While most EPI dogs do best on a low fiber (below 4%), grain free diet with normal amounts of fat (older studies found a diet that was low in fat below 12% was better, but this protocol has been changed), some dogs may do just fine with grains and conversely others may still do better with a lower fat diet. You also want something that is low in fiber (preferably below 4%). You also want foods whose protein comes from a high-quality source. All of this leads to a healthier digestive system in general. Treatments for EPI in German Shepherds Most often treatments for German Shepherds include supplementing the diet with extracts of dried bovine (cow) pancreas. In fact, it is estimated that about 70% of all dogs diagnosed with this disorder are German Shepherds. Basically, a cat or dog with EPI is starving to death, even as it develops a voracious appetite. In spite of its high quality, this product is a little cheaper than most others of its kind. With constant care, attention, and only the best food for EPI dogs, you can help your beloved pet lead a happy, active life. For dogs, this kind of thing is particularly important. They also claim these can be used as a dietary complement for dogs with skin sensitivities. If it weren’t for the steep price, this one would undoubtedly have been higher on our list. Overall, its ingredients are wholesome and non-suspicious. To find a dog food that is high in these substances, look for any fish or nut-derived ingredients on the label. Some brands are offering packaged EPI dog treats that we will list now. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. As it turns out, they work pretty good for dogs as well. Plant-based sources of proteins (like peas and soy) are generally less desirable for dogs. This is a very high-quality food that fits the requirements of a German Shepherd with ETI…for the most part, anyway. • Ideal diet for a GSD with EPI : low fiber, low in fat, low excess carbohydrates Once diagnosed, this treatment is a lifelong commitment for you and your GSD. In the wild, a pack of canines might go days or even weeks without making a kill. It is recommended that your dog food should not contain more than 50% carbohydrates, as dogs simply don’t need any more than that. Because most of its protein comes from salmon, it is exceptionally high in omega fatty acids, making it a great choice for all dogs with health issues. Apart from a few preservatives, this is a very wholesome diet. Some people have sound success with a homemade diet for epi dogs. You want something that is made from a plant source with as little alteration as possible. As for fat, it should have 10% less than the amount of protein to ensure a proper balance of these nutrients. Related terms: Pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA), maldigestion, pancreatic insufficiency.Outline: In exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas into the intestine is reduced so digestion and absorption of food are greatly impaired. There are also a large number of vitamins with which this brand has been supplemented. Feeding a dog with EPI is not an easy thing. At least it’s whole-grain corn instead of some kind of by-product, so it isn’t quite as bad as it sounds. Fiber doesn’t really provide any nutritional value in itself, but it helps your dog to get more nutrients out of other sources. This does not have to be a prescription diet if a high quality, highly digestible over-the-counter pet food is used. Fiber helps to promote good digestion by acting upon the gut in a certain way. Easily turned into a family, these furry little and sometimes huge creatures turn …, German shepherds often suffer from skin allergies. Besides that, a high level of carbs can indicate a poor-quality food that was made in the cheapest way possible. Contains chicken which many dogs with sensitive stomachs may be allergic to. If your German Shepherd has EPI, he may eat his own feces (which is called coprophagia). To keep up with the rapid growth of German Shepherd puppies, it is important to offer them a diet that is specifically designed with large-breed puppies in mind. German shepherd pancreatic insufficiency treatment involves adding and supplementing enzymes that are not produced by their pancreas into their diet. This typically affects the dog’s belly, feet, ears, …, Barkbox is a monthly subscription box of treats and toys for your dog. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a syndrome caused by insufficient synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes by the exocrine portion of the pancreas. The most common is SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is actually possible to die of protein poisoning if you eat too much lean meat and don’t get any supplementary fat in your diet. The most commonly used enzyme supplements are free-dried powdered porcine enzymes. It may be possible to regulate the condition of EPI in the GSD's who are not so severely affected by feeding a bland low-fat, low-fiber diet with an over-the-counter enzyme supplement. It’s very high in protein (26%), which should be more than enough for a German Shepherd. You see, some sources of fiber are more digestible than others, and that is why some dog foods are more digestible than others. Lower priced kibble is filled with cereal, which is hard to digest. The thing about EPI is that it requires enzyme supplementation. Dogs with this disorder lack the internal enzymes to digest their food normally. These are available to buy online on sites like Amazon. Therefore, it’s a pretty good option for them. As you probably know, fat is a form of stored energy. Our only complaint is that we would have liked to see a slightly higher level of omega fatty acids in this product. It contains sugar, might not be suitable for people that do not want their dogs to consume it. These are technically classified as fats, but they are special kinds of fats that have been shown to have all sorts of health benefits. