Cats have no requirement for carbohydrates in their diet, yet the average kibble food contains 35%-80% of carbohydrates. Canned foods are recommended unless your cat will only eat dry food. Veterinary nutritionists recommend a moderate-fat diet for cats with chronic pancreatitis. Additional digestive enzymes may help. Pancreatitis in cats seems to be more common in cats 10 years and older. Because the pancreas naturally produces digestive enzymes, adding enzymes to your cat’s diet may lighten the burden on their body. Cats naturally ingest digestive enzymes in the GI tracts of their prey. Symptoms in cats are subtle and can be easily overlooked, making it hard to diagnose this silent killer. Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Cats. Depending on your cat’s usual diet, the vet may recommend some changes such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals of a low-fat diet. Nutritional factors are not believed to be at play so feeding your cat a low-fat cat food will not prevent pancreatitis; and it’s not necessarily prescribed for cats if they have survived a case of pancreatitis. Why then, should making recommendations about what to feed cats with pancreatitis be any different? The more difficult the food is for your pet's body to process, the greater the number of enzymes that the pancreas will produce. The pancreas also makes digestive enzymes that help to break down fat, protein and carbohydrates. As we mentioned, pancreatitis in cats is not the same as pancreatitis in dogs. Most commonly seen in overweight cats and cats who stop eating for an extended period of time, this condition can lead to … A low-fat diet of easily digested foods and non-solid food items is ideal. This organ plays a critical role in producing hormones called insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar. It is often difficult to diagnose, veterinarians are usually unsure of its underlying cause, and it can be resistant to treatment. We like to offer people some choices for their cats if they don't want to feed a prescription diet. In addition to a healthy diet, your cat needs regular exercise, and he may also benefit from the addition of digestive … In cats, pancreatitis can cause a variety of symptoms. The recommended diet for cats with pancreatitis varies between individuals, particularly if your cat is diagnosed with other health problems. Speak to your vet about choosing a high-quality diet for your cat. Depending on your cat’s usual diet, the vet may recommend some changes such as feeding smaller, more frequent meals of a low-fat diet. In the case of cats with pancreatitis, foods need to be easy to digest with moderate levels of protein and fat. Speak to your vet about choosing a high-quality diet for your cat. Digestive enzyme supplementation isn’t an exact science, but you can try any one of the … If you’re familiar with pancreatitis in dogs or people, you’ll know that excessive dietary fat is a common contributor to the condition. (Catster offers a helpful diagram of kitty anatomy.) Consequently, it is best to limit the amount of work that the pancreas has to complete, and to reduce the number of enzymes that your pet's body produces in the first place. Cats don’t need a low-fat diet. – When it comes to treating pancreatitis in cats naturally, a healthy diet is essential. The pancreas is a small organ tucked between your cat's stomach and intestines. Pancreatitis is a particularly difficult problem to catch in cats because it is fairly uncommon and its symptoms mimic those of other conditions. Pancreatitis patients are usually encouraged to eat a low-fat diet. In fact, some recommend you feed a diet that is lower in fat than the one the cat was eating when it developed pancreatitis. Supplementing those meals with digestive enzymes can help to ease the burden on the pancreas. Whenever your pet eats any food, the pancreas responds by producing digestive enzymes. Carbohydrates can spike our cat’s insulin levels, which the pancreas then has to … While it’s reported to occur in only 2% of cats, it may be much more common than we think and a recent veterinary study suggests that more than 40% of all cats may be affected. Cats with chronic pancreatitis should eat about six small meals a day. How you feed your cat with pancreatitis is almost as important as what you feed him. Cats are different. For cats with moderate to severe pancreatitis, veterinary nutritionists recommend a diet that has 20-30% metabolizable energy from fat. How can I treat my cat’s pancreatitis at home? In cats, there’s no apparent connection between dietary fat and pancreatitis. Cats with pancreatitis do best when they’re fed several small meals throughout the day rather than a couple of large ones. While there isn’t a universal answer as to why cats get pancreatitis, there’s plenty of evidence pointing to processed foods. The recommended diet for cats with pancreatitis varies between individuals, particularly if your cat is diagnosed with other health problems. Newman's Own Organic Grain-Free 95% Turkey & Liver Dinner Canned Cat Food is suitable for all life stages. The pancreas produces enzymes to assist in food digestion and hormones such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar or glucose metabolism. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is called Feline pancreatitis is a maddening disease. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a gastrointestinal disorder that can affect cats. Your cat should be fed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, moderate-fat diet made from high-quality, natural ingredients with high moisture levels.