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Even if your dog is not showing symptoms of pancreatitis, it is a good idea to educate yourself and know what to look for in the event your pooch suffers an attack because time is of the essence!

Many dog owners will not notice the signs right away or confuse the symptoms with something less serious. Pancreatitis in dogs can become life-threatening when not dealt with quickly.

As per the American Animal Hospital Association, pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can make pets extremely ill. The pancreas is an abdominal organ located just below the stomach that produces digestive enzymes to break down dietary fats, proteins, and carbohydrates…. pancreatitis can lead to dehydration, organ damage, diabetes, insufficient enzyme production, and, in severe cases, death.¹

There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic:

An acute attack is an actual episode that may be a one-off situation that doesn’t become a long-term issue. Chronic pancreatitis cases are an ongoing issue that needs to be monitored and treated to avoid or at least minimizes, recurrences of acute pancreatitis attacks.

Dogs of any breed, sex or age can get pancreatitis but there are many factors that can trigger your pup to have an attack.

Here are a few of the bigger causes of pancreatitis in dogs:

• Dogs with a high-fat diet. This can come from their meals, too many table scraps, or scavengers who eat anything they come across!
• Obesity – often related back to poor diet
• Certain medications or toxins that can damage the pancreas
• Genetics – certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, miniature Schnauzers, Poodles and Yorkies have a higher risk of developing pancreatitis and having it become a chronic condition
• Diabetes mellitus

Your dog’s diet plays an important role in allowing the pancreas to work as it should. When choosing a suitable diet for your dog there are many things to consider:

• Is their daily diet made up of lean, choice-cut proteins?
• How many grams of fat per calories makes up their pet food?
• What kind of fats are included? The healthy, unsaturated fats (the „omegas“), or is it the unhealthy, saturated ones?
• Is the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content balanced to ensure the pancreas is working optimally?

Think of the damage we can do to our bodies by eating processed, fatty foods, such as fast food, all the time. The same goes for our pets!

Now, let’s talk about the signs of pancreatitis in dogs, so if symptoms do arise, you are prepared:

• Any signs of abdominal pain – hunched back, appearing bloated, uncomfortable, or going into the „downward dog“ yoga position
• Vomiting repeatedly throughout the day and ongoing
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Moaning or whining when you touch their underside/belly area

So, what’s next? In a suspected case of pancreatitis, you must get your pet to the vet’s office as quickly as possible so they can diagnose pancreatitis in your dog. Pancreatitis is very difficult to identify but if it is suspected and clinical signs are present, moving quickly to an ultra-low-fat diet can turn things around to curtail too much pain and damage.

A raw diet may no longer work for your dog because their stomachs are now very sensitive and may not be able to handle/fight off the bacteria a raw diet will bring.

Other treatments your vet may recommend include fluid therapy with intravenous fluids for rehydration and to support the healing properties of your pup’s body.

There is no cure for pancreatitis, and so the focus will be on preventing recurring attacks. Listen to your vet’s guidelines, as they may recommend you feed smaller, more frequent meals going forward.

Based on available evidence, it is prudent to feed low-fat diets (less than 30 grams per 1000 kcal) in order to assess an individual dog’s response²

Tom&Sawyer has specifically designed a low-fat line of recipes that fit the low-fat criteria associated with pancreatitis. Our diets are highly bioavailable, high in moisture, and include inflammation-fighting Omega-3 fatty acids. Visit our menu page and select the „Low Fat“ filter to see our low-fat recipes for dogs.

