Your vet may have recently diagnosed your German shepherd dog or rough collies with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and if so, you might be wondering what this means for the health of your fur baby (or fur babies). Don’t worry — Under the Weather is here to help.
The pancreas, a V-shaped gland that’s located near the stomach and small intestine, is very important to your dog’s health. It performs two primary functions: endocrine and exocrine. Endocrine involves producing hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar, while the exocrine function generates digestive enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
These enzymes are essential for nutrient absorption, transported to the small intestine through the pancreatic duct. When the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, it can lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This disorder severely impacts a dog's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, and often results in malnutrition and several other uncomfortable symptoms.
However, it is possible for your dog to live comfortably with EPI. We’ll be talking about what exactly EPI is below, as well as suggesting some bland diet dog food options that will help your dog manage their symptoms.
What Is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?
EPI occurs when the pancreas can’t produce enough enzymes to break down food properly. Without these enzymes, your dog’s body struggles to digest nutrients, no matter how much or how well they eat. This can lead to malnourishment and weight loss, even if your dog’s appetite seems normal — or even ravenous.
A telltale clinical sign of EPI is steatorrhea, which means pale, greasy stools. This happens because undigested fats pass through the digestive tract instead of being absorbed. Other symptoms include chronic diarrhea, gradual weight loss, and excessive hunger as the dog’s body tries to make up for the nutritional deficit.
What Causes EPI in Dogs?
EPI can be caused by a few different factors, including congenital issues, genetic predisposition, or acquired damage to the pancreas. Some dogs are born with underdeveloped or malfunctioning pancreatic cells, while others develop the condition later due to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), infections, or physical trauma.
In rare instances, environmental factors, autoimmune diseases, or cancer may also lead to EPI. Also, certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to EPI. Adult German shepherd dogs, for example, have a higher predisposition, with evidence suggesting a genetic link.
Other breed associations include rough-coated collies, Cairn terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, Welsh corgis, and Charles spaniels.
The Symptoms of EPI
EPI symptoms often develop gradually. If you know what to look for, however, you might be able to start treating your dog’s EPI before it gets worse. Some common clinical signs of EPI include:
-
Chronic diarrhea and/or acute diarrhea (large, fatty, pale stools)
-
Watery diarrhea (with greasy appearance)
-
Weight loss despite a healthy or increased appetite
-
Excessive hunger, as the body attempts to make up for lost nutrients
-
Occasionally vomiting undigested food
-
Bad coat condition (greasy or messy coat near the tail due to high-fat content in the stool)
If you notice any combination of these symptoms in your dog, consult your veterinarian immediately. Early detection can make a big difference when it comes to managing this condition.
How Is EPI diagnosed?
Diagnosing EPI is fairly straightforward. Your vet may conduct a pancreatic biopsy or a blood test called the canine trypsinogen-like immunoassay (cTLI), which measures enzyme levels in your dog’s bloodstream to evaluate for exocrine pancreatic disease and other exocrine pancreatic disorders.
How to Treat EPI in Dogs
While there is no cure for EPI, the condition is highly manageable. Your vet may suggest using a combination of treatments (like feeding your dog easily digestible food and pancreatic enzyme supplementation) that focus on improving your dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption.
Low-fat, Highly Digestible Diets
Special diets help to reduce the strain on your dog’s digestive system. This allows them to process nutrients more efficiently.
Vitamin B12 Supplementation
Many dogs with EPI have low cobalamin levels, which can affect their energy and overall health. Your vet may recommend injections or oral supplements.
Antibiotics for Bacterial Overgrowth
Dogs with EPI are prone to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Your vet may prescribe your dog medications to address this issue. Do not give your dog any type of medication or supplement without asking your vet first.
The Best Bland Diet Dog Foods for Dogs With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Diet is really important when it comes to EPI management. Dogs with EPI need easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods that support their compromised digestive systems. Specialized bland diets can be used to meet these requirements. Below are some bland diet dog foods we highly recommend:
Under the Weather’s Chicken & Rice Bland Diet
This diet includes cage-free chicken and white rice, which are both known for being gentle on the stomach. The freeze-dried formula has a shelf life of up to three years, so it’s a super convenient option to keep on hand for emergencies.
This bland diet dog food does not include any artificial flavors, by-products, or dyes. It also uses antibiotic-and hormone-free chicken, and includes electrolytes (which will keep your dog hydrated while they’re recovering).
Preparation:
Shake the bag to mix the contents, then add boiling water in equal amounts to the dried mixture. Stir, cover, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes until completely cool. The rehydrated food doubles in volume, so it’s pretty easy to portion and serve.
Feed this to your dog for 2-3 days or as advised by your vet, and gradually transition back to your dog’s regular diet once their symptoms improve. We’ve included more detailed information about how to transition your dog to a bland diet later in the article.
Under the Weather’s Hamburger, Rice, & Sweet Potato Bland Diet
Another great option is this freeze-dried formula made with hamburger, rice, and sweet potato. Like the chicken and rice formula, it’s gentle on the digestive system and has a three-year shelf life.
This bland diet includes natural ingredients that will be easy for your dog to digest, and electrolytes to prevent hydration. Your dog will also love the flavor of the hamburger, which is a major plus.
Preparation:
Prepare this meal the same way as the chicken and rice diet. Feed it to your dog for several days while monitoring their progress, then transition them back to their usual diet. Ask your vet for guidance, as always.
If you prefer to prepare your dog’s meals at home, there are plenty of DIY bland, low-fat diets you can create. Just make sure to use simple, wholesome ingredients, such as:
-
Lean proteins: Boiled chicken or turkey (great for digestive disorders).
-
Carbohydrates: White rice, pasta, or boiled potatoes.
-
Fiber-rich vegetables: Pumpkin or sweet potato.
-
Low-fat cottage cheese: This could serve as a gentle, protein-rich addition to your dog’s food.
Dietary supplementation (e.g. adding a probiotic supplement or pancreatic enzyme supplement to your dog’s food) could help with their digestion even further. Just make sure to consult your vet before doing any sort of dietary modification for your dog.
Also keep in mind that DIY bland diets likely will not include as many essential nutrients as pre-made, veterinarian-formulated bland diet dog foods do. Under the Weather’s bland diet dog foods also include electrolytes, which will prevent your dog from getting dehydrated.
Transitioning Your Dog to a Bland Diet
Switching your dog to a bland diet isn’t something you should rush. It requires a bit of patience and a gradual approach to make sure your dog’s digestive system is able to adjust properly. Start by mixing just a small portion of the new bland food with their usual meal. For example, you might start with about 25% of the new food and 75% of their regular food.
Over the next few days, slowly increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the amount of their regular food. As you move through the transition, make sure to keep an eye on your dog’s initial response. Monitor their stool quality to gauge how well they’re adjusting to the new food.
You should also watch for any changes in your dog’s energy levels or behavior. If your dog seems more lethargic than usual or has an adverse reaction, it might be a sign to slow down and give them more time to adjust. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinary professional for advice.
Conclusion
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may sound scary, but with proper treatment and care, dogs with EPI can live full, happy, healthy lives. With a bland diet, vitamin supplementations, and frequent visits to the vet, your dog’s quality of life could improve significantly, even if they suffer from EPI.
If you’d like to learn more about exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and other pancreas issues in dogs (like chronic pancreatitis), feel free to check out our blog. Under the Weather also has several different bland diet dog food options available for pet parents who want to help their dog manage their EPI, acute pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
