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 my dog doesn’t like banana can i use sweet potato or apple instead.
Hi! My 10 year old snorkie was diagnosed with Cushings. On top of it, she is having a second pancreatitis attack. She has been on a prescription low fat diet for 5 years (when she had the first attack). Would these be ok for her to eat? I don’t trust anything from store’s. Thank you!
Hi. I’m making these for the first time ☺️
Can I freeze the dough mixture until later ?
Or do I have to cook them, then freeze ????
Thank you ????
Id cook then freeze
Haha they don’t last long enough for my two cavaliers 💗
I made these a week ago and my dog loves them, but they have started to mold. Made with whole wheat flour and followed all directions. Any ideas why they might have molded – cooled and stored in air-tight container.
Hmm, not sure, maybe it was warm. Put them in the freezer next time and take out one when you need it.
My little toy poodle X Maltese has her second attack and now I’m cooking everything for her. I want to try this recipe but I’m confused about the juice. Ive been told no sugar…
I am using vegetable stock
Hi Jamie
My Jack Russel has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis and I have been looking for a recipe to make home-made biscuits with which to feed her, since i cannot afford those sold by the vet. Would these suffice as main meal biscuits or are they simply treats? Please advise. many thanks . Kathy
These are just treats!
Hi
Well sweetie how long is a piece of string bless ???? as he a lab he could probably vacuum up a tray full ????…I need much more info on his current diet to be accurate and if you are
using treats as a training reward.
Is he on a weight loss diet? He sounds rather over weight which in itself will cause / aggravate pancreatic problems and these biscuits are not ideal in your circumstances…Ask Jamie for my email and send me some pics and I will advise you gladly.
Bev
Hi
Am sorry to hear this ..hugs
My generic answer would be yes but in all honestly I need much more information to give you a specific answer.
Please ask Jamie for my email so we can discuss further and I will help you ( free of charge )
Bev xx on nose to the wee one
Hi, my. Border Terrier potentially had Gallbladder Mucolele, he’s currently on a low fat diet and early indications show this is having a positive effect.
However, I’m now terrified of giving him anything that may jeopardise this! Do you think these biscuits would be suitable for him?