A suggested use of our low-fat diet line during illness and to help issues of fat intolerance is as follows*:

1. Introduce our Tummy Tamer (chicken and rice only) in small servings throughout the day during those first few days once they can start eating again. Add in our slow-cooked chicken bone broth to always keep hydration levels up and to replace lost moisture and nutrients.
2. Slowly transition to one of our 3 ultra-low-fat recipes: Kangaroo, Rosemary Venison, or Fisherman’s Best Friend, which contain only 20g of fat per 1000 calories (under 10% fat on a dry matter basis), which is ideal for acute attacks. Continue to feed one or a combination of these recipes for 2 to 3 weeks and check in with your veterinarian.
3. Once the acute attack is under control, you can consider adding any of our low-fat meals to you pup’s meal plan, which contains a maximum of 25 g of fat per 1000 calories (still within the low-fat guidelines) plus loads of healthy ingredients like tummy calming fresh ginger and turmeric!

If you need help determining the best meal plan for your pet, connect with us to meet with our qualified animal nutritionist, Hannah, [BSc.H., MSc. Animal Nutrition].

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*Always contact to your vet if you notice these symptoms and to discuss your choice of low-fat meal plan. Proper medicine and an educated diet plan can keep your dog living their fullest life, even after an attack. If you have any questions about our low-fat recipes or would like to talk to a nutrition team member more about our low-fat product line, please give us a call at 647.247.3212 ext. 1 or send us an email at consult@tomandsawyer.com.

Article by: Nikita Parsons & Hannah Godfrey, Animal Nutritionist BSc H | MSc Animal Nutrition 

References:

¹https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pancreatitis-in-Pets/

2 https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/acvn-nutrition-notesto-feed-not-feedcontroversies-nutritional-management-pancreatitis/

If your dog is anything like ours, you’ve probably seen the pleading puppy eyes, the drool, or the excited happy dance your dog does when a delicious-smelling meal is served to their people. 

It can be so tempting to give your pup a taste of what’s on your plate – a piece of your steak here, some pizza crust there, maybe some bacon, or even a lick of your ice cream.

But, just because your dog loves what you’re eating, it doesn’t mean you should give it to them. And while you might feel like the meanest dog mom or dad of all time for saying no, indulging our dogs with human treats — especially fatty treats — can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.

What foods are too fatty for dogs?

Anything greasy, oily, buttery or with visible fat or gristle are perfect indicators that a table scrap is too high in fat for your pup. Chicken and turkey skin, bacon, fatty cuts of meat — like pork belly, ribs, and turkey thighs, ham, and lamb, for example — should be avoided. 

However, if you’re munching on a piece of broccoli, a carrot, or a handful of blueberries, that’s completely fine to share with your dog.

In this blog post, then, we’ll discuss the top 5 reasons why your high-in-fat human foods shouldn’t be a treat for your dog — even if your pup thinks otherwise.

1. Pancreatitis. One of the most severe — and scary! — conditions caused by fatty foods in dogs is pancreatitis. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and producing insulin, so when a dog consumes a high-fat meal, it triggers an inflammatory response in the pancreas, which can result in pancreatitis. This painful condition can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even life-threatening complications. Read our blog post on Pancreatitis in Dogs to learn what to avoid, and how to detect pancreatitis in your pup.

2. Weight gain and obesity. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from the negative effects of excess weight and obesity. High-fat foods are calorie-dense and can quickly lead to weight gain, which puts unnecessary strain on joints and vital organs. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of various health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, ultimately affecting their quality of life. Read our blog post for our 10 Tips for Safe Weight Loss for Dogs here. 

3. Tummy troubles. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and introducing rich, fatty foods can cause gastrointestinal issues. Feeding your dog fatty treats may cause diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and discomfort, that can in turn lead to nutrient imbalances and dehydration. If your pup is experiencing tummy issues, you can try giving them a bland diet until it resolves. We recommend a chicken, rice a pumpkin recipe — learn more about it here. 

4. Nutritional imbalances. While fatty foods may be tasty, they can lack all the essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive. When you substitute regular meals with fatty treats, your dog misses out on vital vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients necessary for their overall health. Over time, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies, compromised immune function, and a weakened body condition. 

5. Choking hazards. Dogs that are really excited for table scraps tend to scarf down their fatty treats in a matter of seconds, sometimes without chewing! Fast and excited eating can lead to wheezing or choking, and is especially dangerous if you’re giving your pup a cooked bone or rib from your dinner to gnaw on.

