Frequently Asked Questions about the Dietary Treatment of Feline Pancreatic Diseases

Q

A

How should I feed a cat with acute pancreatitis?

Most cats with acute pancreatitis are anorexic, which puts them at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis. It is therefore important that they receive nutritional support at an early stage, provided they are not vomiting. In most cases this is done via an enteral feeding tube. Cats with intractable vomiting that do not respond to anti-emetic treatment may need parenteral nutrition.

Should cats with pancreatic disease be fed a fat-restricted diet?

There is no evidence that dietary fat levels play a role in feline pancreatic disease, nor that fat restriction improves the cat’s response to treatment. In addition, cats require a relatively high-fat diet and need the calories from fat to improve their often poor body condition.

What are the dietary recommendations for cats with EPI?

It is best to divide daily intake in at least two or three meals to reduce dietary overload and osmotic diarrhea. Ensure you add the enzyme supplementation to each meal and mix thoroughly. The diet should have high diet palatability and energy density, contain normal levels of fat (which protects the enzymes, provides energy as well as palatability), adequate levels of high quality protein and contain some fermentable fiber.

Do I have to pre-incubate the food with the pancreatic enzymes before feeding it to a cat with EPI?

No, enzymes will only work in the right condition of pH and moisture, pre-incubation is therefore of no use but the enzymes must be carefully mixed with the food.

My cat doesn’t like the powdered enzyme supplement. What else can I use?

You can try raw, chopped pancreas, which can be stored frozen for several months.