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. In some cases, they may not be able to digest anything without the help of an enzyme supplement. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, DIAMOND NATURALS Dry Food for Adult Dogs, Large Breed 60+ Chicken Formula, 40 Pound Bag, 40 lb (838_40_DBD), PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 33 lb. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments! Prescription diets are made of ingredients that have already been broken down so that they are easily absorbed by the small intestine. Once you think you’ve got a hold on it, their symptoms flare up again! As far as we can tell, the claims are more or less correct. We would say that 20-25% protein is optimal, but 26% should be fine. There doesn’t seem to be any real difference between these two substances, other than the fact that their molecular structures are slightly different. Getting a Diagnosis Distinguish between seizures and epilepsy. As such, dog food that is high in omega fatty acids is an ideal choice for older dogs that may be more prone to these disorders. Carbohydrates serve as one of the primary energy sources for dogs. Protein is harder to digest than most other nutrients, so you want to avoid anything with a protein level above 26%. Some reviews stated that their dogs would not eat these treats and were not interested in them at all. For one thing, the health of certain bodily systems (including the brain) will depend on the use of fats. The very best sources of carbohydrates for your dog would have to be whole grains. During a seizure, your dog … There are no set rules for EPI diets. Thus, fiber is a tricky issue for these dogs. When your dog has a digestive condition like EPI, these things become even more dangerous. So, how much fat should your dog food contain? Go for higher quality kibble. For dogs with ETI, this is very important. These are used to control the growth of bad bacteria while fueling the good bacteria. We don’t see any corn or corn by-products, as most of its carbs come from barley. Obviously, you don’t want a whole lot of fat in your dog’s diet, but a certain amount is essential for good health. It’s also got a lot of glucosamine, both from chicken and fish-based sources. We don’t like the fact that we see some corn and soy ingredients, but it’s pretty solid overall. If you detect this, get your vet to test your dog for EPI immediately. Dog Food Ideas for EPI Dogs. Lipases for digestion of fats and oils. bag of PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food, Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor, One (1) 35 lb. This is a cheaper brand of dog food, but it is a decent choice for those on a budget. Dogs with EPI are often deficient in vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) and vitamin E. These should be supplemented for optimum treatment, but vitamin B 12 requires parenteral administration. Amylase for digestion of carbohydrates (sugars and starches in grains, fruits & vegetables). In addition, they have shown a lot of potential for helping dogs (and humans) with cognitive disorders. The pancreas is the organ near the stomach and gall bladder that secretes … Because these dogs require a more easily digestible diet, it isn’t always easy to choose the right food for them. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) was diagnosed in a 3-year old entire male German Shepherd dog. For German Shepherds with ETI, we would recommend 10-15%. Soy, in particular, is often used as a low-cost filler, and should generally be avoided. This deficiency results in maldigestion (poor digestion) and malabsorption (poor absorption). In rare cases, your dog may try to eat non-food items like plants or dirt (this is known as pica). Bag, Purina ONE Natural Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula - 40 lb. As it is, this makes a good alternative product for those who want to maximize the benefits of fish-derived fatty acids. Bag, Relatively low levels of omega fatty acid, Includes both Glucosamine and Chondroitin, 5-20 lb dogs: 250-500 mg of Glucosamine, 900 mg Chondroitin, 21-45 lb dogs: 500 mg Glucosamine, 900 mg Chondroitin, 46-90 lb dogs: 1000 mg Glucosamine, 1000 mg Chondroitin, 90+ lb dogs: 1500 mg Glucosamine, 1800 mg Chondroitin. Technically, they are considered omnivores, but their diet in the wild would consist primarily of meat. That will allow you to choose a dog food that works well for them. The effects on the digestive system … We also like the fact that this food isn’t made from a bunch of suspicious