My dog has pancreatitis and won't eat. How to tempt his appetite?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 11 years and 6 months old | 15 lbs
my Schnauzer-mix has pancreatitis. He has medication, but is refusing prescription dog food and his usual food. He acts hungry but turns his nose up at what's offered. I need suggestions on something to tempt his appetite, so he'll eat and can take his meds on a full stomach. Thank you.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 6th, 2017
Try moistening the food with water or some low-sodium chicken broth. Also try warming it in the microwave, just check for hotspots before feeding. Warming it makes it more aromatic and appealing and helps stimulate the appetite.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 28th, 2018
So sorry to hear that Max is having this issue. You can try feeding anything bland like: * rice - white or brown * cooked plain pasta * scrambled eggs * bread * turkey NO butter, spices, etc. on any of the food. If you want to flavor it you can put some low-sodium chicken broth over it. If he won't stay still for you to use the feeding tube I suggest you get someone (or a couple people) to help you. Back him into a corner, make him sit, you stand over him like if you were going to "ride" him, have another person kneel directly in front of him to prevent him from moving forward and you put the nutrition through the feeding tube. Push the liquid slowly and make sure it is room temperature. It is very uncomfortable for them for you to push it quickly or for it to be too cold or too hot so that may be why he is adverse to it. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Hello ! My chihuahua got pancreatitis and the vet gave meds and a special food for him but he is not eating also I tried boiled chicken and rice but he still doesn’t wanna eat . What should I do ?
Hello, my dad just had a bought with pancreatitis. I keep trying to give him bland food and he will not eat it. Tried vet. Food. Would not eat it. He will eat dog cookies and prochutto. I do not get it.
Chester has pancreatitus, his symptoms are lack of appetite and irregular bowel movements he is on benazepril and metronidazole, as of lately he has been more lazy what else can I do
My cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis, and refuses to eat any of the prescriptions for that condition. Is there any non-prescription food I can try feeding him? He's lost so much weight as a result.
My cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis and went to the vet on November 26 Monday night she spent the night on an IV and came home Tuesday morning but now she will not eat. She was given a pain medication shot and medicine by shot from the doctor. She
The boiled chicken is not effective to jacob. He is still not eating. Though he is drinking water, he still don't want to eat. I just wanted to ask, can I give him this dog food?How Do I prepare this one for him?
My lab has just been discharged after having acute pancreatitis and still has a feeding tube in . He will not eat anything apart from boiled chicken . Have been told to supplement via tube but he will not stay still for me to do this. What other food
My dog has acute pancreatitis.. She weighs 105lbs and had been on medication since Thursday. Currently I'm only feeding her 12 tablespoons a day of the prescription dog food but that seems really little for a dog her size
Our miniature schnauzer was just diagnosed with pancreatitis and is being treated. Diet is one of the major concerns for her. Eating has significantly changed. Can we prepare food that may be better received than store [Rx} brands? Thank you.
Okay so I'm spending the last day with my dog. He is 13 and was throwing up constantly through the night. He spent two days in emergency on IV. He has pancreatitis and can't keep anything down. The vet is now closed and he is VERY uncomfortable. He h
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
