have a much better understanding of dog nutrition and we are aware of what pancreatitis is, which dogs are more likely to get it and how we can avoid it entering our lives and the lives of the dogs we love.
What is pancreatitis in dogs?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that releases enzymes for digestion. It commonly occurs when a dog consumes large amounts of high-fat food in a short amount of time.
High fat foods will inflame the pancreas, leading to digestive enzymes spilling out and attacking vital organs such as the heart, lungs or kidneys. It is such a horrible disease and causes immense pain to beloved furry family members.
Older dogs and those that are a little ‘pudgy’ are more likely to suffer from pancreatitis, as are those with a history of gastrointestinal disturbances.
If you think your dog may be suffering from or susceptible to pancreatitis, it’s a good idea to visit your vet for an assessment.
Best treats for dogs with pancreatitis
Thankfully, avoiding an episode of pancreatitis doesn’t mean avoiding ALL treats! We’re here to tell you that we have lots of healthy treats your pup can enjoy. The ones we’ve listed below are super lean and super tasty! They are the very best treats for dogs susceptible to pancreatitis.
Chicken breast is known to be the leanest part of the chicken so, for us as humans, it can be a little dry and tasteless. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, go absolutely nuts for it! When we make our chicken breast jerky for pets, nothing is added or taken away. It’s simply hand sliced, dehydrated and packaged up safe and ready for your fur baby to monch on.
Our 100% Chicken breast jerky - perfect for dogs and cats!
Kangaroo is another meat that’s known to be super lean and therefore, low in fat. Like the chicken breast jerky, our kangaroo is locally sourced, hand sliced and added to the dehydrator. Then, it’s sent on its way to your home for your pup to enjoy. As a bonus, kangaroo is not only great for dogs suffering from pancreatitis, but it’s also a fantastic treat for those who are sensitive to chicken.
Our 100% Kangaroo jerky
Mussels are low in fat, low in calories, high in protein and high in Omega-3’s! These are little nutritional powerhouses and wonderfully tasty treats for pups to enjoy. The nutritional benefits, plus the low-fat elements in these little beauties make them the perfect snack for pups who struggle with pancreatitis.
Small but perfect nutrient powerhouses - Green Lipped Mussels
So there you have it, great treats that a pup with a history of pancreatitis can enjoy without a dog mumma or dadda being super anxious!
If you have any suggestions for future blog post ideas that you’d find helpful, please let us know in the comments. Our aim is not only to provide delicious treats, but to teach pet owners about pet nutrition and health as well.
As always, sending much love to you and your cats and dogs!
Love Aunty K and Aunty D
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about our high-quality treats for dogs and cats. We’re always happy to answer questions and suggest the best treats for your pet.
Read about Cleo the super cute mini labradoodle and find out her favourite Doggie Bakery treats!