meat by-products. Caretakers of rescue dogs must be ever-vigilant as it is easy to confuse exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with starvation when a dog first comes to a shelter. MAYA’S JOURNEY A STORY ABOUT EPI AND DOGS By: Lynn Davey. I studied Biology and Wildlife Management in college, and I am educated in many practical skills including agriculture, wilderness survival, animal training, martial arts, auto repair, home repair, and several others. By reading our information section, you should now know which nutrients are most important for your EPI-afflicted German Shepherd. It also has a high level of fat (16%), and a low level of fiber (3%). This one is a little bit expensive, but not when compared to other top-shelf products. How much should you feed your German Shepherd? They will have a greyish color and a very undesirable smell. EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) is a disease that affects many German Shepherd dogs. This one is kind of expensive, but offers a very high level of quality. Most of the time, a protein source will be the first ingredient listed. These foods can cause digestive upset in many dogs, especially German Shepherds with ETI. For humans, fat might be described as “deep storage” since it is the last source of fuel to be used (after carbs and protein). Their diets and preferences constantly change. Older dogs suffering from arthritis can benefit especially from the inclusion of these nutrients in their diet. The remaining should be proteins that are low in fat and had been ground or minced. Dogs are the most loved pets in most of the households. If the food is not properly incubated for a certain amount of time, the caustic properties of the enzymes tend to cause mouth sores and bleeding. It contains 11% protein 5% fat and 4% fiber. EPI is a condition that affects the working of the pancreas. For this reason, dog foods that are extremely high in protein while being very low in fat are not usually the best choice. This article explores the symptoms, treatment, homemade diet for epi dogs, and the best dog food for epi German shepherd. EPI is commonly treated by making the dog consume supplements of the enzymes the pancreas cannot produce. We will mostly discuss the various nutrients that can be found because you should usually judge a brand of dog food by its nutrient levels. These are available online on sites like Amazon and Chewy, and even in local pet stores. In fact, anything higher than 4% should definitely be avoided. It produces the enzyme Protease that digests protein, Lipase that digests fat, and Amylase that digests starches. The EPI Journey of Lexi the German Shepherd 22nd Jan 2019 This blog post highlights the experience of a WonderLabs customer and her puppy's journey through some of the challenges and up's and down's of identifying and treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in her German Shepherd, Lexi. These meals can also be cooked. Omega fatty acids improve the diversity of the gut’s natural digestive microorganisms. Also, because of this, a proper German Shepherd diet and sufficient nutrition will ensure a longer life expectancy. That being said, carbohydrates are not generally dangerous to dogs with ETI because they are so easy to digest. There is a lot of variation here. Best of all, it contains probiotics that make it easier to digest, which is the main reason we chose it as the best product. It’s also reasonably high in omega fatty acids, which have a number of other benefits. The following data results were used in a preliminary submission by Dr. Leigh Anne Clark at Clemson University for a proposal on “ EPI Research in Breeds Other than the German Shepherd Dog “ as of the November 2012 AKC declined funding for this EPI research… but the data not only still stands, but as the years pass, the total of all “other breeds” have over-taken … It contains highly digestible fiber that is meant to ease digestion, though it doesn’t work as well as a probiotic blend. Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics. When you order a BarkBox, you get two bags of delicious …, Ollie Dog Food Reviews [Insider Perspective], Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Skin Allergies, High amounts of protein and carbohydrates. I started her on her meds so should I still have food infront of her 24/7? This one doesn’t really relate to EPI, but you certainly don’t want your dog to develop bone problems as well! They also help keep urinary disturbances at bay with Relative Supersaturation (RSS) methodology. Required fields are marked *. This means the powder has to be added to the food, moistened, and then sit for around half an hour to an hour before feeding. Now, let’s talk about the things you should look for, in order to tell a good dog food from a bad one. However, dogs can use fat as a direct energy source. