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 Jamie!
My Dog is a Lab 3 years old & 100 pounds!
2 months ago he had his first Pancreatic attack!!
How many treats can I give him a day????
Hi Lesley
That fat content in bananas is actually very low but they are high in fibre and an excellent source of antioxidants.
Pancreatic attacks are helped by upping fibre and the gut flora needs help getting back to normality. As bananas are a good pre biotic, especially when combined with oats, they are an ideal food to add to a diet for dogs with liver and pancreatic problems.
After an attack I always give banana with low fat yogurt and a sprinkling of raw oats; followed by 3 or 4 days of a detox diet of good quality protein and mashed sweet potato.
I don’t know what your daughter is feeding the wee whiskery one, but good diets are pricey so if you both need any help in putting to a natural diet let me know.
Kisses on nose xx Bev
Hi there,
What a wonderful forum – thanks for doing this.
I have a dog that has acute pancreatitis and on top of that Addison’s Disease so I have to watch her intake of everything!!!
I see this has banana in this (high in potassium) would this be ok for a dog with double trouble of pancreatitis and Addison’s Disease?
Please let me know
Many thanks in advance
Mel
My daughter has a 3 year old mini schnauzer and has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and has
Flair ups I am making these biscuits for her instead of veg oil can I use olive oil also wouldn’t
The banana cause it to flair up as it is fat.?Thank you.
EDIT: Sorry didn’t read properly its veg juice instead oil, but still like to know about the banana.
why does my biscuits go soft even when kept in a sealed container
How long does it take to go soft? You could freeze for longer life.
Can I use apple sauce instead of a banana?
Yip!
Can they be frozen?
Yes
Hi I made a batch of your recipe for biscuits for pancreatitis, they turned out fine except my dog don’t seem to like the tast.I wondered if you know if it would be ok to mix in half of a bovril cube next time for flavour. Thankyou Alec Reed.
Hi, no cubes are too high in salt and dogs don’t do salt well. I’ll ask my dietitian and get back to you…
Hi Alec
I agree with Jamie re the stock cube. This condition puts a strain on the kidneys and there is too much salt in them for dogs in general so definitely no for a dog with pancreatic problems.
I suggest you replace the banana and fruit juice with a skinless and fatless small chicken breast poached in water
While it is still warm liquidise to a puree …including the cooking water. The shelf life will only be 3 days but you can freeze them.
If you wish to contact me about your dog, I happy to provide more recipes and advice…please email Jamie giving me details of current health and the diet you are feeding him/her
at the moment.
Wishing your furry friend well
Bev
Hi from America. The Bovril cube has a high amount of salt and should be avoided. Too much salt has horrible side effects that include vomiting, seizures and can lead to death. I’m enclosing a couple link for you and others. It is from WEBMD.
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
You could buy special doggie broth/broth powder and use that.
Hi I’ve made these a few times but are always very hard on top & brittle /rough on top as well , inside is perfect 🙂 please help as really want to master them for my little woofer 🙂
Sounds like they are a little thick, try rolling them a bit thinner or cooking at a lower heat.
How many does it make?
I think I got about 40 or so.
Mine isn’t a dough. It’s shredded carrots with stuff in it that just falls apart. But it’s very moist. Idk what I did wrong or how to fix it
add a pic to the comments. maybe not enough liquid or… I’d have to see.