There is GREAT news if your pup loves human food! 

While a lot of “human food” — aka the food on your plate — may not be good for your dog, there is something to be said for fresh, healthy, cooked food. 

That’s why we created Tom&Sawyer. We believe that your dog deserves to be fed just like your human family, but with the perfect canine twist of dog-appropriate proteins, fresh fruits and veggies, and all the nutrients your pup needs to enjoy a complete and balanced meal. See our menu here.

Our animal nutritionists have even created a line of low-fat meals (Fisherman’s Best Friend, Kangaroo, Rosemary Venison, Coconut Chicken and Beef & Broccoli) suitable for dogs with pancreatitis, and dogs who need to lose a bit of weight. 

Our meals not only look like human food, but to a dog, they taste and smell like human food, too — only better. You can purchase our food as a special treat that you give them on occasion, or you can use it as a topper or a full diet. 

Build the perfect meal plan for your pup here. 

So, while it may be tempting to share the yummy food from your plate with your pup, it’s even more important to prioritize their health and well-being. With Tom&Sawyer’s fresh cooked dog food, it’s even easier than making a meal for yourself. 

As your cat ages, their body goes through many different phases and meeting the appropriate nutritional requirements at each life stage is critical.

The Kitten Stage (post-weaning to 6-8 months)

During this stage of life, your little kitten is gearing up to grow into a full-sized cat. While a full-sized house cat is still relatively small, that growth takes a lot of energy for your little kitten, more energy than is required to maintain their body weight!

Some key nutrients during growth for kittens include:

• Energy: While not technically a nutrient, energy is derived from nutrients, specifically protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A kitten requires more energy than an adult cat due to the immense energy it takes to build and grow body tissues. 
• Protein: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require high levels of protein compared to their omnivorous counterparts (dogs). Cats rely heavily on protein for energy and for development. 
• Calcium and Phosphorus: Bone development relies heavily on calcium and phosphorus (and vitamin D), and as such, kittens require more calcium and phosphorus in their diet at the appropriate ratio!
• Fat: We often think of fats as the “devil” but essential fatty acids (i.e. arachidonic acid which is essential in cats during growth, but not for dogs) are important for regular growth and cognition in most species, including cats! Fats aid in cognitive development and function, skin and coat, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and are important for cell membranes and function!

The Adult Stage (up to 7 years of age)

The adult stage, or when your cat has reached their full growth, causes some shifts in their nutrition from the kitten stage. Importantly, throughout this stage, your cat may need nutritional adjustments. 

The first few years of this stage, your cat may still have quite a bit of energy to expend. With increased play comes increased requirements for energy intake (calories) through the diet. During the adult stage it is important to acknowledge any increases or decreases in energy or play behaviour in your cat and adjust according. 

Some key nutritional qualities to look for during this stage:

• Energy: Energy is important at every stage. During the adult stage energy intake is important for maintaining body weight and preventing obesity which can result from excess energy intake. Feeding guides are useful for estimating how much energy your cat needs, however, it is important to adjust based on their own individual differences. 
• Vitamin A: Did you know that unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize vitamin A from beta-carotene? This results in a greater need for vitamin A in cats. Vitamin A plays many important roles in the body including vision, reproduction, fat metabolism, and liver function. 
• Protein: We’ve said it before (and we’ll say it again), cats require higher levels of protein compared to most other species. Protein is required to meet their needs for nitrogen and for amino acids (of which 11 are essential for cats). High-quality proteins should be a staple for any feline diet!
• Fibre: Fibre is often overlooked in cats due to their high protein requirements, however, new research is showing that fibre may still be an important factor to consider for cats, though at lower levels than for dogs. Fibre can help with satiety, preventing obesity, and for maintaining a healthy microbiome! 

