Homemade Dog Food Pancreatitis: Is it Right For Your Dog? (Tips and Guidelines)

Alright, folks, let's talk about making your own dog food, especially when your pup's dealing with pancreatitis. My poor old buddy, Max, started having tummy troubles a while back, and the vet said it was pancreatitis. The special food from the vet was crazy expensive, so I figured, why not try making my own? It was a bit of a learning curve, but we got there.

Figuring Out the Basics

First thing I did was hit up the internet, of course. I found out that dogs with pancreatitis need food that's really low in fat and easy to digest. So, that means no greasy stuff and lots of lean protein and easy carbs.

Gathering the Goods

I made a list of ingredients that seemed to fit the bill. Here's what I usually grab:

• Lean protein: I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken breast or turkey breast. Sometimes, if I'm feeling fancy, I'll get some white fish like cod.
• Easy carbs: Plain white rice or sweet potatoes are my go-tos.
• Veggies: I add some cooked veggies for extra vitamins and fiber. Think carrots, peas, or green beans. Just make sure they're cooked until they're nice and soft.

Cooking It Up

First, I boil the chicken or turkey until it's cooked all the way through. Then I shred it up into small pieces so it's easier for Max to eat. I cook the rice separately according to the package directions, or if I'm using sweet potatoes, I bake them until they're soft and then mash them up.

For the veggies, I steam them or boil them until they're soft, then chop them up into small pieces. Once everything is cooked, I mix it all together in a big bowl. I usually do a big batch and then portion it out into containers to store in the fridge or freezer.

Portioning It Out

I talked to my vet about how much Max should be eating, and we figured out a good portion size for him. It's important not to overfeed, especially when they're dealing with pancreatitis. I started with small portions and slowly increased the amount as Max got used to it. I use a kitchen scale to measure out each meal.

Watching Max

After I started Max on the homemade food, I kept a close eye on him. I watched his energy levels, his, uh, "output", and just his overall demeanor. Luckily, he seemed to be doing really well on it! His tummy troubles cleared up, and he had way more energy.

It took a bit of trial and error, but making my own dog food for Max has been totally worth it. He's feeling much better, and I'm saving a ton of money. Plus, I like knowing exactly what's going into his food. If your pup is having tummy issues, definitely talk to your vet about homemade food. It might just be the answer you're looking for!