Follow up and FYI to everyone about this topic: I got this in my email this morning (I subscribe to her free email letter) sorry its so long but there was no link to send y'all to.
What Your Pet's Pancreas Really Needs
Pancreatitis is one of those words no pet parent ever wants to hear, yet far too many of you have lived through it.
It can show up suddenly and dramatically…or quietly simmer for months beneath the surface. A skipped meal here. Lip licking there. A dog who just doesn’t feel “quite right.” And when the pancreas is inflamed, everything feels it - digestion, energy, immune balance, even blood sugar regulation.
That’s why last week’s Inside Scoop conversation mattered so much.
If you missed it, we sat down with our dear friend
Dr. Nick Thompson to unpack pancreatitis in a way that’s honest, science-based, and most importantly, empowering.
Below are some of our most
important takeaways we want every pet parent to understand.
What We Covered
Pancreatitis is not just a “fat problem.”
Yes, fat matters, but
quality, oxidation, carbohydrate load, inflammation, and microbiome health matter just as much (if not more).
Ultra-processed foods create a perfect storm.
Repeated high-heat processing damages fats and proteins, creating inflammatory byproducts (AGEs and ALEs) that stress the pancreas over time.
Low-fat diets aren’t always protective.
Emerging research shows that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets can actually
increase blood triglycerides, placing additional strain on the pancreas.
The pancreas never works alone.
Gallbladder health, liver function, gut bacteria, exercise levels, and even stress hormones all influence pancreatic resilience.
4 Actionable Takeaways You Can Use Right Now
Feed for inflammation first, not fear
Choose fresh, gently cooked or raw foods with
unoxidized fats. Avoid ultra-processed diets that rely on vegetable oils and repeated high-heat processing.
Support digestion so the pancreas can rest
During and after pancreatitis episodes,
digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase) can reduce pancreatic workload and improve nutrient absorption.
Consider pancreas-supportive nutrients
From our Pancreatitis Support guide, commonly helpful options include:
- Pancreas tissue (raw or desiccated, when available)
- DHA & EPA (anti-inflammatory omega-3s from clean marine sources)
- Taurine, carnosine & NAC to reduce oxidative stress
- Milk thistle for long-term pancreatic and liver support
(Always work with your veterinarian when introducing supplements.)
Don’t overlook movement and body condition
Appropriate daily exercise helps lower circulating triglycerides, supports insulin sensitivity, and reduces recurrence risk - even in small or senior dogs.
The Big Picture
Pancreatitis doesn’t mean your dog (or cat) is “broken.” It means the body is asking for
less inflammation, better quality inputs, and more biological support.
With the right food, the right nutrients, and the right mindset, many animals go on to live long, vibrant lives after pancreatitis, without living in fear of the next flare.
Inside Scoop members:
Be sure to download the
Pancreatitis Support PDF's and revisit the full episode for deeper context, studies, and protocols.
As always, thank you for caring enough to learn, question, and advocate for your animals. That curiosity changes lives.
With gratitude,
Rodney & Dr. Becker
A Gentle Reset Recipe for Acute Pancreatitis
CATS:
- 80% cooked lean boneless meat
- 20% cooked sweet potato or canned plain pumpkin (NOT 'pumpkin pie filling')
Feed as much as they will eat.
NOTE: These are not balance or calorically optimal diets, do not feed unbalanced meals for more than a few weeks. You can begin mixing your bland meals in with a. nutritionally complete, cooked low-fat food slowly, using stool health as a barometer.
DOGS:
- 50% cooked lean boneless meat
- 50% cooked sweet potato or canned plain pumpkin (NOT 'pumpkin pie filling')
Approximate amounts during crisis phase (if your dog isn't vomiting and acting hungry, feed more):
- 1-10 lbs - 1/2 cup every 4 hrs
- 11-20 lbs - 3/4 cup every 4 hrs
- 21-40 lbs - 1 cup every 4 hrs
- 41-60 lbs - 1-1/2 cups every 4 hours
- 61-80 lbs - 2 cups every 4 hours
- 81-100 lbs - 2-1/2 cups every 4 hours
per 20lbs of body weight.