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Based on our research these foods are perfectly suitable for epi german shepherd. There have although been several anecdotal stories and vet recommendations supporting it. Finally, we come to two nutrients that have been widely adopted by dog food manufacturers in recent years. That being said, it is good to have a healthy balance of the two, as they complement and balance one another. Fish oil is one of the most common sources of omega fatty acids in dog food, and we have already looked at some products that contained either omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. The prevalence of the chronic disease in German Shepherd Dogs has led to speculation about genetic links. Dogs can digest plant material, but it is harder for them. Dogs with ETI need to stay on the lower end of that range while still eating food that is low in fiber. It all can vary depending on the dog and their body. In general, the important thing is to get dog food without an excessive amount of protein. It has excellent nutritional value, which is probably its main upside. Since EPI decreases the ability of dog’s gut to absorb nutrients, a low-fat, highly digestible diet used to be recommended for dogs with this condition. Even younger dogs can benefit from these nutrients since they reduce the likelihood of getting arthritis in the first place. This phenomenon is called “rabbit starvation,” and it can happen to both humans and dogs. The pancreas is an organ near the stomach and small intestine that produces enzymes needed for digestion, as well as releasing hormones (including insulin) that regulate body homeostasis including blood sugar levels. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), also known as maldigestion syndrome, causes an animal to be unable to break down the nutrients in food. EPI is sometimes referred to as Pancreatic Hypoplasia or Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy (PAA). Diet for a dog with EPI is the most crucial factor to their wellbeing. To determine if this is the case with your shepherd, make an appointment with your veterinarian and request some blood testing. Yes, eggs are very good for dogs, but they don’t necessarily keep well in storage. These omega fatty acids are beneficial for the health of the eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys. Pet dog kibble, biscuits, and deals can now be frequently offered. The ideal diet for dogs with EPI is low in fat, fiber, and carbohydrates. This supplement provides enzymes to help your dog digest food and absorb nutrients. This can have dire effects like starvation, organ failure, and even death in cases where it is left untreated. At the same time, we don’t see anything here that your dog would have a hard time digesting. For one thing, it contains a good mix of protein and fat (23% and 13%, respectively). Most dogs start with a prescription diet given by their veterinarian. It also has plenty of those good probiotics and digestible fibers for which we are looking. known as the "Alsatian Wolf Dog" in the UK from after the First World War … One of the first signs of EPI is diarrhea. This “gorge and starve” lifestyle has shaped their biology, so they need fat a little bit more than you do. Chicken meal is a common ingredient and is usually bought as a by-product. Some dogs have even died from tainted products. The more you see, the higher in omega fatty acids the product will be. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that these things will work well in combination with your dog’s enzyme supplements. The treats are semi-soft. Bag - Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. You mix the powder into your dog's food, allow it to germinate for 15-20 minutes (to begin predigesting the food), and then feed your dog. This is a very high-quality food that fits the … According to the FCI, the breed's English language name is German Shepherd Dog.The breed was officially [who?] Diamond Naturals Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula, High quality protein made with real CAGE FREE chicken; tailored for a large breed dog with optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES, Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak Flavor, Contains one (1) 33 lb. EPI researchers suggest a low fiber diet (below 4%) that is usually grain free. In extreme cases, it can cause a lot more harm than that. EPI dogs require a highly digestible diet their entire lives. At the same time, that tendency to sit in the gut for a long time can cause some serious issues. More importantly, you need to make sure that the fiber comes from natural, non-processed sources. This condition is referred to as ‘atopy’ by veterinarians. Corn is not the ideal source, although whole corn is also acceptable. Bag - Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics, High Protein, Digestive Health Dry Dog Food, Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula, Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula, 40 lb. Dr Watson’s research continued to define the … This slight difference is compensated for by the fact that this dog food is also extremely low in fiber. (Older research suggested that fat should be restricted at below 12% while current research suggests normal amounts of fat) Some dogs will be able to tolerate more fiber than others (or more fat) and some may do well with some grains. