A Pancreatic Diet: Low Fat Dog Biscuit Recipe
By Bev Cobley for BDWS
Understanding Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing enzymes that help process sugars in the body. It is a painful condition for both dogs and humans. A pancreatic diet must be very low in fat with no added processed sugars.
This low fat dog biscuit recipe is designed with that in mind. The only fat comes naturally from the banana, and the only sugars are the natural ones already present in the ingredients. That means no butter, no oil, no honey, no malt, and no added fats.
My Experience with This Condition
I understand how frightening a pancreatitis diagnosis can be. I have had Clumber rescues over the years—generally older boys—who have had this condition, and I have had to learn how to manage their food. It's scary when you see that pool of blood-filled diarrhoea and your heart sinks.
But please know that all is not lost. It doesn't mean you cannot feed natural food or give treats. I like to make homemade treats because I know 100% what is in them.
When my youngest girl, who I have had from a pup, started getting outbreaks even when I was feeding low fat, I had to start asking: what causes this? What works? ... without denying her the yummy stuff.
Important: Please Do Not Self-Diagnose
If you are unsure and your dog has poo that looks like unset blackcurrant jam or jelly, please see a vet as soon as possible. This recipe is intended as a complementary treat for dogs with a confirmed diagnosis.
For this recipe we are using Pinhead oats, but you can use rolled oats found everywhere. Pinhead oats can be bought on Amazon here. Also using bone-shaped biscuit cutters you can get here.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Grater
- 1 Kitchen Scales
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Biscuit cutter
Ingredients
- 1 Medium ripe banana
- 2 Large carrots
- 28ml / 2 fl oz Apple or cranberry juice mixed with an equal amount of water Or vegetable juice (no citrus juice)
- 340g / 12 oz Polenta Or wholemeal flour or semolina
- 226g / 8oz Rolled oats
Instructions
- Add a medium sized banana to a large bowl
- Mash banana
- Grate two large carrots
- Add carrots to the bowl
- Weigh out 226g (8oz) of rolled oats or pinhead oats.
- Add oats to bowl
- Weigh out 340g (12oz) of polenta (you can use wholemeal flour or semolina instead)
- Add polenta to mixing bowl
- Add 56ml (2 fl oz) of apple juice to measuring jug ( or use cranberry or vegetable juice (but no citrus juice)
- Add the same amount but with water
- Add your liquid to the mixing bowl
- Give the ingredients a mix
- Now is the time to add more liquid if needed. This is dependant on your ingredients. Knead thoroughly. Really work it with your hands. You want it to be just like a pastry or scone mix
- Roll out your dough to around 1/4 inch thick
- And cut into shapes
- Place biscuits on a baking tray
- Place in oven at 200c (392F/Gas mark 6)
- Cook for around 20-30 mins, depending on thickness
- Leave to cool
- Place in the dog jar
- My dogs want something, but I don't know what!
Hi. I really would love to make these for a dog party tomorrow. I’ve just realised the measurements are for the US and I’m in the UK! I’m finding it a bit confusing. I don’t suppose you know what the UK measurements would be? I’ve tried looking myself online but can’t make any sense of it! Many thanks.
hi, sorry so late, but the measurements are both metric and imperial eg, 28ml/2 fl oz
Could I make this with pumpkin puree, for a Pitt that had a pancreatitis flare about 6months ago. She also has a sensitive stomach and I’ve read pumpkin can help with inflammation.
My standard with pancreatitis LOVED these – thank you! Wasn’t sure I would ever be able to make them treats again since her diagnosis. Do you have any frozen treats that are good for the same diagnosis on hot summer days?
Do you think coconut flour would be ok instead? My house has to be gluten free and corn free.
My miniature Schnauzer has both chronic pancreatitis and is diabetic. He’s on medication daily to control his triglycerides and of course insulin for his diabetes. I’ve been looking for a recipe I could make so he can have a treat oce in a while. Would this one be okay for him?
Hi my mums little dog just been diagnosed with pancreatitis would this biscuit recipe be ok for her
My dog is literally one fussy bitch. But with pancreatitis cutting out most of the treats she loved, finding replacements that are as enticing as them has been difficult. So many in the market say low fat and are actually over 10%! She’d be dead by now!! These are perfect. I already assumed she would hate them and give me “that” look, but was gladly mistaken!! Woofed them up and demanded the lot! I only give her one or two a day and actually keep them in the freezer and take out daily as needed. Thanks
Hi was making these for my dog – German short hair/lab. Been diagnosed with pancreatitis. She is 12. Very good shape weight wise. I live in the US and maybe I messed up the measuring!!? But it is very moist and can not roll out. So I made dropped treats out of them. But would like to roll and make a shape. Any ideas why it would do this ?
Thank you Elaine.
Hi my little Chihuahua / terrier ( 5kg ) has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis, she’s 7yo on prescription diet from vet , but want some safe biscuits / treats to give her
Recipe say 28 ml = 2 fl oz , method says 56ml= 2fl oz. Then same of water…, i ended up using considerably more.
Also its fats not sugars that cause the problem in pancreatitis.
However my ill old dog and sons very healthy young labrador both love these snacks . I have made repeatedly.
My standard with pancreatitis LOVED these – thank you! Wasn’t sure I would ever be able to make them treats again since her diagnosis. Do you have any frozen treats that are good for the same diagnosis on hot summer days?