Seniors (7+ years)

While we often associate senior cats with cat naps, these oldies still need good nutrition (it takes a healthy diet to nap that much)! 

While the nutritional requirements (according to AAFCO) don’t necessarily change for senior cats compared to adult cats, there are some nutrients to consider for senior cats:

• Phosphorus: Ensuring healthy kidney function with age can be supported by a slight reduction in phosphorus levels. Senior foods for cats still need to meet the phosphorus requirements (as set by AFFCO/NRC), but ensuring the levels are on the lower end of that requirement can reduce the strain on the kidneys. 
• Protein: Muscle wasting is common in aging cats, so ensuring high-quality protein in your senior’s diet is critical to maintaining muscle mass! 
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Unfortunately, many of our senior cats are overweight, which can have negative consequences such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. While low fat meals can be helpful under these circumstances, ensuring their diet contains the beneficial, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids can help with weight loss and may even be helpful for joint pain!
• Antioxidants: With increasing age comes an increased risk for diseases such as osteoarthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can be beneficial in reducing the number of harmful reactive oxidative species, thus potentially reducing the risk for oxidative stress. Look for diets with ingredients that are rich in antioxidants. 

So, whether you have a kitten or a senior kitty, you can use these nutrition guidelines to help you choose the best food for your cat. 

Looking to add gently cooked meals to your cat’s diet? Check out our recipes for cats here. 

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

At Tom&Sawyer, not only do we feed our pets like family, but we treat them like family, too! And that means letting them sleep on our bed (shhhh!), treating them to healthy, fresh food, and taking them with us wherever we go.

Now that the warmer weather is here, patios across the city are opening up, which means that summer is right around the corner. And to us, it only makes sense that after you visit the dog park, you hit up your favourite patio for a cold drink and bite to eat, too. 

                                                                      Photo by Shumilov Ludmila

Since we’re not ones to leave our pups at home, here’s a list of our favourite dog friendly patios in Toronto that you can enjoy with your best four-legged pal. 

Our Top 5 Dog Friendly Patios

The Dive Shop
A local hangout with cool surfer vibes, The Dive Shop is the place to be if you have a dog. Not only does it boast great food and drinks, but this sand-filled dog friendly patio also has a dog menu. Yup, you heard that right — your pup can get a Tom&Sawyer meal, a treat, and even puppacino if you really want to spoil them. Check out their dog menu here. Located at 1036 Gerrard St. W. 

Left Field Brewery 
Craft beer and baseball, yes please! Along with their team, this husband and wife duo brews baseball-inspired full-flavoured beers. Their head of security and customer relations is none other than the four-legged, floppy-eared Wrigley, so it’s no wonder that if your dog is welcome to join you for a pint, provided they’re well-behaved and on-leash (note – there’s no outdoor patio, but there is a great atmosphere!. What’s even better? Some of Tom&Sawyer’s treats are made from the leftover spent grains from Left Field, so when you buy a beer from here, you help make a treat for a dog, too. Located at 36 Wagstaff Drive.

Blood Brothers Brewing 
Located in a gorgeous century-old former horse stable, come here if you want to try any of their 19 different beers on tap, or enjoy their comfort food menu prepared by the award-winning restaurant, Beast. Visit their dog friendly patio from 4pm to close on Fridays, and noon to close on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 165 Geary Ave. 

Hello123
This plant-based restaurant has delicious, healthy vegan eats, smoothies, and wellness lattes. Its friendly, cheery and welcoming atmosphere makes it no surprise that they love dogs! Check out their dog friendly patio for a fun, relaxed outing with your pup. Located at 1122 Queen St. West.  

High Park Brewery 
Committed to sustainability, community involvement and inclusion, this west-end brewery is inspired by High Park itself. Come by for the tap room and eats, but “sit and stay” for the dog friendly patio. Located at 839 Runnymede.  

And there you have it! If you know of a dog friendly patio in your area that you think we should add to this list, send us a message at info@tomandsaywer.com.