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a serious condition that German Shepherds are very prone to getting. That being said, these are not as good as whole-meat sources. Well, that’s simple. Every once in a while, you can end up with a tainted product that can make your dog sick. Some people also swear by complete raw diets while others claim their dogs could not stand it. German Shepherd pups require an appropriate combination of calories, calcium, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to ensure maximum nourishment. No supplements necesscary, Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Dry Food, The Taste of the Wild ancient stream; with smoked salmon; real fish is the 1st ingredient; high quality and protein rich for Lean, Strong Muscles, Iams Large Breed Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe, Contains one (1) 40 lb. It is felt that pork pancreas should not be used as this can lead to the transmission, although rare, of … People who feed their Epi dogs do well with grain-less kibble as there will low amounts of fiber content. When they do, each one eats as much as they possibly can. Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are unable to digest nutrients in their diet properly resulting in maldigestion, weight loss, and abnormal feces – … Bag, Purina ONE Natural Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula – 40 lb. The treats also include Vitamin B and amino acids that support the skin barrier. As with humans, carbs provide short-term energy that the body can either use immediately or store as fat. We hope you have enjoyed this article, and we hope to see you again. You should not give EPI dogs treats until their condition has stabilized. It is 1% over the line on both protein and fat, which is probably not a big deal. You should already be giving your dog an enzyme supplement, and that will do most of the work. Rather than show videos of emaciated German Shepherds, we end on a positive note with a German Shepherd returning to normal weight and life after an EPI diagnosis. It is when undigested food is attacked by bad bacteria. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, commonly abbreviated and referred to as EPI, is a disorder in which the pancreas does not produce an adequate amount of digestive enzymes. You can spot the stools of a dog with EPI easily. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When chicken meat is processed for humans, there are always certain things left behind, and these are often used to make dog food. Also include a healthy number of vitamins, minerals, and oils to their diet. If the EPI in your German Shepherd is caused by an underlying condition, such as pancreatitis, that condition must be dealt with first. However, all of these dog foods should work well with your dog’s enzyme supplements and should complement their action nicely. The German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, German pronunciation: [ˈdɔʏtʃɐ ˈʃɛːfɐˌhʊnt]) is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. Furthermore, the body needs fat in order to process large amounts of protein. Another sign of EPI is if your dog is always extremely hungry but still seems underweight and malnourished. Affected dogs progressively lose body condition whilst remaining very hungry and eating profusely. Diet for a dog with EPI is the most crucial factor to their wellbeing. The pancreas has an important exocrine function that is responsible for producing and excreting digestive enzymes. The Royal Canin website states that these treats are made for the adult dog with food sensitivities. Which external supplement can be used with these foods? As for its value to a dog with EPI, it does contain a lot of probiotics to aid digestion. Fish and eggs are also some of the best options, but brands that use egg products are likely to have a shorter shelf life and are more likely to spread salmonella. We like the fact that all the ingredients are high-quality sources like whole chicken and rice. At this moment, the goal of feeding time is to supply a German Shepherd diet regimen for weight gain. These will provide quick energy, but no lasting nutritive value, and are basically just wasted space. With that in mind, we are going to examine five of the best dog foods for a German Shepherd with EPI that we could find online. These have a very low amount of fiber, which is great for dogs that cannot handle much of it. • Ideal diet for a dog with EPI: low fiber, low in fat, low excess carbohydrates Keep in mind, once diagnosed, this treatment is a lifelong commitment for you and your GSD. Can dogs with EPI have treats? This one has 22% protein and a proportionate amount of fat, so it should be a great solution. Bag, Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics Dry Dog Food, SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula – 35 lb. In fact, it actually takes more energy to process protein than it does to process either fats or carbohydrates. Anything with a fat content that is higher than 20% should definitely be avoided. Many dogs diagnosed with EPI are also vitamin B deficient. In this article, we’ll be going over 10 essential German Shepherd diet tips that every dog owner should take into account in order to ensure the health of their German Shepherd dog or puppy. In EPI, weight loss and muscle tone decrease are caused because the dog’s body is not able to take sufficient nutrients, such as fat and protein, from food.

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