Support Dogs With EPI
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
is a disorder in dogs that occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes to support the proper digestion of foods. Without proper digestion, the dog's body will not absorb nutrients properly.
EPI can contribute to the development of other health concerns:
Malnutrition
Weight Loss
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
Liver Disease
Increase Pancreatic Cancer Risk
EPI is most commonly seen in German Shepherds, but it can occur in any breed. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, pancreatitis, and certain medications, antibiotics, corticosteroids, vaccines, and toxin products. It is also seen in older dogs as a part of aging.
You will need veterinary diagnostics to identify EPI. To confirm a diagnosis of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in dogs, a veterinarian will typically perform a combination of diagnostic tests, including:
Blood tests: Blood tests can measure the level of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and trypsin, in the blood. Low levels of these enzymes can indicate EPI.
Fecal tests: Fecal tests can measure the level of undigested fat in the feces. High levels of undigested fat can indicate EPI.
Abdominal Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound can help to visualize the pancreas and detect any abnormalities, such as inflammation or damage, that may indicate EPI.
Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the dog's stomach and intestines. This can help to identify any abnormalities that may indicate EPI, such as inflammation or damage to the pancreas.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the pancreas and analyzing it under a microscope. This can help to confirm a diagnosis of EPI and rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.
Glucose Tolerance Test: A glucose tolerance test is performed to measure the blood glucose levels before and after the administration of a glucose solution. It is an indirect way of measuring the pancreas function.
There is no cure for EPI, but you can do a number of holistic things to help manage your dog’s health.
Symptoms of EPI may include:
weight loss,
diarrhea,
bloated, distended belly.
loss of appetite,
weakness & lethargy
Nutrition for Dogs With EPI
Real Food. Your first goal is to transition to fresh, easily digestible whole foods. The lack of moisture, synthetic vitamins, and minerals, lack of enzymes & inflammatory conditions associated with kibble, make kibble diets unsuitable for dogs with EPI. Even if your vet suggests a prescription kibble — it’s may not be your wisest choice. Do your research and really consider how dry processed kibble compares to a customized moisture-rich whole food with natural enzymes. (Seriously, veterinary medicine is the only business that suggests dry processed food as acceptable food).
Like supports like so adding in glandulars that include pancreas or grinds that include pancreas can be beneficial. (Four Leaf Rover Guts and Glory)
Low Fiber Diets — See BJs Raw or Hard Today. Homemade Recipes can be customized for your dog.
Low Carbohydrate Diets - to keep inflammatory response low, avoid grains & starchy carbohydrates. Moderate vegetable or fruit content as desired or tolerated by your dog. Use your fruits and veg as treats instead of processed dry treats. Many people do not realize the impact carbohydrates can have on the pancreas.
Grain Free Diets have taken a bad rap in recent years. Read more on Why Grain Free Foods Are NOT The cause of heart health issues in dogs.
Fats— most protocols will suggest low-fat diets. Keep in mind most protocols are based on kibble diets, not fresh meat where unrendered animal fats are a healthy inclusion for your dog. Of course, you don’t want to overdo fats, especially if you are transitioning to fresh foods for the first time, but we don’t need to fear moderate animal fat in your dog’s food. When you consider a prey model raw you’ll get the natural inclusion of fat from the animal. When you choose a Volhard Base Mix like the Rescue Diet, you have the ability to customize your percentage of fats.
Pancreatic Enzymes / Digestive Enzyme Supplements — See Four Leaf Rover, Adored Beast or Volhard on my Link Tree.
Probiotics - See Four Leaf Rover, Adored Beast or Volhard on my Link Tree.
Vitamin B12 supplementation can help address bacteria overgrowth
Test Vitamins and Minerals in your dog and support as needed.
See Four Leaf Rover or Volhard on my Link Tree.
Mushrooms to support overall immunity. Yes, your dog can eat medicinal mushrooms. See Real Mushrooms or Four Leaf Rover on my LinkTree.
EPI dogs often have an elevated level of bad bacteria in their intestines as a result of unabsorbed nutrients in the digestive tract. Essential Oils and herbs can offer a natural alternative to bacteria over-growth instead of the more traditional antibiotics.
Essential Oils: Thyme, Cinnamon & Clove are top of my list, but there are many oils with anti-bacterial properties.
Herbs: Ginger, Garlic, Thyme, Cinnamon and Clove (freshly grated)
Unfortunately, there is no cure for EPI. The best we can do is try to provide the best nutrition & natural wellness protocols possible. You must maintain regular lab work with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s blood work. Knowing your dog’s numbers will help you target more specific changes to their diet and supplementation
Visit my LinkTree for Product Options